Sydney Writers’ Festival 2019: Festival Fun For Families

If you’re thinking the Sydney Writer’s Festival is only for adults, then think again – there’s a whole range of fun stuff for families as well. Check out the range of kid-friendly events, here.

Yes, there some amazing authors appearing at this year’s Sydney Writer’s Festival but did you know the line-up also includes some of the biggest names in children’s literature? Did you know that alongside the famous literary names attending this year’s Sydney Writers Festival, you can also meet Judy Moody and Stink, Polly and Buster, Pig the Pug – AND you can learn how to draw Macca the adorable Alpaca?

For booklovers, the Sydney Writer’s Festival is always one of the highpoints of the year and here at Better Reading we’re very excited about it.  With more than 300 events attended by up to 100,000 people of all ages, it’s massive. And don’t forget there’s a family program, and it’s better than ever this year with a weekend of amazing, star-studded events and great activities.

Be sure to mark Sunday 5 May on your calendar when Carriageworks hosts a fun-filled celebration of storytelling and creativity for all the kids. This special family day will include never-before-seen stage events with international guests and local favourites. The Big Backyard is packed with wonderful free activities for young booklovers and creative kids. Pick up a map of the Family Day precinct from the information booth.

Highlights at Carriageworks include:

JUDY MOODY AND STINK’S GUIDE TO LIFE May 5, 11.15am–12pm

Bestselling children’s author Megan McDonald will share tales from her childhood and talk about her popular characters, the dynamic sibling duo Judy Moody and her little brother Stink.

Rec. 6+ $5 Bookings 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au

POLLY AND BUSTER: THE BEST OF FRIENDS May 5, 1–1.45pm

Young fans can attend the launch of the final instalment of adventures for Sally Rippen’s monster and witch duo, Polly and Buster: The Search for the Silver Witch, and get their hands on an early release copy.

Rec. 6+

MACCA THE ALPACA WITH MATT COSGROVE May 5, 3.30–4.15pm

Matt Cosgrove will be drawing with young fans. Grab pencils and paper and fire up your inner artist with the author and illustrator of the bestselling Macca the Alpaca picture book series.

Rec. 4+

Elsewhere in Sydney, highlights include:

SYDNEY TOWN HALL – AARON BLABEY: THE BAD GUYS, PIG THE PUG AND THELMA THE UNICORN May 4, 3.30–4.30pm

The New York Times bestselling author Aaron Blabey, creator of The Bad Guys, Pig the Pug and Thelma the Unicorn, will be live on stage at Sydney Town Hall! Take your kids to see one of Australia’s favourite children’s authors as he gives you a sneak peek at the new stories he is working on, answers all your questions and shows you exactly how he draws his most popular characters. Hosted by Oliver Phommavanh.

Rec. 5+ $20/$15 Bookings 02 9256 4200, swf.org.au

SYDNEY JEWISH MUSEUM – STARTING THE CONVERSATION: INTRODUCING THE HOLOCAUST TO YOUNG READERS May 5, 2.30–4.30pm

This is a great opportunity to see award-wining authors such as Jackie French and Morris Gleitzman discuss how literature can introduce sensitive topics, such as the Holocaust, to younger readers. While this might not be one to take young children to, they will certainly benefit from you attending.

$20 Bookings 02 9360 7999 sydneyjewishmuseum.com.au

RIVERSIDE THEATRES, PARRAMATTA ALL-DAY YA EVENT – SATURDAY MAY 4, 10AM–6PM

Paramatta’s Riverside Theatres will host an all-day YA event, with speakers such as bestselling authors Dhonielle Clayton, Mackenzi Lee and Neal Shusterman taking to the stage alongside local literati Alison Evans, Lili Wilkinson, Ambelin Kwaymullina and Jenna Guillaume.  All-Day YA dives deep into themes of identity, politics, deceit and problematic love interests. While the ever-popular TeenCon returns once again for the inside word on what’s coming up this year, hosted by Will Kostakis and Gabrielle Tozer.

$10 per event. Recommended for 12+. Bookings 02 8839 3399, riversideparramatta.com.au

See you at the Festival.