Characters leap off pages for fun day out | Taranaki Entertainment | Events, Movies and TV Guide for Taranaki

BOOK characters galore proved popular with a crowd of youngsters at the finale of the Taranaki Childrens Book Festival in Hawera on Saturday.
The festival, which was launched last Tuesday in Stratford, included a run of school visits around the province by authors, a writing competition and the big finale at the Hub.
Clifford the Dog, Bad Jelly, Geronimo Stilton and Asterix were among the book characters who were kept busy signing autographs for the children, who could put their names in a draw one they had enough signatures. Author Craig Smith, who wrote the Wonky Donkey was also a hit, performing songs and telling stories that had the kids joining in enthusiastically.
Children from all around the province attended the day out with free buses provided to the event from New Plymouth.