Join illustrator, Lizzie Lomax for a creative craft workshop inspired by the sustainable nature activities in her new book, Rewild This Book, out 7th May, that encourages children to use their imagination and introduces them to the crucial concept of rewilding. Ages 5+.
There is a maximum of 15 spaces available for this event so you will need to book in advance. Call us on 01273479320 or you can message us via the button below.
The Malling Community Centre, Spences Lane, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2HQ
Meet Charm, a little chick with a very big personality, in this delightful event celebrating the children’s book A Chick Called Charm. Perfect for younger readers and families, this lively session brings Charm’s adventures to life through engaging storytelling, lively readings and interactive moments that invite children to join in the fun and imagination of the story.
Full of warmth, humour and gentle lessons about friendship, courage and finding your place in the world, A Chick Called Charm is a joyful story that captures young imaginations while offering plenty for parents to enjoy too. Expect laughter, audience participation and the chance for children to ask questions about how stories are created.
A wonderful introduction to the magic of books and storytelling, this event is ideal for children taking their first steps into reading and for families looking to share a memorable festival experience together.
Growing up on a traditional farm in East Sussex, Helen spent much of childhood surrounded by animals, countryside adventures and a lively family life that continues to inspire much of the storytelling today.
Farm life and village characters later found their way into her books. Although the Helen loved the farm, a passion for reading, writing and putting on plays led to university and eventually a career teaching English and Drama in London, while travelling widely during school holidays.
Later returning to East Sussex to raise a family near the sea and the South Downs, Helen now lives in North London but still visits the family farm regularly, where many new story ideas continue to take shape.
Recommended age: children of 5 and above. The core age range is around 6-10 for independent reading
The Malling Community Centre, Spences Lane, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2HQ
Dadbot is back — and things are about to get seriously glitchy!
Join author and illustrator Jack Noel for a hilarious, high-energy event celebrating Dadbot 2: Rise of the Badbots!, the brand-new graphic novel packed with robots, puns and chaotic family adventures.
When Josh and Daisy head back to school after the summer holidays, Dadbot is left home alone — until a mysterious AI home assistant called HONEY appears on the doorstep. Dadbot is thrilled to have a robot friend, but Josh and Daisy aren’t convinced. HONEY seems to be watching them, her voice keeps changing, and when a huge power cut hits the town, things go from strange to seriously dangerous…Can Josh and Daisy save Dadbot — and the whole town — before it’s too late?
This lively session includes storytelling, drawing insights, audience interaction and plenty of laughs, perfect for fans of Dog Man and Bunny vs Monkey, and for any young reader who loves comics, chaos and comedy.
Jack Noel is an author and illustrator whose funny, action-packed graphic novels are loved by young readers across the UK. Known for his energetic storytelling and bold, colourful illustrations, Jack regularly visits schools and festivals to inspire children to read, draw and create their own stories.
The Dadbot series has quickly become a favourite for readers who enjoy fast-paced adventures and laugh-out-loud humour.
• 20–25 min reading & storytelling
• 10 min interactive chat or drawing element
• 5–10 min audience questions
The Malling Community Centre, Spences Lane, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2HQ
With her trademark warmth and humour, Holly opens up about the inspiration behind her novels, how she creates such authentic teenage voices, and why stories about difficult journeys matter. Expect moving moments, lively audience participation and the chance for young people to ask bold questions about writing, activism and growing up in today’s world.
A compelling festival experience for teens who love contemporary fiction that doesn’t shy away from big themes, this event offers space to reflect, connect and be inspired.
Holly Bourne is one of the UK’s most celebrated YA authors, known for tackling complex issues affecting young people with honesty, empathy and wit. Her novels explore mental health, feminism, relationships and identity, earning critical acclaim and a devoted readership.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Holly worked as a journalist and in youth campaigning, experiences that continue to inform her fiction. She is passionate about giving teenagers stories that reflect their realities while offering hope and empowerment.
