Country’s oldest literary festival 20 and still going strong

The Storylines Festival of New Zealand Children’s Writers and Illustrators celebrates its 20th anniversary from 10-18 August with events for book-loving children, teens and their families from Dunedin to Kaitaia. 
Initially an idea of author Joy Cowley, the Storylines Festival is now New Zealand’s oldest annual literary festival.  The flagship Free Family Days, which have attracted many thousands of children since first run in Auckland in 1993, will this year be held in six centres, including for the first time South Auckland and Kaitaia.

“We are very excited to be reaching out to these communities to promote New Zealand literature and literacy and are grateful for the support of the venues, sponsors and local funders,” says Storylines Trust chairperson Dr Libby Limbrick.

Award-winning Australian authors Rachel Spratt (Nanny Piggins) and Isobelle Carmody (Obernewtyn Chronicles) and American author and performer John Farrell (Stargazer’s Alphabet) will join a line-up of more than 50 New Zealand authors, illustrators, storytellers and performers nationally in bringing their characters and stories to life for young fans.

New Zealand participants include recent New Zealand Post Children’s Book Award-winners Gavin Bishop, David Hill and Kyle Mewburn, author Joy Cowley, te reo Maori author Dr Darryn Joseph, storyteller Tanya Batt and sand artist Marcus Winter.

In Auckland, the Free Family Day at the Aotea Centre will be complemented by workshops for children and adults in writing and illustration at the National Library in Parnell and Artstation in Ponsonby, alongside an illustration exhibition Pictures Without Words. Groups of authors will also tour schools in Auckland and Northland. 

A gala event at the National Library includes guest speakers Joy Cowley, John Farrell, Rachel Spratt and  Dame Lynley Dodd, who is also celebrating 30 years of Hairy Maclary.  

Author Tessa Duder (Alex, Night Race to Kawau), who has been involved with the Festival since its inception, says:  “When a group of 35 children’s writers and illustrators gathered at Joy Cowley’s place in Marlborough Sounds twenty years ago, we saw this festival bringing young readers and their favourite authors together. It’s been thrilling to see it grow to a national event, sharing our country’s stories with children and families.”

Storylines Festival of New Zealand Children's Writers and Illustrators 2013 | 10 - 18 August 2013
Free Family Days
Dunedin, Sat 10 Aug, Dunedin City Library
Christchurch, Sun 11 Aug, South Christchurch Library
Wellington, Sat 17 Aug, Michael Fowler Centre
Kaitaia, Sat 17 Aug, Te Ahu Centre and Kaitaia Library
South Auckland, Sat 17 Aug, Vodafone Events Centre
Auckland, Sun 18 Aug, Aotea Centre
Children and Adults Illustration and Writing Workshops, Sat 10 & 17 Aug, various venues
Gala Evening Sat 17 Aug, National Library Centre
Auckland Story Tour 12-16 Aug
Northland Story Tour 15 & 16 Aug
Pictures Without Words Exhibition 7-24 Aug ArtStation, Ponsonby including Gavin Bishop Award Entrants
 
Participating author information available here.
Many participants are available for interview. Please contact Events Manager Vicki Cunningham events@storylines.org.nz 027 774 6301