Mark your calendars! 28 May is Hay Festival’s Art Day, and who better to headline this celebration of creativity than our very own Joanna Quinn. The Oscar-nominated and BAFTA award-winning animator—now also an author—published Beryl with Graffeg in September 2025, bringing one of animation’s most beloved characters to the page.

Beryl follows an unconventional heroine: a middle-aged woman navigating life’s challenges with humour, resilience and determination. From factory worker to aspiring artist, Beryl’s journey is a powerful and uplifting story of female empowerment, creativity and chasing your dreams, resonating with readers and animation fans alike.

This beautifully produced book offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the animation process, featuring sketches, storyboards, final artwork and insightful commentary from Joanna Quinn and screenwriter Les Mills. It also includes a scene-by-scene adaptation of the Academy Award®- and BAFTA-nominated Affairs of the Art, making it a must-have for anyone interested in animation, filmmaking and visual storytelling.

At Hay Festival 2026, Joanna will be leading two animation workshops for children and families (the first is already sold out!) and delivering a highly anticipated talk from 4–5pm on the Spring Stage. Expect hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, creative insights into the making of Beryl, and even some live animation. Joanna will also be signing copies of Beryl in the bookshop following the event.