Piers Torday, Tamsin Cooke, Megan Rix: the 'Who's Who' list of children's authors coming to Stockton this month
Famous children's authors will descend on Stockton Central Library for a weekend of talks, sessions and book signings later this month - and young readers can get their tickets now!
The 14 authors are all past winners of the prestigious Stockton Children's Book of the Year award and they are coming to the library on Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25 to join with the 21st birthday celebrations.
This popular annual award sees school children aged nine to 12 from across the Borough read five shortlisted books before voting for their favourite, and for many previous winners it has proven to be a springboard to success.
Councillor Norma Wilburn, Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "The Stockton Children's Book of the Year award is a much sought after prize that has been emblazoned on many a winning book as a mark of its appeal to young readers.
"Looking back through the list of previous winners is like reading a 'Who's Who' of children's authors, and to bring so many of them to Stockton in a single year is very exciting indeed.
"This event is suitable for children aged eight to 13 and I'm absolutely thrilled that we can give them this kind of opportunity to meet, and be inspired by, their literary heroes. It will be a proud moment for everyone who has been involved in these awards."
Which authors are coming?
The list of authors attending the 21st birthday celebrations is as follows:
- Piers Torday
- Vivian French
- Megan Rix
- Kaye Umansky
- Tamsin Cooke
- Pete Johnson
- Thomas Bloor
- Georgia Byng
- Barbara Mitchelhill
- Alan Temperley
- Michael Lawrence
- S.F. Said
- Livi Michael
- Peter J Murray
Who is shortlisted for this year's prize?
The winning author of the 2018 Stockton Children's Book of the Year award will be announced at a special ceremony on Tuesday 20 March, and will be chosen from this shortlist:
- Cogheart by Peter Bunzl
- Aubrey and the Terrible Ladybirds by Horatio Clare
- Beaky Malone World's Greatest Liar by Barry Hutchison
- The Elephant Thief by Jane Kerr
- Shadowsmith by Ross MacKenzie
How do I get tickets?
Tickets are free but it is essential to book them in advance and one ticket must be booked for each of the children and adults attending each session.
Tickets are available from the Rediscover Shop in Stockton High Street or call 01642 528 130. Children aged under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Where can I find out more?