Our annual Family Day returns on Saturday 7th March from 10am at Crawley Library. It's always a brilliant day of fun and laughter for children aged 3 - 12 years old. Below are all the details of the authors and illustrators you will get the opportunity to meet and be inspired by! We have something for everyone, including those with additional needs with our sensory space, Signed Stories and Story Magic session.
We will also have Ginger Moo delivering a fantastic drop-in art table in the children's library, two book trails and the very lovely The Book Nook selling books of the authors and illustrators who will be present on the day.
This is a day not to be missed!
Details and booking links for individual work shops below.
It’s an AROUND-the-WORLD Animal Adventure! with Vicky Woodgate
Join Author/Illustrator Vicky Woodgate for non fiction fun facts, and a crafty draw along to celebrate her new book release, The Big Around-the-World Animal Adventure, published by Hodder Children’s Books.Featuring Leopold the Penguin who travels on an amazing journey, discovering real life islands with animals that all look the same - super duper search and finds fill the book too!Let’s draw cool animals, colour in and cut out a surprise creature and of course how to draw the perfect Penguin - Leopold of course!Ages 6 +
BONUS! Free bookmark and art print with every signed Vicky Woodgate book purchased.
Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the workshop. The session will last approximately one hour and will take place on the first floor of the library.
Suitable for children aged 5-8 years old. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Purchase tickets for both adults and children attending. By booking a ticket you are guaranteed a place, but there will also be drop-in spaces available on the day so if tickets sell out please still come along.
Vicky will be signing books after the workshop. The Book Nook will be selling books throughout the day and will be located on the ground floor. This session is part of the Family Day at Crawley Library.
Little Miss Marple and Mr Poirot
Can YOU solve the mystery? Join superstar detectives Little Miss Marple and Mr Poirot for an Agatha Christie-inspired adventure.
Can YOU solve the mystery? Join superstar detectives Little Miss Marple and Mr Poirot for an Agatha Christie-inspired adventure in the magnificent home of Little Miss Princess. There will be movement, solving, singing and storytelling. All mini-sleuths between 4-8 years old are cordially invited.
Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the workshop. The session will last approximately one hour and will take place on the first floor of the library.
Suitable for children aged 4-8 years old. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Purchase tickets for both adults and children attending. By booking a ticket you are guaranteed a place, but there will also be drop-in spaces available on the day so if tickets sell out please still come along.
Books will be for sale by The Book Nook on the ground floor throughout the day.
Signed Story Time with Makaton Maria
Join Maria for 30 minutes of well-loved books, signed with Makaton
Maria Leonard is an experienced special needs assistant and qualified makaton tutor. In this 30 minute storytime she will sign stories for all children to enjoy. Maria will read and sign two favourite stories by Julia Donaldson - "A Squash and a Squeeze" and "The Snail and the Whale".
Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the session. The session will last approximately 30 minutes and will take place in the Bill Buck room on the first floor.
Suitable for all children with additional needs and for young children who enjoy storytime. all children must be accompanied by an adult. Purchase tickets for both adults and children attending. By booking a ticket you are guaranteed a place, but there will also be drop-in spaces avaible on the day so if tickets sell out please still come along.
How Long Is That Dog? with John Bond
Join local author-illustrator John Bond for a special reading of How Long Is That Dog?.
Join local author-illustrator John Bond for a special reading of How Long Is That Dog?. Enjoy a peek into the inspiration behind the book, take part in a playful guessing game, and finish with a fun draw-along - suitable for all ages!
Books will be available to buy on the day, and John will happily sign and personalise your copies!
John Bond is an award-winning illustrator, author, and artist based in Worthing.
Originally from a small farm in the Cotswolds, he studied Illustration at Kingston University in London before beginning his career at a digital creative agency, where he designed and directed projects across broadcast, digital, and interactive platforms.
