More than 1000 people flocked to the small town on Saturday, with authors and illustrators sharing their love of words with curious children. 

Artistic director Tess Brady said the inaugural event had been a success, with everyone having an "extraordinarily good time". 

"It's very important we encourage children to get involved with books at the very beginning, because it's the most powerful thing in the world to be able to read," she said. 

"Naplan scores show that those in country Victoria are seven months behind their cousins in state schools so we have to catch up.

"That's why these events are just so important." 

Throughout the day, children were able to meet 13 award-winning authors and illustrators, who between them have produced more than 1100 books. 

"We had a tiny little girl who ran up to us and said it was all so exciting, she couldn't go to sleep," Ms Brady said. 

"One boy also told us it was fully sick - it was just so lovely.

"These comments make you realise children really are into books and the gorgeous, mysterious, world of magic they bring."