Saturday 21st May saw Random House Children's Books and Andersen Press launch a brand new 'Festival of Illustration' with Blackwells Oxford.

It was a jam packed day of events, kicking off with the wonderful David McKee and Tony Ross who were entertaining as always and made a brilliant comedy duo! Next up was storytelling and fun with the award-winning Chris Wormell who laid out sheets of paper and got all the children drawing the animals from his book, One Smart Fish. Booktrust award winner Katie Cleminson introduced bear mask making which was a real afternoon treat!

To end a lovely day of events, David McKee and Mini Grey did an adult Masterclass where they shared handy tips, great advice and amusing stories about their experiences of getting started as an illustrator.

Lisa Hayden (RHCB) and Clare Simms (Andersen Press) were thrilled to have launched a fun and inspiring family day out. Blackwells said: 'Please pass on our thanks to all the authors who visited, their events were really interesting and the customers obviously really enjoyed themselves.'