The 11th annual ‘I Love to Read!’ children’s book festival will take place from noon to 4:30 p. m. at Bruce Trail Public School, 1199 Costigan Rd.

Ready to delight kids and their parents are seven Canadian authors, illustrators and storytellers.

With a puppet show, vendors, refreshments and face painting, organizers say there’ll be something for every kid over the age of four.

Headlining this year’s festival is Kit Pearson, one of Canada’s best-loved children’s authors.

Pearson is best known for her Guests of War trilogy, but she has released a new book, A Perfect Gentle Knight.

“We are just so excited to have her at our festival this year,” said Janis Marshall, Milton Public Library’s children’s librarian and a committee member. “This year’s festival line-up is perhaps the best ever.”

Michael Wade, author of the And Then it Happened series, is also appearing.

“Michael engages an audience like no other,” said Kate Murray, book festival committee member. “He has them rolling down the aisles in laughter.”

Fans of CBC radio in southern Ontario will know Kevin Sylvester, whose books for young readers combine a quirky sense of humour and a love for obscure trivia.

Rounding out the case of presenters are authors Sharon McKay and Andy Spearman, illustrator Bill Slavin — known for the picture book Stanley’s Party — and storyteller Richard Keens-Douglas.

The festival is being sponsored by the Town of Milton, Milton Public Library and the Milton Community Resource Centre.

Tickets cost $3 for kids, $5 for adults and $12 for a family and are available at Milton Public Library and the Milton Community Resource Centre.

Advanced ticket-buyers can enter a draw to win brunch with Michael Wade the day of the festival.

For more information, including bios of the presenters, visit bookfestival.mpl.on.ca or call (905) 875-2665.