A Date for Your Diary

Family days out with a bookish twist

This is the place for must-attend events for families who love stories. Diaries at the ready: the listings gather launches, live shows and festivals worth planning a weekend around.

Children's books have a way of turning an ordinary afternoon into something worth remembering, and that is really the spirit behind everything shared here. Whether you are a grown-up who never quite grew out of picture books or a parent hunting for the next read-aloud favourite, there is room for you. The aim is simple: to pass along the delight of stories made for young readers, from board books for the smallest hands to graphic novels and longer fiction for older ones. Every title mentioned is chosen because it sparked something, and that enthusiasm is what carries through the writing.

Conversations with authors, illustrators and the people who bring books into the world sit at the heart of the site. Interviews offer a glimpse behind the scenes, showing how an idea becomes a finished book and what it takes to capture a young reader's attention. There is something quietly inspiring about hearing creators talk about their own childhood favourites, their working habits and the moments that shaped their stories. These chats are meant to feel like listening in on a friendly discussion rather than reading a formal profile, and they celebrate the craft behind every title.

Reviews and recommendations run alongside the interviews, covering a wide spread of ages and interests. There are picture books to share at bedtime, short and accessible reads for children finding their feet with words, and richer stories for confident readers ready for something longer. Lists often gather titles around a theme, a season or a feeling, making it easier to find the right book for the right child. The tone stays warm and honest throughout, pointing toward stories that entertain, comfort or gently stretch a young imagination.

Beyond the books themselves, there is a steady rhythm of news, diary dates and seasonal ideas for families who like their weekends to have a story attached. Launches, festivals and live readings give readers the chance to meet the people behind the pages, while competitions and newsletters keep the community connected between visits. The hope is that the site feels like a place to browse slowly, dipping in for a recommendation or a conversation and leaving with a title or two to look forward to. Sharing that joy, one book at a time, is what it is all about.

Promote a launch or festival

If you have a book launch or event coming up that you would like to promote, get in touch and we are happy to include it in our diary listing. Authors, publishers, booksellers and festival organisers are all welcome to send details.