Hay Festival Abu Dhabi 2020 Programme

The author is a giant figure in children’s literature, and a great entertainer. The Secret Diary of John Drawbridge is a clever blend of fact and fiction. Propelled by great characters, it is full of exciting historical facts, as young Drawbridge goes off to train to become a knight. Previously a winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, Ardagh includes lots of jokes as he shows just how much there is to learn in training to be a knight. How to charge with a lance on horseback without falling off, for example. Or, why spiral staircases always go up in a clockwise direction and why the plates served at banquets are made of stale bread (and why you shouldn’t eat them). The author brings history to life and tells an entertaining story as he does so. Go behind the scenes with him and learn more about the history of the time.

The multi-award-winning Young Adult writer, author of the contemporary classic Finding Violet Park, spent a year travelling to Hay Festivals around the world and talking to teenagers about their lives. She shares the common threads and radical differences that came up in her conversations and explores ways in which teenagers might be better understood and empowered.

Ed Vere is one of the most successful picture-book illustrators in the world. His books include Mr Big, Bedtime for Monsters, Grumpy Frog, Banana and Max.

You don't need to roar to be heard... Join the author and illustrator for a fantastic storytelling event celebrating daydreamers, quiet courage and the importance of being true to yourself. Ed will be live-drawing characters from his new book and introducing children to the charms of Leonard the Lion and his best friend Marianne, who just happens to be a duck. A fun, thought-provoking and interactive event for children and their parents.