About Us

A festival where schools and authors come together to provide an interactive platform to inspire a love of books.

Children's BookFest illustrated circular badge depicting multicultural children holding hands over an open book

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. 

Building on the experience of the last 5 years of hugely successful Children’s BookFests, the team is now looking forward to expanding the number of schools they reach in both Chichester and Bognor.

After hosting the amazing Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Rob Biddulph and Richard Coles, we also plan to bring more literary fundraising events to Chichester in the coming year. Keep an eye out for all the latest news.

Introducing our new CBF Patrons…

 

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.

 

  • ‘Imagination is the foundation of creativity, the human ability to think about what does not actually exist (and creativity is not limited to the arts, which many believe when they say ‘I’m not creative’). The arts exercise our imagination because they entice us to live in someone else’s world. You read a book, which you know isn’t true, but, as you are drawn in, the characters and the events become real. You live in the life of the book. Every time you re-read a book you re-enter another world. This is why book ownership is so important for young people and why I am involved with this splendid initiative.’

    Sir Mark Featherstone-Witty

  • ‘The Children's Book Festival is a beacon of literacy and inclusivity, fostering a love for reading among children from all backgrounds. As a proud patron, I am thrilled by its unique approach. By bringing authors directly into schools, the festival ignites imaginations and sparks conversations that resonate with young minds. What sets it apart is its commitment to accessibility – the charity buys a book for every child to keep, regardless of their circumstances. This tactile connection to literature is invaluable, instilling a sense of ownership and pride in their growing libraries. Meeting authors not only inspires creativity but also reinforces the power of storytelling in shaping futures.’

    Iszi Lawrence

Who We Are

 
Black and white photograph of Penny Tomlinson, Children's BookFest Founder and Trustee

Penny Tomlinson
BookFest 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

Black and white photograph of Sahra Gott, Children's BookFest Founder and Trustee

Sahra Gott
BookFest Founder & Trustee

Sahra has a long track record in publishing and event organisation. 

Favourite Children’s Book
The Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde

Black and white photograph of Elaine Bentley, Children's BookFest Fundraiser and Trustee

Elaine Bentley
BookFest Fundraiser & Trustee

Elaine worked at Pallant House Gallery for 25 years with responsibility for all the revenue and capital fundraising.

Favourite Children’s Book
Blackberry Farm by Rosie Clarke

Black and white photograph of Jen Rogers, Children's BookFest Trustee, Outreach and Food Bank Co-ordinator

Jen Rogers
Trustee, Outreach and Food Bank Co-ordinator

Jen, a trained primary school teacher, has a passion for books and reading. She loves sharing stories with children and is passionate about placing books into the hands of all children, despite their circumstances.

Favourite Children’s Book
The Tale of The Flopsy Bunnies by Beatrix Potter

Black and white photograph of Amanda King, Children's BookFest Accountant and Trustee

Amanda Kings
Trustee and Accountant

Amanda has worked her entire career in finance and has spent the last 15 years working in the charity sector.

Favourite Children’s Book
White Fang by Jack London

Annie Ashworth
Trustee

Annie is a journalist and novelist, and is the director of the Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival.

Favourite Children’s Book
Dogger by Shirley Hughes

James Gough
Trustee

James is the Director of GJG Consultancy and has over 25 years of experience in cultural management. 

Favourite Children’s Book
Fungus the Bogeyman by Raymond Briggs

Georgina Lippiett
Festival Director and Programmer

Georgina has an MA in Writing for Children and a background in organising and publicising literary events.

Favourite Children’s Book
Beaver Towers by Nigel Hinton 

Bec Hopkins
Social Media Extraordinaire!

Instagram and Facebook look dazzling thanks to her efforts.

Favourite Children’s Book
The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton 

Ali Totman
Book Review Champion

Ali has been a primary teacher for over 20 years and has a passion for inspiring a love of reading in children. The review section is her proactive way to help those wanting to find their next exciting read.

Favourite Children’s Book
Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild 

Abbie Herlihy
Administrative Assistant

Abbie has worked with children throughout her career, and currently helps to run Outreach experiences on the Goodwood Estate. As a local parent, Abbie has seen the impact of the BookFest in her children's school, and is delighted to now be part of the CBF team.

Favourite Children’s Book
The Dolls’ House by Rumer Godden

Jane Churchill
Festival Programme Consultant

Jane directed the children's programme for the Cheltenham Literature Festival for 17 years and is now a freelance children's book consultant.

Favourite Children’s Book
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Young children sitting next to each other on an outdoor bench engrossed in colourful books

Support the BookFest

From sponsorship and donations to opportunities to fundraise there are many ways to get involved. Each year Children’s BookFest ensures that thousands of local children are gifted new books. Your support makes all the difference!

Find out more

“A book is a dream you hold in your hands.”

— Neil Gaiman