A CURIOUS collection of colourful characters will be appearing at Ilkley’s Literature Fringe Festival on Saturday. (October 10)
A Belted Galloway bull, his Beltie bairns, a wood mouse, a sheep, a runaway chilli pepper and quite a big rock come under the banner of children’s book publisher Curly Tail Books.
During the last two years, since the company was formed, the two-woman team behind the independent publishing house has forged a reputation for high quality children’s books and fun reading and activity appearances.
The business was launched with the publication of A Quite Big Rock, the first children’s book written by graphic novelist and comic book writer Alan Grant, famous for Judge Dredd and Batman.
Although based in Galloway in the south-west of Scotland, writer and editorial director Jayne Baldwin was born in Otley and grew up in Guiseley, before the family moved to Ben Rhydding.
She has written three books for children and two historical non-fiction titles, while business partner her hotel. Shalla Gray is the author and illustrator of several children’s books including Charlotte’s Woolly Yarn and the Galloway Chilli.
Jane said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to bring my books back to the place where I grew up.”
One of the books is entitled Big Bill’s Beltie Bairns.
The free event on Saturday will be at All Saints School, Ilkley, at 1.30pm, and is suitable for the under-tens age group. There will be fun and games, readings and activities.
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