THE biggest book festival in the North-east opened a new chapter today with a talk by a children’s book author and illustrator.

Students from Hardwick Primary School, Bowburn School and Shincliffe Primary School attended the opening event of Durham Book Festival, which was hosted by Durham Johnston School.

Writer Simon Bartram began the session by reading from his first book, Man on the Moon, and looking at the illustrations with the children.

He then went on to read from his second book, Bob’s Best Ever Friend.

The session was interactive, with the author asking questions and engaging his audience with each turn of the page.

Afterwards, Mr Bartram said: “It was really good fun. It always is with the kids.

“I try to create a bit of a pantomime. You find that kids are a good audience wherever you go.”

A theatre adaption of his book is touring the north of England until the end of October.

The tour runs from September 26 to October 31 and stars Matthew Gundel as Bob, the Man on the Moon.

It will include newly-adapted songs and music to accompany the story as it is brought to life on stage.

Commenting on the tour, Mr Bartram said: “I just saw it, actually. It’s really brilliant.

“The music and songs were all really good, and the kids loved that as well.”

Durham Johnston School hosted two other events today by Pip Jones and Linda Newbery.

Durham Book Festival runs until October 17 and will feature popular authors such as Bill Bryson and Philip Pullman.

Other highlights of the festival include talks from leading coalition figure Vince Cable, as well as former Labour minister and Sunderland South MP Chris Mullin.

For more information on the festival, visit www.durhambookfestival.com.