To set the tone for a riotous April Fool's Day, join Francesca Simon as she talks about her latest books starring deadly enemies Horrid Henry and Moody Margaret - this time as they lock horns to find out just who is the champion joker. Share the side-splitting jokes, dastardly dares and enjoy the ultimate hilariously horrid showdown. But whose side are you on?

Sponsored by Critchleys

The Savage is a uniquely presented story - part novel and part graphic novel, written by master storyteller David Almond and strikingly illustrated by visionary artist Dave McKean. Imagine you wrote a story and that story came true. This is exactly what happens to Blue Baker when he writes about a savage living alone in the woods near his home - boundaries become blurred and Blue begins to wonder where he ends and the savage begins. Come and find out how writing a graphic novel differs from writing a traditional book and the power of melding story and pictures with two masters of the art. Chaired by Nicolette Jones..

Sponsored by Critchleys

Skilled and experienced storyteller Rand Russell returns to the Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival to perform rhymes, stories and mysteries. Don't miss his unique, high-energy performances, guaranteed to take you to places where no storybook has gone before!

Sponsored by Critchleys

Skilled and experienced storyteller Rand Russell returns to the Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival to perform rhymes, stories and mysteries. Don't miss his unique, high-energy performances, guaranteed to take you to places where no storybook has gone before!

Sponsored by Critchleys

Can you roar like a tiger or hiss like a snake? Or would you like to sing along to The Wheels on the Bus? Join Sam Taplin and Felicity Brooks for an action-packed session as they demonstrate Usborne's award-winning sound-chip books: Noisy Animals, Noisy Jungle and First Picture Action Rhymes.

Sponsored by Critchleys

Can you roar like a tiger or hiss like a snake? Or would you like to sing along to The Wheels on the Bus? Join Sam Taplin and Felicity Brooks for an action-packed session as they demonstrate Usborne's award-winning sound-chip books: Noisy Animals, Noisy Jungle and First Picture Action Rhymes.

Sponsored by Critchleys

Hens oinking, sheep barking and mice mooing ... Find out why there are funny farmyard sounds with author/illustrator Emma Dodd who will be reading and drawing pictures from her new book, Miaow Said the Cow. Practise your own animal noises and be ready for some audience participation!

Sponsored by Critchleys

Hens oinking, sheep barking and mice mooing ... Find out why there are funny farmyard sounds with author/illustrator Emma Dodd who will be reading and drawing pictures from her new book, Miaow Said the Cow. Practise your own animal noises and be ready for some audience participation!

Sponsored by Critchleys

When Lulu goes to the zoo. she is sad for all the giraffes and the penguins too. In fact, she is sad for all the animals, so Lulu decides to release them from their cages and take them back to her house to live. Andy Ellis brings his story to life with its great read-aloud rhyming text and irresistible illustrations, and he asks his audience which animal they would like to bring home to live at their house.

Sponsored by Critchleys

Matty is a very orderly bear who lives with his not-so-orderly sister, Milly. But one day when a strong wind turns everything upside down, Matty finds himself in a bit of a mess... Miriam Moss reads from her book in a gentle story session for the under 5s, encouraging audience participation.

Sponsored by Critchleys

When Lulu goes to the zoo. she is sad for all the giraffes and the penguins too. In fact, she is sad for all the animals, so Lulu decides to release them from their cages and take them back to her house to live. Andy Ellis brings his story to life with its great read-aloud rhyming text and irresistible illustrations, and he asks his audience which animal they would like to bring home to live at their house.

Sponsored by Critchleys

Matty is a very orderly bear who lives with his not-so-orderly sister, Milly. But one day when a strong wind turns everything upside down, Matty finds himself in a bit of a mess... Miriam Moss reads from her book in a gentle story session for the under 5s, encouraging audience participation.

