A HOST of children’s authors will be dropping into a shopping centre over the next two weeks.

Churchill Square in Brighton has officially launched its Big Summer Read, which features free readings, book signings and special events including workshops, story writing, treasure hunts and games.

CBeebies star Sid Sloane visited Churchill Square to read – on film - three of his favourite books, including The Gruffalo.

The film will be screened throughout the event, which ends on August 24.

The line up of authors taking part include Emily Gravett, twice winner of the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal for best-illustrated book for Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears.

The programme will also include Chris Bradford – the man behind the award-winning Young Samurai series and award -winning mother and daughter duo AJ Foxx, responsible for creating the Mr Hendrix series of books.

Joanna Simmons – author of the Pip Street series of books – will be doing a reading from her latest book while Abie Longstaff will be talking about her best-selling series of books, including The Fairytale Hairdresser.

Eastbourne author Jenny McLachlan – whose debut novel Flirty Dancing is set in Brighton - will be doing a fun event for teens.

And Brighton based best-selling illustrator Sue Hendra will be using her new book Spider Sandwiches as inspiration for a whole host of craft activities.

Churchill Square centre director Tina Dallorzo said, “There is something for all ages - with a whole host of great events planned to inspire the people of Brighton and beyond to get reading.”

For full details of each session, visit www.churchillsquare.com.