16th – 27th November
Get in touch via northernchildrensbookfestival.org.uk or direct to your local library service for more information and to book on! See more info on session content below.
Sessions are limited and book up fast. Get in touch as soon as possible to avoid dissapointment. You can bag a brilliant deal and bring in an author to your school for a fraction of the cost of what it would normally cost.
| Ben Mantle – The Bestest Big Brother, Ever (EYFS) Nano loves his big brother, Felix, but sometimes Felix gets annoyed and frustrated – he wants some SPACE; he’s fed up of Nano following him around. Feeling hurt and sad after Felix bans him from the garden treehouse, Nano decides he can make his own fun. He doesn’t need anyone else. But when his game goes wrong, and he ends up feeling even worse than he already did, there’s only one person who knows exactly how to cheer him up. Can you guess who that is? Ben Mantle has written a heartfelt, funny and completely relatable picture book that will give children the confidence to try and sort out their own differences with their siblings. Ben is the illustrator of Bunnies on the Bus, Bunnies in a Boat and Bunnies in a Sleigh by Philip Ardagh, Follow the Track All the Way Back by Timothy Knapman, and Kiss the Crocodile by Sean Taylor, and is also the author-illustrator of Frog vs Toad. Join him for a fun and interactive draw-along event. |
| Claire Powell – Marty Moose: The Great Stamp-ede (KS1 and younger KS2) Claire Powell is a bestselling children’s book maker, character designer and illustrator. Claire’s collaborations with Beth Lincoln, Kes Gray and Simon Farnaby all topped the charts to become bestsellers. She has also illustrated books for Dermot O’Leary, Jeanne Willis, Peter Bently and Michelle Robinson. Marty Moose is her first author-illustrated series. Claire is a natural performer & comedian, with tons of interactive elements including a Marty draw-along, spot the difference, character personality spotting and is sure to leave children in stitches after introducing them to the whimsical (and slightly chaotic) world of Marty Moose! |
| Dean Atta – Aunties Bangles (EYFS) Dean Atta is the author of YA novels-in-verse The Black Flamingo and Only on the Weekends. Named as ‘one of poetry’s greatest modern voices’ (Gay Times). The Black Flamingo was a top-selling debut of 2020 and was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, CILIP Carnegie Medal, The Jhalak Prize and The YA Book Prize. The Black Flamingo was also awarded the prestigious Stonewall Book Award and the Carnegie Shadowers’ Choice Award 2020, and sold to the US in a five-way publisher auction. Join award-winning author and poet Dean Atta for an uplifting, interactive storytelling session celebrating his colourful picture books Confetti and Auntie’s Bangles for 0-5 year olds. |
| E. L. Norry – Outlaws (KS3) E. L. Norry is the author of Fablehouse and Fablehouse: Heart of Fire, the first of which was nominated for a Carnegie Medal in 2024. Passionate about diversity and inclusion, she also worked on Alison Hammond’s Black in Time and Adam Rutherford’s Where Are You Really From? Breaking rules, and making friends… Meet the Outlaws! Join E L Norry on the adventure of a lifetime with Robyn, Will and Scarlet, three unlikely school friends who learn that together, they can take on the world. E L Norry is an incredible talent, who having been through the care system herself, brings Own Voices heart and authenticity to this extraordinary adventure. Emma’s event looks at the inspiration behind Outlaws, and is filled with creativity, inspiration and excitement. |
| Jack Jackman – Maisie vs the Pyramids (KS2) Jack Jackman is a father of three who works as a teacher in Scotland. Before settling in Scotland, he spent his time wandering the world, including a time in Argentina where he, for years, was the most southerly English teacher in the world. Jack used to be a tour guide in a prison, a pianist in a punk rock band, a tester of computer games and even a waiter in Antarctica (penguins do not tip well). It was when he worked in Antarctica he had the opportunity to visit the Halley Research Station (as one of very few members of the public to ever do so). Jack also writes plays which have been performed in Buenos Aires, London and Edinburgh. Dust off your desert explorer gear and get ready for action as author Jack Jackman introduces the latest adventure in his globetrotting series! Bringing all his experience as a primary school teacher (plus his own real-life experience adventuring in Egypt), Jack’s events will transport children to a world of hieroglyphics and secret tombs… They’ll even get the chance to test their own code-breaking skills, learning what it takes to survive in the Sahara Desert and discovering that teamwork is the most important survival skill of all. Always integrating themes of endurance and not giving up, Jack is happy doing larger assembly style talks and smaller creative writing workshops, where children will work with him to explore the editing process and how persistence is key in both writing and adventuring! |
