Sydney Writers’ Festival Family Day

Sydney Writers' Festival is bringing Family Day to life in collaboration with the State Library of NSW, supported by the NSW Government.

This exciting new addition to the Festival's year-round program will take place on Sunday, 23 November 2025, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Families can meet some of Australia's most loved storytellers and illustrators, including Deb Fitzpatrick, Andrew Cranna, Freda Chiu, Amelia Mellor, Jazz Money, Jason Phu, Andrew McDonald, Ben Wood, and many more.

Sydney Writers' Festival's first-ever Family Day is a celebration of stories, imagination, and creativity for children and families. The State Library will be transformed into a vibrant hub of storytelling, reading, drawing, music, and play. With a lively mix of free sessions and low-cost creative workshops, Family Day invites kids to discover the joy of storytelling through books, art, and hands-on fun.

Free Family Sessions

Storytime Spectacular 10:15 - 11:15 am

A joyful storytime featuring The Frog's First Song and Some Days You'll Have Days Like These with Jazz Money, Jason Phu, Stephen Michael King, and Josh Pyke.

Storytime with Nagi Maehashi, Adam Simpson, and Dozer 12:00 - 12:30 pm

A live reading of Row, Row, Row Your Boat (with Monsters), starring Nagi Maehashi and her golden retriever Dozer.

Real Pigeons Bin Baddies 1:30 - 2:15 pm

Join Andrew McDonald and Ben Wood for a hilarious, action-packed session celebrating their bestselling Real Pigeons series.

Seafaring with Amelia Mellor 2:30 - 3:15 pm

A pirate-themed storytelling adventure exploring the new Oceanforged series, complete with sea shanties and games.

The Totally Epic Kids Book Gameshow 3:15 - 4:00 pm

A chaotic, fun competition pitting Eva Amores, Matt Cosgrove, Jol Temple, and Kate Temple against each other in storytelling, drawing, and spelling challenges, hosted by Nathan Luff.

Workshop Program (Ticketed Sessions)

Writing Workshop with Deb Fitzpatrick

Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm | Tickets: $10 | Ages: 9+

Award-winning author Deb Fitzpatrick shows young writers how to turn real life into fiction, exploring how everyday experiences can inspire great stories.

Graphic Novel Workshop with Andrew Cranna

Time: 12:30 - 1:30pm | Tickets: $10 | Ages: 7+

Step into a "Choose Your Own Adventure" - style creative session with author-illustrator Andrew Cranna, learning to design characters, worlds, and stories full of humour and heart.

Pop-Up Book Workshop with Freda Chiu

Time: 2:15 - 3:15pm | Tickets: $10 | Ages: 7+

Celebrated illustrator Freda Chiu teaches the art of the pop-up book. Kids will craft their own fantastical 3D creations to take home, using mixed media and imagination.

All-Day Activities

Craft Stations 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | Free drop-in

Hands-on craft fun hosted by Amanda Lieber and Jo Staker, where kids can cut, colour, and create their own story-inspired artworks.

Russ the Story Bus 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | Free

Climb aboard the beloved mobile library, packed with books and creativity, parked right out front of the Library.