Today, John spends his time creating picture books - such as Much Too Busy and the popular Mini Rabbit series - collaborating with brands, and running his online print shop. His work has been exhibited in galleries worldwide, and he has spoken at major industry events including Pictoplasma, Glug, and PechaKucha.
Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the workshop. The session will last approximately one hour and will take place on the first floor of the library.
Suitable for children aged 3- 8 years old. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Purchase tickets for both adults and children attending. By booking a ticket you are guaranteed a place, but there will also be drop-in spaces available on the day so if tickets sell out please still come along.
Book Your Free Work Shop Place Here.
John will be signing books after the workshop. The Book Nook will be selling John's books on the ground floor of the library throughout the day. This session is part of the Family Day at Crawley Library.
Murray and Ben with Adam Stower
Join award-winning children's author and illustrator Adam Stower for an exciting drawing workshop!
Join award-winning children's author and illustrator Adam Stower for an exciting drawing workshop! Come along and hear all about the adventures of Murray and Bun, the stars of his hilarious and highly-illustrated series, and have your pencils at the ready to practice your drawing skills with Adam! Packed to the brim with fun and creativity, this event is perfect for all budding illustrators!
Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the workshop. The session will last approximately one hour and will take place on the first floor of the library.
Suitable for children aged 7 - 11 years old. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Purchase tickets for both adults and children attending. By booking a ticket you are guaranteed a place, but there will also be drop-in spaces available on the day so if tickets sell out please still come along.
Book Your Free Work Shop Place Here.
Adam will be signing books after the workshop. Adam's books will be availble from The Book Nook on the ground floor throughout the day. This session is part of the Family Day at Crawley Library.
The Mizzy Mysteries with Claire Hatcher-Smith
Join Claire in this fun workshop where you will bring your own character to life and work out what sort of detective you might be!
Join Claire Hatcher-Smith, author of The Mizzy Mysteries, to create your own detective in a fun workshop where attendees will have the chance bring their character to life and work out what sort of detective they might be with an interactive quiz.
Twelve-year-old Mizzy dreams of being a detective and she won't let anything stand in her way ― not her reputation for tall tales, or her embarrassing fear of escalators, and definitely not her Down syndrome. Dumped for the summer with cousins who've outgrown her, Mizzy feels even more sidelined than usual. But when she discovers Great Aunt Jane's diaries in a locked wardrobe in their spare room, and realises her aunt didn't die in her sleep but under suspicious circumstances, everything changes. What's more … someone in the family appears to have been involved. Under the guise of a family-tree project for school, and armed with a brand new set of Pipsqueak markers, Mizzy grabs the chance to prove herself to her cousins ― and the world.
Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the workshop. The session will last approximately one hour and will take place on the first floor of the library.
Suitable for children aged 8 - 12 years old. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Purchase tickets for both adults and children attending. By booking a ticket you are guaranteed a place, but there will also be drop-in spaces available on the day so if tickets sell out please still come along.
Book Your Free Work Shop Place Here.
Claire will be signing books after the workshop. The Book Nook will be selling Claire's books on the ground floor of the library. This session is part of the Family Day at Crawley Library.
Colin's Castle with Holly Swain
Join Holly Swain, author and illustrator of Colin’s Castle and Colin’s Grandma for a spooky event!
Join Holly Swain, author and illustrator of Colin’s Castle and Colin’s Grandma for an event which include an interactive storytime followed by a vampire-themed drawalong which will see the audience bringing Colin to life in their own way.
Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the workshop. The session will last approximately one hour and will take place on the first floor of the library.
Suitable for children aged 5 + years old. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Purchase tickets for both adults and children attending. By booking a ticket you are guaranteed a place, but there will also be drop-in spaces available on the day so if tickets sell out please still come along.
Book Your Free Work Shop Place Here.
Holly will be signing books after the workshop. The Book Nook will be selling Holly's books on the ground floor of the librry throughout the day. This session is part of the Family Day at Crawley Library.