Three acclaimed children’s authors are touring the island’s schools and library for Book Week, starting today.
Every child from Reception to Year 9 will get the chance to meet the authors and illustrators of their favourite books as part of Guille-Allès Library’s annual Book Week.
Jodie Hearn, the Library’s Head of Children and Young People’s Services, said they are “extremely excited” to be welcoming the authors.
“2026 is the National Year of Reading, encouraging people of all ages to read more – and there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ thing to read. Manga, picture books, funny books, it all counts!” she said.
Children in Key Stage 2 will meet Ben Davis. The comedian turned writer has authored the popular Joe Cowley books, as well as The Soup Movement, My Embarrassing Dad’s Gone Viral and The Big Stink – which was recently named a Times Children’s Book of the Week.
Zehra Hicks, an author and illustrator, will be visiting the island’s Key Stage 1 students. Ms Hicks is behind a number of acclaimed picture books for children, with her illustrations in When the Dinosaurs Walked the Earth, written by Sean Taylor, winning the prestigious Oscar’s Book Prize in 2024.
Illustrator, Sonia Leong, will meet Key Stage 3 children. She specialises in Manga and Anime comic and has illustrated Doctor Who an Titan Comics.
She will deliver Manga-focused talks to Years 7 and 8, and offer lunchtime illustration workshops for budding artists.
Ms Hearn said: “Meeting authors can have a lasting impact on children – it can help to inspire a love of reading and writing, and above all it encourages them to read for pleasure, which is so important for both their education and their wellbeing.
“We can’t wait to introduce the island’s schoolchildren to these three brilliant authors next week.”
Alongside their classroom visits, the visiting authors and illustrators will also be appearing in special public events at Guille-Allès Library after school.
Zehra Hicks will host a drawing workshop for children aged 4 to 7 on Tuesday 13 October, while Ben Davis will give a talk featuring Space Vikings, rude unicorns and talking robots on Thursday 15 October.
Also on Thursday, Ms Leong will host a manga drawing workshop for anyone aged 14 and over.
These after-school events are free, but attendees must books via the library’s website.
Book Week is again sponsored by Collas Crill. Its staff have helped judge a series of competitions in the lead-up, where children have submitted their best monsters, postman space helpers and manga versions of themselves.
Gareth Bell, Guernsey Managing Partner at Collas Crill, said: “Book Week is a fantastic opportunity to encourage children to disover the joy of reading and to meet the authors and illustrators behind some of their favourite books.
“Our staff really enjoyed being part of the initiative last year and we’re delighted to be able to once again support the Library in bringing these authors into schools across Guernsey.
“It’s been great to see the creativity and enthusiasm of the children taking part in the competitions. We’re looking forward to seeing the winning entries and hearing from the authors during Book Week.”
