For the kids
THE AUCKLAND Writers Festival is far from an “adults only” event. It aims to “write the future” by encouraging young writers and readers through some significant programmes designed especially for them. Each year, it opens with schools-only sessions where pupils get to hear from authors, illustrators and entertainers.
Among the line-up this year are Leonie Agnew, Lawrence Arabia, Gavin Bishop, Sasha Borissenko, Stacy Gregg, Selina Tusitala Marsh, J.L. Pawley, David Riley, Victor Rodger, Te Kahu Rolleston, Chris Riddell, James Russell, and Hapai Productions. Then, on the Sunday there’s a day of events and activities for families. This year, look out for:
1 Frankie Fish. Adults will probably remember Peter Helliar as one of the team on Australian comedy talkshow Rove; now Helliar hosts The Project and continues his career as a stand-up comedian. He’s also found time to create a prankster called Frankie Fish who gets up to all manner of high jinks. He’ll introduce Frankie to NZ audiences at a oneoff event that’ll get AWF Family Day off to a flying start. 2 The Dragon Brothers Extravaganza.
Auckland author James Russell’s stories of Paddy and Flynn and their adventures on an isolated island are captivating young readers who like to supplement what they see on the page with new technology. In this half-hour event, you can watch the island and its inhabitants come to life on screen.
3 Secret World of Butterflies. Acclaimed poet and writer Courtney Sina Meredith takes her first step into the world of writing for children with a picture book, beautifully illustrated by Wellington’s Giselle Clarkson, that explores the mysterious life and times of butterflies. The book was created with Auckland Museum in preparation for a new exhibition opening there (watch this space).
4 Explore! Aotearoa. Author Bronwen Wall takes audiences of a journey across oceans, over land and up mountains as she follows in the footsteps of explorers like Kupe, Thomas Brunner, Freda du Faur and Kelly Tarlton. 5 Magical Mahy Moments. Euan Frizzell has animated some of Margaret Mahy’s most popular stories — The Three-Legged Cat, The Great White Man-Eating Shark, The Witch in the Cherry Tree and The Boy With Two Shadows
— and put them together in an award-winning series.
6 Spinderella. Polynesian theatre company the Black Friars (pictured) likes to put its own spin on traditional tales. This time round, Cinderella gets a modern-makeover and morphs into DJ Spin-derella, a young boy with two evil stepsisters and a wicked stepmother, who must complete three daring tasks before he gets to play at the ball.
AWF Family Day is Sunday, May 20. Events in the Auckland Town Hall’s Concert Chamber and Balcony bar.