To encourage young people to read for enjoyment, a head teacher has started a festival of children's literature.
16 authors and illustrators, including Clare Helen Walsh and Rebecca Cobb, have been invited to St. Austell for the event on Saturday by Simon Pollard from Cornwall's Carclaze Community Primary School.
He asserted that it is our "moral duty to encourage children to try to love books.".
He wishes that the St. Austell Festival of Children's Literature would take place every year.
"Reading for pleasure and choosing to read is the biggest driver for economic success for children," said Mr. Pollard.
"More than whether or not your parents enroll in higher education or anything similar.
The key is simply to think, "I want to read, I get involved in books, and I love them. ".
Events by authors or illustrators are held at locations all over St. Austell.
Children can turn in their tickets in exchange for a book from the festival bookshop that will be discounted by £1. They will each cost £1.
For many families, traveling to Bath or London for a literature festival is out of the question, according to Truro-based author Sarah Tagholm, who will be in attendance.
But to be able to attend a festival right outside your door with such amazing authors. is such a wonderful chance. ".
Reading "wasn't just for lessons in schools," according to author and former teacher Clare Helen Walsh.
"It's about reading for enjoyment, emphasizing a variety of different book genres; some kids like fact books or graphic novels.
"It simply broadens children's horizons in terms of the types of books that are available. ".
Grants and sponsorship, including those from the St. Austell Town Council, the Cornwall Council Community Chest, and various companies, have helped to pay for the event.
