Aylesbury Children's Book Festival
A year-long celebration of storytelling, creativity, and imagination!
Throughout the year, we’ll welcome 5 incredible authors and illustrators to inspire and captivate children of all ages. Meet some of your favourite authors (and find some new favourites). Come and hear them talk about their characters, their art and their inspirations behind some of your favourite books.
Saturday 17 May - Mark Grist
Saturday 26th July - Jame Mayhew and Toto
Saturday 8th November - Harriet Muncaster
Save the dates and stay tuned as we reveal the rest of the Aylesbury Children’s Book Festival names over the next few weeks!
Events

Step into the whimsical world of words with Mark Grist, an award-winning poet, rapper, and children’s author, as he hosts an enchanting family-friendly session that blends the magic of rhymes and the charm of children's books.
He will do two different shows on Sat 17 May. The Morning Session will be Rhymes and Reads: A Family Adventure with Mark Grist and the Afternoon Session will be his Big Box Bonanza Show.
"Rhymes and Reads: A Family Adventure with Mark Grist" (10.30am - 11.30am)
Mark will perform a captivating rap and a heartfelt poem, followed by a reading from his picture book, Rhinos Don't Cry.
This interactive workshop is packed with fun activities, inviting kids and parents to collaborate on creating characters and building their own four-part stories. This hands-on approach not only entertains but also educates, as participants explore the art of storytelling together.
60 minutes long (including Q&A), followed by public book signing.
Pricing:
Adult £8, Child £8, Morning & Afternoon Combined Ticket £15, Under 3s Free
For an extra £3 per child you can also visit the Roald Dahl Children's Gallery. Adult tickets include access to the Roald Dahl Children's Gallery on this day.
Big Box Bonanza Show (1.30pm - 2.30pm)
An A-Z family adventure like no other. Expect fun, silliness, and lots of interaction in a show packed full of stories, games, and rhymes.
Mark Grist’s Big Box Bonanza is more than just a performance—it’s an experience that sparks creativity and encourages students to see themselves as poets. This interactive show takes children on a journey through 26 magical boxes, each containing its own unique surprise. With poetry, stories, and games woven throughout, the show captivates young audiences, making literacy learning engaging and fun. Event recommended for ages 4-8 years.
60 minutes long (including Q&A), followed by public book signing.
Pricing:
Adult £8, Child £8, Morning & Afternoon Combined Ticket £15, Under 3s Free
For an extra £3 per child you can also visit the Roald Dahl Children's Gallery. Adult tickets include access to the Roald Dahl Children's Gallery on this day.
Book now
Saturday 26 July
Join James Mayhew and Toto Martinez in the morning for a dazzling interactive session inspired by their best-selling picture-books. Followed by a wonderful event full of stories, music, and live illustration with James Mayhew in the afternoon.
Fairytale Frogs & fabulous Frocks
Time: 10.30am – 11.30am
Join James Mayhew and Toto Martinez for this dazzling interactive session inspired by their best-selling picture-books. Discover a world of mixed up fairytales, and wonderful live illustration. You can even help Toto design the best pantomime dame costume ever!
60 minutes long (including Q&A), followed by public book signing.
Suitable for ages 3 – 5
A Symphony of Stories
Time: 1.30pm - 2.30pm
Did you know that music can tell stories? Join James Mayhew for a wonderful event full of stories, music, and live illustration. Be swept away by tales of sunken cities and miraculous firebirds in this unforgettable introduction to classical music.
60 minutes long (including Q&A), followed by public book signing.
Suitable for ages 7 -11
Pricing:
Adult £8, Child £8, Morning & Afternoon Combined Ticket £15, Under 3s Free
For an extra £3 per child you can also visit the Roald Dahl Children's Gallery. Adult tickets include access to the Roald Dahl Children's Gallery on this day.
Book now
Join internationally bestselling author and illustrator Harriet Muncaster for a special author event
10:30am - 11:30am on Saturday 8 November 2025
or
1:30pm - 2:30pm on Saturday 8 November 2025
Harriet Muncaster, bestselling creator of Isadora Moon, Mirabelle, Emerald and Victoria Stitch, can’t wait to share her new book series, The Diary of Wiska Wildflower.
Further details about the event
- There are 2 events on Saturday 8 November 10:30am and 1:30pm - both are the same
- Both events will start promptly, if attending the 10:30am event, doors open at 10:15am, doors will open at 1:15pm for the 1:30pm event
Both events will include:
- 50-60 minutes long (including Q&A), followed by public book signing.
- The public book signing after the event will be open to anyone who wants to get their Wiska Wildflower/ Isadora Moon / Mirabelle / Emerald books / Victoria Stitch signed, whether they bought them on the day from the bookseller or have brought them from home.
- Aimed at children aged 5 – 11 years old.
Booking
£8 Child (4 – 15 year olds)
£8 Adult
Under 3’s free
For an extra £3 per Child you can also visit the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery. Adult tickets include access to the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery on this day. If attending the second event you can visit the Roald Dahl Children's Gallery BEFORE or AFTER your event.
Book nowA year-long celebration of storytelling, creativity, and imagination!
Throughout the year, we’ll welcome 5 incredible authors and illustrators to inspire and captivate children of all ages. Meet some of your favourite authors (and find some new favourites). Come and hear them talk about their characters, their art and their inspirations behind some of your favourite books.
Saturday 17 May - Mark Grist
Saturday 26th July - Jame Mayhew and Toto
Saturday 8th November - Harriet Muncaster
Save the dates and stay tuned as we reveal the rest of the Aylesbury Children’s Book Festival names over the next few weeks!