Sponsored by Critchleys

Come along and help The Roald Dahl Museum’s very own Oompa Loompas to do some noisy storytelling from Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes and Dirty Beasts. You might also get quite revolting and dirty yourselves (don’t tell the grown-ups), joining in with messy mask-making , squiffing stories and creative crafts.

Already the world’s bestselling history-book series for children, Horrible Histories is now all set for TV fame. Join best-selling Horrible Histories author Terry Deary, in conversation with Larry Rickard, who helped to bring this famous name to the screen and stars in the series. Hear how they adapted these funny and irreverent books to create what is sure to become another British comedy classic, and be the first to see exclusive sketches and footage from the series before it is aired this year. This is a perfect event for all the family.

2009 sees the 20th anniversary of Elmer, everyone's favourite patchwork elephant! Created by David McKee, Elmer is known and adored by children worldwide, and is the lovable star of numerous colourful picture books featuring all his jungle friends. Come and find out about his latest antics, meet Elmer himself - and you might even get to share some of his birthday cake! Party packs for all children attending.

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Meet Bob the Builder and find out about his 'Reduce, Re-use, Recycle' motto. Whether it's gardening with Wendy, tidying up with Muck or re-using rubbish to make new things, Bob is always environmentally aware. Travelling all the way from Sunflower Valley, Bob and storyteller Liz Fost will teach you how to look after the planet, recycle things around the house and re-use them rather than throw them away. With goodie bags for budding builders. Numbers are limited to 30 children, so book early to avoid disappointment!

Sponsored by Critchleys

Meet two successful children's authors with different approaches to writing. Helena prefers stories set in real life. Her books have covered such themes as starting secondary school, dealing with bullies and being burgled. Penny likes to mix and match fantasy and reality. She has written about ghosts, evil dog-catchers and talking elephants. Which do you prefer? Come and meet the authors and join in what promises to be a lively and humorous debate.

Sponsored by Oxford University Press

Come and have some musical fun! Genevieve Helsby, author of My First Classical Music Book and Meet the Instruments of the Orchestra! (published by Naxos Books), teams up with two professional musicians to present a children’s concert for all the family to enjoy. With famous tunes to spot, games to play, and the chance to join in on percussion instruments, there’s something for everyone.

N.B. Bring a silly hat and a piece of percussion! (Anything that makes a noise – even a saucepan lid and a wooden spoon... but don’t worry if you forget – you won’t be left empty-handed!) Family Event, all ages welcome.

Join Jason Bradbury, presenter of Channel 5's hugely popular Gadget Show, and an ultra-cool robot cast for the Robot Roadshow and hear Jason discuss his brand new book Dot Robot.  A slick cyber-thriller, Dot Robot sees the addictive world of online gaming brought to life in a fast-paced novel for readers aged 9+.

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Minty is delighted - she has found her very own talking toy bear called Tink! But Tink is to be a present for her baby brother, so she must think of a way to save him for herself. Emma Chichester Clark, the popular and prolific author, illustrator and anthologist, is considered one of England's most distinguished picture-book creators, whose work stands comparison with Beatrix Potter, Edward Ardizzone, Tony Ross, and Quentin Blake - her former teacher. Emma will be reading from her new book and giving an illustrated talk aimed at all the family.

Sponsored by Critchleys

Meet Bob the Builder and find out about his 'Reduce, Re-use, Recycle' motto. Whether it's gardening with Wendy, tidying up with Muck or re-using rubbish to make new things, Bob is always environmentally aware. Travelling all the way from Sunflower Valley, Bob and storyteller Liz Fost will teach you how to look after the planet, recycle things around the house and re-use them rather than throw them away. With goodie bags for budding builders. Numbers are limited to 30 children, so book early to avoid disappointment!

Sponsored by Critchleys

Have you seen The DFC yet? This brand-new weekly comic took the children's publishing world by storm earlier this year and some of its biggest and best contributors are coming to Oxford to tell you how they do it! Hear from David Fickling, publisher and creator of The DFC, as he introduces you to the writers and illustrators who help to make this exciting and totally original comic. All participating children will receive a free copy of The DFC!

