FOLLOWING on from the buzz of World Book Day at the start of the month, Monday is the launch of the Big DoG Children’s Book Festival, a week of free online events for kids run by Wigtown Book Festival.
After being cancelled last year due to Covid-19, organisers have peppered the packed programme with a slew of author, storyteller and illustrator-led talks, alongside workshops, a puppetry performance and a live science show.
Resources for school and home learning have been created to accompany many of the literary presentations, which teachers are being encouraged to show to their classes over the week.
It kicks off on Monday, March 22 at 9.30 am with a ‘sensory story’ aimed at children with additional needs delivered by Ailie Finlay. Fittingly, the writer will tell the tale of a ‘big dog’ setting off on a springtime adventure round a farm. Viewers will be encouraged to join in by using household objects to make sounds that accompany what’s happening in the story, with further resources available online.
The history of the Scots language will be the focus of a workshop led by Stuart Paterson, author of A Squatter o’ Bairnrhymes, on Tuesday, March 23 at 1.30 pm. Attendees will hear a range of different dialects from across the country, and learn about how prevalent they still are today. Stuart will also recite some poetry and challenge the youngsters to pen their own bit of Scots verse about something important to them. Furthermore, he is welcoming questions at the end of the workshop, which should be sent to [email protected] beforehand.
On Wednesday, March 24 at 1.30 pm David Long will lead a discussion on his book, Survival in Space: The Apollo 13 Mission. Joined by Jessica Fox, he will delve into the incredible true story of how those on board the moon-bound spacecraft – and the boffins at ground control – defied all odds by safely returning the rocket to earth after an on-board explosion.
A workshop titled ‘Going Elsewhere’ is going live on Thursday, March 25 at 11.15 am with Renita Boyle and Joan Haig. Here, youngsters will learn how to find inspiration for stories, poems and illustrations in everyday settings that have become all too familiar over the past year, such as the bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens. Literature or art created in the workshop should be sent to [email protected] alongside your name, age and address, and every submission will receive a surprise gift.
And from 1.30 pm on Saturday, March 27, Vivian French will read from her new boisterous fairy-tale adventure, Giants’ Tea Party. This follows the story of Prince Max, sent on a mission to the valley of the giants by the penniless royal family. With just a miserable donkey for company, he embarks on a journey to this mystical land where giants are believed to live in wealth and splendour — and brush their teeth with gold toothpaste. But even if it’s true, will they share their treasure? Find out by joining Vivian on Saturday.
All these events, and many more, can be accessed through the Big DoG YouTube Channel or the homepage of wigtownbookfestival.com.
