The Big DoG children’s book and story festival is back and will be taking place online.
Last year’s event, which was set to take place in Dumfries, had to be cancelled due to Covid. But this cheerful and vibrant event returns from March 22 to 27 with lots of books, stories and even puppetry.
The programme features lots of opportunities for children to join in, from designing their own super villain with Kate Wiseman, writing their own adventure story with Renita Boyle and Joan Haig, and illustrating a title page with Alastair Chisholm.
On Wednesday, 24 March there will be puppetry by Jo’s Portable Art Department, telling the story of Stinky McFish and the World’s Worst Wish.
Activities will take place daily at 9.30am, 11.15am and 1.30pm and are all free.
Named after Nana, the big dog who looks after the children in Peter Pan, the festival is organised by Wigtown Festival Company as a celebration of all that’s wonderful about children’s literature.
Anne Barclay, the festival’s Programme Director, said: “It’s great to be back with the Big DoG children’s book and story festival – and we’ve got lots of fun lined up.
“There are great books, authors, illustrators, puppets, workshops, a tea party and much more besides. And it’s all online so you can enjoy it from anywhere in the world.”
Big DoG 2021 attractions include:
Ailie Finlay: A Sensory Story
Alastair Chisholm: The Tale of the Valiant Ninja Frog
Kate Wiseman: Gangster School
Alan Windram: One Button Benny (in translation for English and Arabic speakers)
Abi Elphinstone: Everdark
Stuart Paterson: A Squatter o’ Bairnrhymes
David Long: Survival in Space: The Apollo 13 Mission
Stories for Lockdown: Stay at Home (screening)
Joan Haig & Renita Boyle present the Stay at Home workshop
Shoo Rayner: Walker and the Missing Millions
Joanna Nadin: The Worst Class in the World
Ross Mackenzie: The Otherwhere Emporium
Ross Collins: There’s a Mouse in my House
Carlie Sorosiak: I, Cosmos
Vivian French: The Giants’ Tea Party
Big DoG is supported by Baillie Gifford. Events can be accessed through the Wigtown Book Festival website at www.wigtownbookfestival.com
