Wild Wonder at Westonbirt children’s book festival returns!

Does your child dream of meeting their favourite author, illustrator or TV presenter? This summer, Wild Wonder at Westonbirt, the nature-inspired book festival returns to Westonbirt, The National Arboretum.

From 15th to 17th September, some of the biggest names in children’s literature will take to the stage to share their inspirational stories set in and around nature. From storytelling and drawing lessons to guided walks through the arboretum, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The incredible line-up this year includes best-loved children’s authors Jacqueline Wilson, creator of characters Tracey Beaker and Hetty Feather and Laura James, creator of Captain Pug and Fabio – The World’s Greatest Flamingo Detective and Conor Busutti, author of Billy Conker.  

Alongside them, will be Anna Terreros-Martin, author and illustrator of The Friendly Mammoth, joining to host family workshops and readings and guided nature adventures. The Brothers McLeod, author and illustrator duo, Myles and Greg, will also be celebrating their brand-new book series Knight Sir Louis.   

Outstanding and bestselling illustrators who will be there include award-winning Yuval Zommer, along with illustrator and author Guy Parker-Rees, whose books includeGiraffes Can’t Dance. 

New additions to this year’s line-up are TV presenter and wildlife expert, Philippa Forrester telling the stories of nature's most incredible journeys, along with TV scientist Ben Garrod exploring dinosaur predators and BBC filmmaker and author Justin Anderson with his tales of Narwhals, the majestic unicorns of the sea. There will be the chance to enjoy some model making fun with favourite Aardman characters, Shaun, Gromit & Morph, led by expert model maker Jim Parkyn.

Also included are story time sessions and character costume appearances by The Gruffalo.

This exciting, activity packed and family orientated book festival is hosted by Forestry England and Events of Wonder in association with Waterstones Booksellers and sponsored by Kingswood School, Bath, Westonbirt School and Norland Nannies. 

Gill and John McLay, from Events of Wonder, say:“Westonbirt is the perfect setting for a children’s book festival. A fantastic forest location and events in brilliant buildings, the Arboretum is a very special place to visit. Add in a whole host of your favourite authors and amazing illustrators and it all adds up to an unmissable event this summer. We’re delighted to be back!”

The festival once again boasts an impressive line-up of literary talent, ready to celebrate children’s joy of reading through the inspiration of nature and wildlife. Free entry to the arboretum is included in the ticket price.

Tickets launched on Thursday 1^st June 2023. For all booking information and to see the full event schedule and workshops on offer, go tohttps://www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/wild-wonder.