When I was in my early teens (I forget the exact year), I loved Judith Kerr’s autobiography When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit. Her family’s story of bravery really struck me and she became a hero of mine. On a visit to the Book Festival, she was doing a book signing for a children’s picture book event in Charlotte Square Gardens. Despite not having attended her event, she happily signed my copies of her books and chatted away to me, answering my many questions and encouraging my love of reading and fascination with history. I’ve cherished that memory ever since and am very grateful to the Book Festival for seminal moments in my life such as that one – they’re the ones that stick with you! And contrary to popular belief, you should definitely take the chance to meet your heroes.

Piper Booth