Today marks the start of the Children's Book Festival, which runs for the next fortnight at libraries, bookshops, schools and arts centres across Ireland.

The aim of the festival is to promote, foster and stimulate reading among all children. Lots of fun activities including and transcending reading books are on offer. The festival is publishing, along with its event guide, "Book Fest", a free reading guide to children's books in every age category. Check your local library or bookshop.