We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Aylesbury Children’s Book Festival!
Throughout the year, we’ll welcome 5 incredible authors and illustrators to inspire and captivate children of all ages. Meet some of your favourite authors (and find some new favourites). Come and hear them talk about their characters, their art and their inspirations behind some of your favourite books.
Next up…
Step into the whimsical world of words with Mark Grist, an award-winning poet, rapper, and children’s author, as he hosts enchanting family-friendly sessions that blend the magic of rhymes and the charm of children’s books.
Saturday 17 May
Rhymes and Reads a family adventure with Mark Grist – 17 May 2025
Mark will perform a captivating rap and a heartfelt poem, followed by a reading from his picture book, Rhinos Don’t Cry.
This interactive workshop is packed with fun activities, inviting kids and parents to collaborate on creating characters and building their own four-part stories. This hands-on approach not only entertains but also educates, as participants explore the art of storytelling together.
60 minutes long (including Q&A), followed by public book signing.
Date: Saturday 17 May 2025
Time: 10.30am – 11.30am
Suitable for ages 5-11
Mark Grist’s Big Box Bonanza show! – 17 May 2025
An A-Z family adventure like no other. Expect fun, silliness, and lots of interaction in a show packed full of stories, games, and rhymes.
Mark Grist’s Big Box Bonanza is more than just a performance—it’s an experience that sparks creativity and encourages children to see themselves as poets. This interactive show takes children on a journey through 26 magical boxes, each containing its own unique surprise. With poetry, stories, and games woven throughout, the show captivates young audiences, making literacy learning engaging and fun.
60 minutes long (including Q&A), followed by public book signing.
Date: Saturday 17 May 2025
Time: 1.30pm – 2.30pm
Suitable for ages 5-11
Pricing:
Rhymes and Reads OR Big Box Bonanza Child ticket £8
Rhymes and Reads OR Big Box Bonanza Adult ticket £8
Combined Ticket £15 (Rhymes and Reads & Big Box Bonanza Show)
Under 3s Free
For an extra £3 per child you can also visit the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery. Adult tickets include access to the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery on this day.
BUY TICKETS
Coming soon…
Saturday 26 July
Fairytale Frogs & fabulous Frocks with James Mayhew & Toto Martinez – 26 July 2025
Join James Mayhew and Toto Martinez for this dazzling interactive session inspired by their best-selling picture-books. Discover a world of mixed up fairytales, and wonderful live illustration. You can even help Toto design the best pantomime dame costume ever!
60 minutes long (including Q&A), followed by public book signing.
Date: Saturday 26 July 2025
Time: 10.30am – 11.30am
Suitable for ages 3 – 5
A Symphony of Stories with James Mayhew – 26 July 2025
Did you know that music can tell stories? Join James Mayhew for a wonderful event full of stories, music, and live illustration. Be swept away by tales of sunken cities and miraculous firebirds in this unforgettable introduction to classical music.
60 minutes long (including Q&A), followed by public book signing.
Date: Saturday 26 July 2025
Time: 1.30pm – 2.30pm
Suitable for ages 7 – 11
Pricing:
Fairytale Frogs & fabulous Frocks OR A Symphony of Stories Child ticket £8
Fairytale Frogs & fabulous Frocks OR A Symphony of Stories Adult ticket £8
Under 3s Free
For an extra £3 per child you can also visit the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery. Adult tickets include access to the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery on this day.
BUY TICKETS
Already happened…
Saturday 22 February – Meet the Author: Fabi Santiago
Join Children’s author and illustrator Fabi Santiago, for our first Aylesbury Children’s Book Festival event! Fabi is best known for her picture books Tiger in a Tutu, I really want that Unicorn and My Pet T-rex.
In this special interactive session, Fabi will talk about her books and characters and then read from her latest book, Finderella. There will also be a draw- along where Fabi will teach how she draws her characters. Afterwards, have your book signed by Fabi.
Timings: 10.30am – 60 minutes long (including Q&A), followed by public book signing.
Suitable for ages 3-8
Look out for our Aylesbury Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) logo for other exciting events throughout the year.
