The book publishing event of 2026 is one designed to bring a smile to all our faces. This September, Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler’s latest collaboration, Gruffalo Granny, is set to take the book world by storm.
It’s a reminder that, despite all the doom and gloom about children’s reading – and National Literacy Trust figures show that the number of children and young people reading for pleasure is at its lowest level for years – the right story will always cut through.
It’s also a reminder that it’s beholden on all of us – parents, grandparents, extended family, the wider community – to pass on the singular pleasures of reading to the next generation, to nurture and encourage our children to feel the excitement and power of the written word.
That’s why we’re so passionate about Monty Mini Fest, our children’s book festival that’ll run for the second year this June. Working with the award-winning Welsh children’s publisher, Firefly Press, we’ve assembled another brilliant line-up of authors for a lively day of story-telling and story-making.
We’ll start with a FREE session for the under 7s, when local storytelling legends Georgia Dickinson and Cyndy Humphreys will share some favourite tales.
Then Sharon Marie Jones will take us on a witchy wander through her Grace-Ella books. Prepare for lots of magical fun and games!
Next up is Rhiannon Oliver, who will be sharing poems from Fresh and encouraging her fans to write some poems of their own.
There’ll be the chance to meet author Emma Rea, who’ll be taking us all on a Venetian adventure.
And, for older children and young adults, we’re delighted to welcome Nicola Davies, Children’s Laureate Wales and author of the award-winning Skrimsli books.
There’s something for all ages, so let’s celebrate together the sheer pleasure of reading – and look to pass on the torch to the next generation of readers too. Grannies – Gruffalo or otherwise – are very welcome to join us.
The Jill Kibble Monty Mini Fest takes place on Sunday 13th June at Montgomery Activity Centre.
Paid-for session cost £5 for an adult and up to three children. Children over the age of 11 can come along to hear Nicola Davies unaccompanied and for free.
There’ll be a bookshop on site and children will be able to meet our authors and have their books signed by them. And, of course, there will be cake!
Tickets are available online or in person from The Montgomery Bookshop or Ivy House Café in Montgomery.