WORD PLAY Festival 16-22 June 2025: Celebrating children’s literature and inspiring a new generation of readers

The festival features author workshops, storytelling sessions, and art activities

and this year’s line-up of talented authors and illustrators coming to Birmingham includes: Ian Douglas, Diane Ewen, Helen Hancocks, Teresa Heapy, Jenny McLachlan, Simon Mole, Thiago de Moraes, Lui Sit, Adeola Sokunbi, Pari Thomson, Ashley Thorpe, Chanté Timothy, James Turner, Bethan Woollvin.

The public festival programme, running 20-22 June atHow Brave is The Wren bookshop promises a series of family-friendly events, storytelling and draw-a-longs, including:

Join award-winning writer and illustrator Diane Ewen with a fantastic unicorn-filled tale about friendship and fighting your fears in The Great Unicorn Rescue.

Land of Roar author Jenny McLachlan shares her latest thrilling adventure Dragon Riders of Roar.

Discover myths and monsters with Mighty Myths creator Thiago de Moraes.

James Turner shares comic-creation tips and introduces Unicorns in Space! from his Star Cat Series.

A special event for grown-up picture book enthusiasts, The Picture Book Appreciation Society, sees experts Helen Hancocks and Ben Javens discuss their favourite picture books.

For full programme details, visit: howbraveisthewren.com/authors/word-play/

The WORD PLAY Festival is a celebration of children’s literature and its partnership with schools aims to reignite young readers’ imaginations and their love of reading and creative writing.

For more information and how to book visit: howbraveisthewren.com/wordplay/

Find us on Instagram @how_brave_is_the_wren