Sorry folks I have been through the Windsor Festival (14 to 28 September) brochure and there is no sign of fictional books like Vampirates.

For those close to Edinburgh, the Edinburgh International Book Festival is back in August with Justin Somper visiting. See www.edbookfest.co.uk
Curse of the Vampirates with Justin Somper
AGE 8 – 12, Saturday 23 August at 3.00pm, RBS Corner Theatre, £3.50
Ahoy Vampirates! Batten down the hatches and prepare for a hurricane of fun in this swashbuckling adventure at sea. Learn the hidden secrets of your favourite nightwalking pirates with Justin Somper, who gives you a top secret sneak preview of Black Heart – not out until 2009!

Others of interest

Eoin Colfer
AGE 10 – 14, Saturday 9th August at 11.30am, RBS Main Theatre, £3.50
The teenage criminal mastermind is back. The latest book in the Artemis Fowl series (described as ‘Die Hard with fairies’ by its creator) sees our hero come face to face with his worst opponent yet – his younger, more evil self! Join the outstanding, energetic Eoin Colfer for this thrilling, time-travelling event.

Terry Pratchett
Families & 8+, Saturday 16th August at 1.30pm, RBS Main Theatre, £9.00 £7.00
The inimitable Terry Pratchett takes us on an enlightening tour of his most famous creation, Discworld, in the year of its 25th anniversary. For fans from eight to eighty, this is a pleasure not to be missed at any cost.

Terry Pratchett
Adults , Saturday 16th August 1.30pm, RBS Main Theatre, £9.00 £7.00
The inimitable Terry Pratchett takes us on an enlightening tour of his most famous creation, Discworld, in the year of its 25th anniversary. For fans from eight to eighty, this is a pleasure not to be missed at any cost.

The Beano’s Barrie Appleby - seeing as it is based in Scotland and my son is a fan.
FAMILIES & 6+, Monday 25th August at 6.30pm, RBS Corner Theatre, £3.50
Barrie Appleby’s comic illustrations have been enjoyed by generations of children. For young fans and nostalgic readers, this is a treat not to be missed as The Beano celebrates its 70th birthday. Meet the artist behind Dennis the Menace and Roger the Dodger and watch as your favourite characters come to life right before your eyes!

If you ever wondered what Cheng Li's Katanas looked like, a set of three Japanese Katanas have appeared on ebay.

As part of Norfolk's Monster Festival of Children's Books, Justin Somper will be at Waterstones in Castle Street on Tuesday 10 June at 4.30-5pm. For more information see the official Website, The Nocturn or our news section.