To encourage future generations to read for pleasure, a head teacher established a celebration of children’s books.
Clare Helen Walsh and Rebecca Cobb are two of the 16 authors and illustrators Simon Pollard from Cornwall’s Carclaze Community Primary School has invited to St Austell for the Saturday event.
There is a “moral duty to get kids to try to love books,” he claimed.
The St. Austell Festival of Children’s Literature ought to happen every year, he hopes.
The biggest factor in children’s economic success, according to Mr. Pollard, is reading for pleasure and choosing to read.
“More than whether or not your parents attend college or anything of the sort.
What makes a distinction is just thinking, “I want to read, I get immersed in books, and I adore them.
Each author or illustrator will hold an event at a different location throughout St. Austell.
Children can turn in their tickets in return for £1 off a book from the festival bookshop, and they will each cost £1.
Author Sarah Tagholm, who lives in Truro and will be there, said: “Travel is expensive, so for many families, coming to Bath or to London for a literature festival is not an option.
However, having a festival just outside your door with such amazing authors in attendance is a fantastic chance.
Author and former teacher Clare Helen Walsh claimed that reading “wasn’t just for lessons in schools.”
It’s about reading for enjoyment, highlighting a variety of literature; some kids like fact books or graphic novels.
“It’s just broadening the range of books available to children,”
Grants and donations, including those from the St Austell Town Council, the Cornwall Council Community Chest, and a number of companies, have helped to pay for the event.