The Bath Children’s Literature Festival kicked off with an impressive gesture, providing more than 1,000 children with free books.
Hosted by the renowned children’s author Katherine Rundell, the event promises a plethora of literary delights for young readers.
The festival began on Friday and featured a session led by Katherine Rundell. She described the occasion as ‘extraordinary’, emphasising the transformative power of such events where children can see a wide range of writers. ‘Events like this are extraordinary, for the children to be able to see a wide range of writers, it can be transformative,’ Rundell stated.
Organisers have set an ambitious goal to give away 5,000 books before the festival concludes on 7 October. This makes the Bath Children’s Literature Festival the largest of its kind in Europe. Co-founder John McLay highlighted the festival’s unique ability to bring children into large rooms filled with their favourite authors.
John McLay reflected on his youth, stating, ‘When I grew up we didn’t do events like this.’ The festival’s intent is clear: inspire young minds by providing access to books and authors they admire. McLay also pointed out Bath’s diverse socio-economic indicators, noting that many local families might not have books at home.
Katherine Rundell expressed her excitement about speaking to so many children. She believes that children’s books offer a colossal view of the world, asserting, ‘It’s a real honour to be allowed to talk to so many children at once.’ She feels it is both a privilege and a duty not to offer children literature that is ‘thin or bogus’.
The festival aims to foster a love for reading among children who may not have easy access to books at home. By distributing thousands of free books, the organisers hope to make a lasting impact on young readers in the community.
Numerous authors have shown their support by participating in the festival. Their presence not only adds to the event’s appeal but also provides children with a rare opportunity to meet and interact with writers they look up to.
In addition to book giveaways, the festival includes a variety of activities designed to engage young readers. These activities range from storytelling sessions to interactive workshops, all aimed at nurturing a lifelong love for books and reading.
The Bath Children’s Literature Festival stands as a beacon of inspiration and access, aiming to ignite a passion for reading in young minds.
With the support of authors, organisers, and the community, the festival is set to leave a lasting impression on its participants.
