I am extremely late in writing this post, as the book festival opened this past weekend. As always, the Book Festival is fantastic and offers loads of opportunities to keep the wee ones busy – all of the children’s events are listed here. There is also a dedicated kids area within the festival space and the well loved children’s bookshop..

There are some good drop-in/free events over the next couple of weeks :

Saturday 16th August – Meet Pikachu – Pikachu, I choose YOU! Come along and meet everyone’s favourite electric-type Pokémon for a special appearance at the Book Festival. Don’t miss the opportunity to give Pikachu a wave or pose like a Pokémon trainer for a photo!

Sunday 17th August – Design the Future with Remode Collective – Join Remode Collective for a drop-in sustainable textile session reimagining recycled and donated fabric into bookmarks, keyholder charms, and mini fabric artworks. Explore the world of textiles, get crafty, and learn about the impact of textile waste.

Monday 18th August – Pop in and Play with Dads Rock – In the Children’s Tent today you’ll find Dads Rock with activities to keep your wee ones busy, just drop in between 13:00 and 14:00 to see what’s going on!

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Tuesday 19th August – Pop in and Play with Edinburgh for Under Fives – The team from Edinburgh for Under Fives is back to entertain little ones with a story and art activity to take home. Drop in any time and all are welcome!

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Saturday 23rd August – Meet the Gruffalo – Oh help! Oh no! It’s a Gruffalo! Meet Julia Donaldson’s most famous creation and join in with songs, dancing, and games. Don’t miss the opportunity to give the Gruffalo a cuddle, a high five or take a selfie.

Sunday 24th August – Meet Princess with The Unicorn Experience – For one afternoon only, step into the magic with Princess the Unicorn and the Unicorn Experience, including the opportunity to leave Princess a wish in her very own Wish Jar. Princess will be greeting families between 1pm and 2.30pm so make sure you arrive on time and are prepared to queue. Please note that due to unicorn welfare, Princess may need unexpected breaks. If you arrive too late to meet Princess, we suggest leaving her a wish and heading to our special unicorn craft session.

Sunday 24th August – Letters Fae the Locals with Refuweegee – Pop by and lend your creative brain to writing a welcoming message (or drawing!) to refugees arriving in Scotland. The team from Refuweegee will guide you in creating these heartwarming messages which will then be distributed within their community-built, personal welcome packs to help people feel more at home here.