Adelaide Writers’ Week: A kids’ guide

A man and two children are seated at a table, engaged in reading a book together.
Calling all tiny bookworms! Adelaide Writers' Week program has been released and it's packed full of fun for the kiddos! We highlight just a few of the incredible events for the little ones.

Adelaide Writers’ Week Schools Day (28 February)

In the beautiful Pioneer Women’s Memorial Garden, students of all ages will be inspired and entertained through fun discussions about books and ideas.

Authors, illustrators, and podcasters will share how they create their stories, help students see the world in new ways, and encourage them to unleash their own creativity.

The day will feature some amazing guests, including award-winning authors Anita Heiss and Lili Wilkinson, New York Times bestseller Amie Kaufman, science presenter Dr Matt Agnew, TV producer and author Nick Long, illustrator Robin Tatlow-Lord, plus popular podcasters Squiz Kids and Hey History!, and comedy sensation Steph Tisdell.

Here are a few sessions we’ve marked in our diary that are worth heading to!


West Stage | Primary Schools Program | 10am – 12:30pm

10am – 10:30am Squiz Kids with Bryce Corbett

It’s Australia’s favourite kids’ news podcast!

Join Bryce Corbett, host of Squiz Kids, as he brings all your favourite segments to life on stage! Get a sneak peek behind the scenes and learn how to spot fake news, discover animal facts, and enjoy fun activities like Spin The Globe and The Kids vs Adult S’Quiz. This show is perfect for curious kids who want to learn more about the world.

Suitable for ages 8-12. Years 3-6.


10:45am – 11:30am Hey History! with Axel Clark

Have you ever wondered what objects from the past can teach us?

In this live recording of Hey History!, Axel Clark talks to historians Clare and Anna about how objects like ochre or old gold pans tell stories about Australia’s past. You’ll learn how museums choose objects for their collections and discover how even everyday things can link us to history.

Suitable for ages 8-12. Years 3-6.


11am – 11:50am Dirrayawadha (Rise Up) with Anita Heiss and Thomas Mayo

Anita Heiss is bringing Indigenous storytelling to life with her book Dirrayawadha (Rise Up).

Join Anita as she talks about the power of storytelling, sharing her experiences as an Indigenous author and advocate. You’ll be inspired by her tales of resilience, and her passion for shedding light on First Nations history and culture.

Suitable for ages 13+. Years 7-12.

A little girl stands in front of a bookcase, joyfully holding a book in her hands.
Image: Shane Reid

Young Readers’ Day (2 March)

Step into a world of magic and adventure this Young Readers’ Day!

From stunning picture books that spark the imagination, to exciting graphic novels and thrilling tween tales, Adelaide Writers’ Festival’s kids’ free program, Young Readers’ Day, has something for every young reader to discover and enjoy!

Held in the Torrens Tent for Middle Grade and young adult readers on the North Stage at 9:30am, there’s a variety of genres to explore from talented writers.

Check out the itinerary below:

In the Torrens Tent

9:30AM | Yanga Mother Cheryl Leavy
10AM | Can You Teach a Fish to Climb a Tree? Jane Godwin
10:30AM | Guess What We Are Doing Today? Luke Springer and Chris Kennett
11AM | Story Trove: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Tooth Fairy (and Some Things You Didn’t)
11:30AM | School of Monsters Sally Rippin and Chris Kennett
12:15PM | Aggie Flea is NOT a Liar! Tania Ingram
1PM | Leo and Ralph Peter Carnavas
1:45PM | Wurrtoo Tylissa Elisara
2:30PM Bravepaw Lili Wilkinson
3:15PM | Brightest Wild Tania Crampton-Larking
4PM | The Raven’s Eye Runaways Claire Mabey

On the North Stage

9:30AM | Is My Phone Reading My Mind? Dr Matt Agnew
10:45AM | The World Between Blinks Amie Kaufman with Audrey Menz
12PM | Unhallowed Halls Lili Wilkinson with Claire Mabey
1:15PM | Talking About Love Sophie Gonzales and Erin Gough with Anthony Nocera
2:30PM | The Order of Masks Alina Bellchambers with Audrey Menz
3:45PM | Immortal Dark Tigest Girma with Jessica Alice

Images: Shane Reid


For more information:

adelaidefestival.com.au/writers-week

 

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