Brighton Festival: 26 Letters

Page Turners

26 Letters opens up a world of words and wonder for kids of all ages

The Imaginary
Author A. F. Harrold and Brighton-based illustrator Emily Gravett invite you into the funny and frightening world of their new book. Amanda has an imaginary friend called Rudger. However, when the sinister Mr Bunting – who, rumour has it, eats imaginaries – appears at her door one day, their magical relationship turns into a fight for survival. Ages 8+.
Sat 9 May, Sallis Benney Theatre, 10.30am

BAFTA Kids: Behind the scenes
Join Cbeebies’ Cat Sandion and Officially Amazing!’s Ben Shires in a showcase of the films, games, television and websites nominated for the BAFTA Children’s Awards; including the likes of How To Train Your Dragon 2 and Shaun the Sheep. Expect behind-the-scenes clips, competitions and interviews from directors, animators, writers and designers in this action-packed event. Ages 7 – 12.
Sat 9 May, Duke of Yorks, 10.30am

Piers Torday
The Wild Beyond, the final instalment of the thrilling Last Wild trilogy, was released earlier this month to wide acclaim. The story of Kester and his attempts to save the animals of his world from the brink of disaster, has kept readers of all ages on the edge of their seats. Now, the award-winning creator of the series heads to Brighton to discuss the characters – both human and non-human – that so many have come to love. Ages 9 – 11.
Sat 9 May, Sallis Benney Theatre, 12.30pm

James Dawson
Recently crowned the ‘Queen of Teen’, the first male winner of the prize for teen fiction, Dawson has won himself a legion of fans thanks to his spellbinding tales of horror mixed with contemporary teen issues. Stylistically sitting somewhere between spooky writer R.L. Stine and the humour of Joss Whedon, his latest book Under My Skin tells the tale of sinister tattoo and its hapless owner. Ages 13+.
Sat 9 May, Sallis Benney Theatre, 4.30pm


A Morning with Jacqueline Wilson
She’s created some of the best loved characters around, including Tracy Beaker, Hetty Feather and, more recently, Opal Plumstead. Now the former Children’s Laureate presents her brand new book for younger children The Butterfly Club; impressively her 101st novel . Ages 7+.
Sun 10 May, Brighton Dome Concert Hall, 11am

Bookstory
There’s trouble afoot in Brian’s library. Something’s been moving the books around, so now romance rubs shoulders with DIY, and the dictionary is sharing a shelf with whodunnits. It surely can’t be the books themselves on the move… can it? Monstro Theatre’s delightful tiny puppet musical tells the story of the story in a digital age. Ages 7+.
Sun 24 May, Brighton Dome Studio Theatre, 10.30am & 1.30pm