Top children's author in Malta

A top international children's author is in Malta for two weeks, touring government and private schools and meeting children as well as adults.

Lynne Reid Banks is one of the world's renowned authors, having under her belt over 30 bestsellers, selling millions of copies worldwide.

One of her most famous children's books, The Indian in the Cupboard, was also made into a major Hollywood film a few years ago.

Her most recent book, The Dungeon, is being officially launched exclusively in Malta, at Mdina Dungeons.

Her visit is being organised by Merlin Library, with the collaboration of the Malta Tourism Authority and UK publishers HarperCollins.

Ms Reid Banks also writes for adults, and her 1960s book The L-Shaped Room remains a cult post-feminist classic.

She is being accompanied by her husband Chaim Stephenson, a sculptor.

Following her talk at schools, there will be a performance of The Travels of Yoshi and the Tea-Kettle, a play set in exotic Japan, written by Ms Reid Banks and performed by the students of The Play House Drama School under the direction of Reuben Vella Bray.

Ms Reid Banks yesterday met President Guido de Marco.

During her stay, two other highly-anticipated events are being held, both free of charge courtesy of Merlin Library.

The first is a literary evening where Ms Reid Banks will meet Maltese authors and persons generally interested in children's literature, for an evening of discussion at the Manoel Theatre Courtyard on December 3.

The second, being held exclusively for children, is a morning with her at St James Cavalier on December 6, where those invited will have the opportunity to hear Ms Reid Banks read from her books, as well as to watch The Indian in the Cupboard - provided with the assistance of KRS Distributors.

Both events are already fully-booked.