During Norwich Book Festival Week (October 24-30), when the city is full of book-themed things to do, Born & Read in Norfolk has collaborated with Bookbugs & Dragon Tales to bring stories, rhymes and creativity to children during October half term week.
Young readers and writers are invited to take part in an engaging and interactive workshop on Monday, October 26, at Chantry Place shopping centre in Norwich.
There will be two one-hour sessions: one for children aged 6-10 at 9.30am-10.30am and the other for children aged 11+ (up to 17 years) at 11am-12pm. There are 20 places available per session, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The sessions will be led by experienced creative facilitators Ben Fridd and Kim Billing Mortensen from Bookbugs & Dragon Tales bookshop.
They will begin with a quick quiz and warm up to get the children’s imaginations fired up, before using resources to collect words for Norfolk’s sights, sounds and smells.
The participants will play word games, then build their own poems with word cards, so nobody faces a blank page.
Next, they’ll design and decorate a postcard using collage and printing, to display on the day.
A second postcard is theirs to send to someone special, and they can share a line of their poem if they’d like to.
“The best part of a session like this is the moment someone stops saying ‘I can't do writing’ and starts reading their lines out loud,” said Kim.
“We keep it playful and pressure-free, so everyone can take part and the postcards give them something real to show off.
“We’re really looking forward to meeting everyone.”
Ben added: “I love watching a child realise that a poem can be about anything: a muddy puddle, a heron on the Broads, a sound they heard on the way here.
“We’ll play with words, make a mess with the crafts and every child will go home with something they made and are proud of.
“I can’t wait to see what Norfolk sounds like through their eyes.”
Every participant will also receive a special goody bag, including a free book and a selection of reading and writing-themed gifts to take home and enjoy over the half term holiday.
Why get reading this half term?
2026 is the National Year of Reading and there are signs it’s working.
Reading enjoyment among children and young people has risen for the first time in years but still only just over one in three say they enjoy it.
“Half term is a chance to help that grow,” said Ben.
“Reading for pleasure is linked to wellbeing, confidence, empathy and vocabulary and a week off school is a calm, screen-free way to build the habit.”
And Kim points out that reading isn’t just one thing.
Graphic novels, comics, poetry, picture books, non-fiction and audiobooks all count, so there’s a route in for everyone.
“With so much choice, ask for help,” suggested Kim.
“Booksellers and librarians love giving recommendations, so tell us what you enjoy, and we’ll find the perfect book.
“With Norwich Book Festival week happening as well, it’s the perfect time to get young readers and writers excited about words.”
Bookbugs & Dragon Tales is an award-winning independent children’s and family bookshop on Timberhill in Norwich, with more than 11,000 loyalty customers and partnerships with more than 20 local schools.
Advance booking is essential for this free-to-attend event – there will be no walk-ins on the day.
Book now to secure your child’s place by clicking here for the age 6-10 session and click here for the age 11+ session.
This article has been published as part of Born & Read in Norfolk – a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing, headline sponsor RWE and sponsor YouGarden.
Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
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