Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Imagine Children's Festival, Southbank Centre

Anyone with a pre-teen will already be au fait with the cartoonish cult that isDiary of a Wimpy Kid. Penned by American authorJeff Kinney, this best-selling series is responsible for winning over even the most reluctant of young readers. The ever hilarious foibles of the titular wimp, Greg, combined with snappy language and bold, comic book style illustrations prove irresistible for children ages 7 to 11. Great literature it may not be, but the Wimpy Kid franchise is loved as much by those parents who, after despairing over their children's refusal to read, find themselves prising these books out of little hands at bedtime.

The Wimpy Kid show brings the zany literary world to life. As an American -- who is adept at churning out a steady stream of novels to bolster the series -- Jeff Kinney could not commit to a book tour to launch Wimpy Kid nine,The Long Haul. Instead he recruited host Alastair Watsonto invite readers along to a show jam-packed with book-based fun. With a draw-along and lessons on how to recreate the characters at home, a Wimpy Wars quiz and video clips of Kinney discussing the book series and subsequent film adaptations this is an exhilarating event for Wimpy Kid fans.
For ages 8+

About the Southbank Centre, Imagine Children's Festival 2015

If you are racking your brains to find half term activities in London, look no further than the Southbank Centre. For two weeks this February, kids will occupy the arts complex for the annual Imagine Children’s Festival. With a jam-packed schedule overflowing with lively events for all ages, this year’s festival promises to match the resounding success of last year. Kids will swap schoolbooks for immersive theatre, music, singing, poetry, Q &As with their favourite authors and even flamingo croquet! With a stellar line-up and whole host of free events, this is the perfect way to light up a grey February with the family. Click here for the full programme.