Family Events at DBF26

We are so excited to be bringing you a full weekend of great family events again this year! From young ones to teenagers, we’ll have events and activities to suit all ages, with a brilliant line-up of much-loved children’s authors and illustrators.

On Saturday 7 November, head to our Festival Hub at RIAM – Royal Irish Academy of Music for a packed day of fun-filled events. Author Sinéad O’Hart is calling all Trainee Banshees to join her for a magical adventure inspired by her Ellora McGee, Trainee Banshee books. Join author-illustrator Ashwin Chacko for the launch of his brand new book The Good Neighbourhood – expect a lively interactive reading and drawalong, plus there might even be some exclusive goodie giveaways in the mix! Author-illustrator Steve Webb will be bringing a fantastically fun event around his hilarious Peng and Spanners series. Almost as silly as his characters, Steve’s events are sure to put smiles on faces, with drawalongs, volunteer singers, prizes AND a Bingo finale! 

Céard é an peata teaghlaigh is deise? Join children’s writer and former Laureate na nÓg, Patricia Forde, for a fun-filled bilingual storytelling around her new picture book An Peata is Fearr. A great chance for all the family to listen in and then chat to other booklovers as Gaeilge, no matter whether you just have the cúpla focal or more! Children’s picture book creator Oliver Jeffers stops in with us as part of his The World of Oliver Jeffers Tour, where he will be talking about his new collaboration, A Day Off School, and There’s a Ghost in This House. Come say hi to Oliver after the event, when he will be signing copies of his books and gifting a free art print with each purchase of either of his two books! Last year’s Fighting Words Story Slam for teen writers was so much fun we just had to do it all over again. MC Dave Rudden is back to introduce and champion this year’s line-up of brilliant young creatives and performers. Heading out to the RDS in Ballsbridge, Diary of a Wimpy Kid author (and host), Jeff Kinney, will be taking to the stage to celebrate the release of his latest book, Fight or Flight, with a knock-out, interactive stage show, set to EGGSPLODE with fun for the whole family!  

On the Sunday, we have another jam-packed day in RIAM. Author Erika McGann and illustrator Clive McFarland kick the morning off with a reading and drawalong around their heartwarming new book, Nowhere for a Ghost to Sleep. As part of Science Week, join author Christian Talbot for a deep dive into the weird and wonderful world of sharks… if you dare! You might discover some surprising things about these ancient and fascinating creatures. Author Shane Hegarty will be bringing a monstrously funny event around his brand new book Minotaur Boy, a hilarious take on Greek mythology, about growing up, belonging, and finding acceptance for anyone who feels that little bit different. Then join poets and writers Ruth Ennis and Juliette Saumande for a lively, hands-on workshop that combines poetry and doodling, individuality and community. Come and make your own, unique, colourful mark on our giant skyline!

See the full details, including age guidelines on all events, and book your spots here.

This year again, we have not one but two Book Clinics with the Children’s Books Ireland Book Doctors, one in English and one as Gaeilge for our young Gaeilgeoirí or those looking to brush up on their Irish! Places are limited and first-come, first-served, so get there early to book in your time slot, then enjoy browsing our Festival Hub while you wait for your turn.

We’ll also have ongoing activities to enjoy across the weekend! 

From our arts and crafts station, our book swap stand and our bookshop to browse, to our ‘Create Your Own Pond’ station for learning about creating even the smallest welcoming habitat in your own back garden, there will be something for all creative and curious minds to enjoy.  

Please note parents/guardians must remain with children during all events.