A series of activities is being staged over two days as part of the venture, spearheaded by Christina Gabbitas, founder of the charity Children’s Literature Festivals.
“Funding is more limited this year – but with the help of Keighley Town Council and Keighley Library I’m delighted we are still able to deliver a festival,” says Christina.
Schools are being invited to attend the library on Friday, May 10, when pupils will be able to take part in interactive ‘read aloud’ sessions with several award-winning authors and illustrators.
Ben Davis will read excerpts from his acclaimed Lenny Lemon collection.
Yesmein Bagh Ali will be reading from and speaking about her story, The Lonely Chapatti – which starts with the cooking of unleavened breads on a Tandoor oven in Pakistan, and unfolds to tell the tale of a chapatti’s journey to its ultimate destination. The book has been used for many years as a diversity teaching aid for young children.
Hilary Robinson will discuss many of her stories, including the popular Ten Little Yoga Frogs.
Author and performer Oliver Sykes will talk about his work.
Plus, Christina herself will be joined by British Sign Language-trained Danielle Tudor to teach children some lines from from her Kindness poem.
Communities Day takes place on the Saturday, May 11.
All children visiting the library that day will receive a free book, whilst stocks last.
Oliver will give two performances of a touring show based on his second children’s book, Fishing for Rainbows, which is amongst contenders for the Children’s Literature Festivals Book Awards.
The show is suitable for audiences aged five-plus.
There will be performances at 11am and 1pm. Attendance is free, but tickets must be pre-booked – visit eventbrite.com/o/33470125241
The Story Explorer book group, organised by Word Up North, will be engaging with years 4 to 7 from 10am to noon.
And between 10.30am and 2.30pm, Christina will be available to chat about her work.
Visitors will be able to learn more about a ‘kindness competition’ she has organised for primary school aged children.
As part of the contest, youngsters are invited to write about or illustrate what kindness means to them.
Entries can be taken to the library or emailed to info@christinagabbitas.com
Christina will also outline details of a national County Lines poetry and song competition.
For more about the festival, visit childrensliteraturefestivals.com/howarth-childrens-literature-festival
