Our history

The Federation of Children’s Book Groups began in the 1960s, driven by a desire from parents to learn more about children’s books, to encourage their children to read and to share passions and knowledge about children’s books with like-minded adults in their local areas.

Founder Anne Wood set up the first Children’s Book Group in 1965, to promote enthusiasm for and about children’s books; by 1968, through Anne’s magazine Books For Your Children, more and more people had joined groups across the United Kingdom and the Federation was created to link these groups together. Anne later founded Ragdoll Productions, known for its award-winning Teletubbies and In The Night Garden children’s programmes.

The Federation flourished and many of the groups established in the early days are still in existence today, inspiring new generations of children to enjoy books, stories and pictures.
There have been a number of Federation initiatives over the years which have been the catalyst for many national children’s book events:

National-Share-A-Story-Week was created in 1974 and is now National Share-A-Story Month, celebrated every May

The Red House Children’s Book Award, the only national award voted for entirely by children, has been running since 1980, originally known as the Children’s Book award but now sponsored by Red House.

Our most recent initiative is National Non-Fiction Day, celebrating non-fiction books for children.

Many of our groups are formed by parents; others originate in schools, libraries, bookshops… All our groups welcome all parents, carers, librarians, teachers, booksellers, authors, illustrators, publishers and anyone in their local area who wants to encourage children to read and to share stories. If you would like to become involved in a local group click here to find your nearest group. If you would like to start your own group please get in touch by emailing info@fcbg.org.uk.