Heartstopper author Oseman guest curates at Bath Children’s Literature Festival

Authors such as Alice Oseman, Juno Dawson and Jacqueline Wilson have been announced as part of the Bath Children’s Literature Festival line-up for 2022.

Taking place between 23rd September and 2nd October, the 10-day celebration of books will see household names, debut authors and a host of illustrators take part in events from live storytelling sessions to interviews, workshops and more.

Oseman, creator of the bestselling Heartstopper graphic novel series (Hodder Children’s Books), is the 2022 guest curator for the festival’s teen and YA strand of events.

As well as appearing at the festival in two events, one about the success of Heartstopper, and another with fellow writer Juno Dawson, Oseman has curated a selection of events for teens and YA audiences including events from YA author Simon James Green, manga creators Saturday AM Comics, and celebrity reporter and author Benjamin Dean.

Michael Rosen and Jacqueline Wilson will also be in attendance, as well as Waterstones Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell, Joseph Coelho,  Robin Stevens, M G Leonard and illustrators popular for their draw-along events, Liz Pichon, Steven Lenton and Rob Biddulph.

The festival will be promoting stories of acceptance, including Bath-based former Olympic gold medallist Amy Williams exploring the challenges of training body and mind to be the very best they can, but also learning how to face adversity.

This year’s event has teamed up with The Egg Theatre to host a weekend Happiness Hub. This will include a session with mental health ambassador Dr Alex George chatting to TV and radio personality and fellow mental health advocate Katie Thistleton. There will also be a series of free drop-in activities in The Egg café where young people will be able to find out where to get further support.

Tickets go on general release on 1st July here.