Join us for some ‘Dragons in Stromness’ on Tuesday 25 March 2025 at 7.30pm in Stromness Library, where children’s author Vivian French MBE and illustrator will discuss creating a children’s picture book.

The evening will begin with a little interview; Vivian will ask Kate about her work balance of fine artist/children’s book illustrator, and her work in progress. They will talk about creating a children’s picture book, and the relationship of illustrator with author… and how that works. Vivian will read from the latest book illustrated by Kate, An illustrated Treasury of Dragon Tales – Stories from Around the World. Kate will paint live to the reading. Kate will bring along some work from her current practice.

Vivian French lives in Edinburgh with her husband and small opinionated chihuahua. She has published over 300 books, won numerous awards, and been writer in residence at book festivals all over the country. She is also a visiting tutor at the Edinburgh College of Art (illustration dept) Patron of the Wigtown Book festival and Co-founder of Picture Hooks. One of the most borrowed children’s authors in UK libraries, Vivian was awarded an MBE in 2016 for services to literature, literacy, illustration and the arts.

Kate Leiper is an Edinburgh-based artist and children’s book illustrator, fascinated by myths, folklore and legend and inspired by animals and nature. She graduated in printmaking from Gray’s School of Art, Aberdeen, where she first began to explore how narrative, character and emotion are visually represented, which eventually led her to illustration. Her work is mainly in pastels and is notable for its use of colour, intricate detail, atmosphere, emotion and occasional humour. Her illustrated work includes the Illustrated Scottish Treasuries, written by Theresa Breslin and published by Floris Books, along with ‘A Wee Bird was Watching’ and ‘The Queen of the Birds’, written by Karine Polwart and published by Birlinn. She regularly exhibits her artwork and has work on permanent display at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh.

Tickets cost £4 for OAS members, £5 for non-members and £2 for children, and can be purchased in advance via TicketSource or on the door if still available.

, Culture & Heritage, Culture & Events, Stromness