Who Took Part in Young Readers 2012!

7 Inch Cinema / Flatpack Festival
4th & 5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
Cinemajigs - A collection of musical films to get you dancing in your seat, from singing starfish and flying pianos to beatboxing animals and a Hippoplatypus.
Daydream Machine - All of these animated shorts are designed to spark
the imagination, transporting you across the globe, under the ocean and whizzing into space in just under 45 minutes.
An Impossible Voyage - Take a journey through early cinema and silent comedy with pianist Neil Brand, accompanying a selection of hilarious films live and giving you a flavour of what film-going was like a century ago.

Sufiya Ahmed
14th March 2012
Schools Event at Birmingham Library Theatre as part of YRYR
Sufiya introduced her new book - Secrets of a Henna Girl



Nicholas Allan
5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
We found out what the Queen said to author Nicholas Allan, author of The Queen’s Knickers when he visited her atBuckingham Palace. Young Readers celebrated the Queen’s Jubilee with some drawing, writing, magic and storytelling. We decorated a pair of paper knickers for the Queen. Sneak preview of Nicholas’s brand new bookThe Giant’s Loo Roll.
Supported by Random House Children's Books

Annamation - Anna Conomos
11th June 2012
Schools Event in Birmingham Library Theatre as part of Schools Week
Anna C - brings myths and songs from around the world to life - with a modern twist! Colourful humorous and energetic! Presenting 'Queen Penelope and King Odysseus'
Read more... and see a video of Anna from Young Readers 2011

Annamation - Anna O'Brien & Elmer
4th & 5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
Anna O'B is a magical storyteller - spellbinding and captivating.
Elmer enjoyed a terrific Jubilee Day Tea Party!


Annapurna
14th June 2012
Schools Event at Birmingham Library Theatre as part of Schools Week
Dances from Distant Lands
Read more... and see a video of Annapurna Indian Dance


Neil Arksey
14th June 2012
Schools Event as part of Schools Week
Neil is an energetic and entertaining storyteller, facts will fly.
Author of 'Intelligent Life' - Faster than a speeding neutrino, anarchic and funny!

Shamim Azad
14th June 2012
Schools Event as part of Schools Week
Shamim is a storyteller and poet using Asian folk and oral traditions. Getting the children moving, chanting and playing instruments.



Guy Bass
5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
Young Readers welcomed back Guy Bass, author of Dinkin Dings and theFrightening Things. Showing his latest creation Stitch Head, the almost-human creature resulting from crazy Professor Erasmus’s experiments in the dungeons of Castle Grotteskew. When his master goes off to accept the Lifetime of Mad Professoring Award, Stitch Head decides to leave the castle for a new beginning on the high seas…

Margaret Bateson-Hill
14th June 2012
Schools Event as part of Schools Week
Margaret magically transports you into her world of storytelling


J Clare Bell & Kipper the Dog
5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
It was Kipper's birthday! Children's author J. Clare Bell celebrated with some party games and a special cake. We sang 'Happy Birthday' loudly enough and the lovable dog came and joined in the fun!

Big Brum Theatre-in-Education Company
4th June 2012: 'The Giant's Embrace'
Open Event at Birmingham Library Theatre for the Lord Mayor's Show YRYR
15th June 2012: 'A Broken Bowl'

Fi Bird
4th & 5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
Come dine with us! Masterchef and Kids’ Kitchen author Fiona Bird is on a mission to get children cooking. We created delicious and healthyveggie recipes such as Apple Volcanoes, Tropical Milkshakes and Mean Green Guacamole. We found out about vitamins and minerals and learned to prepare some great meals to try out on family and friends. No cutting or heat was required!

Jan Blake
15th June 2012
Schools Event as part of Schools Week
Jan specialises in stories from Africa and the Caribbean. Fun, friendly and engaging!



Conrad Burdekin
7th June 2012
Open Event as part of Library Fun Days
Release your inner poet with the help of the inimitable Conrad Burdekin, author of The Hungrumptious Blumph. Time to get creative.


Helen Calcutt
4th & 5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
Suitable for age 8+
Writing Workshop
If you are interested in any kind of creative writing - poems, plays, stories, songs, texts or tweets – this was the session for you. Helen is a young published poet and also helps to run Birmingham’s Writing Squads which give young people the chance to develop their talents. Find the writer inside yourself.

Anne Cassidy
12th June 2012
Schools Event as part of Schools Week
Anne is best known for her novels for young adults, most of which are thrillers and crime stories.

Lynne Chapman
8th June 2012
Open Event as part of Library Fun Days
The children shared a story with award-winning illustrator Lynne Chapman, creator of the hairy, scary Bears on the Stairs! and Stinky! the super smelly baby warthog. Will the little boy be brave enough to climb the stairs to bed and will Stinky find a friend who doesn’t mind his tickly quickly flies? Lynne drew some of her characters and winners got a special picture to take home.

Julie Ann Cooper
6th June 2012
Open Event as part of Library Fun Days
'Bleak and Curious' & 'The Old Curiosity Shop' Dickens Tales by the wonderful one woman theatre 'Intimate Productions'.


