The Children's Bookshow virtual World Book Day events

This World Book Day, The Children's Bookshow is offering children across the country the chance to see authors Helen Stephens and Michael Rosen, live online. The charity has announced two events to help primary schools celebrate World Book Day on Thursday 7th March 2024, and to promote reading, writing and poetry.

Bookings will cost £10 per login and can be made here.

Award-winning author and illustrator, Helen Stephens, will start the day with a live, digital performance for Key Stage 1. Best known for her acclaimed How to Hide a Lion series, Helen will share her stories, talk about how she makes her work, and draw live, giving children the magical experience of watching her create a character right before their eyes.

In the afternoon, poet and author Michael Rosen - a patron of The Children's Bookshow - will take to the stage at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich for his 'Big 50 Years Show', celebrating 50 years since he published his first children's book, Mind Your Own Business, in 1974. Michael's in-person theatre show is now sold out, but schools can stream a live digital broadcast to their classrooms.

Both digital events will include the opportunity for pupils to ask questions and interact with the authors. The events will also be recorded and available to watch back at a later date.

Kate Arafa, co-director of The Children's Bookshow, said: "We are delighted to be able to offer teachers an affordable way for both Key Stage 1 and 2 children to participate in live digital performances with brilliant authors and illustrators on World Book Day, encouraging a love of reading, writing and drawing."

Founded in 2003, The Children's Bookshow is a charity that inspires children with a love of reading. The organisation introduces children to world-class authors and illustrators through a programme of theatre events and in-school workshops. The artists selected are chosen from a wide variety of countries and cultures to give young people access to the very best stories, poems and illustrations from all over the world.

The core activity of The Children's Bookshow is an annual Autumn tour - a live literature roadshow that brings the joy of reading to children across the UK. In 2023, the tour delivered performances, workshops and free books to over 7,000 children.