The UK's number one bestselling children's authors Julia Donaldson and Sir Michael Morpurgo will herald the hugely welcome return of London's largest children's books event when they open the Barnes Children's Literature Festival which returns this Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 June.

The queen of picture books along with her husband Malcolm, will perform two shows at Barnes with singing, dancing and storytelling from her stories including The Gruffalo.

Sir Michael Morpurgo returns to Barnes with his new book, A Song of Gladness, which was inspired by his time living in lockdown.

Julia and Sir Michael will lead another stellar line with events by former UK Children's Laureates Dame Jaqueline Wilson and Lauren Child, superstar illustrator Axel Scheffler and the country's favourite comedian Julian Clary.

They'll be joined by the Costa Children's Book Award winner Hilary McKay, the winner of the Blue Peter Book Prize, Elle McNicoll and the hilarious author illustrator team from Supertato, Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet.

Children's literature legend. Helen Oxenbury who will make a rare festival appearance having designed this year's Festival poster, which has been inspired by Barnes beloved Judith Kerr's most famous creations, The Tiger Who Came To Tea, and her own classic, We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Other highlights include the Covid for Kids Science Show with international Covid-19 authority Professor Tom Solomon, the ABC of Opera with baritone Mark LLewelyn Evans and family storytelling workshops with Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.