Carol Ann Duffy hosts the second Manchester Children's Book Festival next week

A packed programme of events to celebrate children's reading will take place between 28 June and 8 July

'Since I became a mother, I’ve found myself writing more and more for children, so, when I was appointed Poet Laureate, it felt natural that my first major event should be a children’s book festival,' said Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy. 'The 2012 Festival is even bigger and better – truly a festival for the city.'

Writers taking part in the festival include Jackie Kay, Philip Pullman, Curtis Jobling, Jacqueline Wilson, Kate Fox and Michael Rosen. Run from Manchester Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan University, the imaginative range of talks and events aimed at children and adults will take place in galleries, theatres, museums, schools, libraries across the region.

Website: www.mcbf.org.uk