Anthony Browne: Scottish Friendly Children's Book Tour

Last month we took the Children’s Laureate Anthony Browne out on tour across Scotland. The Scottish Friendly Children's Book Tour kicked off in Edinburgh at the National Galleries of Scotland and finished in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire. This week, Anthony stops by the blog to reflect on the tour and some of the sights he saw along the way.

It was a very early Sunday morning start for me as I drove to Gatwick to catch the 8 o' clock plane to Edinburgh on 9th May. As I set off I was wondering if this was such a good idea - six days of travelling around Scotland, two schools each day and in the company of people I'd never met before. I needn't have worried. I was met at the airport by Chris and Heather and taken to the beautiful Botanic Gardens for a gentle stroll and a strong cup of coffee, then to the equally stunning National Gallery, where there were lots of creative and enthusiastic children all keen to join in the drawing activities.

Later, a relaxing drive in the very comfortable Scottish Book Trust van took us to Fife. On the way we stopped off to look at the incredible Forth rail bridge, and conversation was easy and amusing with my new friends.

The rest of the trip continued in the same vein, a happy mixture of perceptive, interested and interesting children, enjoyable journeys with friendly companions and  great sights to see. I saw parts of Scotland I'd never seen before, travelling North through Dundee, Carnoustie, Brechin, Fraseburgh, Peterhead, Lossiemouth, and visited the setting for Local Hero at Pennan. Everywhere we went I was amazed at the magnificence and beauty of the landscape.

Before I became the Children's Laureate I spent most of my time sitting quietly in my studio painting, but now most of my waking hours are spent talking. Gradually throughout the week my voice became quieter and quieter. I flew home exhausted but very happy.

To find out more information about the Children's Laureate and Anthony Browne then visit the website!

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On the next Scottish Friendly Children's Book Tour we will be taking the wonderful and funny author Dominic Barker to the Western Isles from the 20-24 September. We are still looking for schools to participate in the tour, for more info visit the touring page.

Other news:

We are very excited to tell you that the final book in the Hunger Games trilogy, Mockingjay, is out on the 25 August – there are quite a few people at Scottish Book Trust who have been looking forward to this book for quite some time! We are waiting with baited breath already...

Join the Scottish author and playwright Cathy Forde in a Glow Chat on Thursday 17^th June at 1.30pm! Watch Cathy’s creative writing videos before the event and ask lots of questions about creative writing and Cathy’s new book ’15 Minute Bob’. All you need is a Glow log in – click on this link to join:http://tinyurl.com/cfglowmeet

This Friday (June 11^th) Kenneth Steven will be joining the Aberfeldy Watermill to read from and talk about his new book The Ice and Other Stories.  Tickets are £4 from the Watermill and include a glass of wine and £2 off the book. To see Kevin and to book tickets for the event then simply call 01887 822896 or click here to be re-directed to their website.