Our 2012 programme is launched at midday on Thurs 21 June - you will be able to view all Festival events once it has been launched. Ticket sales open on Fri 29 June.
Julia
Donaldson ...
Julia Donaldson began her writing career as a singer/songwriter for children’s television during which time she was called upon to pen lyrics about all manner of strange and wonderful topics – from guinea pigs to window cleaning. It was not until 1993, when one of her songs was made into a book, that she dipped her toes into the world of publishing. Since then she has written over 150 books for children of all ages and gone on to become one of the nation’s best-loved children’s writers. She is probably best known for her lovable monster the Gruffalo which was voted the nation’s favourite bedtime story by BBC Radio 2 listeners and has been adapted for stage and screen.
When she is not writing Julia can often be found performing her work to children across the UK and she has been a regular and hugely popular guest at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Related media
Audio listings
Julia Donaldson reading Ballad of Jemmy Button
The massively popular children's writer and new Children's...

New Writing
The Ballad of Jemmy Button
Around Cape Horn the wind howls cold; the glaciers meet the sea. A captain came with button box to bid for natives three...
Related Books
You can buy these books from our bookshops during the festival subject to availability
What the Ladybird Heard
Related News
Julia Donaldson named as new Children’s Laureate
Legendary children’s writer Julia Donaldson has been named as the new Children’s Laureate
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