Young Writers And Readers Day

WRITERS AND READERS WEEK, Friday 9 – Wednesday 14 March 2012

YOUNG WRITERS AND READERS DAY

Sunday 11 March 2012, 9.30am – 1.15pm at Downstage Theatre

LYNLEY DODD: Hairy Maclary and Friends

Lynley Dodd is best known for her Hairy Maclary series and follow-up books featuring much-loved animal characters with rhyming names. Lynley reads from her classic books, describes how her characters and stories came into being, and shares anecdotes about her life and work.

WHEN: 11 March 9.30am

WHERE: Downstage Theatre

DURATION: 50 mins

TICKETS: $5 (Reserved Seating)

RECOMMENDED: ages 6-10

GAVIN BISHOP: Bidibidi to Piano Rock

Gavin Bishop is a writer and illustrator of children’s books ranging from Bidibidi to his charming memoir Piano Rock: A 1950s Childhood. Among the many books he has illustrated are Joy Cowley’s Snake and Lizard and Diana Noonan’s Quaky Cat. Gavin discusses his work and reads from his enchanting books.

WHEN: 11 March 11am

WHERE: Downstage Theatre

DURATION: 50 mins

TICKETS: $5 (Reserved Seating)

RECOMMENDED: ages 6-12

MARGARET MAHY: A Magical, Marvellous, Wacky, Whimsical World

Margaret Mahy has had a profound and exhilarating influence on New Zealand’s children’s literature. Recently released, The Margaret Mahy Treasury brings together 11 of her classic childhood favourites. Margaret discusses her writing and reads from her enthralling stories filled with witches, lions, pirates, wonder, whimsy and magic.

WHEN: 11 March 12.15pm

WHERE: Downstage Theatre

DURATION: 50 mins

TICKETS: $5 (Reserved Seating)

RECOMMENDED: ages 6-12

All sessions will be followed by writer book signings – a chance for children to meet some of their favourite writers and have their books signed. A Unity bookstore will be on site.

ENDS

Writers and Readers Week is supported by the Lion Foundation, Victoria University of Wellington, John F. Kennedy Memorial Fellowship, Unity Books, Museum Art Hotel, Australia Council for the Arts, Australian High Commission, Goethe Institut, Canada Council for the Arts, Embassy of Spain and the Embassy of the United States of America.