FAVOURITE authors were brought to book over the weekend of October 21/22 as the first-ever Wokingham Children’s Book Festival took place.
Two days of fun events took place in the Town Hall and Wokingham Library, including author talks, craft activities and writing workshops.
On Saturday, the event opened with a fun of reading workshop led by author Darron Jon Love.
Other events included a talk about the life of a children’s author given by Carol Otieno, a doodling session led by Cathy MacLennan and a fun event with Layn Marlow and Charley Farley based on the book A T-wit For A T-woo.
On Sunday morning, local poet and author AF Harrold led two sessions in the town hall focusing on his work much to the delight of children present, while Laurel Remington shared tips on how to design a story
In the afternoon, Steve Antony led a storytime session, while Elaine Wickson talked about The World of Planet Stan.
After each workshop, the authors held book signings organised by WH Smith, and giving the young audiences a chance to meet their writing heroes.
In all, there were 23 authors and illustrators present, many making their first visit to Wokingham.
The festival was organised by Wokingham Town Council, Wokingham Borough Council’s libraries service and .morearts.
Gwynneth Hewetson, speaking on behalf of .morearts, said: “It was lovely to see all the happy faces of the children attending.
“The feedback we had was brilliant. We asked them to rate the day from one to five stars – how many, we asked. Five was the reply.
“The authors were fascinating. AF Harrold really got down with the children while, on Saturday, Holly Webb went from pets to suffragettes. It was magic.”
And Cllr Hewetson said that the event was well attended with most sessions at least two-thirds full, and some events stewards were turning people away as they were full.
“We’re greatly encouraged by how it went,” she continued. “We hope it becomes a regular thing.
“It’s something slightly different to what we normally do. With so many events, it was quite a logistical exercise, but it was really good.”
The event also pleased the team from Wokingham Borough Libraries.
Elizabeth McDonald, Young People and Families Outreach Manager, Libraries Localities, said: “The children who attended the events this weekend had a wonderful time, exploring new worlds, meeting new characters and getting lots of amazing writing tips from an array of authors and illustrators.
“It was great to see so many children interacting and taking part within each session.
“Children and adults were really excited to buy and get their book signed by the author as they got a chance to ask more questions about the authors books.”
And Cllr Norman Jorgensen, executive member for environment, libraries and leisure for Wokingham Borough Council, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the first ever children’s book festival was such a success with more than 800 tickets sold for over 20 fun-packed events.
“It was such a busy weekend and everyone had such a fantastic time meeting authors and illustrators.
“It was a wonderful and unique opportunity for our children and I hope they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”
