A love of books usually sparks in childhood and often grows stronger and stronger as we get older. After all, there’s no better way to get lost in our imaginations than by meeting characters who tell stories we might never forget. That’s something worth celebrating. This one-of-a-kind book festival in Rhode Island, the We Are All Readers 2024 festival, pays homage to children’s literature, and it promises a day jam-packed with fun (and good food!) for the whole family.

We Are All Readers, a one-day book festival, marks its third year on April 6, 2024, with a full day of fun planned. The third annual festival will take place at North Kingstown High School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

While it’s a family-friendly event, you don’t have to have kids to attend. The day offers something for book lovers of all ages, including The Rhode Island Bucket Drummers. They'll perform outside from 11:30 a.m. to noon and, afterward, kids can join in an interactive drumming session.

Several authors and illustrators will be on hand during the festival, including Kim Fleming, Jamie Michalak, Valerie Bolling, and Eric Valesquez, all of whom either write or illustrate children's books.

If you've been looking for the We Are All Readers festival dates, mark your calendar for April 6, 2024.

The day kicks off with picture book storytimes with attending authors and illustrators. While presentations are going on, there will also be all-day events, including activities and crafts for kids, author signings, and a pop-up bookstore.

Bring a hearty appetite, too. Several food trucks will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kiddos between seven and 13 who love graphic novels can pre-register for the Make Your Own Comics workshop. Led by Cathy Johnson, a Rhode Island graphic artist, the workshop has limited space and will run from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

You must pre-register after the workshop.

After the workshop, guests will enjoy a meet-and-greet with Johnson, one of the authors at the We Are All Readers Festival.

Four additional graphic artists - Shauna Grant, Damian Alexander, Raul the Third, and Alex Graudins - will also participate in author talks.

After the talks, there will be meet-and-greets and book signings.

Teen artists will showcase their talents, and their artistic response to banned books, at the opening of the art show We Belong on the Page. The event begins at 1:40 p.m. in the atrium.

Can’t wait until the festival arrives? Join the reading challenge that’s open to everyone in Rhode Island who is three or older. Click the link to get all of the details and join in on the fun, which runs until the day of the festival.

Reserve your spot at this free Rhode Island book festival. Then keep up-to-date with all of the latest details on the We Are All Readers website.

Have you been to this one-of-a-kind festival in Rhode Island? Do you plan to attend the We Are All Readers 2024 festival? We would love to hear from you in the comments. Book lovers have so many amazing destinations to explore, including this beautiful library in Rhode Island.