To encourage children to experience the wonder of reading books, Westonbirt, The National Arboretum is hosting a brand-new, nature-inspired children’s book festival this summer.
With the number of children who read for fun at a historic low, it’s never been more important to get our children reading. The National Literary Trust reported that only 1 in 2 children and young people said they enjoy reading in early 2020, the lowest level of reading enjoyment recorded, since 2005.
However, the same report, reveals that despite this statistic, 3 in 5 children and young people said that reading made them feel better. This shows how important reading can be for our children; for their happiness and imagination, and what better way to pique that interest, than by meeting the authors and illustrators of some of the amazing children’s books?
Gill and John McLay, from Events of Wonder, who worked with Westonbirt Arboretum on the festival said: “Books are amazing. They not only open the doors to new worlds, introduce young readers to new people and provide a platform to explore new ideas – they are the perfect way to inspire children’s imaginations and to start a lifelong love of story. Creating this opportunity with Westonbirt Arboretum and Forestry England is really exciting. What a brilliant setting to let creativity with words run wild and free!”
Perhaps you know an enthusiastic young bookworm who is passionate about books and reading and would love to meet their favourite author? If so, Wild Wonder at Westonbirt is the place to be.
From Saturday 27th to Monday 29th August 2022, young people can meet the creative minds behind their favourite books and take part in a whole host of exciting activities all surrounding stories set in and around nature. From storytelling and drawing lessons to guided walks through the arboretum with nature-loving authors, there is something for all children. And for adults too!
There are some incredible names heading to the arboretum this summer to take part, including authors Michael Morpurgo, Waterstones Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell, Wild Child author and young naturalist Dara McAnulty. Not to mention TV presenter Jess French, M.G. Leonard, Emma Carroll and Michelle Paver will also be joining for masterclasses, workshops and talks.
With them will be several outstanding and bestselling illustrators including Martin Brown, Rachel Bright, Sophy Henn, Yuval Zommer, Katz Cowley, Adam Stower and William Grill. There will also be story time sessions and character costume appearances by The Gruffalo and Little Nutbrown Hare from Guess How Much I Love You.
Martyn Reeves, Event Manager at Westonbirt Arboretum says “We hope this festival will make some dreams come true through the chance to meet renowned authors, to encourage an interest in books and even inspire some budding children’s authors and illustrators to find out what it takes to publish an award-winning book.”
If your child is a budding writer, reader or simply loves the outdoors, this year’s festival, with a stellar cast of children’s authors and illustrators, is set to inspire us all about stories, drawing and the wonder of the written word.
For all booking information and to see the full event schedule listing all the workshops on offer, go to forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/wild-wonder
