This month marks the ninth annual celebration of Roald Dahl’s stories, legendary life and diverse legacy. This year’s Roald Dahl Day celebrations – which kick off on Saturday September 13th – pay tribute to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which is celebrating its 50th Whipple-Scrumptious year in print. Schools across the land celebrate in a variety of ways from dressing up to seeing one of the shows – you could even do mark the day by a good old-fashioned readathon.
If, for some odd reason you need inspiration head to www.roalddahl.com.
Michael Rosen, former Children’s Laureate, will captain an amazing lineup of authors that includes five other laureates at this year’s Book It! family festival, as part of The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival. Running from October 3-12, the Festival aims to excite, engage and inspire book lovers of all ages.
The line-up includes Malorie Blackman, Michael Morpurgo, Anthony Browne, Jacqueline Wilson, Jon Scieska, Benjamin Zephaniah… stop already! And many more. Rosen shares his love of poetry and stories in a laugh-out-loud event showcasing such classics as We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, which celebrates 25 years. He will also be interviewing current Children’s Laureate Blackman about her bestselling Noughts and Crosses series.
Marking the centenary of World War One, John Boyne and Michael Foreman are in conversation about their new WWI novels and authors Berlie Doherty, Matt Whyman and Mary Hooper read from their stories from the new War Girls collection, discussing the roles of women in the First World War.
And there’s more – far too much to mention here. Head to www.cheltenhamfestivals.com and for schools’ information take the long way round by following the Book it for Schools links. Phew. Cue: lie down in a darkened room.