What local groups do

A visit by Nicholas Allan, author of The Queen’s Knickers, to Yeo Valley Children’s Book Group

Each group is different, but in most you will find some of the following activities:

Meetings for adults to discuss books and children’s reading.

Visiting speakers such as authors, illustrators, book editors, publishers, librarians and educationalists.

A Group newsletter with news of book and group activities.

Events for children – storytelling, meet-an-author, competitions, expeditions, parties, picnics etc.

Book exhibitions and informal sales.

Candy Gourlay at a St. Albans CBG event

Through its many activities a Children’s Book Group can become an important part in its particular community. Group activities will vary according to local need and local resources, and may include:

Sharing books with schools, playgroups, nurseries and hospitals.

Organising larger events, such as book days, book weeks, book festivals, etc.

Giving talks to any group or organisation that asks.

Story reading during holidays at playschemes, libraries, playgrounds.

Setting up Family Reading Groups.

Working for continued and increased availability of a wide range of books in schools, libraries and the community generally.

Yeo Valley Children’s Book Group‘s adaptation of Ed Vere’s “Mr. Big”. This was created for their Love & Friendship event held on 7 February 2010.

All local groups have the opportunity to get involved with testing and voting each year for the Red House Children’s Book Award, the only national book award voted for entirely by children.

If you would like to find out if there is a Children’s Book Group in your local area then click here to find a local group.

One of the aims of the Federation is to increase the number of Children’s Book Groups in existence so if you would like to find out more about setting up a new Book Group in your area you can find out more about the process here. Also, please do email any questions you have to info@fcbg.org.uk. We’d love to hear from you!