Storylines Festival started with a hiss and a roar on Sunday with a fabulous sunny family day in Wellington and record numbers through the door.

Next in the week of children’s book bedlam are school visits, seminars for the grownups, and three more family days. For more information on events in Northland, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch visit: http://www.storylines.org.nz/

Our visiting international authors are travelling the country for the Heritage Hotels Seminar Series. Babette Cole,(pic left), is here from the UK and full of tales of creating her picture books on diverse subjects from princesses to sex education. Carole Wilkinson, (right) ,is a talented author from Australian with her award-winning Dragonkeeper series, the Egyptian Ramose series and biographical books – all intensely researched and full of captivating details. For more information visit their websites: http://www.babette-cole.com/ and www.carolewilkinson.com.au

Babette and Carole are conversing with local hosts in Auckland on Wednesday 11 June at Heritage Auckland; Wellington on Thursday 12 June at the National Library Auditorium; and Christchurch on Friday 13 June at Heritage Christchurch. Drinks & nibbles from 6.30pm, followed by conversation and book signings.

To book your ticket for this unique chance to hear these writers share their experiences and knowledge with an adult audience in your town. Email: festival@storylines.org.nz or phone: Jabberwocky Children's Bookshop in Auckland: 09 630 6827, The Children's Bookshop in Wellington: 04 387 3905, The Children's Bookshop in Christchurch 03 366 5274. Tickets are $35 and $25 (Storylines members & students).