9:00 – 9:25

Tubowgule: A Sydney Opera House History with Melissa-Jane Fogarty

Step back in time with Mununjali descendent, author Melissa-Jane Fogarty, to discover Tubowgule, the land beneath one of Australia’s most famous landmarks.

9:30 – 9:50

Book Launch : Being and Belonging with Tenille Dowe

Join local educator, author, and illustrator Tenille Dowe for the launch of her autobiographical picture book tale of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Tenille is devoted to inspiring others through creativity and learning. Through her work, she encourages perseverance, curiosity, and connection with the heart.

9:55 – 10:15

Book Launch: Spotto: Big Things NSW with Outback Jess

Celebrate the latest in the Spotto Travel Book Series, BIG THINGS NSW, with author and photographer, Outback Jess!
These fun activity books are filled with beautiful images of wildlife, plants, locations and BIG THINGS within Australia, making car travel a whole lot of Spotto fun for families.

10:20 – 10:50

Bee-Pop! with Amelie Ecology

Bring your best buzz and get ready to Bee-Pop in this ecological, scientifical, musical must, with Dr Amelie Ecology!

10:55 – 11:15

Story Time: The Lucky Shack with Apsara Baldovino

Wind down with a beautiful story of The Lucky Shack who spends its days watching boats bob gently under puffy clouds on a sparkling sea – until one day everything changes. Read by author Apsara Baldovino. See if you can spot the items in the book!

11:20 – 11:50

Pranks, Portals and Predators with Louise Park

Find out how best-selling author Louise Park spends her time prank-busting, battling beasts and dinosaurs, finding secret doors and hidden tunnels to magical lands, and travelling back in time to write her historical mysteries. Be ready to be pranked and transported to other words and fantastical lands.

11:55 – 12:10

Illustrator Showcase with Mick Elliott

Join multi-talented Sunday Fun Day Host Mick Elliott, for some live drawing and a whole heap of fun.

12:15 – 12:45

Epic Illustrator Showdown: Mick Elliott vs Serena Geddes

Join Mick Elliott and Serena Geddes for a fantastic fast and furious draw off! Who will be crowned the 2025 WOW Winner of this epic live illustration showdown?

12:55 – 1:25

Stinkin’ Blinkin’ Science! with Lee Constable

Find out how Lee Constable, author and presenter of Network 10’s children’s science and sustainability show Scope went from a sheep farm in NSW to trying to figure out how to save this whole Stinkin’ Blinkin’ planet!

1:30 – 2:00

Poetry and Picture Books with Maxine Beneba Clarke

Lyrical Language, passionate paragraphs and tongue-twisting tales. Celebrate the joy of language as Maxine invites you to fall in love with the wonder of poetry and picture books.

2:05 – 2:35

Ripples Schools Program Short Story Competition Winner Announcement

Who will be the 2025 Ripples Ripper? Find out from Children’s Book Council judge Fran Carson, and celebrate with the winners of this year’s Ripples Schools Program Short Story Competition.

9:00 – 2:00

Funday Sunday Story Tellers

Take a break and take in a story in the Funday Sunday Lions’ Tales Tent.

10:00 – 1:00

Roving Bubble Blower

Can you spot bubbles bigger than your head? Meet Marnie and her enchanting world of magical marvellous shapes.

10:00 – 12 noon

Roving Seahorse

Have you ever met a seahorse? Have a photo with Hunter the Hippocampus, official mascot of Festival Partner, the University of Newcastle.

9:00 – 2:00

Lions Club of Wyoming East Gosford Centennial BBQ

Yum Yum Yum!

9:00 – 2:00

Activities

Visit our activity tent to create your own bookmark or mini book. Conjure up your best cardboard creations and bring a world of story to life by adding buildings, characters, objects or nature. Get crafty with the Children’s Book Council or have your face painted. Activities are suitable for ages 3+ with adult guidance.