Recommended age: 13+ (particularly suited to 14–18) Also suitable for adults
The Malling Community Centre, Spences Lane, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2HQ
Join award-winning children’s author Alan Durant for a moving and imaginative session exploring his acclaimed novel Clownfish. This remarkable story begins with a startling premise: seven days after Dak’s father dies, he suddenly returns – transformed into a clownfish living in a tank at the local aquarium.
Through readings, storytelling and discussion, Alan will introduce audiences to Dak, his unusual reunion with his father, and the unlikely friendship he forms with Violet as they try to save the aquarium that has become so important to them. Blending humour, tenderness and a touch of the surreal, Clownfish explores grief, love and resilience in a way that is both uplifting and deeply memorable.
Children will have the chance to hear how Alan develops his imaginative ideas, ask questions about storytelling and discover how books can help us think about big emotions and life’s challenges.
Clownfish has been praised as “a gem” (Telegraph) and “sweet, funny and heart-warming” (Glasgow Herald).A thoughtful and engaging event for young readers who enjoy unusual stories, humour and heartfelt adventures.
Alan Durant is an award-winning British children’s author who has written more than sixty books for young readers, ranging from picture books to novels for older children.
His work often combines humour, imagination and emotional depth, exploring themes such as friendship, family and resilience. His books have been widely praised by critics and educators and are read in schools across the UK and internationally.
Clownfish, one of his most celebrated novels, has been recognised for its sensitive and original portrayal of grief and was selected for the Reading Well Books on Prescription programme supported by NHS England and the Royal College of GPs. Alan frequently visits schools and festivals where he inspires young audiences with insights into the creative process and the power of storytelling.
The Malling Community Centre, Spences Lane, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2HQ
Dive into a wild undersea comics adventure and join award-winning illustrator, author and comedian Aoife Dooley for an interactive workshop inspired by her zany, action-packed graphic novel series Squid Squad. Meet Ollie the vampire squid and Zing the toxin-squirting sea bunny—two mischievous best friends who just can’t help causing chaos in the deep blue sea.
Packed with bold, colourful artwork and fast, episodic storytelling, Aoife’s books are perfect for getting children excited about reading—and creating. In this lively, hands-on session, Aoife will guide young artists through fun drawing exercises, character-creation challenges and imaginative world-building, encouraging them to bring their own ideas to life.
Full of humour, creativity and energy, this session celebrates individuality and self-expression. Aoife brings her own neurodivergent perspective to her work, championing difference and showcasing quirky characters inspired by real-life unusual creatures. Expect laughter, audience participation and plenty of squid-inspired chaos.
A fantastic introduction to comics, storytelling and drawing, this event is ideal for young readers, budding artists and families looking to share a fun and memorable festival experience.
Aoife Dooley is an award-winning illustrator, author and comedian based in Dublin. She is the creator of the bestselling Frankie’s World series, which draws on her own experiences growing up neurodivergent and has been widely praised for its warmth, humour and honesty. Alongside her work as a children’s author, Aoife has built a strong following as a cartoonist and performer, known for her distinctive visual style and engaging, relatable storytelling. Her Squid Squad series brings her love of comics, comedy and quirky characters together in stories that delight and inspire young readers.
Recommended age: children of 5 and above. The core age range is around 7–10 for independent reading.
Join author, Paul Ian Cross for an interactive event to celebrate his new book in the SuperQuesters series, SuperQuesters Mission: Desert Danger out 7th May.
Join the fearless SuperQuesters on their latest mission to stop a rogue archaeologist from destroying Questland’s entire desert. Best friends Lilli, Leo and Bea are having an exciting day at the beach. They have everything they need for fun, including their Questland game and their special amulets.
During their sandcastle competition, they spot a message in a bottle. It shows strange hieroglyphs and one clear word: Help! At that moment, their amulets glow and, in a flash, they are back in Questland. Transformed into the SuperQuesters. An exciting new adventure story embedded with real-life fun facts, puzzles, STEM activities and experiments.
The event will consist of a reading, Q&A and Activity – more information coming soon.
Call us on 01273479320 to book your space, or message us via the button below.
