Giles King-Smith At Alton Arts Festival

Published on Tuesday, July 16th, 2024

Goldfinch Books in Alton, Hampshire was the venue on July 13th for me to give another talk about my dad Dick King-Smith’s life and career, as part of the inaugural Alton Arts Festival.

In comfy chairs (or on the rug if you were a child) a group of families – and a few older DKS fans – gathered for a quick PowerPoint presentation (thanks to skilled laptop operator Otto, Dick’s great-grandson!), then some readings, and time for questions. As previously, “Sophie’s Snail” held everyone’s attention, and there was also time for the first chapters of “The Sheep Pig” and “George Speaks”. I have to confess that my vocal stylings for “The Sheep Pig” (monosyllabic grunts for Farmer Hogget, silly-vicar voice for the Vicar, demented West-Country yapping for Mrs. Hogget) don’t get quite the ecstatic response I’m hoping for. Is it a case of the syndrome that Dick himself suffered from – not being quite as funny as you think you are?

Anyway … thanks to those who came, and to Gary and his son and daughter for hosting us. Amongst other DKS books, Gary had advance copies of the new edition of “Harriet’s Hare” (see elsewhere in the blog). If you’re ever in Alton, Goldfinch Books is a great independent bookshop, with a café and a bar. They’d love to see you!

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