Kids have flocked to Lalor Library to learn all about creative writing and drawing from bestselling children’s author-illustrator, Ben Wood.
Wood guided the budding creatives through fun activities during the Real Pigeons, Twigs & Creativity event on 20 January.
A Yarra Plenty Regional Library (YPRL) spokesperson said the children loved creating their own stories and drawings.
“The booked-out event was a hit with young children,” the spokesperson said.
YPRL said its series of summer holiday activities encourages literacy, learning and community connection.
“In the last year YPRL has delivered 244 school holiday events, plus 78 outreach sessions, attracting thousands of children and families.”
In the workshop, Wood demonstrated how to draw characters from his bestselling Real Pigeons and Hello Twigs series.
Both series have won various awards, most recently being honoured by the children’s book council of Australia in their 2025 Book of the Year Awards.
YPRL said the workshop event complemented their ‘Big Summer Read’ campaign that encourages students to read more during the holidays.
“Holiday reading is linked to improved literacy outcomes across the region.”
According to YPRL, the campaign has seen primary students borrowing almost 50 percent more books than during school terms.
This is even higher for older, high school students who borrow 76 per cent more books during the holidays.
There is still time to get involved in the Big Summer Read campaign before it ends on 31 January .
Students can join YPRL for free, and log five books they read in January or track five days of reading for a chance to win major prizes.
To secure your spot at free school holiday events, join YPRL or register for the Big Summer Read visit www.yprl.vic.gov.au.
