Lauren Child in conversation

Join author and illustrator Lauren Child CBE in conversation with fellow Carnegie Medal-winning author Sarah Crossan and illustrator Sara Fanelli to discuss why children’s literature isn’t always taken seriously.

19:00 (doors open at 18:15 to view the exhibition) | General ticket £10, Friends £8

This very special event will see Lauren in conversation with fellow Carnegie Medal-winning author Sarah Crossan and illustrator Sara Fanelli, chaired by journalist and author Hannah Beckerman. They will be discussing why children’s literature isn’t always taken seriously; why work for children is looked at differently; and how we must value childhood creativity and expression. There will also be an opportunity to see the exhibition before the event starts.

With her unique ability to see the world through a child’s eyes, author and illustrator Lauren Child CBE is one of the most influential and innovative writers of her generation. Her creations include the popular picture book series Charlie and Lola and Clarice Bean as well as the Ruby Redfort books for older readers.

Sarah Crossan is an Irish author. She is best known for her books for young adults, including Apple and Rain and One, for which she has won several awards.

Sara Fanelli is a British artist and illustrator, best known for her children’s picture and poetry books.

Hannah Beckerman is an author and journalist, and works as a freelance features writer and book critic for The Observer, the FT Weekend Magazine and The Sunday Express, and is a regular book pundit on the Sara Cox Show on BBC Radio 2.

To complement our latest exhibition, Quentin Blake: Gifted, Lauren is curating a programme of digital and live events for us exploring the role of illustrators and writers in addressing children’s fears and anxieties: What do you think about when you think about nothing?