When Kings Heath’s How Brave is the Wren started, it was simply a caravan bookshop. But 10 years later, it’s one of Birmingham’s most beloved independent bookshops and even has its own children’s literature festival. WORD PLAY, a unique festival for young readers and their families, aims to inspire the next generation of book-lovers.
WORD PLAY, running from June 20 – 22, features a mix of author workshops, storytelling sessions, and art activities (like draw-a-longs). This year’s line-up of authors and illustrators 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 and Bethan Woollvin.
Just some of the family-friendly events:
- 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, Ben Javens, and Julia Marsen discuss their favourite picture books.
“The National Literacy Trust reported that the number of children and young people who read for pleasure continues to decline, and the many pulls on their attention take them away from books,” Jenny Moore, owner of How Brave is The Wren and founder of WORD PLAY Festival, said.
“Here in Birmingham, the City Council’s plans to close or reduce hours at some libraries make access to books even harder. Now seems a critical time to celebrate books and engage our young people in reading.”
In addition, the festival’s WORD PLAY Magazine, designed and illustrated by Ben Javens, will be distributed free to participating schools (including Hall Green Junior, Hall Green Nursery & Infant School, Colmore Junior School, and Kings Heath Primary School) and available to purchase at How Brave is The Wren bookshop.
The magazine taps into the growing trend of graphic novels and illustrated books, and aims to revive reading for pleasure among young audiences; offering creative activities, samples of new books to discover, and inspiration to spark young imaginations.
To see the complete WORD PLAY programme head here.