On Sunday 25 May, roll on up to Carriageworks for the marvellous magic of Family Day, a riotous celebration of storytelling and creativity that will captivate kids of all ages.
Enjoy talks, storytelling sessions, arts and craft stations, a mobile library, live animals and more.
There's also a great range of free activities from 10am to 4pm that will whisk kids away into a world of wonder.
Family Day Events taking place on Sunday 25th May at Carriageworks:
Make Your Own Comic 9:30am to 10:15am - Calling all budding graphic novelists. In this fun, interactive session, learn how to tell a great visual story using panels, design and word balloons with graphic novelist Mike Barry. Recommended for ages 8–12. Tickets from $10.
Kids Activities 10am to 4pm (FREE) - Let your imagination run wild with our free activities for kids. Across Sunday, visit Russ the Story Bus, the Big Family Day Backdrop, Badgemkaing with Cherly Orsini, Amanda's Craft Corner and Yoto Listening Zones! Recommended for all ages. FREE
Storytime with Jade Goodwin 10am to 10:30am (FREE) - Bringing imagination to life. Come enjoy some storytelling fun with Jade Goodwin, the illustrator of Let’s Try Again Another Day and the beloved series Little Ash and Yarn Quest. Recommended for ages 4. FREE
Deadly Reptiles 10:30am to 11:00am (FREE) - Amazing reptile facts galore! Come test your reptile knowledge with Corey Tutt. Corey introduces an incredible world of reptiles, some of them deadly in more ways than one. Rec. ages 5–12. FREE.
Totally Terri Libenson 10:45am to 11:30am - From greeting cards to international bestselling graphic novels. Terri Libenson is an American cartoonist and creator of the graphic novel series Emmie and Friends. Discover Terri’s journey from greeting cards to bestselling author. In conversation with Kylie Howarth. Rec. ages 7–12. Tickets from $10.
Costa’s Garden 11am to 11:30am (FREE) - Discover the joy of nature. Australia’s favourite gardener Costa Georgiadis is joined by Megan Daley, the author of The Beehive, to introduce young readers to the awe and wonder of the natural world. Rec. ages 4–8. FREE
Taronga Presents 11:30am to 12pm (FREE) - Go wild with Taronga Zoo! Join Kristin Darell, author of Taronga’s latest junior fiction series, as she introduces some special guests direct from Taronga Zoo. Rec. ages 3–12. FREE.
Story Salad Live 12pm to 12:30pm (FREE) - The popular ABC Kids listen podcast – LIVE! Join Matt and Emma for a live version of the hit ABC Kids podcast Story Salad. Rec. ages 6–12. FREE.
The Hot Mess Show with Jeff Kinney 12pm to 1pm - A deliciously entertaining and interactive event. Join Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney for wild on-stage antics. Celebrate the latest Wimpy Kid book while satisfying your craving for family fun! Rec. ages 7–12. Tickets from $12.
Storytime with Kylie Howarth 12:30pm to 1pm (FREE) - Experience some bush magic. Enjoy storytelling fun with Kylie Howarth, the author and illustrator of beloved picture books Bush Magic and Koalas Stole My Undies, along with the new graphic novel series Kev and Trev. Recommended for ages 4+. FREE.
Storytime with Jacqueline Harvey 1pm to 1:30pm (FREE) - Meet the bestselling author of the Alice-Miranda books. Enjoy storytelling fun with Jacqueline Harvey, the author of bestselling series: Kevin the Sheep, Willa and Woof, Alice-Miranda, Kensy and Max, and her latest, The Girl and the Ghost. Recommended for ages 6+. FREE.
Greek Myths Retold 1:30pm to 2pm (FREE) - Mythology enthusiasts David Conley and R.A. Spratt breathe new life into some of the greatest Greek myths. Recommended ages 8–12. FREE.
Peter Helliar and Andrew Joyner: Galileo, Horse Detective 1:30pm to 2:15pm. Saddle up for some horsing around. Come celebrate the release of the new junior fiction series Detective Galileo with its creators Peter Helliar and Andrew Joyner. Hosted by Tanya Hennessy. Recommended ages 6–12. Tickets from $10.
The Movies That Made Us.. Write! 2:00pm tp 2:30pm (FREE). Lights, camera, action! Nat Amoore and Mick Elliott spent their childhoods hooked on Hollywood. Now they both work in film and TV and their books are packed with secret references to the movies they loved. Grab your popcorn as Nat and Mick reveal the films that inspired their stories. Recommended ages 7–12. FREE.
An Epic Record Breaking Attempt. 2:30pm to 3pm (FREE). Help us break a record or two. Ever wanted to be part of history? Join Carla Fitzgerald and Dani Vee as they attempt to break some Festival records, like the most chickens juggled by an author, live on stage. Recommended ages 7–12. FREE.
Epic Illustrator Battle 3pm to 3:30pm (FREE). There can only be one winner. Illustrators David Conley, Jade Goodwin, Kylie Howarth and Andrew Joyner are pitted against each other in a ferocious battle to determine the illustrator champion of champions. Hosted by R.A. Spratt. Recommended ages 3+. FREE
Jessica Townsend: In Conversation 3:00pm to 3:45pm. Time to return to Nevermoor. Join Jessica Townsend to discuss Silverborn, the highly anticipated fourth book in the award-winning Nevermoor series. In conversation with Reece Carter. Recommended ages 8–12. Tickets from $10.
Middle Grade Mysteries 3:30pm to 4:00pm (FREE). Puzzles, clues, investigations and red herrings. Join authors Allison Rushby and A.L. Tait as they play sleuth and reveal the secrets behind writing a good mystery novel for kids. Recommended ages 8–12. FREE.
Event Details:
Dates: 25th May 10am to 4pm
Suitable for: All ages
Location: Carriageworks