Thousands of school children across Medway got the chance to meet their favourite authors at the Children’s Book Festival.
Primary, secondary and special educational needs schools were invited to Medway libraries alongside 13 popular children’s authors to learn about the value of reading.
Medway’s Children’s Book Festival took place from Monday, 13 June to Friday, 24 June. The guest authors and illustrator spoke to pupils about their stories, delivered interactive storytelling sessions and signed copies of their books.
Authors including Holly Webb, who wrote the popular children’s book Animal Stories Series, A.F Harrold, who wrote The Book of not Entirely Useful Advice, Nicky Nicholls, who wrote The Boy Who Sneezed to Space, and famous illustrator Garry Parsons, who illustrated Fabulous Frankie, gave young people an opportunity to learn the secrets behind a magical story and go on an adventure with them in the interactive session.
The aim of the Children’s Book Festival, sponsored by our Child Friendly Medway team, was to develop and help nurture a love of reading in children.
19 Medway schools took part
Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “I am so pleased that the Children’s Book Festival was a great success, with pupils from 19 Medway schools taking part in fun, interactive activities surrounding a love for reading. We hope to see a newfound love, or rediscovery for reading and its benefits. This festival, alongside other events, are part of our Child-Friendly City aspiration, putting young people at the heart of everything we do. I’d like to thank the guests for coming to Medway and thank the staff and partners for their hard work to bring the festival to life.”
Author Nicky Nicholls
Find out more about Medway libraries.