IT’S BOOKING GOOD: Preparations for this year’s free St Ives Book Jam are well under way and places on workshops are booking up fast.

The children’s book extravaganza, in its second year, is again being supported by property expert Move with Us and The Hunts Post.

Move with Us director Robin King handed over a £3,000 cheque to event organiser ACE – Friends of St Ives Corn Exchange. It was presented to ACE committee members Ros Pascoe and Julie Branch at Holywell School, where Mrs Branch is headteacher.

The money will be used to fund the storytelling and illustration workshops at the Corn Exchange, off Market Square, on Saturday, May 18.

It will also pay for a performance of The Story That Wrote Itself by the Quantum Theatre Players at noon.

Among those due to share their literary and artistic talents is author and illustrator Steve Smallman, who will draw on youngsters’ imagination to create animals (10.45-11.30am and 2-2.45pm).

Marion Lindsay plans to pass on her illustration skills to young workshop-goers and use the characters they come up with for a collage (10.30-11.30am).

Victor Watson will read from his Paradise Barn series (3pm), while Rebecca Patterson will devise a story for three to six year olds (2-2.45pm).

Marian Savill promises to make Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar come alive (11am-noon) and four artists – Jenni Desmond, Birgitta Sif, Marta Altes and Vanya Nastanlieva – will piece together a mural with help from budding young artists (10-11.45am and 1.30-4pm).

Other attractions include badge-making sessions, a soft play area for younger children, books for sale, book signings and a colouring competition. There will also be visits from The Gruffalo (11am and 3pm) and a crew of friendly pirates (3.15pm).

INFORMATION: To find out more or to book, contact Ros Pascoe by e-mailing bumble.bookjam@btinternet.com or call 01480 467094.