PUPILS from Ysgol Pen y Garth in Penarth turned book critics for the day, as they gave the lowdown on their favourite books ahead of World Book Day last week.

A group of eight pupils from year groups throughout the school teamed up with Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival to help launch the Young Critics competition, with each pupil giving a review of their favourite books, authors and characters in Welsh and English.

Other budding young critics inspired to take part can submit their reviews online.

The winners’ reviews will feature on the Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival website and winners will become official Young Critics with an access all areas pass to all Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival events, which run from April 21-29.

In the year that marks the centenary of the suffragette movement, the festival programme includes a female line up including Welsh TV presenter Lowri Morgan, who has written a Welsh adaptation of the hit book Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, as well as a special event with author and illustrator Louise Kay Stewart.

Other festival highlights include a Harry Potter party at City Hall, where fans can immerse themselves in Hogwarts life; a chance to create a comic with resident artist Huw Aaron, a silly songbook performance with Nick Cope, a special opportunity to hear about Gaspard the Fox with BBC broadcaster Zeb Soanes, and a storytime session with Paddington Bear.