Bookrapt – Bay of Plenty Children’s Literature Association – is gearing up for a storytelling extravaganza as it sets to host a morning of inspiring, fun, and interactive writing and illustration workshops at Paengaroa School on July 9.

“The workshops which promise to ignite imaginations and celebrate creativity across all ages are made possible through the generous support of Western Bay Creative Communities and Western Bay of Plenty District Libraries,” said Bookrapt chairwoman and award-winning author Angie Belcher.

Belcher said the event features a stellar lineup of award-winning authors and illustrators, ready to share their secrets, spark inspiration and guide children - and their parents or grandparents - to discover the joy of writing and storytelling.

“The sessions are tailored for children as young as 4 right through to teens and adults.”

The sessions include Collaborative Storytelling, a playful session for ages 4-6 years to create a group story full of fun and imagination with energetic librarian and amateur actor Penny Guy.

Belcher will be guiding 5–7-year-old children in discovering the magic of rhythm, rhyme, and wordplay with Playing with Words.

Rachel Weston, bestselling author of Bumblebees Have Smelly Feet, will be taking 7-10-year-old detectives on an exciting non-fiction fact-finding mission.

For ages 7–10 and 11–14, Make Your Mark are two popular illustration workshops led by local artist Debbie Tipuna and promise hands-on creativity with expert guidance.

Tom Fitzgibbon Award winner Carol Garden will be taking 11-14-year-olds for a session on learning how to turn average stories into unforgettable tales with Make Your Story Zing.

Helping children explore identity and storytelling through a cultural lens is the focus of Kiri-Michelle Mohi, author of the Real Raw Resources series, with the It’s OK to Be Different session.

Lee Murray, ONZM, will be conducting two engaging sessions for ages 15+, one on crafting compelling poetry and the second on exploring voice and memory through Personal Narrative.

A session for teens and adults with historian and author Debbie McCauley offers a deep dive into the local history and significance of Te Tiriti in Tauranga.

“Events of this calibre don’t often come to the Western Bay so our highly motivated team of organisers - all readers and writers - are hoping it will be a huge success and lead to further events,” Belcher said.

Workshops are timed so parents or grandparents can participate alongside their tamariki. Each event is $5 per person with sponsored spots available for those who need support.

Spaces are limited and expected to fill quickly. Schools are encouraged to register groups, and families are welcome to attend together. For booking and inquiries, contact bookraptnz@gmail.com visit www.bookraptnz.wordpress.com or phone/text 02102488981