Children's Author speaking at children's book festival

Igniting Passion for Reading, One Festival at a Time

BookTastic creates measurable, lasting change in children’s reading attitudes, engagement, and literacy outcomes through the power of meeting real authors and celebrating stories.

By The Numbers

BookTastic’s Impact Across the UK

Festival Reach

0 +
over 200 schools participated since 2020
0 +
over 3,000 children reached annually
Regional festivals delivered nationwide

Author Engagement

Bespoke programme created for each individual locality
Bestselling, award-winning authors and illustrators
Every child meets the author & goes home with their own signed book

Reading Attitude Impact

0 %
74% of pupils report increased enjoyment of reading post-festival
0 %
84% express more interest in books and authors
0 %
71% of reluctant readers engage positively with at least one session
0 %
67% of pupils try new books or genres they hadn't considered before

In Their Own Words

Testimonials

What the children said:

“I met the person who wrote my favourite book! She was so nice and funny. She said I could be a writer too when I grow up.” 

A, age 7

“Before BookTastic I thought books were boring. Then I heard Ross Montgomery read from his new book and I was hooked. I’ve read all his books now.” 

J, age 9

“The poet taught us how to write poems about our lives. Mine was about my gran. My mum cried when I read it to her. I’m going to be a poet.”  

S, age 9

“I have dyslexia and reading is hard for me. But the author I met has dyslexia too and he’s written 30 books! It made me think I can do things too.”  

M, age 10

What the teachers said:

“BookTastic Week is one of the highlights of our school year. The excitement and genuine awe on children’s faces during the events – it’s magic. And the impact lasts – we have pupils asking us if we’re going to take part in BookTastic next year, and they can’t believe they get to choose the authors.”

Year 4 Teacher

David Litchefield, author of the Bear & the Piano, presenting at Booktastic

“I’ve taught for 15 years and seen lots of literacy initiatives. BookTastic is different – it’s pure inspiration rather than instruction. When children meet authors, reading stops being a school requirement and becomes a passionate choice.” 

Headteacher

Authors presenting at Booktastic
“Our most reluctant readers were transformed. One boy who’d never finished a book begged his parents to buy the author’s series at the book fair. He’s now read six books in three months—unthinkable before BookTastic.”

Year 6 Teacher

Author presenting at Booktastic

What school leaders said:

“BookTastic delivered a high-impact, well-organised festival that elevated reading across our trust. The professionalism, author quality, and support were exceptional. We’re committed to making this an annual tradition.”

MAT Executive Head

“For our disadvantaged pupils, meeting successful authors – especially diverse authors – is so important. They see that reading and writing are for everyone, regardless of background. And having that demonstrated, not just taught, really gets through.” 

Trust CEO

FAQs for Teachers