Inspiring the next generation of readers

Wokingham Town Council and Wokingham Borough Libraries have joined forces once again to bring a weekend of storytelling to young readers on 17 and 18 October. 

Wokingham Children's Book Festival celebrates the joy of reading and the power of storytelling, bringing together bestselling authors, talented illustrators and inspiring performers for a weekend packed with interactive events.

Book festivals play an important role in encouraging children to read for pleasure, helping to develop confidence, creativity, communication skills and a lifelong love of learning.

Meeting the people behind their favourite books allows young readers to see that stories don't simply appear on a page, they are created through imagination, curiosity and hard work. For many children, it can even spark dreams of becoming writers or illustrators themselves.

Whether your child loves magical adventures, fascinating facts, laugh-out-loud stories or creative drawing, there will be something to inspire every young imagination.

Tickets and further information are available via Wokingham Town Council's website.

Tickets are £3 per seat. Early booking is recommended as sessions are expected to be popular.

Books will be available to buy after each session, and some authors will be signing books for young fans. 

This year's festival starts with a launch event at the Carnival Hub on the Saturday, with Cressida Cowell.

It’s not every day that you get to meet the award-winning, former Children’s Laureate and creator of How to Train Your Dragon Cressida Cowell. 

She’ll be launching the festival with an imagination-fuelled session, full of laughs, dragons and stories. A truly unmissable experience from one of the world’s most beloved children’s authors.

Wokingham Town Council’s Chair of Arts and Culture, Cllr Barrie Callender, said:
"At £3 a ticket, this is one of the most accessible family events offered in Wokingham.

"The line-up across both days includes authors and illustrators whose books are already on children's shelves at home, and young readers will have the chance to meet them in person, ask questions and have books signed. That kind of direct connection to the people behind their favourite stories is something a child genuinely remembers."

Wokingham Borough Council's Executive Member for Resident Services, Inclusion and Fighting Poverty, Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth, said: “The Wokingham Children’s Book Festival is a highlight of our calendar, and this year is even more special as it is the National Year of Reading. 

"It’s all about helping children discover a love of reading and sparking their imagination through a fantastic line-up of authors and events. Come along to meet the faces behind their favourite stories.”  

Full line-up

Wokingham Town Hall (Sunday 18 October)

Holly Webb – Spies and Guides (Ages 8–13) – 10.00am
Bestselling children's author Holly Webb brings history and adventure together in an exciting session full of mystery, courage and unforgettable characters.

Gareth P. Jones – Chicken Vs. Egg: A Musical Egg-stravaganza (Ages 4–7) – 11.30am
Expect songs, laughter and plenty of audience participation in this energetic performance from the award-winning author and musician.

A.F. Harrold – If I Met a Tiger (I'd Let it Eat Me) (Ages 7–11) – 1.30pm
Poet and storyteller A.F. Harrold shares imaginative tales that celebrate curiosity, creativity and the wonderfully unexpected.

Hannah Lee – The Rapping Princess (Ages 0–6) – 3.00pm
Join Hannah Lee for a lively storytelling session filled with rhyme, rhythm and fun, perfect for younger children and their families.

Wokingham Library (Sunday 18 October)

Becky Goddard-Hill – Your Happiness is in Your Hands (Ages 6–12) – 10.00am
An uplifting session exploring wellbeing, confidence and positive thinking through engaging stories and activities.

Adam Stower – Little Acorn (Ages 3–5) – 10.00am
Author and illustrator Adam Stower delights younger audiences with charming storytelling and beautiful illustrations.

Fiona Barker – Autumn Fun (Ages 3–7) – 11.30am
Celebrate the colours and excitement of autumn through interactive storytelling and seasonal fun.

Eric Huang – Mythical Map-Making Storytelling (Ages 6–10) – 11.30am
Discover mythical creatures and fantastical worlds while learning how maps can unlock incredible adventures.

Nizrana Farook – Journey Through the Wild World of Serendib (Ages 7–12) – 1.30pm
Award-winning author Nizrana Farook transports readers on thrilling adventures inspired by the wildlife and landscapes of Sri Lanka.

Claire Barker – Hettie Nettle's Handbook for Hedgewitches (Ages 6–10) – 1.30pm
Magic, mischief and imagination combine in this enchanting session celebrating friendship and the natural world.

Zanna Davidson – Get Inventing with Izzy the Inventor (Ages 5–8) – 3.00pm
An interactive event encouraging children to think creatively, solve problems and discover their inner inventor.

Chris Dewar – Meet James & Penny (Ages 10+) – 3.00pm
Meet the creator of an exciting new series as Chris Dewar discusses characters, storytelling and writing for older readers.

The Wokingham Children's Book Festival provides opportunities for children to ask questions, discover new books, develop their imagination and experience the excitement that reading can bring. Events like these help build confidence and remind children that every great adventure begins with turning the first page.