Lovers of spooky tales and clever mysteries are invited to join author Antony Mann and Creative Director of Word Travels Miles Merrill to discover their inner ghostbuster. Go on a ghost hunt through Katoomba Library to see what – or whooooo – you can find, then write your own ghost story set in the Blue Mountains.

Don’t miss this incredible chance to ask burning questions about climate change and the environment, with three people who REALLY know what they’re talking about: Dr Karl, Professor David Lindenmayer and Bianca Nogrady, who between them have published 102 books about science!

Join three-time Paralympian swimmer and medal-winner Sarah Rose, author of the newly released ABC Disability, a big-hearted A-Z guide to disability that’s written especially for kids. Learn the Auslan alphabet and leave feeling more equipped to understand and champion difference.

Join Sami Bayly for a jam-packed session about nature, science and animals, complete with drawing demonstrations and creative activities. You’ll hear incredible animal adaptation stories, learn a bunch of fun collective nouns and maybe even discover a gross fact or two!

Parents for Climate Action Blue Mountains and Sharon Baldwin from Loose Parts Press invite you to save money and reduce your consumption by joining in our Festival book swap. Bring three books that your kids no longer read and go home with new (to you!) pre-loved books from other local families.

Join Charmaine Ledden-Lewis and Aunty Munya Andrews with Cheryl Leavy to celebrate a deeper connection with land, waters and skies. Contribute to a collaborative mural celebrating First Nations seasons and enjoy readings with these three exceptional authors and illustrators.

Everyone is invited to join us on the Carrington Lawn for the Festival Welcome to Dharug and Gundungurra land. 

Join Nevo Zisin for this empowering workshop that tackles the need for perfection and shows you how to embrace the beauty and importance of making mistakes.

Join Maryam to hear about her career as a writer and No Words, her compassionate and hopeful book based on her own experiences of fleeing persecution. Suitable for ages 7 upwards.

Meet Will Kostakis, one of Australia’s leading YA writers, and get to know his new book, We Could Be Something.

Join storyteller Sue Whiting as your children spin the Wheel of Adventure, draw a story map and discover the secrets of becoming a top-secret stealth adventurer.

Come along and hitch a ride on the Katoomba-Leura RFS Fire Truck and have a story book reading at the same time. Perfect for ages 3 and upwards.

Go on a hunt, find the clues and see if you can catch the Gruffalo for a storytime adventure.

Join Charmaine Ledden-Lewis and Dub Leffler as they get you inspired to create your own stories with pictures.

Prepare to laugh out loud with Leigh Hobbs and his hilarious characters who are always up to something mischievous.

What would happen if two portraits didn’t get along? Or what if they came up with a plan to make a getaway? The sky is the limit in this lively workshop for kids aged 10 – 12.

Listen to Corey Tutt and Cassie McCullagh discuss how First Nations people passed on wisdom from the land, sea and sky through ancient stories that are important lessons in science to this day. A great session for families!

It's time to go crackers with Matt Cosgrove, creator of Macca the Alpaca. Lots of laughs, snorts and silliness to be had. And remember, no spitting.

Join Darug creators Jasmine Seymour and Leanne Mulgo Watson for this wonderful children’s session, with storytelling, craft and songs.