Sponsored by Critchleys

Reading Quest, an Oxford-based charity aimed to create young readers, offers a hands-on experience for children aged 3-11 and their parents / carers . Workshop activities will include storytelling, games and activities, role-play with costumes, experiments with illustration techniques, a treasure hunt through books and stories, and insights for both adults and children into the double-dutch world of printed symbols.

Come and have some fun with Postman Pat and Jess to celebrate the launch of his new Special Delivery Service. Postman Pat has a special delivery to make, but there are some obstacles in his way. With the help of storyteller Liz Fost and some audience participation, will Pat make his delivery on time? Take home your very own Postman Pat goodie bag too! Numbers are limited to 30 children, so book early to avoid disappointment!

Sponsored by Critchleys

Step into the late Cretaceous period, when dinosaurs roamed the earth, with illustrator Mike Spoor. Two friends fall through an ancient beach cave into a world of dinosaurs in this exciting interactive event with games and stories all about your favourite prehistoric giants.

Sponsored by Oxford University Press

Come and say Raaaaaahhhh with Ian Whybrow, creator of Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs, at this special 10th-anniversary event which promises to be fun and interactive with songs and games for ages 5+.

Sponsored by Critchleys

Reading Quest, an Oxford-based charity aimed to create young readers, offers a hands-on experience for children aged 3-11 and their parents / carers . Workshop activities will include storytelling, games and activities, role-play with costumes, experiments with illustration techniques, a treasure hunt through books and stories, and insights for both adults and children into the double-dutch world of printed symbols.

Come and have some fun with Postman Pat and Jess to celebrate the launch of his new Special Delivery Service. Postman Pat has a special delivery to make, but there are some obstacles in his way. With the help of storyteller Liz Fost and some audience participation, will Pat make his delivery on time? Take home your very own Postman Pat goodie bag too! Numbers are limited to 30 children, so book early to avoid disappointment!

Sponsored by Critchleys

If you'd like to become an honorary fairy and find out all about the best fairy school around, come along and meet Titania Woods.  Come dressed in your best fairy outfit and be prepared to get creative.  There will be competitions, storytelling and lots, lots more!

Sponsored by Critchleys

You probably thought aliens came down to Earth with a view to taking over the planet - but, no, they simply want to steal your pants! And why were dinosaurs wiped out? Did underpants play a part in history?  Come and meet Ben Cort, illustrator of bestselling Aliens Love Underpants and Dinosaurs Love Underpants, and be prepared for a very special inter-galactic, pant-loving mystery-guest appearance too!  Bring along the most "unusual underpants" you can find or make - pant-tastic prizes for the best!

Sponsored by Critchleys

Do some people possess extraordinary – even paranormal – mental abilities, such as the ability to read another’s mind, or move an object solely by the power of thought? Are some people psychic? This session will both amaze and educate you! Come and be astonished by some remarkable mental powers, and then learn the truth! Stephen Law is a London University philosopher and the author of The Philosophy Files and The Philosophy Files 2. Ian Rowland is a professional magician.

One of today's most celebrated illustrators, Shirley Hughes, author of the beloved Dogger and Alfie stories, always knew her daughter, Clara Vulliamy, would be an artist too. In this illustrated event, chaired by children’s book reviewer and expert Nicolette Jones, they talk about their new books Jonadab and Rita and The Lucky Wish Mouse. Chaired by Nicolette Jones

Sponsored by Critchleys

Join award-winning author and illustrator Sam Lloyd and her lovable collection of monster puppets.  Help her to Calm Down Boris! and make fabulous friends with Wendy the Wide-Mouthed Frog. Say Hello Dudley and sit on your hands when Scary Sid is around.  An irresistible mix of puppets, story-telling and songs for 3-5 year olds.

