Wantage children invited to take part in reading challenge

The Big Book Share is a new project launched by Cambrian Learning Trust across its schools as part of the National Year of Reading and the first-ever Wantage Children’s Books Festival.

Pupils are encouraged to respond creatively to three selected books through artwork, poems, reviews and more.

Richard Evans, chief executive at Cambrian Learning Trust, said: “We are delighted to launch the Big Book Share, giving pupils across Cambrian Learning Trust the chance to celebrate stories creatively and share their love of reading in a truly exciting way.”

The three books – Dot in the House by Camilla Reid, Anisha, Accidental Detective by Serena Patel, and Amazing by Steve Antony – were gifted to every Cambrian Learning Trust primary school by departing Trustee Beth Taylor.

Kate Daniell, primary English lead at the trust, said: “It’s so exciting to have a children’s literary festival launching in Wantage this year.

“Reading is a huge priority in all the Cambrian Learning Trust schools and we’re always looking for ways to show our young people the joys and opportunities that reading can bring to their lives.

“Meeting authors can be so inspiring, both for students’ reading and their writing, so we will be encouraging them to come along to the festival.”

Entries from pupils will be showcased at The Beacon in Wantage during the festival on Saturday, May 30, alongside participating school logos.

The Wantage Children’s Books Festival is a new, free event to be held at The Beacon Centre on May 30.

Co-founded by bestselling children’s author Camilla Reid, the festival aims to inspire families to develop a lifelong love of books and reading.

The programme features workshops, storytelling, and talks from award-winning authors and illustrators, including Serena Patel, Steve Antony, Wendy Shearer, Rob Biddulph, Jonathan Stroud, and Alex T. Smith.

Camilla Reid, festival co-founder, said: “In this age of distraction and anxiety, we’re now realising how essential reading is for connection and family wellbeing, so this festival couldn’t come at a more important time.”

Research from the National Literacy Trust shows that reading enjoyment among children aged 8–18 has fallen significantly since 2005, prompting the UK Government to designate 2026 as the National Year of Reading.

Families can still book free tickets for events with authors including Jonathan Stroud (ages 10+), Iszi Lawrence (ages 7+), and Wendy Shearer (ages 6+).

Further information and tickets are available at: www.wantageliteraryfestival.co.uk/childrens-festival.