Chichester Author Simon Philip Joins Childrens Bookfest To Champion Their Christmas Books For Foodbanks Appeal

Published 11:11 on 24 Nov 2025

Award-winning childrens author Simon Philip visited Chichester Foodbank on Thursday 20 November to highlight local charity Childrens BookFests annual Books for Foodbank's Christmas Appeal.

Simon, who grew up in Chichester and remains a long-standing supporter of Childrens BookFest, met staff and volunteers while exploring how the foodbank supports local families. 

Reflecting on the visit, Simon said: When I was growing up in Chichester, libraries and books meant everything to me. Childrens BookFest is a charity I care deeply about because it brings that same magic to children who may not have books at home. Seeing the bookshelves at the foodbank, where children can choose a story to take home and keep, is incredibly special. A single book can genuinely change a childs confidence, imagination and joy in reading.

Putting new books directly into the hands of children who need them most

Childrens BookFest donates 170 new picture books every month to five local foodbanks Chichester, Bognor, Selsey, Midhurst and Petworth. In November and December, this increases to 250 books a month, ensuring that every child visiting the foodbank can select a new book of their own.

Members of the public can support the campaign by donating funds through the Childrens BookFest website or Just Giving page, or by dropping off a new picture book at any of the V2 Toy Appeal collection points.

A campaign close to Simons heart

Simons visit coincides with the release of his latest book, I Really Want to Help, illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti a wonderful, rhyming Christmas tale about a little girl determined to do everything herself in the festive rush, with inevitably chaotic results. The story celebrates themes of self-confidence, teamwork and helping others, making it a perfect match for the appeal.

To support this years campaign, Simon has written a special poem encouraging the community to help by donating a book this Christmas.

Reading truly is a gift

that lasts for evermore

it opens hearts and minds and doors,

give kids the chance to soar.

 

And every child deserves that chance  

yet much research has shown

that, sadly, lots of children lack

a book to call their own.

 

But having books at home inspires

a child to read for pleasure, 

so raise a smile this Christmas

give a book a child will treasure!

 

Jen Rogers, Trustee & Foodbanks Co-ordinator for Childrens BookFest, said the visit had added real momentum to this years appeal. We know that more than a million children in the UK dont have a book of their own. Our Books for Foodbanks Appeal helps change that, one child at a time. Having Simon join us especially as a local author who regularly supports our festivals is a huge boost to the campaign. His visit brought real excitement, and his poem beautifully captures why this work matters.

Looking ahead: Childrens BookFest Bognor & Midhurst

In February, Childrens BookFest will present BookFest Bognor and BookFest Midhurst, giving even more primary school children the chance to meet authors in person, hear stories come to life, and receive a free book of their own to treasure.

These festivals are part of the charitys mission to bring the joy of reading to children across West Sussex, building confidence, inspiring creativity and opening doors to lifelong literacy.

How to support the Christmas appeal

Donate funds online via the Childrens BookFest website - ChildrensBookFest.co.uk Go straight to the Just Giving page - justgiving.com/campaign/i-really-want-to-help Drop off a picture book at V2 Toy Appeal collection points

For more information about the Books for Foodbanks Appeal or Childrens BookFests upcoming festivals, visit www.childrensbookfest.co.uk