Top authors will inspire Renfrewshire schoolchildren as part of Paisley Book Festival
Hundreds of schoolchildren across Renfrewshire will delve into the world of writing as part of this year's Paisley Book Festival.
Article Source: Paisley Book Festival
Last Updated: 26 March 2025 10:30
Award-winning authors and poets are taking part in an extensive schools programme which will encourage and inspire young people to love reading, writing and books.
Sessions involve children aged from P1 through to S3, and include events at Paisley Town Hall as well as in 14 school and public libraries.
They will take youngsters on a literary journey through history, sport, adventure and Scotland’s amazing landscape.
The Paisley Book Festival Schools Programme will run from April 23 to 25, with the main festival taking place from April 25 to 27.
Building on the success of previous years, the schools initiative will reflect the festival’s The Lives We Live theme, considering concepts such as home and identity, travel, love and work, drawing inspiration from Paisley’s rich, creative history - celebrating the distinct personal experiences which shape superb Scottish writing and storytelling.
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of festival organisers OneRen, said: “There’s something special about seeing young people realise the magic of the written word. That’s what makes the schools programme one of the most uplifting parts of Paisley Book Festival.
“We have a fantastic line-up of writers taking part, all of whom are fantastic at sharing their own love of writing in a fun and engaging way which inspires the next generation.”
The writers taking part this year are:
● Tom Palmer, a children’s historical and sports fiction author with 54 books to his name.
● Lindsay Littleson, a former primary school teacher and children’s author from Uplawmoor, near Glasgow. Her latest novel Ice Cream Boy has been shortlisted for Peters Children’s Book of the Year.
● Barbara Henderson (pictured), the award-winning Inverness-based author of 12 children’s books, including her latest eco adventure, I Don’t Do Mountains.
● David Macphail, the Perthshire writer who has written more than 30 fiction and non-fiction books, often inspired by travel adventures which saw him work as a pool waiter, a chicken farmer and ghost tour guide.
● Brian Conaghan, whose new novel, Stealing Happy, is to be released this month (March) and whose last release, Treacle Town, was named the Honour Book for Fiction at the 2024 KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Award. It has also been shortlisted for the 2025 Carnegie Medal.
● Joseph Coelho, the former Waterstones Children’s Laureate who is an award-winning poet, playwright and children’s author. He aims to inspire young people through stories and characters they can recognise, exploring themes including fear, courage, diversity, gratitude, empathy and loss.
Organised by OneRen, Paisley Book Festival 2025 is supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
Full details about the Paisley Book Festival line-up - including booking information for the main festival events - are available at www.paisleybookfestival.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden
The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.
READ MORE
Love Your Lawn with Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.
READ MORE
First Paisley Comedy Festival hailed a hit
Audiences packed Paisley's Town Hall and Arts Centre for inaugural event with former MP-turned-stand up performer among the headliners.
READ MORE
Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week
Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.
READ MORE
BBC Introducing comes to TRNSMT Festival, bringing 20 rising stars
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has announced the BBC Introducing Stage, previously River Stage, will showcase 20 of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.
READ MORE
Fun for all the family on the Paisley First Busy Bees Spring Trail!
Paisley's Busy Bees Spring Trail is buzzing into town from Friday April 4th to Monday 21st April.
READ MORE
Former Pipe Band World Champions to represent Scotland in Tartan Day parade in New York
A Renfrewshire youth pipe band are going to the annual Tartan Day parade in New York for the first time.
READ MORE
The hoppiest time of the year at the National Trust For Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland is hopping into spring as it hosts 40 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care in April!
READ MORE
Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book
Innis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.
READ MORE
Could you steal the show at the Paisley Comedy Festival Open Mic Night
Think yer funny, aye? Then now's your chance to show it... an Open Mic Night takes place on Friday 4th April as part of the first Paisley Comedy Festival.
READ MORE
Council funding helping to fill empty town centre premises in Renfrewshire
Local businesses are being supported to grow and expand into empty ground floor town centre premises thanks to grant funding provided by Renfrewshire Council.
READ MORE
Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops
Garden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations.
READ MORE
JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has revealed five new artists to the Glasgow Green billing, including two of the hottest UK acts right now, JADE and Myles Smith!
READ MORE
Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month
More than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.
READ MORE
Top authors will inspire Renfrewshire schoolchildren as part of Paisley Book Festival
Hundreds of schoolchildren across Renfrewshire will delve into the world of writing as part of this year's Paisley Book Festival.
READ MORE
Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue this spring
To coincide with World Theatre Day this Thursday (27 March), Vue venues in Scotland are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.
READ MORE
Scottish youth hostelling charity launches initiative reviving funded breaks for disadvantaged young people and families
An organisation that runs youth hostels across Scotland is launching an initiative to provide free stays for disadvantaged young people and families.
READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals 18 big dance acts for Glasgow Green
BBC Radio 1 Dance is taking over the much-loved Boogie Bar to bring some of the best dance music to Glasgow Green this summer on 11-13th July!
READ MORE
UB40 ft. Ali Campbell brings legendary vibes to Kelpies Live at Helix Park
UB40 ft. Ali Campbell are set to light up Falkirk as part of Kelpies Live at Helix Park, marking a triumphant return to Scotland for one of music's most iconic acts.
READ MORE
Aldi calls on children to design a poster for food action week
To mark Food Waste Action Week (17th – 23rd March), Aldi is calling on children in Scotland to design a poster that encourages people to reduce food waste.
READ MORE
Giant gold girder stuns Scots as competition heats up
With three 18-carat golden girders worth £10,000 still out there, IRN-BRU unveils giant hanging girder to encourage Scots to get on the hunt!
READ MORE
Family fun awaits at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break
From Wallace & Gromit to Sonic the Hedgehog, there’s plenty to enjoy at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break.
READ MORE
Exciting new play venue for kids set to open in Renfrew
Families in Renfrew and the wider Glasgow area can now look forward to hours of fun and adventure as a brand-new instagrammable role play village has teased its opening for April.
READ MORE
Foodies alert! Loch Lomond Springfest is back
Loch Lomond Springfest, one of Scotland's biggest FREE food festivals, is back on the 5th and 6th April at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has curated a unique experience to help guests unwind
To mark World Sleep Day, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is introducing the Sleep Retreat Essential Spa Break, designed to help guests prioritise rest and relaxation.
READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival has all the ingredients for the perfect foodie day out!
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next month and looks set to be the biggest yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before.
READ MORE
Young people get creative kickstart to careers through cultural programme
Over 200 of Renfrewshire secondary school pupils have been given a unique insight into creative and cultural careers through a bespoke programme.
READ MORE
Visitors to celebrate 2,000 years of history at summer events
Over 2,000 years of history will be celebrated this summer as Historic Environment Scotland announces its 2025 summer events programme!
READ MORE
First Nomination concept store in Scotland to open at Braehead Shopping Centre
Jewellery lovers, get ready! Braehead Shopping Centre is bringing something truly special to Scotland this month.
READ MORE
Come and experience the Ideal Home Show Scotland this Spring!
Get ready, Scotland! Ideal Home Show Scotland sponsored by EcoFlow is back at Glasgow's SEC from 23rd - 26th May 2025 and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our followers!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links