Wokingham Children’s Book Festival returns this month and hot off the press Wokingham Library has announced the latest additions to their immense line up of hugely talented authors, amazing illustrators and inspirational story tellers.
This eagerly awaited community event, which will be taking place on 19-20 October at both Wokingham Town Council and Wokingham Library, is set to be bigger and better than ever welcoming a host of well-known and award winning authors to get everyone excited about books and the creative processes behind writing.
Saturday
Tony Bradman, winner the Historical Association’s Young Quills Award for his novel Anglo-Saxon Boy, will be hosting the session on the Saturday afternoon titled ‘Winter of the Wolves with Tony Bradman’ where he will be sharing the story of Beowulf, the inspiration for his eagerly awaited new book "Winter of the Wolves".
Holly Webb, author of amazing Star and The Runaway, will be also be dropping by on the Saturday afternoon to host a session ‘Winter Animal Stories with Holly Webb’ where she will be sharing the inspiration behind her latest incredible book ”Star”.
Chitra Soundar, an Indian-born British author and storyteller, will also be hosting the session on Saturday, “Making Magic and Baking Cakes with Chitra Soundar” and will be reading from her brilliant new book “Manju’s Magic Wishes”.
Sunday
There will be some fantastic session taking place on the Sunday as well with author Nadine Kaadan hosting a story and drawing workshop ‘'Tomorrow's a story from Syria with Nadine Kaadan’, which is about the daily life of a little boy during the Syrian conflict.
Mary Rosambeau will be sharing the heartwarming story of her childhood in this WW2 themed session, A Wartime Mystery with Mary Rosambeau , where she will be introducing characters Rory and Paul in her thrilling book "Secrets and Spies".
Author Candy Gourlay will be asking ‘ Is it a mermaid?’ in her magical storytelling and story-making session courtesy of her magic fish bag!
Something for everyone
"We are delighted to once again put on the Wokingham Children's Book Festival thanks to the support of a number of local partners including morearts and WHSmith. The Town Hall and Library will be full of inspirational authors ready and waiting to capture your imagination and transport you into the heart of their stories," said Cllr Sally Gurney, chairperson of arts and culture at Wokingham Town Council.
"I've been an avid reader all my life and the Children's Book Festival is a way of sharing that joy with others. I hope it helps kindle a love of books in all those who attend."
Whether you are; a budding writer, interested in developing characters, a bit of a poet, a fan of picture books or simply love illustration, then the Wokingham Children’s Book Festival will have something for you.
“It is fantastic to see the children’s book festival back and I am really pleased to see that we can offer even more sessions for all our children to enjoy,” said Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure.
"This year Wokingham Borough libraries are filled even more with wonderful books to explore and we’ve got some fantastic authors and illustrators coming along to offer a really unique experience for our children to take advantage of. I am sure the children and families will enjoy hearing the authors speak about their work and appreciate the opportunity to buy signed copies of their books afterwards. With over 20 sessions, there should be something for everyone to enjoy.”
Tickets are selling fast and booking is highly recommended. Further information, including how to reserve your space, is available at www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/bookfest where you can take a look at what’s on offer and book your places today.
All you need to know
•Workshops will be held at two locations in Wokingham: Wokingham Library or Wokingham Town Hall.
•Each workshop lasts approximately 45 minutes
•Each workshop needs to be booked in advance. Under 12’s need to be accompanied by an adult.
•Workshops are £3 per person
•Spaces are limited so allocated on a first come first served basis.
•You may book as many workshops as you like
•Booking is online, or for those who do not have access to online booking, bookings can be made at Wokingham Library.
