With autumn truly upon us, all the children of Eaton House Schools love to curl up with a good book.
Saturday 6 is ‘Read a Book Day’ in which young readers are encouraged to dive into a favourite book their way, on a beanbag, on a bed, in a playhouse or sitting by the fire. Further, Monday 8 is International Literacy Day and you can find out more at www.unesco.org/en/days/literacy.
Nearer to home, Eaton House The Manor will be hosting an incredible Dukes Education’s ‘Festival of Stories’ on Saturday 29th November 2025.
This fantastic event, packed with celebrity authors, is organised by our parent group, Dukes Education, and you won’t want to miss it – so pencil the date now! This will be a celebration of children’s books and imagination that will provide unforgettable memories.
By bringing together some of the UK’s most inspiring children’s authors and illustrators, we hope to create a joyful, memorable day that reinforces your efforts and helps spark renewed enthusiasm for reading among pupils and families. We’ve got a great programme that caters for everyone, from the little ones, right up to 13–14-year-olds.
There will be author talks, illustrator workshops, storytime sessions, performances, and planned book signings with leading authors including M.G. Leonard, Rob Biddulph, Jennifer Bell, Pari Thompson, and many more.
Here are some of our well-known authors:
M.G. Leonard
Twitch
Award-winning author of Twitch and the Beetle Boy series, bringing thrilling nature-filled adventures to young readers.
Rob Biddulph
Odd Dog Out
Author-illustrator of Draw With Rob and Odd Dog Out, inspiring kids to read, laugh and get drawing.
MC Grammar
Rap Kid
The rapping teacher turning grammar into gold, star of Rap Kid and viral educational songs.
Jennifer Bell
Magicalia
The creator of the enchanting Magicalia and Uncommoners series, full of wonder and adventure.
Sam Copeland
Charlie Changes Into A Chicken
Comic genius behind Charlie Changes Into a Chicken, loved for laugh-out-loud stories with heart.
Pari Thomson
Greenwild
Debut author of the bestselling Greenwild, already a modern fantasy favourite with young readers.
Laura Ellen Anderson
Amelia Fang
Creator of the Amelia Fang and Rainbow Grey series — funny, spooky, sparkly brilliance.
Serena Patel
Anisha, Accidental Detective
Award-winning author of Anisha, Accidental Detective — fun, fast-paced mysteries full of heart and humour.
Chloë Inkpen
Zoe & Beans
Co-creator of Zoe & Beans, bringing warmth and charm to picture books young families love.
Sophie Henn
Happy Hills
Illustrator and author of Happy Hills and Lifesize, known for bright, bold characters and brilliant fun.
Rachel Bright
The Lion Inside
Bestselling author of The Lion Inside and The Koala Who Could, creating stories with heart and meaning.
Little Angel Theatre
Theatrical Production
Beloved puppetry company performing The Imagination Train: The North Pole — full of snowy magic and wonder.
Danyah Miller
Workshop
Spellbinding performer bringing stories to life through her interactive Spontaneous Storytelling workshop.
There will also be some ‘character appearances’ by The Gruffalo and Peter Rabbit, and a fun performance by Little Angel theatre for toddlers. A book shop will be set up so that parents and grandparents can buy books for Christmas and have them signed by the authors.
Tickets: £7.50 per session, with some free activities and proceeds will go to a very good cause – the Dukes Foundation, which enables children to enjoy the benefits of an incredible education if they could not otherwise do so.
More detailed timetables and details on where to buy your tickets coming soon!
