Gruffalo creator to visit Coleraine

Julia, will bring her best-loved picture stories to life - including The Gruffalo, A Squash and a Squeeze, Room on the Broom, Superworm and The Highway Rat - at Coleraine Library next Tuesday morning by enacting her fabulous stories and singing songs.

Her events are world renowned for entertaining and inspiring young readers.

Over the five-day tour Julia and her husband Malcolm will be travelling around libraries performing to hundreds of primary 3 children across Northern Ireland.

The tour has been made possible by the support of Libraries NI, Booktrust and the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. The lucky schools and classes involved have all been randomly selected to take part and are in for a real treat.

Valerie Christie, Children’s Services Manager, Libraries NI said: “This library tour provides local children with a wonderful opportunity to meet Julia who will talk to them about her books and writing career.

“Julia’s books, which include The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and The Snail and the Whale, continue to be among the most borrowed in Northern Ireland libraries, making her one of the most popular authors with children. Julia is a passionate supporter of libraries so it is a great honour for us to welcome her here where her books are enjoyed by countless children and families.”

Fionnuala Deane, Managing Director of Dog Ears said, “We are delighted that Julia and Malcolm Donaldson are touring in libraries in Northern Ireland and we’re really looking forward to working with them and the different schools during the tour.”

Damian Smyth Head of Literature and Drama at the Arts Council NI said: “Meeting and hearing live readings from such a celebrated author will provide lasting memories and be an immediate source of inspiration, not only for children but for everyone.

Liz Canning, NI Booktrust Manager explained that “TOne of Julia’s main priorities during her two year Laureateship has been to celebrate and support public libraries and we are delighted that in March children across Northern Ireland will be able to hear Julia read and talk about her books.

Julia will be in Coleraine Libraru from 10.30am on Tuesday, March 12.