The ACBF is a showcase of literary work created for a diverse audience of children. It is the first and the largest Nigerian book festival specifically for young readers.
The maiden edition was held in 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the second and third editions of the festival (2020 and 2021), were held online with participants from across Nigeria and from over 23 countries around the world. The 2022 edition of the ACBF was an in-person event and so is the festival this year. The theme for this year’s festival is THROUGH THE PAGES.
The 2023 ACBF will feature author-led book readings; story time sessions; book chats; a book exhibition; professional workshops for children’s book writers; illustrators & publishers; mini workshops for children; insightful sessions for parents and teachers; music; drama and much more. The ACBF encourages the culture of reading for pleasure from an early age and improves access to age-appropriate, non-academic books. The festival provides a platform for literary professionals such as writers, illustrators and publishers of children’s books to showcase their work and helps book lovers, child development enthusiasts and literary creatives to connect with like minds. The ACBF excels at hosting engaging activities in which families can participate together, as well as providing an avenue for parents, children and teachers to discover new books.
The 2023 edition is taking place on Saturday September 23, 2023 at Starfield Montessori School, Lekki and is supported by IweMi.org; PepsiCo; CoolFM; Leadway Assurance; STEM-METS; The Learning Place; Parkview International Kindergarten School and the Nuturing Tree Nursery School.
The books to be featured this year range from children’s picture books for toddlers like On The Water by Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi; to chapter books for teens like Mma Powered by Chinyere Ifediora. The event has strong support and active participation from students and teachers of schools across the state. The festival, organised by IweMi (formerly Clever Clogs Books), has put together free writing workshops, book readings, book donation drives and read aloud sessions at schools, book clubs and book stores in various states across Nigeria.
