Taking over the Institut for a whole week are a series of workshops, arts and crafts events, talks and book signings with some of the most-loved children's illustrators and authors from both sides of the Channel.
The events are suitable for all ages, but advanced booking is a must! And with so much on, it's worth scanning the website yourself to see which picks most attract you. For those looking for a guiding hand, however, here is our round-up of highlights from the South Kensington Kids Festival 2016:
Monday 14th November
Adama: In this animated film, our eponymous hero makes his way from West Africa towards a war-struck Europe in search of his brother.
April and the Extraordinary World: Welcome to a version of 1941 in France over which Napoleon V rules. In this twisted historical vision, April goes on a search for her missing scientist parents with her cat, Darwin and her scoundrel friend.
Tuesday 15th November
Sophie's Misfortunes: In this French film with English subtitles, mischievous Sophie gets up to no good.
Stick Man: This happy-go-lucky film tells the story of a father's journey to make it home in time for christmas, coming across a swan's nest, a dog, a wild river and fire!
Wednesday 16th November
Charlie and the Water Queen: This bilingual film sees Charlie falling down a well whilst trying to investigate a water shortage. She finds herself in an underground world ruled over by a ruthless water queen.
Messy Monster Special: This English animation celebrates the CBeebies hit, Messy Monster. After the screening, the team behind the Okido magazine will be there to teach your little ones all about how to draw their characters, Messy Monster and Zim, Zam, Zoon.
Thursday 17th November
There are meet-and-greets galore on Thursday, with greater of The Gruffalo, Alex Scheffler in attendance to tell a whole host of stories to the festival. Marianne Dubec, Timothy De Fombelle and Marcelino Truong.
There will also be a workshop with Nandana Sen, Indian writer and child rights activist, who will be discussing poverty, sustainability and gender equality. She will also take her listeners on a wild ride with the characters of her new book, Kangaroo Kisses.
Quentin Blake, beloved patron of the Festival, will be on hand to talk about his enthusiasm for French culture, expressed through his favourite songs, words and pictures.
Friday 18th November
Alpha: A dramatic performance of illustrator in residence Barroux's graphic novel. With a translator on hand, Barroux tells the inruiging story of a West African migrant who leaves the Ivory Coast to find his French family.
Poetry Slam: This year's Multilingual Poetry Slam celebrates language, giving children the chance to perform their poetry, expressing their thoughts and experiences on the theme of migration.
Saturday 19th November
Workshops abound on Saturday featuring classes from David Litchfield, author of The Bear and the Piano and star guest of Tales on Moon Lane, who will be creating a big bear band with the kids.
Impro! is a fun interactive live draw-jam session, where music and drawing will come together like never before. Trumpet player Itamar Borochov will improvise on stage whilst little illustrators fill up a giant canvas.
There will be drawing classes with Serge Bloch and Bridget Marzo, of Sam-Sam or Max & Lili and Tiz & Ott's Big Draw. Barroux will also be giving a drawing class, alongside David Litchfield.
Sunday 20th November
On Sunday, there are workshops with Barroux, Sam Usher, Veronique Tadjo, Bridget Marzo and a range of others where little ones can get to grips with drawing on paper and using interactive technology.
The BFG (2016): A film about a big giant with a bigger heart, this year's family classic is showing at 4.30pm.
Ages suitability varies according to event, book now to avoid missing out on a place at any of these magical events! See the website for more information and to book your place here.
| What | South Kensington Kids Festival 2016 |
| Where |
Institut Francais 17 Queenberry Place , London, SW7 2DT | MAP |
| Nearest tube | South Kensington (underground) |
| When |
14 Nov 16 – 20 Nov 16, Times vary according to event |
| Price | £5-10 |
| Website | Click here for more information and to book |
