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OCBG’s biennial Storyfest event 2025: “Stories that Shape Us”

On October 11th 2025, the OCBG held its biennial Storyfest event, designed for OCBG members, plus non-member teachers, librarians, parents and bibliophiles. This was our second Storyfest in the Magic Common Room at the Story Museum.

We would like to extend our thanks to Lily and the team of colleagues who looked after us so well. Over 40 people came to the event, which went very well indeed.

Our theme was "Stories that Shape Us" and our speakers all shared the books and stories that had influenced them on their writing journeys. Teresa Heapy explained how she had grown up with books and publishing, thanks to her father, the legendary Ron Heapy, who was a commissioning editor for OUP. Teresa has published widely but she introduced us all to her first full length novel for children Will Wolfheart (David Fickling).

Poet and newly-published children’s writer, Penny Boxall described how her career in museums and her love of language had come together in Letty and the Golden Thread (Penguin) which was published just a few months ago.

Jackie Morris is renowned for her beautiful illustrations and paintings. She showed us work from much-loved children’s illustrators whose work had shaped her own style and outlined her latest project, about Britain’s birds, with writer, Robert Macfarlane, which will be launched by the Bodleian in May 2026, here in Oxford. Finally, she read aloud from her book Wild Things, proving that she is not only a great artist but also a gifted writer.

Bill Laar wrapped up the event by sharing some stories that had shaped him and by pulling together the issues our speakers had raised.

Everyone present seemed to enjoy meeting and listening to the authors. Attendance included a tour of the museum’s galleries but most people just wanted to stay on and chat over lunch.

Feedback from some of those who attended:

"That was a very special day…"

"…thank you for organising such a splendid event. All the talks were rich and inspiring and it was so wonderful to be surrounded by people with a real love and enthusiasm for children’s literature."

"Thanks so much for a wonderful day. It was such a warm, inspiring event. I loved meeting you all and felt welcomed into a fabulously supportive and enthusiastic group of people! I also enjoyed the opportunity to look back at the stories of my life…"

"It was wonderful to hear the speakers (Teresa Heapy, Jackie Morris, Bill Laar)… and discover Penny Boxall whom I didn’t know. Thanks again for everything on Saturday 11th October- it was just wonderful!"

"I wanted to say a huge thank you for… Saturday. It was such a lovely occasion, and I felt so welcomed and supported. It was great to see you again, to meet the other committee members and to chat with the other speakers; it was a richly rewarding day! Thanks for all you do."

"Thank you ever so much for organising ‘Stories That Shape Us’ at the weekend. What a treat to spend time with so many other fans of children’s books! As a delegate I thought it was a super day, and I hope you all had the chance to enjoy it too alongside all your hard work."

Finally, a BIG thank you from me to everyone involved for ensuring such a memorable and inspiring occasion!

Jackie Holderness (Chair OCBG)

OCBG Annual General Meeting:

On November 13th 2025 at 7:00pm, we will have our AGM and social.

If you are interested in attending, then please contact us for details.

The Oxford Children’s Book Group (OCBG) has been organising events for children and adults in Oxfordshire for over twenty years. We are a diverse group of local parents, teachers, librarians, students, authors, illustrators, publishers and bookworms of all ages who are all interested in children’s literature.

OCBG is part of the Federation of Children’s Book Groups (registered charity No. 268289), which aims to promote a love of reading and of literature in children all over the country. The Federation was set up to promote enjoyment and interest in both children’s literature and reading itself, and to encourage the availability of a range of literature for all ages, from pre-school to teenagers.

Locally, we have links with schools, playgroups, publishers, libraries, and other official bodies. We aim to provide a meeting point for parents, professionals, and everyone who shares our commitment to bringing books into the hands of children everywhere.

In Oxford we hold at the very least one child-centered public book event each term, along with plenty of private events at member schools all over the county. We also organise storytellings, library sessions, and other family-friendly events.

Join Oxford Children’s Book Group

We always welcome new members – with or without children, and children’s literature lovers of any age. Fresh ideas and suggestions as to what activities we could do are always encouraged!

The Group aims to promote a love of books from a young age, and supports reading initiatives in the community, as well as getting books into the hands of those who might not otherwise have them.

Schools and other groups also benefit greatly from joining as all member schools have the chance to receive author or illustrator visits or other book events organised by us – often for no additional cost.

Just by joining the group you will help to provide exciting events for children all over Oxfordshire, but if you would like to get involved in the committee, we would love to welcome you. Pop along to any of the adult-centered events, or drop us an email.

Membership runs October-October each year, and now costs one flat rate of £15 per year for individuals, schools and groups and includes:

Please contact us for more information, or download the membership form to join now and help to provide exciting events for children all over Oxfordshire.

Have you had a look at our OCBG Facebook page? Please visit us there and hopefully you will feel inspired to press the LIKE button!
facebook.com/OxfordChildrensBookGroup
Thank you!

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