Tracey Corderoy
9th June 2012
Open Event as part of Library Fun Days
Tracey presented a world of wonderful tales and engaging craft ideas. Author of Brave Little Penguin and the Willow Valley series.

Cressida Cowell
2nd June 2012
Author of the fantastic 'How to Train your Dragon' books and the lovely 'Emily Brown'. Read More


Michael Cox
14th June 2012
Schools Event as part of Schools Week
Michael is a "children's author, landscape artist and air trombonist." His latest book takes a look at weird and wonderful facts:
Fitter, Faster, Funnier Olympics.
Read more and see a video of Michael talking about his new book

Joe Craig
12th June 2012
Schools Event at Birmingham Library Theatre as part of Schools Week
Joe is the author of Jimmy Coates (Schoolboy Assassin) books.
Read more... & read Chapter 1 of Jimmy Coates: Killer


Ellie Daines
13th June 2012
Schools Event as part of Schools Week
Ellie's book Lolly Luck has become an instant hit with her readers
Read more... & see book trailer


Demani Dennisur
4th February 2012
Open Event at Birmingham Central Library - Foyer as part of YRYR
4th & 5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
Demani is the new (7th) Young Poet Laureate for Birmingham. Hone your poetry skills with our Young Poet Laureate Damani Dennisur. Listen to some of Damani’s own poetry. A brilliant opportunity for any future budding Young Poet Laureate.

Emily Diamand
11th June 2012
Schools Event as part of Schools Week
Emily writes amazing adventure books
- Flood Child and Flood & Fire

Julia Donaldson
Julia worked directly with 2 schools, developing their creativity. Julia's amazing books include The Gruffalo, Stick Man & Room on the Broom.

The Etherington Brothers
9th June 2012
The madcap Etherington Brothers presented their interactive 'Lost & Found Comic-Creating Workshop' Read More


Liz Fost & Kipper the Dog
4th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
It was Kipper's birthday! Storyteller Liz Fost celebrated with some party games and a special cake. And we sang 'Happy Birthday' loudly enough so the lovable dog came and joined in the fun!


Julia Green
14th June 2012
Schools Event as part of Schools Week
Julia writes for teenagers, young adults and children: her most recent book, Tilly's Midnight Fox is for children aged 8 upwards.

Sally Grindley
12th June 2012
Schools Event as part of Schools Week
Sally is the author of many children's books including her latest -Playful Penguins!, Cheeky Chimpanzies! and Hungry Bears!

The Gruffalo
4th February 2012
Meet the Gruffalo - don't be scared now!



Steve Hartley
4th & 5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
Danny Baker, Record Breaker. Danny is constantly writing to Mr Bibby at the Big Book of World Records with his latest madcap attempts - such as the world’s Smelliest Feet (205 children and 5 teachers unconscious in 10 seconds). Now it’s 2012 and time for Danny and friends to compete in the Silly Olympics. Find out if they can break the record for Jelly Belly Flopping, Custard Pie Flinging or Picking Up Baked Beans While Wearing Boxing Gloves.
Supported by Macmillan Children's Books

Katrice Horsley (as the Red Queen)
4th & 5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
Step through the looking-glass and into a twilight world of strange splendour. Your guide for this magical journey was one of Young Readers’ favourite performers. A skilful weaver of tall tales, Katrice Horsley has recently been named as the new National Storytelling Laureate and we’re proud to welcome her back in royal guise to lead this special Jubilee celebration.

Curtis Jobling
24th January 2012
Curtis introduced his new book - WEREWORLD: Shadow of the Hawk
Schools Event at Birmingham Central Library Theatre as part of YRYR
4th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
Curtis showed his amazing drawing skills (Bob the Builder, Raa Raa the Noisy Lion, Frankenstein's Cat,+) and introduced his books inc WEREWORLD

Russell Julian
9th June 2012
Open Event as part of Library Fun Days
Brilliant illustrator and author!
Books include Rhinosaur and It's a George Thing!- top entertainment for kids!

Gill Lewis
12th June 2012



Sohan Kailey - Bangra Tots
4th & 5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
A calling went out to would-be Bolly-Tots! YR's favourite Birmingham-based Bhangra artist Sohan Kailey donned his sparkly Union Jack vest to celebrate the Jubilee festivities. We jumped and danced, wiggled and shook, grabbed an instrument and bopped ‘til we dropped.

Martin Kiszko
5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
Martin's book, Green Poems for a Blue Planet, is made for reading aloud!! Martin says 'I hope these poems provoke a thought, raise a smile, start a conversation, spark an idea, spur us into action, or simply turn on a few 'green lights'.

Graham Langley
with Storytelling Studio and Young Storytellers
4th & 5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
People dropped in throughout the day to curl up and listen to a story from some of the best storytellers around. Graham Langley is well known throughout Birminghamand beyond as a fine teller of traditional tales, incorporating songs and music into lively, engaging performances.

Alan MacDonald
13th June 2012
Schools Event as part of Schools Week
Alan writes the hilariously funny and most disgusting Dirty Bertiebooks.



Layn Marlow
11th June 2012
Schools Event as part of Schools Week
Layn is an illustrator and writer who has many books published including How Many Sleeps?, Bug and Bear, Hurry Up and Slow Down and Bramble the Brave.

