BERNICE HARRISONwith alternatives to movies and the mall
Books 2009
Talks by authors are the lifeblood of any literary festival, and there’s something magical about seeing children’s awe when they come face to face with their favourite author.
* Books 2009 is a literary festival in Dublin that is mostly for adults but has an exciting children’s programme taking place this weekend. At 3pm today Roddy Doyle will be reading at the National Gallery of Ireland, on Merrion Square; tomorrow the line-up at the same venue includes Derek Landy (at 3pm) and John Connolly (at 1.30pm).
There can't be too many junior bookworms who haven't been enthralled by Landy's Day-Glo-covered Skulduggery Pleasantseries, and there'll be real excitement to hear what Connolly has come up with in his new book for younger adults. He usually writes the sort of thrillers that keep adults awake at night.
* You can book tickets at books2009.ie. They cost €6 per reading – or €3 if you book more than one ticket.
* A fun free event at the festival today and tomorrow is the Where's Wallypicture hunt. Collect an entry form at the Books 2009 registration desk outside the Shaw Room at the National Gallery and follow the Where's Wally National Gallery Picture Trail. Once you have gathered all of the answers to Wally's questions, you'll get a free mini Where's Wally book.