Pop Up Festival of children's literature

Join us for a free festival by the Woodland Takeaway and Toyshop in a summer showcase of some of the best children’s writers, illustrators and storytellers – with readings, performances and activities for all the family to enjoy participating in together.

This series of events is brought to Waddesdon by national children’s literature development agency Pop Up Projects, supported by the Rothschild Foundation.

Find out more about Pop Up Projects: www.pop-up.org.uk

Programme

Thur 19 Aug 2021

Jessica Spanyol – 10am & 1:30pm
Jessica is the writer and illustrator of the Clive and Rosa series of picture books. In her session she will share some of her stories and show children how to make their own collage.

Ages 5+

James Carter – 11:15am & 2:45pm
Fancy an action-packed hour crammed with poems about woolly mammoths, dung beetles and space – not to mention some live music and a spot of air guitarring? Well, come and meet James Carter – award-winning poet, ambassador for National Poetry Day and non-fiction writer – as well as his guitar (that’s Keith..) and his melodica (that’s Steve…). It’s part interactive performance and part writing workshop – in which you get to write and even take away your very own poem. (Please don’t forget to bring your own air guitars..)

Ages 5+

Fri 20 Aug 2021

Sally Pomme Clayton – 10am & 1:30pm
Sally is a storyteller who brings her stories to life through words, actions, sounds and music. Join her for an interactive storytelling session based on her story The King with Dirty Feet – join in with movement, music and props!

Ages 6+

Philip Ardagh – 11:15am & 2:45pm
Author of the Eddie Dickens series, High in the Clouds written with Sir Paul McCartney and Mistaken for a Bear, part of Pop Up’s 10 Stories to Make a Difference collection.

Sat 21 Aug 2021

Marion Leeper – 10am & 1:30pm
‘To understand the mysteries of the natural world is the beginning of a love affair. You can’t love something unless you know something about the way that system works.’ Love Stories for the Earth will lure children away from screens and into nature, hearing stories of acorns and bramble, asking questions, having adventures, getting muddy hands and knees. Each story opens up questions for children about our planet and the way we look after it. Children will explore the ways that their ideas and actions can make a difference as they begin their love affair with the earth.

Ages 6+

Kimba – 11:15am & 2:45pm
Kimba is a performance poet and musician. In this exciting workshop he will perform some of his poetry, and work with the audience to collaboratively create some brand new poetry of their own. There will be opportunities to share poems, ask Kimba questions, and performances of poems and songs to enjoy.

Ages 7+

Sun 22 Aug 2021

Ellie Sandall – 10am & 1:30pm
Join Ellie for an interactive storytelling session featuring her book Everybunny Dance! We’ll read the story, adding in actions such as clapping our paws, twisting and twirling, shaking our tails and wiggling and whirling. We’ll have a go at some drawing, as Ellie shows you how to create your own bunny characters. We’ll then decorate our own set of bunny ears to transform ourselves into bunnies, before forming a bunny band and putting on a musical performance complete with ukulele and percussion instruments!

Ages 5+

A.M. Dassu – 11:15am & 2:45pm
A.M. Dassu’s award-winning debut novel Boy, Everywhere tells the story of Sami, a boy from Syria, who had it all. But when the war started, Sami and his family had to flee and start their lives all over again – this time with nothing. A.M. Dassu will share some of Sami’s story and get you thinking about the most important things that you would take with you if you had to leave everything behind in this thought provoking but engaging workshop.

Ages 8+