| Jennifer Bell – Buck & Ears Pirate Detectives: Revenge of the Ghost Ship (KS1 & 2) Londoner Jennifer Bell worked as a children’s bookseller at a world-famous bookshop before becoming an author. Her debut novel, The Uncommoners: The Crooked Sixpence, was an international bestseller. She is also the author of Agents of the Wild, an adventure series for younger readers, and Wonderscape, which was selected as a Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month and is inspired by some of her favourite heroes from history and her love of gaming. Consistently booked for events across the country, both in schools and public spaces, Jennifer is a fantastic performer. Her solo events are always interactive, getting children up on stage, with her Magicalia event featuring competitions to learn more about the science of energy (kinetic, sound, gravitational etc. and how that inspired the series. |
| Jim Beckett – Buzz Sausage Wolf and the Smelly Cat (KS1) Jim Beckett is the children’s fiction author of Buzz Sausage Wolf and two middle-grade novels (Caravan at the Edge of Doom). An engaging public speaker and former teacher, Jim regularly visits schools, inspiring staff and pupils with his dynamic and entertaining assemblies and workshops. For many years, Jim wrote and performed comedy as one half of critically acclaimed double act Bob and Jim, hosting London residencies and appearing at Underbelly, Soho Theatre and on BBC Radio Four. Expect songs, puppets and lots of laughter in Jim Beckett’s hilarious event. An engaging public speaker and former teacher and comedian, Jim’s assembly style events are lively, highly interactive and best suited to Key Stage1 children. A workshop style event is also available for smaller audiences and can be adapted as needed. |
| Jim Smith – My Big Fat Smelly Poo Diary series (KS2) Join global bestselling author and illustrator Jim Smith for a riotously fun comic‑creating workshop. Jim’s laugh‑out‑loud graphic novel series My Big Fat Smelly Poo Diary introduces best friends Pedro, Olga, and Ozzy—otherwise known as the Poopies—as they tumble through a whirlwind of wild, episodic escapades. This highly interactive session promises big laughs, draw-alongs, and heaps of tips and tricks to help young creators create their own comics and characters. Bursting with friendship, fun, and delightful absurdity, My Big Fat Smelly Poo Diary is perfect for children aged 7 and up. Sharpen those pencils—giggles guaranteed! |
| Joseph Coelho – Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter: The Door of the Dead (KS2) Joseph Coelho was the Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2022–2024, and is an award-winning writer. In 2024 he won the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing for The Boy Lost in the Maze and was awarded an OBE for his services to the arts, to children’s reading and to literature. His picture books include If All the World Were… illustrated by Allison Colpoys and the Luna Loves… series illustrated by Fiona Lumbers. His poetry books for children include Overheard in a Tower Block illustrated by Kate Milner, A Year of Nature Poems illustrated by Kelly Louise Judd, and his novel in verse, The Girl Who Became a Tree. Joseph delivers an energetic and inspiring event – he’s a true performer! He will be talking about his own background, how he writes and what inspires him. Perfect for children aged 7+, this event will leave children brimming with enthusiasm to read, write and create their own stories. |
| Manjeet Mann – Roar (YA 13+ and Whirly, Twirly Me – 4-7 yrs) Manjeet Mann is an award-winning author, actress, and playwright whose work spans page, stage, and screen. Her debut YA novel Run, Rebel won the Carnegie Shadowers’ Choice Award and her second novel, The Crossing, won the Costa Children’s Book Award. Her stage adaptation of Run, Rebel won best production at The Off West End Stage Awards. Her work has been celebrated for its powerful, poetic voice. As an experienced performer and storyteller, Manjeet brings an infectious energy to schools, libraries, and festivals. She speaks passionately about her unconventional journey into writing — from acting and theatre-making to becoming a critically acclaimed novelist. Manjeet’s interactive sessions blend lively discussion and performance with hands-on creative writing exercises, encouraging participants of all ages to experiment with storytelling, develop confidence, and think like an artist. She is skilled at tailoring workshops to suit any group, from young readers discovering the joy of words to aspiring writers honing their craft. Manjeet’s events leave audiences feeling empowered, engaged, and ready to tell their own stories. |
| Melissa Weliver – To The Death (KS3) Melissa Welliver is a speculative fiction author who loves to write about how The End Of The World is never really the end of the world. She has a cinema membership card and watches pretty much every movie release after wanting to be a film director growing up. Melissa is a computer nerd who built her own PC and has worked in IT and Video Games journalism. Melissa runs a podcast on her love of tropes alongside podcaster Jamie Greenwood and YA author Naomi Gibson called The Chosen Ones and Other Tropes. She has published two standalone dystopian rom-coms, My Love Life and the Apocalypse and Soulmates and Other Ways to Die, and one darker dystopian book, The Undying Tower. Melissa’s books have been longlisted for the Berkshire Book Award and won the Write Blend Bookshop award for YA fiction in 2022. Melissa’s writing has also listed in the Mslexia Prize; The Bath Novel Award; The Northern Writers Awards; and the Wells Book for Children prize. With plenty of experience working with all kinds of young people, most recently as the Writer-In-Residence for Xaverian College in Manchester. Melissa aims to engage writers and help them to overcome writing blocks, both in class at at home. Through a combination of brainstorming and writing sprint exercises, the writers will come away with a sense of achievement and will have banished the blank page! |
