Less than two weeks until the Tamariki Book Festival, and preparations are just about done. Last month, we had a little get-together with all the authors and, seriously, you don’t want to miss this year’s festival. The authors have gone above and beyond with their creative ideas for festival activities! Among the many activities, we have author Marc Meaney, who is bringing a real sailboat that kids can hop into and pretend to sail (I also hear he’s giving away a sailing lesson as a prize to a lucky reader). Author Sue Heazelwood will be decorating hundreds of cupcakes with kids to accompany her absolutely gorgeous recipe-lated storybooks. Author Sandra Isaacs will be leading an i-spy activity in a rock pool to promote her beach-themed books. I’ll be there with my dragon name selection spinners and a bit of origami using pages from my books. And there will be so much more from all the other participating authors!

In addition to the authors’ activities, we’ve got lots of fun stuff to do related to our Books Take Flight theme. A selfie station with dress-up wings to wear, a chance for you to make your own writing take flight (literally), a model airplane to assemble, and flight-themed prizes for our author scavenger hunt!

There will also be author readings, spot prizes for those dressed as their favourite book characters, and a prize draw for those who post their selfie-station photos on social media.

If a noisy festival isn’t your cup of tea, visit between 3.30 and 4 pm for our quiet time–no music or loud announcements, quiet voices, and smaller crowds.

Come prepared to find your new favourite books, too! Pick up signed copies directly from the authors themselves! Be sure to bring some cash, as not all authors will have eftpos facilities.

Did I mention the workshops?

Our incredible authors are also running writing and illustration workshops for ages 6- 17. Workshops cost $10, but all participants will receive a $10 voucher to be spent at the festival, so they’re essentially free! Budding authors and illustrators should register soon, or all the spaces will be gone!