The Federation of Children’s Book Groups Conference is an annual event that features a range of talks, seminars and exhibitions with authors and industry professionals for people interested in children’s books and getting children reading. The conference is open to FCBG members and non-members.

The 2026 conference takes place from 10th – 12th April at Leighton Park School in Reading. The theme for this year is Books that Hook: Turning every child into a reading with the right book.

The provisional programme includes talks on:

• Crime and Mystery with Holly Webb, J J Arcanjo and Sufiya Ahmed
• Accessible Books with publishers Barrington Stoke and Every Cherry
• Reaching Reluctant Readers with Phil Earle and Philip Kavvadias
• Verse Novels with Sarah Crossan, Tia Fishers and Ella McLeod
• Illustrating Classics with Chris Mould
• Graphic Novels for Younger Readers with Jon Lock, Nich Angel, Cat Weldon and Nene Lonergan
• Children’s Book Award with Ross Montgomery, Malcolm Duffy and Leonie Lord
• Non-Fiction with Susan Martineau, Leigh Hodgkinson and Samantha Lewis

Cost: £315/£365 for FCBG members/non-members for the full 3 days (includes accommodation). Single day access also available.

About The Federation of Children’s Book Groups: The FCBG is an umbrella organisation that coordinates and supports the work of local Children’s Book Groups across the UK. As well as events for parents and children organised at a local level, the FCBG also organises the FCBG Children’s Book Award and other national events to help bring children and books together.