A book weekend specifically for children takes place in Dorchester this weekend. As families prepare for their summer holidays, a team of children’s authors and performers, supported by Waterstones, are running a programme of events to fire the imaginations of children.
Rob Mott spoke to author Liz Poulain and Waterstones shop manager Jan Jaggard. Click play to listen
Visiting authors Laura James, Sue Worth, Liz Poulain and Joshua Bashford, and performer/puppeteer Tim Laycock will be on hand,reading their stories to children at points throughout the weekend, along with members of the New Hardy Players who, as well as story-reading and helping with the face-painting, will be inviting children to read their own favourite stories to them.
Other activities include face painting and helping create three book-related murals to go behind the counter at Waterstones. There is also a fancy-dress competition, with a prize for the best storybook character costume.
The Cat in the Hat will be greeting visitors to Waterstones in Dorchester town centre and will be available for selfies with children aged 0-100.
There will also be a Teddy Bears’ picnic.
There will be puppetry by actor and storyteller Tim Laycock at 11am on Saturday, readings and book signing by best-selling children’s author Laura James on Saturday at 3pm, along with readings by visiting authors Sue Worth, Liz Poulain and Joshua Bashford at other times over the weekend (see Waterstones’ Facebook page for full schedule).
Local author Liz Poulain said: “Dorchester and Dorset are famous for their literary heritage and it’s great that we’re hosting this literary weekend for children this year. Books are papier maché iPads: portable, unlimited batteries and endlessly inspiring and immersing and are the perfect accompaniment for summer holidays.”
Dorset has been home to many writers and it has also been the setting for many famous childrens’ books. Enid Blyton’s Famous Five novels took their inspiration from the Dorset countryside.
Liz added: “We’re thrilled to be putting on this children’s weekend. As families check their holiday bookings, this is a great opportunity to think about books to read and enjoy for all the family on that precious summer break.”