We are extremely proud to launch a new and completely original episode from Philip Pullman’s bestselling His Dark Materials. Once Upon a Time in the North is a companion volume to Lyra’s Oxford (though about double the length of that story) and set in Lyra Belacqua’s world before Lyra was born. It is the story of the tough American balloonist Lee Scoresby and the great armoured bear and Lyra’s guardian, Lorek Byrnison. The book recounts the very first meeting of these two heroes – Lee Scoresby and his hare daemon, Hester, crash land their trading balloon on to Novy Odense, a port in the far Arctic North, and so find themselves right in the middle of a political powder keg that threatens to explode into a street-fight. Honour is at stake and Lee is not a man to duck a matter of honour.

Writer and comedian Charlie Higson has brought Bond to life for a whole new younger generation through his fantastic Young Bond series. With four titles already out and one due for late 2008, the centenary year of Ian Fleming's creation is full of exciting prospects for James Bond fans. Focusing on the current title Hurricane Gold, a fast-paced adventure set in the wilderness of Mexico, Charlie Higson will entertain young and old alike with his fantastic knowledge of the world's most famous secret agent.

Children love to play – and so do adults, if they’ll only admit it. Words are toys and language is a huge adventure playground of climbing frames, sand-pits, slides and rides. We present a lively and unusual look at the twenty-six letters of the alphabet, led by writers Marcus Moore and Sara-Jane Arbury. From ABC to XYZ, this expressive performance of characters, cartoons and cameos follows all-action workshops at Cowley library in February and March and completes a unique project. Remember: an alphabet a day keeps the scholar at play.
For 10 – 13 year olds

In association with Oxfordshire County Libraries

Have you ever wondered when to introduce your baby to a book? The answer is probably sooner than you think. The youngest of babies can enjoy exploring texture, shape and sound and this interactive session from Ladybird is a fun-filled demonstration that allows parents and babies to enjoy together. Giveaways will include a free ladybird bug and a CD with songs and rhymes.

Numbers limited to 10 adults with babies, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Giveaways to include a Ladybird headband, gingerbread and stickers.

Have you ever wondered when to introduce your baby to a book? The answer is probably sooner than you think. The youngest of babies can enjoy exploring texture, shape and sound and this interactive session from Ladybird is a fun-filled demonstration that allows parents and babies to enjoy together. Giveaways will include a free ladybird bug and a CD with songs and rhymes.

Numbers limited to 10 adults with babies, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Giveaways to include a Ladybird headband, gingerbread and stickers.

Help us celebrate the National Year of Reading with a visit to the Book Swap Tipi in the Master’s Garden, Christ Church. Bring along a book that you’ve enjoyed but finished with, leave it for someone new to enjoy and take away a different book that has been loved by someone else.

Supported by White Horse Tipi Village Holidays 07767 303673

Join Justin to find out where he gets the ideas for his fantastical adventure stories – whether he's devising the quest for Atlantis, organising a battle against steam-driven dinosaurs, or working as author and Creative Consultant on the BBC's series of Doctor Who books. Discover the truth behind The Chaos Code and get a sneak preview of his sequel to The Death Collector as Justin returns to the mysteries and dangers of Victorian London for The Parliament of Blood.

Hop along to this charming interactive puppet show that brings The Tale of Peter Rabbit to life. Help Peter escape from Mr McGregor's garden, and join in the celebrations for Jemima Puddle Duck’s centenary this year. Giveaways to include Jemima stickers, bunny ears and bookmarks!

Materialise at this very special Doctor Who Quiz or miss out on the chance to win some fantastic prizes! Quizmaster Nicholas Briggs, the voice of the Daleks and Cybermen, will ensure a fantastic afternoon of fun and adventure. It’s a rare opportunity to meet a truly evil special guest – a real, live Dalek. Watch out, though – if your quiz answers aren’t up to standard you will be…exterminated! Come dressed up as your favourite Doctor Who character – spot prizes will be awarded.

£9.00 if you book at the same time for both this and Writing Dr Who, event no: 127.

Giveaways to include bookmarks and a mini Spot board book for everyone!

Sponsored by Oxford University Press

National treasure and acclaimed illustrator Shirley Hughes talks about her work, including her much-loved picture-book character Alfie, and the endearing story of Dogger, which was voted top in a poll of award-winning picture books. Shirley will also give a sneak preview of her forthcoming picture book, Jonodab, to be published in the summer. This is a rare opportunity for families to see Shirley, and gain insight into her work and life.

A madcap session from the quirkiest and liveliest poet and guitarist in town! See James perform a range of wonderfully weird and fantastically strange poems from his new collection, Time Travelling Underpants. Come and discover that Mary didn’t have a little lamb but a slug that came to a sticky ending! Talking of sticky – did you know that Goldilocks was a dab hand at cooking porridge? Perfect for 7-777 year olds. Why not bring along your own air guitar and join in?

You probably thought aliens came down to Earth to take over the planet – but, no, they simply want to steal your pants! This zany, hilarious tale – a Richard and Judy Book Club Winner written by Claire Freedman – is delightfully brought to life by its vibrant illustrations and is sure to enchant and amuse the whole family. Come and meet the illustrator, Ben Cort, and help him draw some wacky new aliens – in underpants, of course. A fun, madcap event – you’ll laugh your pants off!

Join award-winning illustrator Anthony Browne, creator of Gorilla and Willy the Wimp, for this hands-on and interactive session. Anthony will talk about the Shape Game and how it has been part of his work since he began creating picture books, and he will also share his new book Silly Billy, an atmospheric exploration of childhood worries and how to overcome them. One of the most popular and stylistically distinctive children's book artists around, Anthony recently won the highest international accolade for children's book illustration, the Hans Christian Andersen Award, for his services to children's literature.