Last year The Children’s Bookshow event with Jessica Souhami at Hereford’s The Courtyard Theatre was such a success that they're back again this year.

Best-selling children’s picture book author Jo Empson will be at The Courtyard on Tuesday, October 17 at 11 am. Her show is most suitable for children aged 5-8 years and most of the bookings are made by schools but the show can also be enjoyed by family groups.

Using Rabbityness, her first published picture book, Jo Empson will take the audience on a creative journey to show them how to make a book. From early roughs and sketch books full of ideas to miniature mock up books to the final finished work, Jo will offer children a fascinating insight into the world of a picture book illustrator. Rabbityness has been nominated for eight awards, including The Kate Greenaway Medal and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and UKLA award. Jo's background as a graphic designer has had a great influence on her work. Her illustrations are inspired by nature and she loves playing with colour in the form of a visual narrative.

The Children’s Bookshow is an annual tour of children’s authors and illustrators from the UK and abroad. To book for Jo Empson's event at The Courtyard on October 17, call the box office on 01432 340555 or visit courtyard.org.uk