Children’s BookFest Bognor 2023
7th - 8th February 2023
After the success of the Children’s BookFest 2022 in October, we decided to take the plunge and bring Bognor Regis its own, dedicated festival for 2023! And the first Children’s BookFest Bognor didn’t disappoint.
On 7th and 8th February, 5 authors gave 14 sessions to over 1000 delighted children – and of course Children’s BookFest bought each child their very own book, personally signed for them by the authors.
Everyone entered into the spirit with gusto. Gareth P Jones wrote a song in honour of his visit to Bognor and wowed Downview School with his vibrant mix of song, comedy and puppetry. He inspired almost 200 children with his love of storytelling and his irreverent delivery style, what a talent! He spoke about his many books, answered every single (brilliant) question from his audience with refreshing honesty, and enthusiastically signed towers of copies of ‘Solve Your Own Mystery – The Missing Magic,’ until his hand almost fell off.
Candy Gourlay arrived at South Bersted School like a summer breeze. She spoke to two different age groups about two of her books; ‘Mike Falls Up’ for Years 1,2 and 3, and ‘Tall Story,’ for Years 4, 5 and 6. Candy captivated all age groups with her descriptions of growing up in the Philippines and empowered every class with the tools, empathy and energy that reading and writing stories can cultivate in all of us. A pupil in Year 2 commented, ‘It was great to get a new book from an author! I’ve loved reading it and have read it four times already!’ Candy’s stories are utterly immersive, and the children were delighted to receive a signed copy from such a talented and generous personality.
Tim Tilley’s story, ‘Harklights,’ is magical, moving, and marvellous, and his presentation to Years 5 and 6 was all that and more. Tim is an illustrator as well as a writer, and he brought both Nyewood Junior and Rose Green Junior alive with his interactive sessions. He also sparked art and stories in children that surprised even them! Meghan, in Year 5 at Nyewood said, ‘After the author experience, I have created a notepad at home to write down my writing ideas. I’ve written three stories so far!’ Tim also brought treats in the form of ‘Story Bones,’ a handy guide to writing your own stories, and then spent huge amounts of time signing books, talking to the children about their favourite films, stories, artists, video games, you name it, and ended with high fives and fist bumps for anyone who wanted them (teachers included).
Jess Franklin, Reading Co-ordinator at Downview Primary School said, ‘The children loved Iona’s penguin presentation and Years 5 and 6 were buzzing after seeing Gareth’s musical extravaganza! We have loved the whole experience and it was great to see how appreciative the children were of the books they have been given.’
And Kim Wood, Assistant Headteacher at Nyewood CE Junior School said, ‘Bookfest was an incredible experience for our children. We couldn’t believe the value for money and the children absolutely loved having an author in school. The buzz that was created from meeting the authors and also having their very own copy of the books was fantastic! We will be taking part again next year!’
As for the authors, well, they love nothing more than connecting directly with their readers. Iona Rangeley said, ‘The excitement of the children at the BookFest is always palpable. It’s amazing to see so many kids so enthusiastic about reading and owning a new book, and after every visit I always receive messages from parents on social media saying how happy they are that their child is finally reading, and that in fact they can’t get them to put the book down!’
Gareth P Jones said, ‘It was a brilliant day. Signing all those books was incredible. And there was much excitement that one boy was sitting reading his copy of ‘Solve Your Own Mystery: The Missing Magic,’ as apparently, he NEVER reads. Such a wonderful thing to witness and be part of.’
