No doubt a fair few bookworms will be cavorting about at the Edinburgh International Book Festival this August, but don't worry if you can't make it – there are loads of other fantastic literary events taking place across the country too. Have a riffle through some of our favourites…
Thursday 24 July - Buckinghamshire: Meet Barry Loser (7+)
The Roald Dahl Funny Prize winner Jim Smith, author of the Barry Loser series, is on hand in this hilarity-filled hour-long session to tell stories, make you giggle, and even give lessons on how to draw Barry and his gang!
Thursday 24 - Sunday 27 July - Cornwall: Port Eliot Festival
Nestled in the rhododendron garden of this annual Cornish festival of words and music is the Hullabaloo children's area. Here you can cavort with all manner of fantastical creatures – from trolls and fairies, to giants and pixies. The garden is presided over by the inventive Rogue theatre, who promise to offer an exciting selection of family-friendly activities and entertainment.
Friday 1 August - Cirencester: Meet Lauren St John at the Cirencester Literary Festival
Catch up with the author of the Firestorm series and hear her talk about her childhood in Zimbabwe and her fondness for wildlife. And, if this isn't enough to tickle your literary tastebuds, check out the other events in the festival here, from the 28th July until 2nd August.
Friday 1 August - Cardiff: Storytelling with Michael Harvey
Head down to Cardiff's St Mellons or Llanrumney libraries to hear stories from this Welsh bard, who'll be talking about the Mythical Maze Summer Reading challenge taking place in libraries across Wales (and challenges mean prizes…)
Saturday 2 August - York: Meet Kjartan Poskitt
Stand a chance of getting your books signed by this comedy master, as he releases his new book, Borgon the Axeboy and the Dangerous Breakfast.
Sunday 3 August - London: Manga comic workshop (7+)
Comic book fans should flock to this exciting chance to hear the secrets of the manga masters before setting out to create your own colourful characters.
Thursday 7 August - Tunbridge Wells: Explore Learning Workshop - The Wimpy Kid
Attention, attention, avid diary keepers and incorrigible wusses – in this session, you'll be able to put everything about a day in your life into your own journal entry! Unmissable for fans of Greg Heffley's tales.
Thursday 7 August - London: 100 years of Tove Jansson
Foyle's are hosting a ball of a birthday party to celebrate a century since the birth of talented Moomins creator, Tove Jansson. There'll be tales from Moomin Valley, arts and crafts and the chance to win some special Moomin prizes!
Friday 8 - Sunday 31 August - London: I Believe in Unicorns by Michael Morpurgo
Michael Morpurgo's classic is being brought to life in this Wizard Presents production of the novel. Set in a library full of books that contain more than stories, the story follows brave Tomas and his life changing meeting with the Unicorn Lady at his local library.
2nd-3rd and 9-10 August - Cardiff: Condensed Histories: World War One
Storyteller and entertainer Greg Chapman presents his distinctive take on history, offering the perfect way to learn more about the First World War in its centenary year.
Saturday 9 August - Newcastle: Dinosaur Fun at Seven Stories
Scale the prehistoric landscape as Seven Sisters puts on a special dinosaur celebration to mark 20 years since Henrietta Stickland's classic Dinosaur Roar! was published. Dress up as your favourite dinosaur – pterodactyls, tyrannosaurs and stegosauruses all welcome – for a chance to win a prize!
Tuesday 12 - Sunday 17 August - London: Handmade Tales
Leading storytellers Tap Tap Theatre are presenting six children's stories with the help of a variety of household items, live music and a heady dose of creativity at the South Bank Centre. Bring your imagination with you.
Friday 15 - Sunday 17 August - Norfolk: The Great Big Voewood Story
Amid the fun of this arts and music festival lies the Giant Book, in which everyone is invited to come and contribute their words and pictures. The book will then be available for download after the festival is over. Perfect for budding authors across the country.
Sunday 17 August - London: Family Day: The Sea at Keats' House
Perched opposite Hampstead Heath, the beautiful house of one of Britain's best-loved poets is hosting a day of adventures and activities on the deep.
Tuesday 19 August - Inverness: There's a Bear in the Cafe
In the midst of this exciting books festival in the Highlands, an action-packed reading of Michael Rosen's 'There's a Bear in the Cave' will take place. The tale follows the companion-less bear from the classic picture book We're Going on a Bear Hunt as he takes up residence in a cave. After the tale, everyone has the chance to make their own bear and lead him/her on a unique adventure.
Wednesday 27 August - London: Foyles' Back to School Party
This party is designed to banish any back-to-school blues by celebrating the best and worst teachers in fiction! Attendance definitely counts as homework for the new academic year.
Thursday 28 August - Buckinghamshire: Meet the Geek: Holly Smale (11+)
Holly Smale, the super-talented writer behind the gutsy debut Geek Girl, is to read from her new book, Geek Girl: Picture Perfect, and answer your questions about her life as a writer.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
Boasting over 700 events for adults and children, even the fussiest of bookworms will find their book heaven in this incredible celebration of literature. Tickets are selling out quickly, but you're still in with a chance of meeting Lauren Child and Mog creator Judith Kerr, attending a Big Sing-a-long with Nick Cope, hearing about the final instalment of the Dustlands Trilogy from Moira Young, and getting the lowdown on the power of fiction from children's laureate, Malorie Blackman.
Whatever you're up to this summer, enjoy!
