Organisers of the festival have always been conscious that younger readers are its future, so this year they are catered for better than ever.
The Family Book Festival runs over Festival Saturday and Sunday, from 10.30am to 4.15pm on both days with many of the activities free of charge.
For the events where there is a charge, none is more than £5, and there is also the Family Day Pass, which costs just £30 for either day, and permits entry for up to five family members, including two adults, to any of the highlighted Family Day Pass events in the programme.
At such good value, the passes are very popular, so people need to book these early as there is a limited number and they do sell out.
Director Paula Ogilvie says the event has always strived to ensure younger readers feel their literature is an integral part of the programme.
“The Family Book Festival is at the heart of what we do and seeing families and young readers enthralled at meeting and listening to some of their own literary heroes up close and in person is always fantastic. We hope this year they’ll find the Family Book Festival is better than ever.”
Highlights on the Saturday include the return of Kristina Stephenson with her latest and hugely popular Sir Charlie Stinky Socks tale.
Lauren St John talking about her lifelong passion for animals, which has led her to her much loved novels and work with the Born Free Foundation.
Radio 2 broadcaster Simon Mayo will also be at the festival talking about the latest adventure of his science-loving hero, Itchingham Lofte.
Highlights on the Sunday include Andy Stanton and his immensely popular Mr Gum books, while Sally Magnusson and Norman Stone return for the latest tale of their much-loved character, Horace the Haggis.
Also back by popular demand is Vivian French, Ross Collins and MJ McCarthy who will entertain young audiences with stories, singing and maybe a bit of dancing too.
There are also free storytime and rhymetime sessions, as well as singalong sessions, clowns and circus skills. So there is plenty for families to see and do, making for a great day out.
Although not strictly part of the Family Book Festival, Deadly 60 TV presenter Steve Backshall’s appearance in the Homecoming Scotland Marquee on the opening Thursday night, looks set to prove a smash hit with families as it is suitable for those aged nine-plus.
Backshall will talk about his book for young readers, Tiger Wars, his memoir, Looking for Adventure, and about his experiences in Bhutan searching for tigers.
The event is at 7.30pm, with tickets priced £14, £12conc.