A heap of events...

Taking a stroll in your local supermarket or bookshop and slaloming between their Back To School isles, you would be forgiven for having gloomy thoughts involving lunch boxes, new pencil cases and itchy school uniforms. But fear not, September hasn't come yet and when it does, here are a few things to liven it up no end...

The Mountain to Sea dlr Book Festival will take place between Sept 7-12. The line-up for the kids' events is very exciting, and includes the likes of Cathy Cassidy, Kevin Waldron, Celine Kiernan, Sarah Webb and lots more. And yes, there's a host of interesting 'adult' stuff too: Jonathan Coe will be around! For more, the programme is here.

On Saturday 11 September, Children's Books Ireland and SCBWI Ireland organise an information seminar on writing and illustrating for children in Tallaght. Between the Lines is a chance for the aspiring writer or illustrator (or multi-tasking genius) to hear authors and artists (Jane Yolen, Adrienne Geoghegan, Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick, Keith Gray), commissioning editors and agents (Clodagh Feehan, Paddy O'Doherty, Mary Webb, Julia Churchill, Faith O'Grady). And to top it all, there is the possibility of getting your stuff critiqued by some of these people! What more do you want?? Details of time-table, fees and all can be found here.