Disclaimer: I have not attended any of these talks, and as a result these are not recommendations. I also cannot be held responsible for anything that happens on these days or any cancellations. Please do your own due diligence in advance.
Waterstones Virtual School Event with Rob Biddulph
- Wednesday 14th October 2026
- 10.30 – 11.15am
- FREE
- Online
- Recommended for 4-6 years
- Advanced booking essential (link in the title above and below)
- Bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Rob Biddulph will be presenting his illustrated novel, The Last Wolf. Children will hear about the inspirations for the story, and will be able to take part in a live version of Rob’s famous ‘Draw with Rob’ episodes, as well as learning about his other books and his own creative origin story. Children will also have the chance to put their questions to Rob at the end of the event.
- Children will preferably need access to some paper and a pen/pencil so that they can take part in the draw-a-long.
- Once you register with your email address, you will be sent a Zoom link to the webinar.
- Any questions, please contact events@waterstones.com
- https://www.waterstones.com/events/virtual-school-event-with-rob-biddulph/online-events
British Library Virtual Event – Green Libraries Week: Climate Fiction with Richard Lambert
- Friday 23rd October 2026
- 1-2pm
- FREE
- Online
- Advanced booking is essential
- Aimed at Years 9-11 (ages 13-16)
- Author Richard Lambert will explore themes of climate change, nature and disinformation in YA fiction in this masterclass during Green Libraries Week. Richard will explore the concepts of regenerating nature, the importance of research and handling themes of mis and dis information in fiction.
- This event will be recorded.
- Live captions will be available during the online streaming of this event.
- https://events.bl.uk/events/richard-lambert-celebrates-green-libraries-week
British Library Virtual Event – Comics and Creatures Create-along: Make Your Own Magical Worlds
- Friday 6th November 2026
- 11am-12pm
- FREE
- Online
- Aimed at children aged 7-11 years
- Advanced booking essential (link in title above and below)
- Join in with this imaginative, art-packed session to explore comics and bring fantastical creatures to life. Thiago de Moraes (author and illustrator) will join author Viviane Schwarz to guide the children through the joys of inventing fantasy worlds.
- In this session the children will be guided through explorations of mythical creatures and a series of draw-alongs and creative prompts, to design their own creatures and make their own comics.
- Each child needs to have five sheets of A4 paper and a pencil (coloured pencils optional, but welcome).
- An adult should be present at all times throughout the workshop.
- Live captions will be available during the live screening of this event.
- https://events.bl.uk/events/comics-and-creatures-make-your-own-magical-worlds
Waterstones Virtual School Event with Abi Elphinstone
- Wednesday 11th November 2026
- 2-2.45pm
- FREE
- Online
- Advanced booking required (link in title above and below)
- Aimed at children in Years 4, 5, 6 & 7
- Abi Elphinstone will be presenting her heart-pounding new adventure story, Goodnight Silver. Abi will be revealing where she finds her ideas as well as sharing facts about one of the most elusive animals on our planet. She will also show kids how to write their own adventure stories. Children will have a chance to put their questions to Abi at the end of the event.
- Once you register with your email address, you will be sent a Zoom link to the webinar.
- Any questions, please contact events@waterstones.com
- https://www.waterstones.com/events/virtual-school-event-with-abi-elphinstone/online-events
Waterstones Virtual School Event: The Bayeux Tapestry with Martin Howard
- Thursday 19th November 2026
- 10.30-11.15am
- FREE
- Online
- Advanced booking required (link in title above and below)
- Aimed at Years 4, 5 & 6
- Author Martin Howard will be presenting his latest book The Bayeux Tapestry: The Graphic Novel (illustrated by Javi de Castro), which has been published in collaboration with The British Museum. Children will discover the story behind one of history’s most famous artworks. Martin will explore the importance of humorous history. You can expect an immersive introduction to The Bayeux Tapestry, storytelling, and lots of tips on how kids can make their own comic strip and create their own funny, historical retellings. Children will be able to put their questions to Martin at the end of the session.
- Once you register with your email address, you will be sent a Zoom link to the webinar.
