Jessie Younghusband School Welcomes JB Gill for Children's BookFest Finale and Library Opening Celebration
Published 10:13 on 15 Dec 2025
Jessie Younghusband School in Chichester welcomed author, farmer and TV personality JB Gill on Friday 5 December as the final Children's BookFest event of 2025. The visit brought a day of storytelling, creativity and celebration to the school, culminating in the official opening of its new library during a milestone anniversary year.
JB spoke to 128 children about his varied career as an author, farmer, TV host, dancer and pop star - fresh from JLS's recent run of 22 sell-out nights at London's O2 Arena. He shared his journey into writing, explaining how his debut children's book took years to develop through multiple drafts before settling into the series children know today.
Throughout the talk, JB's warmth and enthusiasm shone through. He spoke about his own children - the real-life inspiration behind Ace and Bear, the characters at the heart of his books - and shared how much he enjoys everyday moments like doing the school run.
A highlight for pupils came when JB took them through a live creative process session in the school hall. With a teacher capturing their ideas on a whiteboard, JB helped the whole room weave even the most unexpected suggestions into a shared story. The activity not only sparked laughter and excitement but demonstrated how storytelling can grow from imagination, collaboration and play.
It was such a joy to see how quickly the children lit up when JB involved them in shaping a story together, said Georgina Lippiett, Festival Director for Childrens BookFest charity. He made storytelling feel accessible, exciting and full of possibility - and the children left feeling inspired that their own ideas matter.
During lunchtime, JB met members of the school council and joined staff, the Children's BookFest team and Katie Brown, Communities Officer at Chichester City Council, to officially cut the ribbon on the schools new library. The opening marked a significant moment for the school, celebrating both its 60th anniversary and the beginning of a new chapter within a newly developed learning space - a project described by staff as a true labour of love.
The afternoon saw JB moving from classroom to classroom, meeting every pupil individually. He answered questions, signed and gave out books, shared jokes and offered words of encouragement, making time for each child with genuine care and attention.
Luke Hanna, Headteacher of Jessie Younghusband School commented: We are so grateful to Childrens BookFest for the incredible hard work that has gone into bringing this opportunity to our school. For our pupils, meeting JB Gill was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience - something they will never forget. His visit has inspired them to read more and to make the most of our brilliant new library, which will be at the heart of their learning for years to come.
JB brought such warmth and energy to the day, said Georgina. He connected with every child in a way that felt personal and uplifting, and his visit couldn't have been a more perfect way to close our 2025 programme.
Children's BookFest is a UK-based charity established to promote literacy and a love for reading among children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through interactive festivals, school events, and author visits, the charity aims to inspire young readers by providing access to books and storytelling experiences.
Find out more by visiting - https://www.childrensbookfest.com
