Education Minister El James is one of several special guests proving to children today that reading can be fun.

Mr. James will read for 20 minutes to school aged children from nursery school up to primary six at the 10th Annual Reading Festival, put on by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

This isn't new for Mr. James, who admitted: "I have grandchildren of my own and I enjoy this kind of thing. This isn't a one time a year thing, I do this whenever I get a chance."

National sports players are also expected to stop by between 11 a.m. and noon and sign autographs for the children.

According to Denise Riviere, Bermuda Alumnae Chapter President, the event is a great way for children to get excited about reading. She said: "In today's video game and television society, it is critical that we remind children and parents that reading is vital to the future success of our community and economy."

Children and families will be given a complimentary book and free literacy resources, and will also be entertained by a magic show at 1 p.m. and puppet show at 2.30 p.m.

In addition there will be a fun castle and literacy games going on throughout the day. The festival, part of Delta Sigma Theta's commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, and service has been Bermuda's largest literary event since 1999.

A statement read: "As a small island country, we must continue to address the issue of literacy in our schools, our homes and our communities, never forgetting that a lifelong bond to books is made not only through instruction, but through the personal connections we make to the inherent joy of reading."

The event in Victoria Park is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.