The Guernsey Literary Festival prides itself on being an inclusive, family-friendly celebration. Our goal is to instil a love of all things literary and to inspire future generations of writers, poets and word-lovers.

We have a range of events that are specifically geared towards a younger audience. From interactive sessions, drawing workshops and talks by children’s authors, we’ve curated a list of the events that even the youngest bookworms will love.

(Age 9+)

Onjali Q. Raúf: Hope on the Horizon — A Children’s Handbook on Empathy, Kindness and Making a Better World

When: Saturday 13 May, 10:00 to 11:00
Where: Guille-Allès Library

Growing up, there is so much out of our control and to feel frustrated about, but Onjali Q. Raúf shares her top ways for finding hope, creating change and making a difference. In this engaging event, Onjali invites us to discover everything there is to know about kindness, empathy, friendship and fighting for the things that matter. Because with a bit of compassion, a big dollop of hope and even the smallest act of kindness, magical things can happen. Hope is on the horizon; here’s how children everywhere can find it. Kindly sponsored by Rothschild & Co.

(Age 6+)

Rob Biddulph: Draw with Rob

When: Saturday 13 May, 12:30 to 13:30
Where: St James

Join author and illustrator Rob Biddulph in this funpacked session. Learn about Rob’s journey from budding artist to award-winning picture book creator and Guinness World Record holder. And everyone can join in one of his famous draw-alongs and learn to draw one of his characters with easy step-by-step instructions.

(Age 9+)

Sita Brahmachari: Where the River Runs Gold

When: Saturday 13 May, 14:30 to  15:30
Where: Guille-Allès Library

Honoured by the International Board of Books for Young People, Waterstones award-winning author Sita Brahmachari explores the rewilding storytelling, environmental and human rights inspirations behind her bestselling novel Where the River Runs Gold. Taking you back to her own childhood, she tells the story of how a shy doodler and daydreamer inspired by nature and her diverse storytelling heritage became an author for children today. Sita’s talk includes readings, drama, seed packet making and audience participation — we are encouraged to make our own environmental pledges. Kindly sponsored by Rothschild & Co.

(Age 4+)

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Tea Party

When: Sunday 14 May, 14:00–15:00 and 15:30–16:30
Where: Sausmarez Manor

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant is one of the most iconic book characters of all time, created and illustrated by renowned children’s author and artist, the late David McKee. Join us for an interactive, immersive tea party experience in the gardens of Sausmarez Manor led by professional actor presenter Andrew Hislop. The event will include a performance of the story, a fun Elmer themed game and a tea party. Guests are encouraged to dress in colourful clothes! Please bring a picnic blanket. Kindly sponsored by Specsavers.

Education Programme in Schools

We’re excited about The Rothschild & Co Education Programme that is taking place during this year’s festival. The programme takes events and visiting authors into schools across the island to support learning and inspire new ideas within children.

Highlights for 2023 include talks and workshops led by Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, M. G. Leonard, Tom Percival, Sita Brahmachari, Onjali Q. Raúf, Liz Hyder, Huw Lewis-Jones, Rob Biddulph and many more.

The education programme is kindly sponsored by Rothschild & Co and special thanks goes to the Schools Library Service for their assistance in coordinating these events