The Oddsocktopus

THIS EVENT WILL RUN TWICE: 11.30-12.30 + 14.00-15.00 – FREE ENTRY

Come and hear Christian Foley’s debut picture book The Oddsocktopus – inspired by growing up by the sea in Jersey – performed live. But that’s not all. Expect rap remixes of rhymes you thought you knew (Nursery Grime). Expect to marvel at Superhero poems or be animated by songs about your favourite cartoons. Expect to hear Christian’s new book (Babblin’ Animal Raps) full of tricky, tantalising tongue twisters like ‘Emily Anemone’ and ‘Wannabe a Wallaby’.

Expect rocket speed riddles and have a go at rapping over your own rhythms. Expect Christian to make it up as he goes along, and work your words into interactive, improvised freestyles … you may even get on stage. Expect words that flicker and words that flame, expect words that spit fire which will never be plain. Through this high-tempo performance blending song, story and poetry, expect to learn a love of language whatever age you are.

Competition

All primary school aged children who are coming along to the event also have the chance to enter a fantastic competition. Simply submit five words about something they love – whether it’s a hobby, favourite subject, food, pet, or maybe a special interest – for a chance to hear Christian create a personalised rap live on stage! For an extra challenge, why not suggest children include a tricky word they think Christian will find impossible to rhyme!

Entries should include the child’s chosen topic and five favourite associated words together with their first name, school and the session time they’ll be coming to. The deadline for submissions is 22 September, and winners will be notified by 24 September. Please send entries to [email protected]

“Christian Foley’s rhymes swirl and whirl, they twirl and curl through this underwater world. Dancing words twist and turn to the rhythm of the sea. This is storytelling with a hip-hop spin. Dive in deep. Journey with an octopus who has eight new socks and a very odd tale to tell…” – Michael Rosen