“Alex Milway was animated and engaging for the children and that they really loved his sessions -Hopefully he has inspired some of our children to be future writers and illustrators!”
“Thank you so much for organising Rob to come to Northmead this morning - I could hear children telling their parents all about it when walking up the drive at the end of the day... We are now trying to work out how best to display Rob’s masterpiece!
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“I wanted to send a HUGE, HUGE thank you... the children were so excited to tell me about their master class sessions with Emma and Jonny They were very inspired!
I cannot begin to express my thanks enough to you all for your effort in organising this and everyone’s time that they had provided us.
This experience is something our children (and staff) will truly treasure. ”
“Thank you so much - the children were absolutely buzzing afterwards and said it was ‘the best day of their life!’ A really wonderful experience for them - thank you so much for organising it for us.”
“I’ve heard about reluctant readers who have demanded that their parents buy all the Investigator books in the series. These visits have a massive impact on reading at school - One inspirational person talking about their journey and their book has more impact than many weekly library visits.”
Our Schools Programme
Opening books. Inspiring minds.
We bring authors and illustrators into local schools to engage and encourage young readers.
Our schools programme offers the opportunity for pupils from both Primary and Secondary state schools to meet some of the very best authors and illustrators face to face.
It aims to inspire a love of reading, writing and illustrating among young people that will stay with them for a life-time, hopefully inspiring the authors of the future.
Last year the Guildford Book Festival visited over 5,000 school pupils across Surrey and worked with over 17 schools.
This year, in line with the National Year of Reading, Guildford Book Festival is expanding its schools programme with a range of creative activities designed to inspire young readers and writers.
We will continue our popular illustration workshops for budding artists, led by renowned children’s illustrators, giving students the opportunity to learn directly from leading creative professionals.
A new greetings card design competition will also be launched for older students in sixth forms and colleges, encouraging creativity and visual storytelling.
To encourage a love of reading across age groups, we are planning a Reading Picnic in the Castle Grounds, where older students will share stories with younger children from local schools.
We are also hoping to host a special Alice in Wonderland Walking Tour and illustration workshop to bring one of literature’s most imaginative worlds to life.
During the summer holidays, we will work in partnership with Watts Gallery to support a Children’s Summer Festival, offering creative activities and events for young people and families.
Schools involved IN 2025...
Park Mead Primary School, George Abbot School, Glebelands School, Tillingbourne Junior School, Holy Trinity Pewley Down School, Ewhurst Infants, Wonersh & Shamley Green, , Weyfield Primary, St Peter's Catholic School, Kings College, Howard of Effingham, Guildford High School, RGS, Longacre, Burpham Primary, Losely Fields, West Clandon Primary, Kings College, Rodborough, Guildford Grove, Northmead, Sandfield and Busbridge Infants.
Home-educated children
Events will run throughout the year and home-educated children are welcome to join in these sessions.
To find out more contact: alexandrews@guildfordbookfestival.co.uk.
