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.
Vashti Hardy, award-winning author, teacher and generally wonderful human, lit up Rose Green Junior School with her lively presentation of, ‘Harley Hitch and the Fossil Mystery,’ which included props, wigs and music! And on top of that, she brought the process of creating stories to life with a shared world-building exercise which fired everyone’s imagination, and then spent many hours signing books and talking to the children about their interests and enthusiasms. No child left uninspired!
Not only did Iona Rangeley bring along her passion for story and her wonderful book, ‘Einstein the Penguin,’ she also had Einstein’s bright orange backpack, a cuddly version of the hero himself, and a corker of a penguin quiz to share with the children in Years 3 and 4. She spoke about her motivation for writing, answered a gazillion questions and discovered a real-life Einstein expert hiding in plain sight! By the end of the festival, over 300 children across Downview Primary and Nyewood Junior Schools had been gifted their very own signed copy of this brilliant book.
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).
And it isn’t just the children who benefit - all the teachers involved with the Children’s BookFest have found it to be a rewarding and uplifting experience. Karen Ison, Assistant Head at Rose Green Junior School said, ‘It has been great to see this morning so many children avidly reading their books during reading time in class and so many children eager to tell us about the stories. Many have even told us how they have already ordered more books by the same authors, many of whom hadn’t heard of the authors previously. It is fantastic to see the power of the Children’s BookFest to not only inspire children but also to excite them and broaden their reading diet. We look forward to welcoming Children’s BookFest back again in February next year.’
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.’
Tim Tilley sent us this message of appreciation, ‘Magical thanks for setting up my author visits to Nyewood Junior School and Rose Green Juniors, and for thoroughly looking after me. I had a fantastic time and loved all the questions and interactions with the children. Some of the responses have given me new ideas for story activities I can send on to both schools.’
Vashti Hardy said, ‘Such a wonderful day, and each child received a copy of my latest Harley Hitch book courtesy of the fabulous festival! My heart is full, and my signing hand is resting.’
And Candy Gourlay summed it up beautifully, ‘This is one book festival that knows the warm, beating heart of reading and how to take a child, any child, and turn them into a reader. I was proud to be a part of it all. The best thing was to see the joy on the children’s faces as they walked away with their signed books clasped to their hearts.’
We’re now gearing up for the Chichester Children’s BookFest on 3rd to 5th October and have half on eye on planning for Bognor 2024 as well! Of course, if we want to expand the festival and reach as many children as possible, we need to continue raising funds, so do explore our website for all the ways you can get involved. And watch this space for news of our forthcoming ticketed events, book sales and competitions.