Children who read for pleasure are likely to do significantly better at school than their peers who do not. "Reading for fun improves not only literacy but maths attainment too...From a policy perspective, this strongly supports the need to support and encourage children's reading in their leisure time, especially given that the available evidence on trends over time suggests that children's reading for pleasure has declined in recent years."  And this is where Shrewsbury Children’s Bookfest steps up to the mark to help keep the fun in reading for the children of Shropshire. With the help of festival stars such as DENNIS THE MENACE, CBEEBIES presenter Cerrie Burnell, and also the writers of the MINECRAFT handbooks, the emphasis is well and truly on reading for pleasure. Friendly rivalry between fans of football and rugby will be the theme when TOM PALMER, renowned children’s writer of sports-related stories, hosts a discussion and quiz for the audience to decide once and for all which game is best – FOOTBALL or RUGBY?   And who amongst us finds Maths a bit murderous?  Well, there’s an event which promises to banish all murderous thoughts when author and performer KJARTAN POSKITT entertains, amazes and brings the fun back into maths. The only LEGO Certified Professional in the UK, Duncan Titmarsh, makes a welcome return to Shrewsbury to guide us through how to build a mini STAR WARS model for everyone to take home. He will also be wowing his audience with some amazing Star Wars-inspired Lego builds his company has been commissioned to create.  This is a must for all LEGO mad children (and parents too!).   HOLLY WEBB’S books can be found on most young children’s bookshelves and in school libraries.  She has written over 30 books for children and her stories continue to be devoured with gusto.  Holly will be talking about her favourite characters in her books and helping the audience make animal masks to take home. Finally, the public is invited to drop into the Square in Shrewsbury on Saturday 2 May where everyone will be transported into the magical world of DR SEUSS.  Local groups will deliver dance displays, drama, storytelling and book swapping all day long: "You can find magic wherever you look.  Sit back and relax.  All you need is a book. And to think you may find it at Shrewsbury Square.  On 2nd May.  We’ll all be there.   Book swapping, crafting and dancing.  Your magic awaits.  It starts at 11.  Don’t be late!"     Full details on how to book tickets to events can be found at www.shrewsburybookfest.co.uk