A festival where schools and authors come together to provide an interactive platform to inspire a love of books.
About us
The Children’s BookFest is unique in its aim to include all children. Through bringing authors, poets and illustrators into local schools, we provide an experience where they can share their passion for reading and books.
During the BookFest, each child will meet and hear an author, and receive a dedicated and signed book. For some children it might be the first book they own.
In the UK, “2 in 5 children between the ages of 5 and 8 from disadvantaged backgrounds do not own a book of their own” and “3 in 10 eleven year olds in Chichester leave primary school unable to read at the level expected for their age.” (National Literacy Trust).
As a charity we are committed to encouraging children of all ages to read books, opening their minds and inspiring a love of the written word.
Sir Mark Featherstone-Witty
Patron & Trustee
Sir Mark has a background in publishing, education and the arts. After envisioning the BRIT School, he was Founder of the award-winning university, The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) with Paul McCartney as Lead Patron. He then founded LIPA Primary/High School and LIPA Sixth Form College. He is a tireless advocate for the right of young people to forge a career in a sector which is undervalued by the UK government and is a true visionary, as well as being both passionate and pragmatic.
Iszi Lawrence
Patron
Iszi has so many strings to her bow it’s practically a harp. Not only is she a prolific writer of historical fiction for children, she’s also a comedian, podcaster and History presenter. Her back catalogue of kidslit is astonishing, with subjects ranging from jiu jitsu suffragettes to female spitfire pilots. Her recent novel for 9 to 12 year-olds, City of Spies, follows the real Culper Spy Ring in New York during the American Revolution, and the next two instalments in her series for 6 to 9 year-olds, The Time Machine, were released in April 2024.
Our Patrons and Trustees are Volunteers!
Our Patrons and Trustees are Volunteers!
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Penny Tomlinson
CBF Founder & Trustee
Penny has a background in magazine publishing and was part of an inspirational team that launched the renowned Appledore Book Festival in Devon.
Favourite Children’s Book
The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier -
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Sahra Gott
CBF Founder & Trustee
Sahra has a long track record in publishing and event organisation.
Favourite Children’s Book
The Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde
