British illustrator and writer Chris Riddell is the current Children’s Laureate, and a passionate holder of that title in defence and advocacy of children’s literature and literacy. He is also a great children’s author, known for his Goth Girl character and others. But perhaps of foremost interest to us at the club, Riddell – with Steve Bell – is Britain’s leading practitioner of that great tradition: the political satirical cartoon.

The timing of this BookNight for January was planned before the recent events in Paris, and puts those of a year ago into sharp focus. Riddell will talk about the cartoonist’s craft and tradition – that of the mockery of power. Members who subscribed to the Frontline broadsheet will recall his fine work for us, and readers of the Observer newspaper know his hollow humour well.

This will be an in-depth discussion rather than a standard format Q&A. The evening will start with drinks at 7:00 PM, following by a sit-down dinner at 7:30 PM. We will get to know one another over starters before the introduction of the evening’s guest author.

The event will be hosted by Frontline Club director, Pranvera Smith, and founding member and senior correspondent at the Guardian and the Observer, Ed Vulliamy.

Menu £25 per person excluding drinks.

The idea behind members’ BookNights is to have a thoroughly good time, encourage reading and discussion, and to end the night both merrier and wiser than when it began. For more information about membership and the other benefits on offer, please contact membership coordinator Sophie Kayes.