New York Times bestselling children's author, A.F Steadman, is heading to Cornwall to give a talk and book signing.

The St Austell Festival of Children’s Literature has announced that the acclaimed author of the Skandar series will be attending a special event in October.

She will be engaging with readers and signing copies of her latest book, Skandar and the Skeleton Curse.

An Audience with A.F Steadman will take place on October 27.

Attendees will be treated to insights about the new book and will also have the opportunity to ask the author questions about the series and her experience as a published author.

Doors will open at 3pm, offering face-painting, elemental-themed refreshments, and Skandar-related games and activities.

The audience is encouraged to dress in elemental green to enhance the festive atmosphere.

It is designed to inspire a love of reading in children and raise funds for the St Austell Children’s Book Festival, aiming to return for its third edition in 2025.

(Image: A.F Steadman)

The necessity of promoting reading for pleasure has been underscored by research from the OECD, which shows that reading plays a crucial role in shaping children's futures.

However, the percentage of children reading for leisure daily has dropped from 38 per cent in 2012 to 23 per cent in 2021.

The event will take place at St Mary’s Methodist Church on Bodmin Road, St Austell.

Tickets are £5 and are available from Reading Rocks: wherereadingrocks.com/event/an-audience-with-af-steadman-by-st-austell-festival-of-childrens-literature/

Simon Pollard, festival director, said: "We are excited to bring award-winning, best-selling author of the Skandar series, A.F.

"Steadman, to St Austell for a very special fundraising event.

"As our festival patron, A.F Steadman is supporting our key principles of sharing the joy of reading for pleasure with as many families as possible and bringing people together in the town as a community that shares a love of books."