Paula Bowles is coming to Waterstones in Weston-super-Mare to bring the fun of reading to children ahead of World Book Day.
The illustrator of the beloved children's book, 'Marv and the Ultimate Superpower', will host an interactive, free-to-attend workshop.
She will visit the bookshop on Saturday, February 17.
Here, attendees will enjoy an exclusive reading, partake in a creative workshop, get books signed, and exchange their World Book Day £1 token for a free book.
This visit by Ms Bowles is part of the preparation for the celebration of World Book Day® slated for Thursday March 7.
The illustrator expressed her excitement to meet with the children at the local branch of Waterstones.
She said: "World Book Day is such a special moment helping children discover the different ways reading can spark joy".
This year, World Book Day’s 'Read Your Way' campaign encourages a pressure-free reading environment - giving children a chance to enjoy reading at their own pace.
This is in response to a study from the National Literacy Trust which showed that fewer than one in two (47.8 per cent) children enjoy reading.
Paula Bowles' visit is but one initiative in the drive to reverse this trend, particularly among children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
World Book Day has been instrumental in ensuring that every child has a book of their own.
It annually distributes over 15 million £1/€1.50 book tokens across the UK and Ireland through schools, libraries, and charities.
These tokens can be exchanged for any of the 15 World Book Day books from Thursday February 15 until Sunday March 31.
Additionally, the token can be used as a £1 contribution towards any full-priced book or audiobook at participating retailers.
Cassie Chadderton, CEO of World Book Day, expressed her delight in Paula Bowles’ bookshop visit: "We’re delighted that more children will have the opportunity to get to know Paula Bowles and discover fun ways to engage with reading.
"What better way for them to discover the life-changing benefits of reading than to see Paula first-hand".
For more information, visit www.worldbookday.com.
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