Today I made the pilgrimage to the annual August mecca of literature, the Edinburgh Book Festival. Today was a very special part of the festival, the Baillie Gifford Gala Day, when the kids take over!
I arrived to sunny skies, which I was (contractually) assured was the norm for Scotland.
Typical Scottish sunshine!
I made my way into the grounds, buzzing with school trips of kids eager to hear from authors (or at least have a few hours out of school).
Shiny happy students.
I browsed the wonderfully stocked children’s book shop, and found some friends. Here’s Jonny Duddle, fresh from his pirate event:
The Pirate Cruncher himself?
And I spotted the wonderful Moira Young’s final Dustlands Book on strong display.
Get em while they’re hot!
And then after enough procrastinating, started my event. I shared the inspiration behind Memoirs of a Neurotic Zombie and challenged the students’ stereotypes about zombies (hey, #WeNeedDiverseBooks) and asked them to draw their own zombie self portraits.
Me, zombie.
Getting her zombie on!
A portrait of Adam and the bee that killed him!
Finally, I had a chance to meet the students and sign some books.
Selling like hot cakes (I literally bribed them with hot cakes).
They were a great group and the event was amazing, something that introduces the people behind the books to young readers. I hope to be back next year!
Pros and Cons of Use Water Saving Shower Head
Best Mobile Planer
Choosing the Perfect Rifle Scope for You
The Type Of Mattress That Will Fit You
A Good Sides Of Making Portable Humidifier, Even If You Have Whole House Humidifier
What Backpack Is Best To Carry The Boy
Hi jeff,
I was at the book festival today and i love your book memoirs of a neurotic zombie.
But when i bought your book i did not have a chance for you to sign it as i think my teacher was in a hurry.
Could you still please sign it for me,
Violet small
Aged 11
Flora stevenson primary school
Edinburgh.
Ps your book is great.
Hi Violet —
Thank you so much. I’m very happy to sign your book. I can either send you a book plate that you can paste into your book, or if you want to post me your book, I can sign it and post it back. If that, you can send to the attention of Hannah Love at the address below:
Faber and Faber Ltd
Bloomsbury House
74-77 Great Russell Street
London WC1B 3DA
Jeff 🙂