Becky Grace
1 Oct 2023
Meet an author, get your book signed and begin your life-long love of reading!
We are so excited to have three bestselling children's authors coming to Maidstone LitFest over the weekend of 7/8 October.
One of the driving goals of the festival is to help children develop a love of reading, introducing them to amazing authors and incredible stories.
A F Steadman – Skandar and the Phantom Rider
Saturday 7 October, 11am–12pm, £8
All Saints Church
Internationally bestselling author A F Steadman talks about the inspirations for her blockbuster hit series. Skandar and the Unicorn Thief , the first book in the series, was recently crowned Waterstones Children's Book of the Year, and the series has been translated into over 45 languages.
A.F. Steadman grew up in the Kent countryside, getting lost in fantasy worlds and scribbling stories in notebooks. Before focusing on writing, she worked in law, until she realized that there wasn’t nearly enough magic involved.
Skandar is also being made into a movie by Sony Pictures... Watch this space!
"Soar into a breathtaking world of heroes and ferocious unicorns as young Skandar takes to the skies to battle a deadly enemy"
"Skandar and the Unicorn Thief brims with wild adventure, fierce sky battles, elemental magic, ferocious unicorns and a terrifying enemy."
Lindsay Galvin – Call of the Titanic
Sunday 8 October, 11am–12pm, £7
Maidstone Museum
Bestselling author Lindsay Galvin explores the inspiration for her latest book, Call of the Titanic, as she discusses the myth of Rigel, the Newfoundland dog, and the Captain who saw a Sea Monster.
Lindsay's third novel is a new spin on the sinking of the Titanic, offering an uplifting alternate history of real-life survivor, Sid Daniels. A touching animal friendship lies at the heart of the story, as well as hints of mythology which showcases Lindsay Galvin's trademark combination of exciting adventure, real-life history and a magical twist!
"an exciting historical adventure - with a touch of magic - set aboard the Titanic"
Lucy Strange – The Storm and the Minotaur
Sunday 8 October, 3–4pm, £7
Archbishop's Palace
Bestselling Kent author Lucy Strange has written six books for children, the latest of which, The Storm and the Minotaur, is a dyslexia-friendly short story which would appeal to reluctant readers.
Join Lucy for an adventure deep underground – to a world where a mythical creature comes to life, where children work in the darkness, and disaster is just about to strike...
Discover the real-life inspiration behind this breathtaking tale!
"an eerie weaving of history and mythology, in the hollow, haunted world of not-so-long-ago."
"packed with peril"