We want every child to feel the joy of owning a book of their very own.

β€œIt is a small thing to start life with a small number of really good books which are your very own.”

β€” Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Our mission is to provide opportunities for children to celebrate books and experience owning a special book so they can begin to build their own libraries at home.

Young girl enjoying reading a book

Who are we?

We are a team of people who are dedicated to finding ways to provide opportunities for children to own books of their own. We aim to celebrate books and reading through meeting authors who can share their inspiring stories and spending time with a really good book.

Children's author Vashti Hardy signing copies of Harley Hitch and the Fossil Mystery for children at Rose Green Junior School

Our BookFests

The heart and soul of our charity’s mission. Bringing authors and children together in fantastic interactive events to inspire a love of reading.

Strings of multicoloured flag bunting at an outdoor event

Our Special Events

As a charity, we rely heavily on ticketed events to support our work, and we love to organise author talks and interactive events for children and families to enjoy. For those of us who are no longer children but still in thrall to a good book, we also host literary talks for grown-ups. 

Five young children engrossed in reading 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!

β€œNearly 1 in 10 children from disadvantaged backgrounds said they did not own a
book of their own”

β€” The National Literacy Trust