Random House Children's Books, in conjunction with Children's Books Ireland, the National Library of Ireland and the Scottish Book Trust, present a unique exchange event with highly acclaimed teen fiction authors Kate Thompson and Keith Gray.

Kate and Keith will participate in a lively debate about writing for a teenage audience, chaired by Robert Dunbar, broadcaster and Irish Times reviewer. They will also discuss their experiences of living in voluntary exile from England, in their adopted homelands of Ireland and Scotland respectively.

Kate Thompson is a multiple-award winning author of such books as The New Policeman and The Last of the High Kings. She is the only four-time winning author of the Bisto Award for Irish Children’s Book of the Year. Her latest book, Creature of the Night, out in June 2008, is highly anticipated. It is a gritty, hard-hitting tale of disaffected youth, with Kate’s trademark twist of the supernatural.

  “A riveting read from page one… I could not fault it.”
  Niall MacMonagle

Keith Gray is the virtual writer in residence at Scottish Book Trust. He is the author of such acclaimed books such as Warehouse, Malarkey, and The Fearful. His new novel is the eagerly awaited Ostrich Boys. He currently lives in Edinburgh.

When: Monday 30th June 2008

Time: Drinks reception at 6.30pm. Event 7.00-8.30pm with book signing to follow.

Where: The National Library of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2

Tickets: Places are free but strictly limited, so please book in advance. Contact CBI on 01-8727475 or at info@childrensbooksireland.ie for further details.

A partner event will take place on Thursday 26th June at the Scottish Book Trust.