Sarah McIntyre
5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
Brilliant illustrator and author, Sarah's enthusiasm was contagious. Books include: Morris the Mankiest Monster, Vern & Lettuceand You Can't Scare a Princess. Aliens! Monsters! Pirates! Princess Spaghetti is forever rescuing her father King Cupcake from dangerous situations. When he’s kidnapped by hungry extraterrestrials only the princess’s quick thinking persuades them to swap a royal feast for a tastier treat – chocolate! Now the palace treasure is at risk from aswashbuckling bunch of scurvy pirates but what they don’t know is You Can’t Scare a Princess. We joined illustrator Sarah McIntyre to find out what our brave heroine gets up to next…

MJ Misra
12th June 2012
Schools Event as part of Schools Week
Michelle is the author of Dinosaur Land a series of books for 5+



Sue Monroe
4th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
We met spoilt princess P. J. Petulant and her (male) dragon Sandra as they were whisked off on an adventure by The Magnificent Moon Hare, a madcap personality who likes to hide objects in his stripy tights. Former children’s TV presenter Sue Monroe (Cbeebies, Playdays, GMTV kids) introduced her characters through a game of Top Trumps with plenty of audience participation.
Supported by Egmont Children's Books

Pendle Productions
4th & 5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
We joined Alice and all the other weird and wonderful characters at the strangest tea party of them all. Pendle Productions’ musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s dreamlike tale introduced all the favourites: the forgetful Caterpillar, the maudling Mock Turtle, the Doormouse, the fearsome Red Queen and of course the Mad Hatter himself. We were magically taken to Wonderland!

Barrington Powell
4th & 5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
Jubilant juggling, majestic magical tricks and super silly stories. Barrington was back to amaze and entertain with his quick-moving mad-cap wizardry.


Nat Roni from CBeebies
4th & 5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
Nat brought her own CBeebies Magic to the Book Bash. Are you a Boogie Beebie? Blast off like a rocket and go on a space walk or set sail for the Seven Seas with a pirate gang to hunt for treasure. Nat creates some fantastic new dances.

Siobhan Rowden
13th June 2012
Schools Event as part of Schools Week
Siobhan is the author of the hilarious - The Curse of the Bogle's Beard
Read more... & read Chapter 1


Sea Legs Puppet Theatre presents 'Little Bo Peep'
7th June 2012
Open Event at Birmingham Library Theatre as part of Library Fun Days
Sea Legs Puppet Theatre presented their brand new show - Little Bo Peep.



Steve Smallman
8th June 2012
Open Event as part of Library Fun Days
Fantastic illustrator and author. Steve lead a vibrant interactive session.



Jim Smith
4th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
We met the aptly named Barry Loser and his cast of eccentric friends and enemies including Future Ratboy, Invisigrandad and Mrs Trumpet Face. Author and illustrator Jim Smith based the unfortunate Master Loser partly on his own experiences but grew up to be the designer behind the immensely successful Waldo Pancake brand.
Supported by Egmont Children's Books

Spoz
8th June 2012
Open Event 'Poetry in a Day' as part of Library Fun Days
Spoz lead the 'Poetry in a Day' workshop and performance, helping Young Poets to develop and who may aim at becoming the next Birmingham Young Poet Laureate.


Stories from the Web
4th & 5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
Create a Story Book with Stories from the Web
We created a page for a scintillating, stimulating, crazy, 'here, there and everywhere' book based around 'Rosie's Walk'. The Stories from the Web Team inspired our crafty creativity. Great family fun. Parents joined in!! The results can be seen on site at www.storiesfromtheweb.org

Traditional Arts Team
April, May & June 2012

Young Storytellers in partnership with Young Readers Birmingham at Kings Heath Library.

Weekend storytelling sessions. Traditional stories in a family setting with storytellers from the Storytellers Studio. Stories of adventure and magical journeys or the mischief of the fairy folk or the defeat of giants. All the tapestry of traditional tales presented in a lively interactive manner. A quiet, entertaining and stimulating start to the weekend.

Visit Traditional Arts Team Website for more information


Rick Vanes
15th June 2012
Open Event as part of Library Fun Days
Rick can bring out the creativity in any writer and certainly entertained.



Jan Watts
4th February 2012
Open Event at Birmingham Central Library - Foyer as part of YRYR
4th & 5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
Hone your poetry skills with Birmingham’s Poet Laureate Jan Watts. Find out how to write an instant Found Pantoum Poem – it’s easy to write and good fun! – and listen to some of Jan’s own poetry.

Chris White
4th & 5th June 2012
Open Event at Aston Hall as part of the Book Bash
Fresh from a triumphant appearance at Gigglefest, Birmingham’s Children’s Comedy Festival, Chris White returned to storm the Young Readers stage with SPACE ROCKS! This Universe of Looney Verse, full of sci-fi rhymes and crazy cartoons delighted the Potty Poet’s growing army of fans. We also found out why Darth Vadar’s Got No Mates from the creator of Young Readers’ favourite Wang Fu the Kung Fu Shrew.