Pukapuka Adventures

Lions, dinosaurs, jellyfish and kiwi – this is not your average farm! Get curious in this sparkling interactive read-aloud by Ruth Paul as she brings a handful of her charming picture books off the page and onto the stage using props and sound. You’ll even get to giggle along to her brand-new picture book The Farmer’s Pyjamas. And yes – you’re welcome to wear your pyjamas!

Illustration from The Farmer’s Pyjamas © 2026 Ruth Paul. Reproduced by permission of Walker Books Australia Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

Get whisked away on a joyful adventure to the island of Niue and discover the wonders of niu (coconuts). Inangaro Vakaafi’s playful book Hunt for Niu Tupu celebrates cultural knowledge and discovering treasures in your own backyard. Gather close as Inangaro shares her story, reveals the many uses of niu and gets you on your feet dancing and singing about the coconut

Champi loves juicy, fresh figs but she’s not the only one! Follow Champi and her brother on a fun-filled adventure to meet playful animals who can’t resist this tasty fruit. International Booker Prize winner Deepa Bhasthi reads Champi and the Fig Tree in English and Kannada, and shares tales from her own farm in India. Supported by SALT (South Asian Literature in Translation)

ಅಂಜೂರ ಅಂಜೂರು ಯಾರ ಅಂಜೂರು/ Anjoora, Anjoora, Yaara Anjoora, written by Deepa Bhasthi, illustrated by Joanna Mendes, published by Pratham Books, 2024.

Inspired by Thank you, Forest by Finnish author Johanna Venho and illustrator Sanna Pelliccioni, this creative session with Oratia Books teaches you how to craft your own nature notebook celebrating imagination and the beauty of the natural world.

Thank you, Forest, by Johanna Venho, illustrated by Sanna Pelliccioni, translated by Jen Pulju Porter. Published by Five Oceans, an imprint of Oratia Books, 2025.

Help our hound crack the case! Join Detective Stanley for a mystery-solving adventure that will put your sleuthing skills to the test. Work alongside creators of the Detective Stanley series, Hannah Tunnicliffe and Erica Harrison, to uncover clues, assess the suspects and pronounce: “Case Closed!” Junior Detectives will leave with instructions for drawing Stanley and creating their very own comic-strip mystery. Recommended for 5+ but all ages welcome.

Illustrations ©Erica Harrison 2026

Little witches and wizards, it’s time to summon a beast! Come plot and scheme with our Grand High Witch, Claire Mabey (The Raven’s Eye Rebellion), and design a spell that will conjure a one-of-a-kind creature. Dream up your magical ingredients, toss them into the bubbling cauldron, and together we’ll bring a wondrous beast to life while illustrator Alba Gil Celdrán (Dragonfall) captures your creation in a spellbinding illustration. Recommended for 5+ but all ages  welcome

Meet Violet Grumble, rock star in the making, and her band of ragtag friends. Armed with big band dreams and plenty of mysteries to unravel, join author Rachael King as she takes you on a wild ride through her loveable series Violet and the Velvets. Expect an electric event of music and storytelling, sure to inspire your own mystery stories. Recommended for 5+ but all ages welcome.

Illustration ©Phoebe Morris

What if your pet became the hero of an epic adventure? Join bestselling author Stacy Gregg (Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Pukeko, Ngāti Maru Hauraki) for a highly creative, animal-filled session inspired by her thrilling book The Last Journey.   Join in the fun, hear about what it takes to bring your own pets alive on the page and even take to the stage to participate in a wild, whiskery performance for cat-lovers with main character kitty energy!  Recommended for 7+ but all ages welcome

“My Mum is collecting words. You see, a long time ago, lots of the words were left out or replaced. Slowly they were forgotten.” Author Kimberley Ngareta Kearney (Ngāti Maniapoto, Tūhoe) shares her touching pukapuka The Lost Words where a mother reclaims te reo Māori for her family. Afterwards, tamariki and their adults are invited to take part in a playful game, learning everyday kupu they can use together beyond the Festival.

Illustrations © Taylor Terewai Tiave @by.terewai

Lions, dinosaurs, jellyfish and kiwi – this is not your average farm! Get curious in this sparkling interactive read-aloud by Ruth Paul as she brings a handful of her charming picture books off the page and onto the stage using props and sound. You’ll even get to giggle along to her brand-new picture book The Farmer’s Pyjamas. And yes – you’re welcome to wear your pyjamas!

Illustration from The Farmer’s Pyjamas © 2026 Ruth Paul. Reproduced by permission of Walker Books Australia Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lulubug, Granny P’s beloved 1970s red Morris Minor, is having a few troubles after years of adventures and it might be time for a replacement ride. Enjoy Paula Walsh’s charming story, New Wheels for Granny P, then help guide Lulubug home in a fun interactive activity.

We’ll also celebrate the launch of Little Bug Books. We'll provide the party hats; you bring the vibe. Toot toot!