We’re delighted to welcome you to the very first Wantage Children’s Books Festival, a joyful celebration of stories, imagination and community. With a busy programme of exciting events from some of the UK’s best loved authors and illustrators, there’s something on offer for families with children of all ages, from babies up to teens. And the good news is that it’s all completely FREE!
Research has shown that children who grow up reading for the fun of it are happier, have an easier school experience and even go onto have more life opportunities when they’re older. And because 2026 is the National Year of Reading, we wanted to make sure that the families and schools of south Oxfordshire didn’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate books and reading. We hope the festival will entertain, engage and inspire you and your family to get reading – and to keep reading!
We owe a huge debt of thanks to the Wantage Literary Festival and to our many sponsors and volunteers for supporting this exciting initiative. This is our first year so we’re starting small – but our hope is that the festival will grow to become a permanent fixture in Wantage’s annual calendar and that all our children feel the benefits that enjoying reading brings.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday 30 May!
Explore the FREE events & activities below – all day staring from 10am
Rob Bidfdulph | When I Grow Up I’d Like to Be…
Sat 30 May, 10am, Ages 5-11 years +
Join bestselling and multi award-winning author and illustrator Rob Biddulph, the creative star behind the viral and phenomenal #DrawWithRob videos for a fun packed event for all the family. As part of this event Rob will bring to life his award-winning books, including his recent picture book When I Grow Up I’d Like to Be… and his latest chapter book The Last Wolf. Everyone will learn how to draw one of Rob’s amazing illustrations – bring your clipboards, pencils and paper.
Wendy Shearer | Tales That Dance
Sat 30 May, 3pm, Age 6-14 years
Author and Storyteller Wendy Shearer will share her favourite African and Caribbean stories of clever tricksters and wise kings of the rainforest. With a sprinkle of sunshine and a dash of sea-breeze, everyone is welcome to join in these wonderful tales that dance off the page.
Jonathan Stroud | Enter Magical Worlds
Sat 30 May, 2.15pm, Age 10 years +
JOIN BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND NUMBER 1 NETFLIX CREATOR, JONATHAN STROUD to explore magical worlds, discover terrifying beasts and travel on an unmissable adventure! In this fun-filled, interactive event for the whole family, Jonathan will talk about his different series – Lockwood & Co, Bartimaeus and Scarlett and Browne, what life is like as an author, and where he gets his inspiration. Jonathan will give the audience a look at the Lockwood graphic novel hot-off-the-press and an exclusive sneak peek at his Top Secret new project! Plus, find out more about Jonathan’s new role as Patron of the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, a national reading charity!
Serena Patel | Pia’s Pet Club Workshop
Sat 30 May, 1pm, Age 6-10 years
Alex T. Smith | Meet Astrid and the Space Cadets
Sat 30 May, 2pm, Age 5-7 years
Steve Anthony | Please, Mr Panda
Sat 30 May, 11.15am, Age 3 years +
Carly Gledhill | Pencil’s Best Story Ever
Sat 3o May, 10am, Age 3-5 years
Pencil has written The Best Story Every and he can’t wait to share it. But when Pencil’s characters refuse to stick to the story, chaos unfolds. Can Pencil pull his story back on track so that everyone can enjoy it?
Join award-winning illustrator Carly Gledhill, Pencil and his cast of unruly characters from this hilarious, interactive story-within-a-story that celebrates creativity, friendship and resilience. In this inspiring, fun-filled event for young creatives aged 3-6 years, Carly will read from the book and attendees will make their very own Pencil character to take home.
Camilla Reid | Baby and Toddler Read-Along
Sat 30 May, 2pm, Age 0-3 years
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