Thousands of Bognor Regis pupils receive free signed books as Children's BookFest returns to local schools
Thousands of children across Bognor Regis are now the proud owners of personally signed books, after local charity Children's BookFest spent three days bringing celebrated children's authors and illustrators directly into classrooms as part of its annual Bognor BookFest.
From 1012 February, pupils at Bersted Green Primary School, St Marys Catholic Primary School, Nyewood CE Infants School, Nyewood CE Juniors School, Edward Bryant School, Rose Green Infants School, Rose Green Junior School, Barnham Primary School and Downview Primary School took part in a lively programme of events - where every child was given a free signed book from their visiting author.
For many pupils, the book they took home will be the first they have ever owned.
This year's Bognor BookFest carried particular significance for the festivals youngest participants. For the first time, thanks to additional funding secured by the charity, Reception children joined in the celebrations - beginning their reading journeys with a signed book of their own.
Georgina Lippiett, Festival Director, said:
Nothing compares to the moment a child realises the signed book they are holding is theirs to keep. That sense of pride and excitement sits at the very heart of Childrens BookFest.
We were especially delighted this year to welcome Reception pupils into Bognor BookFest for the first time. Their inclusion reflects our long-standing belief that book ownership and early positive experiences with stories can profoundly shape a childs confidence and relationship with reading.
The expansion comes at a time when national research continues to highlight challenges in childrens reading engagement. The National Literacy Trust has reported long-term declines in reading for pleasure, while book ownership remains out of reach for many families.
Throughout the three-day festival, pupils met a diverse and inspiring line-up of writers and illustrators whose stories transported classrooms into new worlds.
Terrie Chilvers shared the joyful world of Koalas in Capes with children at St Marys Catholic Primary School, while Joseph Elliott captivated pupils at Edward Bryant School with Nora and the Compass of Chaos. Ali Sparkes introduced young readers to the sweeping adventure of 100 Summers, and Frann Preston-Gannon delighted children with Little Lim & the Golden Treasure.
Elsewhere, Simon Philip filled classrooms with laughter through Perfect Pedro and I Really Want the Cake, while Iszi Lawrence transported pupils into history with Domesday Cows, demonstrating how stories can spark curiosity, imagination and conversation.
Children's BookFest was founded on a simple but powerful belief: that meeting an author and owning a book can fundamentally shape a child's relationship with reading.
As well as delivering festivals in Bognor Regis, Midhurst and Chichester, the charity is also spearheading Chichester's district-wide Go All In campaign as part of the Governments National Year of Reading 2026, working alongside partners including Chichester Festival Theatre and Chichester BID to encourage reading for pleasure and widen access to books.
Children's BookFest relies on year-round fundraising and community support to deliver its programmes, working to remove barriers to book ownership and nurture a lifelong enjoyment of reading.
For more information, visit www.childrensbookfest.com
