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9 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 21 OCTOBER 2026 CULTURE National Book Festival shows bring books to life for younge readers THE Malta Book Festival, or- ganised by the National Book Council, which will take place at the Ta' Qali Fairs and Con- vention Centre between 4 and 8 November, invites visitors from all walks of life, with a dynamic programme that cel- ebrates all aspects of book cul- ture. As a dynamic celebration of the book in its many forms, the Festival has never shied away from multimedia expe- riences that emerge from the written word. This year is no exception, as readers have one invitation to accept – to dis- cover history – whatever its form. This year, the Festival will feature three theatre shows in- spired by recent works of Mal- tese literature for children and young people. These shows, which have been adapted for the stage and will be performed by More or Less Theatre under the ar- tistic direction of one of the theatre's leading producers, Malcolm Galea, are all aimed at different ages. This ensures inclusivity and accessibility, and ties in with the Festival's commitment to promoting a culture of reading and buying books among its visitors. "Book adaptations, whether they are plays, films, television series or musicals, always add to the visibility of the origi- nal text. After experiencing a book in 45 minutes, there is a greater chance that children will read the book and experi- ence the full story," said Galea, adding that the company is keen to start from an already complete and formed idea, and to interpret it in its own unique way. As part of this initiative, the following shows will be per- formed during the Festival: Glenda and the Granite Machine Adapted from the picture book by Claudia Aloisio For ages 5-8 years On the 4th, 7th and 8th of November at 10:00 With the participation of Naomi Said and Leanne Abela Glenda is always ready to jump and play, but her father is always glued to his phone and doesn't have much time for her. One day, Grandma gives her a very special gift: an old granita machine that has been in their family for many, many years. Covered in lights, sounds and buttons, the machine makes the best granita Glenda has ev- er tasted. But it also has many secrets... secrets that could change Glenda's life, as well as the lives of her family, over- night. Are you ready to dis- cover the magical mysteries of this granita machine together with Glenda? Tickets here Irvin Vella – The Case of the Lucky Box Adapted from the novel by John A. Bonello For ages 8-12 On the 4th, 7th and 8th of November at 14:00 With the participation of James Ryder and Malcolm Galea Someone has broken into the Lucky Shop and commit- ted a crime. What were they looking for, and why? Since Madame Delphia can read for- tunes, perhaps she could have discovered who did it. Unfor- tunately, she ended up uncon- scious in the hospital. Galea said, "We saw this as an opportunity to create a the- atrical game where the audi- ence can help Irvin solve the case. The story has enormous immersive potential where the audience can look for clues in each scene and discuss them with Irvin before deciding who the main suspect is at the end of the show." Tickets here Ella Adapted from the novel by Rita Grech For ages 12-16 On the 4th, 7th and 8th of November at 18:00 With the participation of An- gele Galea, Amelie Calleja Agi- us and Matteo Camilleri Testa Since Ella's mother died, her father has been going through a difficult time and has turned her to drinking. When Ella thought the situation couldn't get any worse, her father start- ed dating a new woman, who moved in with them along with her son. Suddenly, El- la finds herself at odds with everyone, and the only person who understands her is her mother's sister, Aunt Jeanella. Galea describes Ella as, "the story of Ćiklemfusa given a modern Maltese twist" with a youth story that touches on topics such as what it means to be a parent, such as grief after death, and young people's re- lationships. Tickets here Entry to all shows is free, but anyone planning to attend must register on Eventbrite . Stay up to date by following the National Book Festival on Facebook , the National Book Council on Instagram , and check out the Festival page on our website here.