| Rachel Morrisroe – Felix and the Future Agency series (KS2) Rachel Morrisroe is the bestselling author of the How to Grow Magic books, illustrated by Steven Lenton and the multi-award winning Beastly Besties series with Ella Okstad. She is a well-known voice across children’s fiction and her many titles include picture books and first chapter books. Rachel is so excited to be publishing her debut magical middle grade, Felix and the Future Agency, with Simon & Schuster in May 2025. Rachel’s event will explore the history behind the Future Agency and the real Magic Mile that influenced the story. There will be a quiz on PowerPoint, testing the students on what type of Future Agent they would be and we will end with an interactive session where we will build the school’s own magical tube line. |
| Roma Agrawal – How To Build A Chocolate Bridge (KS2) Roma Agrawal (MBE) is an award-winning engineer, author and broadcaster. She spent six years working on the Shard, designing its foundations and spire. She has featured on BBC World News, BBC Daily Politics, The Evening Standard, The Sunday Times, Guardian, Telegraph, Independent, Cosmopolitan and Stylist Magazine. She has even featured as a judge of Lego Masters and is winner of a Royal Academy of Engineering Award, ACE Engineering Excellent Awards, Institute of Structural Engineers Lewis Kent Medal and Young Structural Engineer of the Year, Management Today and Women in Construction awards. She is a tireless promoter of engineering and technical careers for young people, particularly under-represented groups such as women. She has advised policymakers and governments on science education and has given talks to thousands around the world at universities, schools and organisations, including two for TEDx. How to Build a Chocolate Bridge- An interactive, hands-on exploration of science and the world around us, in a fantastically fun book for children aged 7+. Can you make a skyscraper out of pasta? How about a rocket from meringue? As an engineer and a BIG fan of chocolate, Roma herself has often wondered whether a bridge could be made out of chocolate. This might sound impossible (and delicious), but you don’t know until you try… With seven interactive building projects, kids will find out what is possible, while learning about the science behind awe-inspiring inventions. They will also get to meet some of the world’s most innovative scientists, who dare to experiment with wacky materials to create something great. Written by bestselling author and award-winning engineer Roma Agrawal, this book encourages kids to put some unexpected materials to the test. It’s the perfect way to get kids excited about science – whilst having a WHOLE load of fun! |
| Ross Welford – Prince Kal vs the Salivator Alligator (KS2) This is the second book in the laugh-out-loud funny, diary format series with a one-of-a-kind hero, ideal for readers 8+. Prince Kal has finally managed to return safely to his home realm of Imaginaria – but unfortunately, he’s left his chaotic younger sister Minkle behind on Earth. And so, accompanied by his wizard mentor, a Pixie girl scout, and an ancient sword, Kal must return to Earth – and once again navigate the peculiar rules and customs that Earthlings live by – to rescue Minkle before she can cause too much trouble… Ross is seasoned events pro and his presentation is absolutely brilliant, combining inspiring storytelling with elements of magic (he is a member of the magic circle and his tricks are truly spectacular) so this is a real treat for audiences. The North East features prominently in Ross’s books as this is where he grew up (Kal’s adventures on earth start with him crash landing on to Bamburgh beach!). |
| Steve Webb – Peng and Spanners: Doctor Biscuits! (KS2) Steve Webb is a freelance graphic designer. Peng and Spanners is his debut graphic novel series, and is already a hit at festivals. His first middle-grade series was the magnificently bonkers Spangles McNasty. For younger readers he has written the fabulously silly picture book, Cows go BOO! and the rhythm and rhyme, syllable-tastic classic, Tanka Tanka Skunk. Steve Webb is a fantastic graphic novelist with bundles of energy! Almost as silly as his characters, he runs brilliant events full of kooky draw-alongs, superhero masks, how he comes up with his hilariously bonkers plotlines, and creating a graphic novel from storyboards to publication! Kids 7+ will be entertained from start to finish! |
| Tor Freeman – Boss of the Underworld: Shirley vs Seven Deadly Dangers (KS2) Third in a hilarious full-colour comic book series by the award-winning Tor Freeman, perfect for fans of Jamie Smart’s Bunny vs Monkey. Come with Shirley as she falls down a hole into the Under-Under-Underworld… Tor Freeman was born and grew up in London and California. She is an author and illustrator, published in the UK and worldwide, and had two ongoing strips in the weekly comic The Phoenix. Her books include Ten Fat Sausages by Michelle Robinson and The Book that No One Wanted to Read by Richard Ayoade. She has been awarded the Sendak Fellowship, and won the Observer/Cape/Comica graphic short story prize. Join Tor Freeman to chat about her work in comics, and create funny comic characters together. |