Hitchin's Next Page Books are celebrating World Book Day with a special event this week.

The bookstore on Queen Street will be hosting the Hitchin Children's Book Festival once again.

Liz Tye, co-director of Next Page Books, along with Julie Anderson, told Hitchin Nub News: "We are once again holding the Hitchin Book Festival with our friends at the British Schools Museum, this Saturday (March 9) from 10am-3pm in celebration of World Book Day.

"We have a number of fabulous inclusive authors attending for different ages, holding workshops, reading, answering questions and signing their books.

"It's so important to us at Next Page Books that all children have the opportunity to own, read and enjoy books.

"It has such an impact on not only their learning and wellbeing, but reading for pleasure has also been proven to positively impact the life chances of children."

With two wonderful author talks in the morning (aimed at 3+ and 5+ children) and two in the afternoon (for 7-12 age group), there is something for everyone:

Morning 10-12am Session: Paula Harrison - author of "Fairytale Ninjas", and "Kitty's Midnight Adventures" series

Each author will be giving a talk, followed by questions and signing.

Each author will be giving a talk, followed by questions and signing, and in between sessions there will be book-themed crafts, story-telling sessions with Imajica Theatre, face painting (for an extra charge), and a wonderful finalé performance by the children's choir of Stagecoach Performing Arts.

Julie and Liz added: "We are so fortunate that this year the event has been sponsored by Hitchin Property Trust and Raymond James Hitchin."

"Raymond James are thrilled to sponsor the Children's Book Festival.

"It's important that the skill of story telling, reading and creativity is encouraged at an early age, so events like this really bring books to life for future generation, giving them skills for life"

"We are proud to support an inclusive, immersive event for local children and allow their imaginations to be inspired by the stories from local authors." 

Next Page Books say: "Thanks to their generosity, all proceeds from ticket sales can go directly to the work of the British Schools Museum charity, such an asset to Hitchin."