- Any questions, please contact events@waterstones.com
- https://www.waterstones.com/events/virtual-school-event-the-bayeux-tapestry-with-martin-howard/online-events
British Library Virtual Event – Young Adult Crime Fiction Fest: Patrice Lawrence and Friends
- Friday 20th November 2026
- 10.30-11.45am
- FREE
- Online
- Advanced booking is essential
- Aimed at Secondary & FE Years (Years 9-13) (13-18 years old)
- Waterstones Children’s Laureate Patrice Lawrence will give a key note talk and facilitate a panel discussion with bestselling authors Jenny Valentine and Rachael Davis-Featherstone. This event is designed to celebrate young adult crime fiction and inspire reading for pleasure. Students will hear about the authors inspirations, journeys and writing techniques with a focus on the significant legacy of Agatha Christie’s work.
- Live captions will be available during the online streaming of this event.
- https://events.bl.uk/events/young-adult-crime-fiction-fest-patrice-lawrence-and-friends
British Library Virtual Event – Young Adult Crime Fiction Fest: Lucy Foley & Friends
- Friday 20th November 2026
- 1.30-2.45pm
- FREE
- Online
- Advanced booking is essential (link in title above and below)
- Aimed at Secondary & FE Years (Years 9-13) (13 – 18 years old)
- Lucy Foley will be in conversation with acclaimed YA authors Faridah Abike-Iyimide, Sharna Jackson and Ravena Guron. Followed by a discussion with Lead Curator of Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery, Lucy Rowland. This sessions is designed to celebrate young adult crime fiction and inspire reading for pleasure. Students will hear about the authors inspirations, journeys and writing techniques with a focus on the significant legacy of Agatha Christie’s work.
- Live captions will be available during the online streaming of this event.
- https://events.bl.uk/events/young-adult-crime-fiction-fest-lucy-foley-and-friends
British Library Virtual Event – Young Adult Crime Fiction Fest: Benjamin Dean
- Monday 23rd November 2026
- 1-1.45pm
- FREE
- Online
- Advanced booking is essential (link in title above or below)
- Aimed at Secondary & FE Years (Years 9-13) (13-18 year olds)
- Benjamin will talk about his background as a celebrity reporter and interviewer and his inspirations, whilst reflecting on Agatha Christie’s writing. Students will also take part in a creative writing activity that will have all the ingredients to write a thriller or mystery story.
- Live captions will be available during the online streaming of this event.
- https://events.bl.uk/events/young-adult-crime-fiction-fest-benjamin-dean-livestreamed-workshop
Waterstones Virtual School Event with Katie & Kevin Tsang
- Wednesday 2nd December 2026
- 10.30-11.15am
- FREE
- Online
- Advanced booking is essential (link in title above or below)
- Recommended for Years 4, 5, 6 & 7
- Katie and Kevin will be introducing their new book The Neverland Thieves (written in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity), as well as hosting the ultimate Neverland Christmas Quiz. Children will have a chance to design their own Neverland Island.
- Children may need access to some paper and pen/pencil for this session.
- Once you register with your email address, you will be sent a Zoom link to the webinar.
- Any questions, contact events@waterstones.com
- https://www.waterstones.com/events/virtual-school-event-with-katie-and-kevin-tsang/online-events
British Library Virtual Event – Mysteries, Murders, Muddles and Mayhem!
- Monday 1st February 2027
- 10.30-11.30am
- FREE
- Online
- Aimed at Primary Years 3-6
- Bestselling author Alex T. Smith will explore how he weaves comedy and detective fiction together in his writing. Children should expect crime capers, plot twists and draw-along fun. Children will also meet Alex’s newest character, J. Algernon Pickle, an unlikely sleuth, beaver and star of Alex T. Smith presents J. Algernon Pickle in ‘The Mystery at Odd-Doings House.’
- Children may want access to paper and pen/pencil for this session.
- Live captions will be available during the online streaming of this event.
- https://events.bl.uk/events/mysteries-murders-muddles-and-mayhem
British Library Virtual Event – Global Stories with Michael Rosen & Friends
- Monday 1st March 2027
- 11am-12pm
- FREE
- Online
- Advanced booking required (link in title above and below)
- Aimed at children aged 7-11 years
- Your children will be able to celebrate World Book Day with one of the nation’s best-loved storytellers.
- This sessions will explore the magic of stories in all its forms. There will be lively readings and creative prompts as Michael Rosen invites the children to think, invent and explore.
- Live captions will be available during the online streaming of this event.
- https://events.bl.uk/events/global-stories-with-michael-rosen-and-friends
