Children’s author inspires young readers thanks to Lit Fest’s charitable mission
Best-selling author and illustrator Rachel Bright has completed a hugely successful two-day visit to East Devon schools and community groups, meeting around 1,280 children as part of Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival’s learning and engagement programme.
The creator of much-loved titles including The Lion Inside, The Koala Who Could and the Love Monster series led a series of interactive sessions, encouraging children to draw, imagine and create alongside her. Workshops included live illustration, storytelling and creative exercises designed to build confidence in reading, writing and artistic expression.
Rachel visited Exeter Road Primary School, Littleham Primary School, Brixington Primary School and St Peter’s Primary School in Budleigh Salterton, delivering lively, inspirational sessions to the enthusiastic pupils.
Lisa Broad, deputy head teacher at St Peter’s School, Budleigh Salterton, said: "We had such a wonderful time; Rachel was so engaging and had such great energy. The children are still drawing turtles and dreaming up trips to Costa Rica!
"We're very grateful to the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival team for its dedication and efforts to make these experiences so good. It has been a fantastic collaboration which will be sure to get small people reading."
As part of the Festival’s commitment to supporting young people beyond the school environment, Rachel also took part in a well-attended event for home-schooled children at Exmouth Library, delivered in partnership with the library team.
David Marston, member of the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival education committee, said: “To see more than 1,280 children engaging so enthusiastically with Rachel’s stories and illustrations was truly inspiring. Her sessions were warm, funny and full of creative energy, and we’ve had hugely positive feedback from every school involved. We are extremely grateful to Rachel for giving so generously of her time and talent.
“This visit reflects the Festival’s core charitable mission: to promote a love of books, storytelling and creativity among young people in East Devon. Thanks to ticket sales and the continued support of our sponsors and donors, we are already planning further school visits and library partnerships for 2026.”
Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival runs an extensive year-round outreach programme, taking authors into local schools, staging events for children and students, and donating books to promote literacy and reading for pleasure.
Plans are already underway for next year’s festivals. The March Spring Weekend takes place on March 13 and 14 and the September festival takes place from September 23-27, 2026.
