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!

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
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
Elaine Bentley

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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