Monsters, Musicians and an Antarctic Teddy Bear at Storylines Family Day
WELLINGTON 13 August 2014—Joy Cowley leads the pack of 15 amazing authors, illustrators and storytellers who will read,
perform, and dress up with kids at the Storylines Free Family Day, in the Michael Fowler Centre on Sunday 24 August.
At Storylines, children can meet John McCrystal’s Shackleton Bear, see specimens of marine and wild life in the
Antarctic Zone and create their very own snow globe. They can also visit the Monster Fun Zone, Bugs ‘N Bees Zone and get
their faces painted. Philippa Werry will be in a War Zone with her books Anzac Day and Best Mates, helping kids to
sample hard tack and make poppies and medals. Soldiers will be on site for kids to meet. All for free!
Kilbirnie’s Children’s Bookshop will guide reading adventures as children discover New Zealand books, new and old.
Illustrators such as Paul Beavis, Patrick MacDonald, Gary Venn and Brian Lovelock will draw some of their best-known
characters. Children can enter writing and drawing competitions, bring along a ukulele and join in with the Ukes of
Wellington, or hear Moira Wairama read in Te Reo.
“Family Days are about sharing with Kiwi kids and their parents the magic of books and reading,” says Storylines
Executive Officer Amy Mansfield. “In the digital age, children from early childhood to intermediate age still get a real
kick out of meeting authors and illustrators in the flesh, seeing them at work, and asking them questions.”
Wellington Storylines coordinator Eileen Mueller is excited about the rich and varied program at Family Day. “We have
something for everyone at Family Day – real stuffed penguins from Te Papa, and their entomologist with his insect
collection. Kids can dress up in Antarctic and beekeeping suits, and try on army gear. NIWA has provided us with Marine
samples. Monsters will be running amok. There are lots of fun activities, based on books, to inspire kids to read more.”
International guest, Gary Crew – Australian author of more than 50 books for children and young adults – will appear at
Family Day and also in local high schools to teach creative writing workshops, and at a seminar at the Children’s
Bookshop.
Getting children into reading and books has never been simpler – just bring them along to the Storylines Free Family Day
and they will be set for life!
ENDS