THE Schools Library Service encourages children in Herefordshire to read for pleasure and offers them a chance to meet nationally renowned children’s authors.

This year's author events this year feature Shoo Rayner, Chris White and Jon Robinson. Shoo Rayner is a popular children’s author and illustrator, his hilarious stories are based on unforgettable characters such as Ginger Ninja, Monster Boy and Viking Vik.

Poet and illustrator Chris White is the author of many funny poetry books including Bitey the Veggie Vampire, Wang Foo the Kung Fu Shrew and Stumpy the One-legged Pigeon.

The Carnegie and Kate Greenaway prizes are judged by the nation's librarians and are the oldest and most prestigious children’s book awards in the UK. The Carnegie Medal is awarded annually to the writer of an outstanding book for children and the Kate Greenaway Medal for the best illustrations.

For the Kate Greenaway event on Tuesday, May 19, primary school children will be reading the shortlisted picture books, talking about them, creating beautiful works of art inspired by them and voting on their favourite one. Students from Hereford College of Arts will be helping the children realise their artistic visions and the final pieces will go on display at Hereford Library later this summer.

Secondary school children will read the eight books shortlisted for the Carnegie medal, debate them and vote for their favourite one on Thursday, June 11. They will also meet Jon Robinson the author of the popular teen books Nowhere and Anywhere.

If you are a teacher in Herefordshire there is still time to reserve a place for your school at these book events. There is a charge for each event with a discount for schools that buy into the Schools Library Service.

Shoo Rayner and Chris White will be at Hereford Town Hall on Wednesday, May 20 and Friday, May 22 respectively.

For bookings and price details contact Jane Greenaway at jgreenaway@herefordshire.gov.uk