Catch our Book Week Scotland online content from 15 – 21 November.
During a week-long celebration of books and reading, we had a series of events for you to get involved with and join in on the fun.
Our events took place both in-person and online – below you’ll find.
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Jonathan Meres, author of Scaredy Bat
YouTube
North Lanarkshire favourite Jonathan Meres is back with a new picture book – Scaredy Bat. The author of The World of Norm and Noodle Doodle has teamed up with illustrator Anders Frang and together they have created a whimsical visual feast of story for three to six-year-olds.
When Little Bat can’t sleep one morning, Middle Bat and Big Bat are quick to tease and accuse him of being scared of the light. To prove them wrong, Little Bat will have to leave the old oak tree – all by himself.
To receive a link to this video from Jonathan, please complete the form below:
Priscilla Mante, author of Jaz Santos vs The World
YouTube
Priscilla Mante grew up in Cumbernauld and is now a writer based in London. She spent several years delivering arts, literacy and cultural programmes to young people and currently works in corporate communications. Children’s fiction book Jaz Santos vs the World is her debut novel.
Things begin to go wrong for Jaz when her mum moves out, leaving her behind. Determined to fix everything, she creates her own girl’s football team to be the star her mum always wanted.
Bookbug Online
YouTube
Celebrate Book Week Scotland by joining us online for our weekly Bookbug Online session. The session promotes a love of reading and storytelling through the use of songs, rhymes and stories.
Carole Johnstone, author of Mirrorland
YouTube
Originally from Lanarkshire, Carole Johnstone is a debut novelist of the book Mirrorland – a psychological suspense with a gothic twist. She now lives in Argyll & Bute, and is currently working on her second novel: a very unusual murder-mystery, set in the equally beautiful Outer Hebrides. Previously Carole has had short stories published all over the world.
Set in Edinburgh, Mirrorland was a make-believe world created by twin sisters Cat and El as children to escape, but from what? Now in her thirties, Cat has turned her back on her past. But when El goes missing, Cat is forced to re-enter a forgotten world of lies, betrayal and danger and confront the the reality that her childhood wasn’t as idyllic as she remembers.
Graeme Armstrong, author of The Young Team
YouTube
Originally from Airdrie, author Graeme Armstrong broke onto the literary scene last year with his debut novel The Young Team.
The book follows the story of Azzy Williams growing up in Airdrie, the industrial heartland of Scotland. The tale is inspired by the experiences of Graeme himself and sees lead character Azzy drawn into a life of his friends, his gang and his young team. As he ages, he wants out of the lifestyle, but getting out isn’t as easy as getting in.
The Young Team has gone on to win Scots Book o the Year and the Betty Trask Award.
Book Week Scotland Podcast
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We have a special episode of our For the Love of Books podcast which will feature Scottish author Carole Johnstone, writer of debut novel Mirrorland. If you miss her live online event earlier in the week, you won’t want to miss our podcast to catch up. Download and listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast platform or listen to it on our YouTube channel.
Oliver Jeffers at the Observatory
YouTube
Writer and Illustrator Oliver Jeffers visited the Observatory at Airdrie Library. His visit included an interview with us where Oliver will chat about books, space, COP26 and more.
School classes in North Lanarkshire were invited to submit questions for us to ask Oliver and some were included as part of the interview. We also have a teacher edition focussing on the importance of picture books.
Kids Edition
Teacher Edition
Storytelling Video
In addition to this, we have an exclusive reading of Oliver’s new book There’s a Ghost in this House by Oliver himself. To receive a link to this video, please complete the form below:
Book Speed Dating Online
YouTube
Our staff have some fantastic Scottish reading recommendations for you. We created a short video with different staff who tried and convince you their book choice should be your next read. Watch the video below, you can vote for which one you are most likely to pick up and read next on our Menti poll. Catch the video on our Facebook page or YouTube channel.
Book Week Scotland’s Scotland-wide Programme
Monday 15 November – Sunday 21 November
Various platforms
As well as our own events, the team behind Book Week Scotland collated all the events happening throughout Scotland into one easy-to-use website. The whole Book Week Scotland programme is viewable with details on how to get involved.