Step into a world of creativity with the Reading is Magic Festival this autumn. Six days of free, inclusive and engaging digital events for schools and families.
After the cancellation of many children’s book festivals Bath Festivals decided to join forces with national and international festivals to curate a programme of author and illustrator events that promotes the value of reading and books.
The partnership of festival organisations are Bath Festivals, Bradford Literature Festival, Borders Book Festival, Boswell Book Festival, North Cornwall Book Festival, Wigtown Book Festival, and Toronto International Festival of Authors.
The festival was been inspired by Cressida Cowell’s key message as the current Waterstones Children’s Laureate: “reading is magic, and magic is for everyone”.
The award-winning children’s author and creator of the How to Train Your Dragon and The Wizards of Once book series said, “Books have a transformative magic in their unique ability to develop three key magical powers; intelligence, creativity and empathy.”
In association with Cressida, they have set a daily theme drawing on specific points from her Waterstones Children’s Laureate Charter, declaring that ‘every child has the right to…’
- Be creative for at least 15 minutes a week
- Have a planet to read on
- See themselves reflected in a book
- Have advice from a trained librarian or bookseller The Reading is Magic Festival will promote creativity and connection through stories and shared experiences, creating content for children and young people in primary and secondary schools.
They will open the virtual doors on Sunday 27 September with a special public event curated by Borders Book Festival.
A week-long schedule of daily events will follow with Cressida joined by an all-star line-up of leading authors and illustrators. Schools can incorporate the events into a learning programme, to be viewed either at point of broadcast or as on demand afterwards.
Online materials and resources will support each event with book buying opportunities promoted via local independent bookshops.
More details of the events programme and how to access them will be announced ahead of the new academic year.
Schools and families can sign up now to receive email update.
Add a comment
