From storytime to teen tales: Why Canberra Writers Festival’s Kids & YA Day is a must for families
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Canberra’s biggest literary event isn’t just for adults. The Canberra Writers Festival’s Kids and YA Day is designed just for kids – big and small.
Happening on Sunday 26 October (with a sneaky screen event the day before at Dendy Cinemas Canberra – more on that later), it’s the perfect excuse for a family outing.
From storytime magic for the little ones to bold young adult fiction that addresses real-world issues, there’s something for everyone, whether they’re a bookworm, sketcher, music-maker, or just love letting their imagination run free. You can expect them to leave with a full heart, overflowing creativity, and most likely a new stack of books tucked under your arm!
Runt, the Outback Hero
Kids (and parents) who adored the adventures of Runt will be thrilled to hear Craig Silvey is back with a brand-new outback mystery. Readers can expect laughs, suspense and plenty of love for all. Annie and her trusty four-legged sidekick tackle the chaos of a diabolical dognapping, and it’s best shared with the family.
Craig will be in conversation with bestselling Canberra author, vet, and passionate animal lover, Karen Viggers, with book signings afterwards. Got a furry, feathered or even scaly sidekick? Take along a photo or drawing of them so they can join the spotlight.
For all ages.
Peninsula Room, National Museum of Australia | Book tickets here
Talented Tales: Trim the Cat
Introducing Trim, the clawsome feline star of the National Museum of Australia’s newest picture book. The award-winning author Ursula Dubosarsky will take kids on a journey through Trim’s tales before helping them craft their very own storybook, starring this whiskered wonder. All you need is a pawsitive attitude, a wondering imagination, and maybe a love for cats.
Workshop. Recommended for ages 3-8.
Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre, National Museum of Australia | Book tickets here
Let’s Have A Draw Off
Quiet time? Not here. Let’s Have A Draw Off is a whirlwind of doodles, colour, and contagious energy that is fun for all. The incredible illustrators, Bill Hope (You & Me and the Peanut Butter Beast), Eleri Harris (A Loo of One’s Own) and David Conley (The Book About Life Before Dinosaurs) will go pencil-to-pencil in a live drawing showdown. With the crowd calling the shots, expect anything from wobbly monsters to doodles you didn’t know could exist. Think comedy meets art class. R
Recommended for ages 6 and up, but guaranteed to get the whole family giggling.
Visions Theatre, National Museum of Australia | Book tickets here
Andy Griffiths, Bill Hope and The Legendary Peanut Butter Beast
When it comes to capturing kids’ crazy ideas into pure comic genius, is anyone better than Andy Griffiths? Teaming up with illustrator Bill Hope, he’s inviting the audience on a laugh-out-loud adventure, where the adventure leaves you as the star of the show. Brace yourself for wild twists, doodles that come to life before your eyes, and plenty of moments where silliness takes the spotlight. This session is perfect for families who want to share the joy of stories together. Don’t forget to stick around for book signings with Andy and Bill!
Recommended for ages 6-12.
Peninsula Room, National Museum of Australia | Book tickets here
Danger Countdown: Race the Clock with Jack Heath
When it comes to nail-biting plots and heart-racing drama, Jack Heath delivers every time. The Canberra-based author is known for his Minutes of Dangers series, and now he’s bringing the thrill to life in an hour-long session filled with thrills, creativity and edge-of-your-seat storytelling.
Known for turning reluctant readers into page-turning addicts, Jack’s stories explore what it means to be brave when the clock is ticking down. Don’t miss an unforgettable chance to meet one of Canberra’s most exciting storytellers.
Recommended for ages 9+.
Peninsula Room, National Museum of Australia | Book tickets here
Express Yourself! Poems, Songs and Sounds
Got something to say? We’ve found the place for you! Whether it’s the sweetness of fairy floss, the itch of chicken pox, the agony of a text message cliffhanger or something completely original, this workshop is about turning everyday experiences into powerful words and sounds. Budding poets and performers will leave with the tools to capture their world in their own unique voice.
Workshop. Recommended for ages 9-12.
Tina and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre, National Museum of Australia | Book tickets here
Design a Garden Workshop
Join Dr Judy Friedlander from The Bee Squad as she shows Canberrans how to turn their backyards into a mini wildlife sanctuary! Children will learn how to create a garden that birds, butterflies and other insects will treasure. This interactive and vibrant workshop will show children how even a simple balcony garden can make a big difference. Expect plenty of dirt under the nails fun and ideas to take home.
Workshop. For ages 10+
Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre, National Museum of Australia | Book tickets here
Dare to Draw and Cartoon Around
For every sketcher, doodler, and comic-strip dreamer out there, this one’s a must. Cartoonist Eleri Harris (A Loo of One’s Own) and illustrator David Conley (That Book About Life Before Dinosaurs) will share their best tips for unleashing your inner artist. It’s all about experimenting, making mistakes, and seeing what comes out on the page when you go crazy.
Workshop. For ages 10+
Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre, National Museum of Australia | Book tickets here
Reimagining Worlds, Reclaiming Power
Calling all YA fiction fans, this one’s for you! In Reimagining Worlds, Reclaiming Power, authors Lisa Fuller (Washpool), Jasmin McGaughey (Moonlight and Dust), and Sandy Bigna (Little Bones) join forces to create a world of fantasy, gothic magic and parallel worlds to reflect real-world issues.
Using extraordinary to explore the ordinary: grief, discrimination, friendship and the often-messy journey of belonging. It’s a chance to dream big and magical, while still speaking about the very real ups and downs today’s youth face. A discussion where magic meets meaning and will leave you thinking long after the event.
For young adults.
Visions Theatre, National Museum of Australia | Book tickets here
Hearts, Humour and Growing Up: Does True Love Exist
Join Sasha Vey (The Set-Up Girl) and Gabrielle Tozer (The Unexpected Mess of It All) as they unravel the joys of growing up, friendships, awkward crushes, and everything in between. This conversation will be a reminder that coming of age is both chaotic and beautiful. Chances are you’ll giggle, blush, and might realise – ‘hey, that character feels a little too familiar!’ Still figuring out the rollercoaster of teenhood or reminiscing about your own awkward years? This one’s a must-see.
For young adults.
Visions Theatre, National Museum Australia | Book tickets here
Runt! Page to Picture
Craig Silvey’s beloved kids’ book Runt! is coming to the big screen! At Runt! Page to Picture, Craig will spill all the secrets on turning his heartwarming tale into a movie, jump into his love of storytelling, and give you a sneak peek at his brand-new adventure, Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping, in a post-screening conversation with Cadance Bell.
The perfect event for young readers, aspiring writers, and anyone who loves a yarn.
Saturday 25 October | Dendy Cinema Canberra | Book tickets here
Check out what else is happening at Canberra Writers Festival at canberrawritersfestival.com.au
