The Big Dog mascot, a large and fluffy orange dog, from the children's book festival taking place in Dumfries.

Big DoG 

Scotland's unique standalone children's book festival

Dumfries, 22-24 March 2024

Taking place in venues across the town, Big DoG is a family-friendly festival which attracts some of the best children's authors from across the UK to share stories and inspire the next generation of readers and writers.

Highlights 2024

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Big dog, the mascot for Big Dog Children's Book Festival.

Explore the full programme

Book Tickets

Visiting for the festival?

Follow the links for guides to Dumfries and the surrounding area

A bridge over the river Nith in Dumfries. Buildings and a church spire in the background.

Places to Stay

View the most comprehensive guide to accommodation in Dumfries from VisitScotland

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In the town centre of Dumfries, a pedestrianised area on a sunny day. Shoppers mill around.

Places to Eat

View the Scotland Starts Here guide to Dumfries

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Illustration showing the top of the head of the 'big dog' character, a rusty coloured dog.

Accessibility Information

View the Access Guide for Big DoG 2024

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Get Involved

Join the Big DoG Book Festival team in our mission to help children fall in love with reading.

Volunteer

From drivers to event stewards, there's a role for everyone.

Become an ambassador

Help spread the word about Big DoG

Learn more
At a children's book event a volunteer holds up an illustrated banner with hand drawn lettering. In shot it says 'by day'.
At a children's book festival event outdoors in a garden. Two children listen and interact.

Hear the Latest

Follow our social media channels for the highlights, latest news and on-the-scene updates during Big DoG.

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Schools Gala Day

Friday 22 March

We're kicking off Big DoG Book Festival with a FREE Schools Gala Day.

Children's book cover Smile by Clarice Bean. Yellow background with illustrated girl lying down facing towards you not smiling.

Sign up your classroom to join award-winning author Lauren Child as she introduces her newest Clarice Bean novel, SMILE. Clarice knows It's not just the planet that needs help - there's her whole family too and if you want things to change for the better, it's not just up to everyone else, it's also up to you.

This event will take place before the official publication date of SMILE so pupils attending will be the first in the UK to hear about the latest installment of the Clarice Bean series.

Recommended for ages 7-12

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Children's Book Festival authors Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre pose in brightly coloured clothes, each holding a cartoon mouse in their hands.

Storytelling superstars Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre are back! Join them to discover their brand-new, superbly silly and endearing series for early readers, Adventuremice! Meet their plucky hero, Pedro – he’s tiny, but while looking for a BIG adventure he is rescued by the ADVENTUREMICE – a brave, determined team who keep all the Mouse Islands safe from harm. Learn how to draw Pedro, take part in a brilliant interactive storytelling and help Philip and Sarah invent wild and wonderful new islands.

Recommended for ages 5-8.

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At a children's art workshop, a young child uses a paintbrush on a large board. In the background are bottles of paint and brushes.

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Illustration showing the top of the head of the 'big dog' character, a rusty coloured dog.

Explore the full programme

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