From Urenui to Waverley, the first Taranaki Children’s Book Festival kicked off on August 31st with a week long series of celebrations. Events range from New Zealand children authors touring the district to workshops for school and public library staff on topics from Web 2.0 to reading aloud.

The focus though is very much on inspiring Taranaki children to read and also to realise that although, “they come from the small settlement of Ngaere with perhaps 100 people, they could be the next Trevor Pye or from the back blocks of Stratford, the next Vince Ford or even from Inglewood – the next Fleur Beale or Janet Hunt!”, according to Pam Jones, District Children’s & YA Librarian at South Taranaki District Libraries. She adds.

“Anything that gets more kids reading has to be a good thing!”

We agree and hope this inaugural festival is the first of many and that it also inspires other regions…

For further information on the Taranaki Children’s Book Festival visit:

Puke Ariki

or contact:
Puke Ariki and District Libraries (06) 759 6060
Stratford District Library (06) 765 5403
South Taranaki District Libraries 0800 111 323


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