Imagine Childrens Literature Festival.

13-16 Feb 2006. To coincide with the February half-term holiday, the Royal Festival Hall is hosting a festival of literature featuring five popular childrens authors. First up is celebrated poet Roger McGough reading from his latest books The Bees Knees and Bad, Bad Cats in the Purcell Room on 13 Feb. On 14 Feb award-winning writer Lauren Child talks about Hans Christian Andersens The Princess and the Pea and the dolls house-sized sets she created to illustrate the story. Some of these sets are on display in the foyer of the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Author and illustrator Simon James follows on 15 Feb with entertainment for ages six and over. Also on 15 Feb Geraldine McCaughrean reads from her latest adventure story The White Darkness, suitable for over-12s. Popular Australian author Morris Gleitzman closes the festival on 16 Feb with a talk about his new book Once. Admission 7, children 4.50, family package 17. Times vary between 11.00 and 14.30. All festival events are held in the Purcell Room except the Lauren Child talk, which is in the QE Hall.