One story. Thousands of readers.

This year we’re proud to launch the Big Read for Schools, to give every Year 8 student in a Merton state school their own copy of Lord of the Flies: The Graphic Novel, illustrated by Aimée de Jongh. A book to read over the summer and bring back to school in September, ready to talk about.

London’s leading literary festival returns with a major international line-up and a renewed focus on young readers in this National Year of Reading. This includes the launch of the Merton Big Read for Schools and the festival’s first Children’s Laureate, Nathanael Lessore.

We are thrilled to announce the first names of Wimbledon BookFest 2026, including Robert Harris, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, Meera Syal and more!