The Children’s Bookshow is hosting an art and illustration auction to support its programme of free in-school workshops in 2026. Each year, the charity gives approximately sixty schools the incredible opportunity to welcome children’s authors, illustrators, and poets into their classrooms, completely free of charge. The artists host hands-on creative workshops where children can develop their own storytelling and illustration skills, guided by some of the very best children’s book creators. The auction will include original artworks and limited edition prints from some beloved children’s illustrators, and will aim to raise the £17,000 needed for the charity to continue this hugely positive programme of in-school creative workshops in 2026.

100% of teachers who responded to the charity’s 2024 evaluation survey say that these in-school workshops increased children’s confidence in working creatively, with pupils who normally hesitate to participate finding their voices during these sessions and gaining belief in their creative abilities.

At a time when research indicates that reading engagement is at an all time low, with the need to boost reading for pleasure high on the national agenda, 85% of teachers also reported that the in-school workshop provided by the charity helped increase their pupils’ engagement with the author’s books. Many teachers also highlighted the positive impact of putting enjoyment at the heart of literacy, particularly for pupils who struggle to meet the demands of the curriculum.

By participating in the auction, members of the public can help to fund this activity for 2026, inspire the next generation of readers, writers, and artists and ensure that The Children’s Bookshow can continue its work in the National Year of Reading.

The auction will include original artworks and limited edition prints. Work from an exciting variety of well-known children’s artists will be available to bid for, including contributions from Alexis Deacon, Catherine Rayner, Neal Layton and Christian Robinson, as well as The Paper Dolls illustrator Rebecca Cobb; creator of How to Hide a Lion, Helen Stephens; 2026 Carnegie Medal for Illustration nominee Jon Agee; and award-winning, internationally-acclaimed illustrator of The Gruffalo and so many other beloved children’s books, Axel Scheffler. 

“The Children’s Bookshow art auction is a wonderful opportunity for art lovers and book enthusiasts to purchase original artworks and limited edition prints from some of the world’s very best children’s illustrators. There are a wide variety of pieces to choose from by beloved illustrators and exciting new artists and we are so grateful for their support of our work. 

Bring the joy of books and reading into your home, find an excellent Christmas present, or a new piece of art to add to a developing collection, while supporting The Children’s Bookshow to continue our vital work in 2026.” Kate Arafa, co-director of The Children’s Bookshow,

The auction link is live from today, Friday 21st November, you can view the wonderful items available here and bidding will begin on Friday 28th November.

You can find out more about the work of this charity and the background to the auction by visiting the Children’s Bookshow official website here