Emirates Airline Festival of Literature – What Tickets To Book For Your Kids ASAP!

Mini Guide on What to Book for Kids at The Emirates Airline Festival Of Literature

Got a mini bookworm at home? Emirates Airline is celebrating its 10th Anniversary of their Festival of Literature which in 2017 hosted over 185 authors from 37 countries to entertain and educate over 44,000 visitors – WOW! The 2018 Festival will be held from March 1-10, 2018 at the InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City. Expect special meet and greets, workshops and no shortage of things to do for the kiddos and adults too! With 10 days of literary mania, it’s a little daunting knowing where to begin. Unfortunately like every year this year too there’s quite a bit that’s sold out (Andy Rileys, King Flashypants and the Toys of Terror, and David Walliams, The World of David Walliams) but fret not, they have added tickets for 5 additional children’s sessions and they are on sale right now, mamas (grab them before they sell out!).

Here is a mini guide to the best of what’s still available…

For kids five and under five:

I Want… Tony Ross!
When: 10 March, 12pm
Where: Al Baraha 3, InterContinental
Cost: 50 AED | Foundation Friend: 45 AED

Tony Ross is creator of the hilarious Little Princess series, the illustrator of Francesca Simon’s Horrid Henry, and the genius behind the drawings for all of David Walliams’ books.

This tour of his work features stories, loads of drawing and buckets of laughter, with a glimpse at his brand new book with Michael Rosen, Bah! Humbug! – a heartwarming take on Dickens’ classic tale. Excited!

For kids aged six to nine:

Korky Paul: Winnie The Witch
When: 10 March, 2pm
Where: Al Baraha 2, InterContinental
Cost: 50 AED | Foundation Friend: 45 AED

Are you ready for story silliness, exciting live draws and prizes galore? Then welcome to the wonderful world of Winnie the Witch!

In this fast-paced session, energetic illustrator Korky Paul needs your help to read and act from his stories (we love being silly), and then he’ll draw pictures straight out of his imagination! And keep your eyes peeled, because he’s asked Winnie to fly in to join him on stage… the kiddos will go absolutely wild. Definitely one to see!

Magical things always happen when Korky puts his pens and paints to paper. Want to try your hand at drawing then, download the entry form to ‘draw Winnie’s hat’ competition and bring your coloured picture to the session for a chance to win a prize. The form can be found here.

MG Leonard: Beetle Boy
When: 3 March, 4pm
Where: Al Baraha 2, InterContinental
Cost: 50 AED | Foundation Friend: 45 AED

Discover the extraordinary world of creepy-crawlies through Darkus and Baxter (a boy and a beetle) on a mission to stop mad scientist fashionista Lucretia Cutter. In this bugtastic talk, MG Leonard will read from her books, and, with help from The Green Planet and some real life insects, she will talk about beetle super-powers and how these little creatures are important to the environment (a great way to teach kids the importance of being gentle towards ‘Mother Nature’).

Kiran Millwood Hargrave: The Girl of Ink and Stars
When: 2 March, 2pm
Where: Al Baraha 1, InterContinental
Cost: 50 AED | Foundation Friend: 45 AED

Yes mama, you read that right! When Isabella’s best friend disappears, she volunteers to guide the search. With ink maps and her knowledge of the stars, can she navigate her island’s forgotten heart to find her friend?

Unbreakable friendships, dark secrets and legendary monsters abound in Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s bestselling and multi-award winning The Girl of Ink & Stars.

Myth and folklore are guaranteed form this talented writer – and why islands make such magical fictional worlds (we agree).

For kids aged nine plus:

Jacqueline Wilson: The History Girls
When: 2 March, 10-11 am
Where: Al Baraha 1, InterContinental
Cost: 50 AED | Foundation Friend: 45 AED

Got a mischievous girl at home? Travel back in time with Shirley, Hetty and many more in Jacqueline’s capable hands. Superstar children’s author Jacqueline Wilson has created some of the most beloved characters in children’s literature, from the mischievous Tracy Beaker to the headstrong Hetty Feather. There is also a new Wave Me Goodbye book, that tells the moving story of 10-year-old Shirley which she may be persuaded to mention!

The lucky first 200 ticket buyers will have a chance to meet Jacqueline for a special book signing and photo (there will be no public book signing at this session). Hurry!

Anthony Horowitz: Alex Rider Returns
When: 3 March, 10-11 am
Where: Al Ras 1, InterContinental
Cost: 50 AED | Foundation Friend: 45 AED

We have all wanted to be a spy at some point in our lives. Back by popular demand Alex Rider returns in the new adrenalin-fuelled novel, Never Say Die.
Come and join Anthony Horowitz as he brings out the world’s greatest teenage spy out of (early) retirement to put an end to Scorpia once and for all. This thrilling mission takes Alex back into a world of deadly secrets, from Egypt to France, with a minefield of dangers along the way. Listen closely for some hints of what to expect in Alex’s next adventure, Nightshade!