Sponsored by Critchleys

At least that's what they say.  Award-winning children's author Sean Taylor will be asking riddles, telling stories and reading from his new picture book in a light-hearted session for children aged 3-8.  Sean is the author of more than 20 books for children, including The Bopping Big Band, The Great Snake, When a Monster is Born and the Purple Class series.

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Chris Higgins writes perceptively and sensitively for her teenage audience. Her books feature believable characters and plots that reflect a profound knowledge of the issues that affect young adults. Join Chris to talk about writing, reading and life.

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Best-selling and bushily bearded Philip Ardagh will be talking about what turned him into the author he is today (quite apart from the extra large meals and the total lack of shaving). He will be explaining what inspired him to write, what he loves about writing and why being absolutely useless at everything else is a godsend. With photographs, readings and audience participation, you can be sure of an event to remember with plenty of laughs along the way and come and be one of the first to find out about Philip’s new book Stinking Rich and Just Plain Stinky (Grubtown Tales).

Sponsored by Critchleys

Join Jeremy Strong for his brand new show, the Big Jam Explosion, and hear all about the creation of his best-loved characters, as well as how Jeremy went from donut-stuffer to multi-award winning writer.  With his unique brand of silliness, the Big Jam Explosion is a hilarious treat for boys and girls aged 6+.

Sponsored by Critchleys

Join award-winning author and illustrator Sam Lloyd and her lovable collection of monster puppets.  Help her to Calm Down Boris! and make fabulous friends with Wendy the Wide-Mouthed Frog. Say Hello Dudley and sit on your hands when Scary Sid is around.  An irresistible mix of puppets, story-telling and songs for 3-5 year olds.

Sponsored by Critchleys

Are good guys always good? Do you secretly cheer for the dastardly villains rather than the dashing heroes? The authors of the action-packed H.I.V.E. and Hero.com series will be locked in fierce debate of 'Heroes vs. Villains' and you, the audience, will judge the winner! Come and cast your vote in this battle of wits.

Sponsored by Oxford University Press

Join author and illustrator Kristina Stephenson as she acts out the heroic story of Sir Charlie Stinky Socks. He must bravely face ghastly ghouls, headless ghosts and a dark danger lurking in the cellar in order to retrieve a princess's teddy bear. Join in with an arts and crafts session to make the characters from Kristina's books.

Sponsored by Critchleys

Now the 12 best, chosen from over 1,000 entrants, will compete in a grand final compered by Jeremy Paxman. Finalists will recite a selection of poems in front of the Sheldonian audience, television cameras and most importantly a panel of expert judges (including the author Philip Pullman), who will choose an Off By Heart champion. This promises to be an unmissable event – warm, funny and compelling, it should have universal appeal.

In May BBC 2 will air a 90-minute documentary, made by independent production company Silver River, following the 12 finalists as they prepare for and compete in the final. An anthology of all the poems recited by the finalists, as well as other favourites to learn by heart, will be published to coincide with the competition and documentary.

Join in the celebrations for the 40th Anniversary of the world's bestselling picture book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, with a fun, interactive event for children aged 2 and up. The 45-minute event will include lots of games, songs and activities, all themed around The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and will end with an interactive telling of the story. Presented by professional storyteller Justine de Mierre and supported by Puffin Books.

Sponsored by Critchleys

Calling all valiant knights and questors! Six mystical beasts are guarding magical golden armour for the evil wizard Malvel. In this interactive event, help the good wizard Aduro to solve the cryptic puzzles and free the beasts from Malvel's evil spell. Beast Quest goodies for all participants!

Sponsored by Critchleys

Don't miss this rare chance to meet best-selling author Malorie Blackman, who will be in Oxford to introduce the fourth title in her provocative and stimulating Noughts & Crosses sequence: Double Cross. This series has won many awards, including the Fantastic Fiction Award: the only award with a short list - and winner - entirely chosen by teenagers. Noughts & Crosses was also voted as one of the nation's 100 favourite books in the BBC Big Read survey.

Sponsored by Critchleys