This national festival celebrating children’s literature is one of the biggest of its kind in the world, and is a highlight of the New Zealand literary calendar. Children and their families have attended the Storylines Family Days since it began 23 years ago.

The Auckland Family Day on Sunday 21 August 2016 will be a special event, planned to coincide with the final day of the IBBY World Congress. It takes place at Aotea Centre, also the Congress venue. Delegates will be able to attend what is thought to be one of the largest children's books festive days anywhere.  

Activities will include readings, book launches, book signings and talks by participating authors, displays, illustrators at work, book-related drama. Out of this world performances include Richard Taylor & Martin Baynton (The Wot Wots and Thunderbirds are Go!) as well as Tim Bray Productions performance of the children’s production of The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. Make your own world of characters with our artists and illustrators in action, including Robyn Belton, Sandra Morris, Fraser Williamson and Donovan Bixley. Star in your very own comic with Dylan Horrocks and make masks with Michel Mulipola, the ‘Bloody Samoan’.

View the full programme