"We've got bunting and posters," says programmer Sarah Hutchings, "and there'll be scrabble and boggle in the bar".

Not quite the right atmosphere for a rigorous debate about politics, war and the morality of journalism, then.

But the perfect environs for 26 Letters, a four-day mini Festival which launches today in conjunction with the adult Books And Debate's programme and will dedicate itself to children's literature.

Catering for everyone from toddlers to teens with a variety of events at near pocket-money prices, this brand new event will give inspired readers a chance to meet inspiring authors.

Kicking off today with a series of events for school parties, it will open to the public on Saturday with a day of children's illustrators, including Anthony Browne (12 noon), whose sophisticated surrealism will, Hutchings predicts, attract "as many adult collectors as children".

Tickets are also still available for three teen events Garth Nix (Sat, 3pm), the Australian author behind the award-winning fantasies Sabriel, Shade's Children and Keys To The Kingdom; Louise Rennison (Sat, 4.30pm), the Brighton-based comedian turned queen chronicler of angst; and Meg Rosoff (Sun, 2pm), whose debut How I Live Now won the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize.

In addition, storyteller in residence Hugh Lupton, who has "travelled all over the world learning different techniques and picking up different tales", will host four events over the weekend, covering everything from Russian folk tales to animal antics.

"I think JK Rowling has started a craze of children really being aware of and wanting to go and see authors," says Hutchings. "Children are the audiences of tomorrow we want to demystify the idea of going to events like these."