Some of the best children’s writers are taking part in a major literature festival hosted from Dumfries and Galloway.
For the first time ever, youngsters don’t even need to leave the house to participate in the Big DoG Children’s Book Festival – unless they’re back at school and can join in there.
The region’s Big DoG Festival, supported by Baillie Gifford, has gone digital with its blend of stories, science, workshops and even a tea party.
It will run from Monday to March 27 – all free and online because of the pandemic.
Wigtown Festival Company, which runs the event, is delighted with the bumper programme which includes 19 different events and is suitable for tots through to teens.
It is packed with authors, storytellers and illustrators for all ages to enjoy and there is also puppetry and a live science show.
A festival spokesperson said: “We hope there’s something to entertain and inspire the whole family.
“The programme offers lots of opportunities for schools far and wide to get involved by streaming the events for the whole class, or for families to enjoy together at home.
“All events can be accessed through the Big DoG YouTube Channel or the homepage of wigtownbookfestival.com, or the Big DoG Facebook page and we’ve been working alongside the speakers to ensure there are plenty of follow up resources for schools and home learning.
“These can be downloaded from each of the individual listings.
“Please continue to check this page as additional resources are still being added.
“Booking is open now, and all events are free. Also check out our online bookshop, which has titles related to the events.”
They are also providing a lot of opportunities to read, write and draw along with the guest authors and have promised to send a surprise gift to every child who sends in something they have written or drawn during or after one of the events.
These can be emailed to mail@wigtownbookfestival.com or posted to Big DoG, c/o Wigtown Festival Company, 11 North Main Street, Wigtown, DG8 9HN.
It is important to register for each event by booking a free place at www.wigtownbookfestival.com.
It launches at 9.30am on Monday with a Big DoG story about a big dog. Ailie Finlay’s lively sensory story about Big Dog’s springtime adventure on the farm encourages listeners to gather together some props – from everyday objects – to join in with.
The lively programme during the week will include one of the region’s own poets and authors, Stuart Paterson giving a workshop on writing in Scots.
The session starts at 1.30pm on Tuesday and the author of A Squatter o’ Bairnrhymes will explain the history of the Scots language, different dialects, and how many people speak in Scots.
Jo’s Portable Art Department with Stinky McFish and the World’s Worst Wish by character-comedian Jo Neary (Mrs Jones in CBBC’s So Awkward) is an interactive puppet show for children at 11.15am on Wednesday and local author Renita Boyle brings her Tuck in Teddy Tales to the mix at 6.30pm on Thursday.
For the full programme see https://www.wigtownbookfestival.com/uploads/Big-Dog-programme-PUBLIC-2.pdf
