Legendary children’s author and illustrator Judith Kerr is one of a selection of writers who children are invited to listen to read from their famous works at the Bush theatre this year.
Bush Bookworms will take place in the West London theatre’s Library, with Guardian theatre critic and author of the Stage School Series kicking off the season on 6 July.
The theatrical theme will continue on 20 July with Zizou Corder stepping into the limelight with a talk for children aged nine and older. Actually a pen-name for co-authors English novelist Louise Young and her daughter Isabel Adomakoh Young, their Lionboy trilogy is the first ever family-friendly adaptation the innovative theatre company Complicite have tackled, with the results playing at the Unicorn theatre from 9 July.
Next up sees Emily Bearn, author of the Tum-Tum and Nutmeg series, talk on 7 September for children aged five and older, while children of a similar age are also invited to catch Andrew Weale on 9 November, the author behind five children’s books including One New In A Suit and his Red House Children’s Book Award-winning Nora.
The world-famous Judith Kerr, author of numerous well-loved books including the Mog series, The Tiger Who Came To Tea and the autobiographical When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, which recounts her escape from Hitler’s Germany to England, will talk about her 90th birthday celebrations on a date still to be confirmed during the October halfterm.
For children aged 11-years-old and older, S C Ransom, the author behind supernatural romance trilogy Small Blue Thing, will appear on 7 December.
Explaining the inspiration behind the new programme, the Bush’s Artistic Director Madani Younis said: “We know many people in our community have strong childhood memories of visiting our theatre when it was the old Shepherd’s Bush library. As we continue to explore the potential of our new home and programme a wider range of spaces within the building, this new series of authors’ events for children allows us to continue to welcome young people and their families to this much loved building within our local community. We are delighted to continue its story telling tradition and to add Bush Bookworms to our regular programme.”
Tickets for each event are £5 and can be purchased from the Bush theatre box office. As well as offering the chance to hear your child’s favourite authors speak, attendees will also have the opportunity to get their books signed following the event and Foyles Westfield London will be on hand with a pop-up bookshop set to appear at the venue.