Celebrate the magic of children’s books at our FREE Children’s Book Week® Festival!

Join us on Saturday 22 August 2026 at Mills Park Library for a day of story-filled fun celebrating the books, characters and adventures that inspire children’s curiosity, creativity and wonder. Inspired by this year’s Symphony of Stories theme, the festival brings together stories, art, music and imaginative play in a joyful celebration for the whole family.

Choose from two festival sessions:

• Session 1: 9am – 10.45am
• Session 2: 11.15am – 1pm

Bookings are not required, however places in each session are limited. Entry is via wristbands, issued on a first come, first served basis. Wristbands for Session 2 will be available no earlier than 15 minutes before the session begins.

• Parents, please note that all children 12 years and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for all library programs and events.

Children are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite book character!

Come along for a day filled with stories, creativity, music and imagination as we celebrate Children’s Book Week® and the wonderful worlds found within the pages of a book.

Meet our Special Guests

Meet the creators behind the stories, discover their books and enjoy activities inspired by their work. We’re delighted to welcome local children’s authors and illustrators:

• Renae Hayward

  • Renae Hayward was born during a cyclone in Western Australia’s Pilbara region but grew up by the beaches of Perth’s northern suburbs. She has authored five books for children – What Can I Get For Mother’s Day?, Barking Mad, Say Goodnight, Say Hooray and Say Hello, and was the inaugural recipient of the Ray Koppe Young Writers Residency (Australian Society of Authors/Varuna). She has also contributed as a poet to The School Magazine (NSW Department of Education) and has poems published in the anthologies Right Way Down and If I Could Eat The Stars. When she’s not writing, Renae is a passionate advocate for early literacy and a familiar face at storytime sessions across WA. Renae now lives near Fremantle with her husband, James, their two children and Frankie the Labrador in a house overflowing with books.

• Susan Joy Lu

  • Susan Joy Lu is an Artist, Author and Illustrator. Originally from Belfast (Northern Ireland), she now lives in Perth (WA) where she spends her days creating nostalgic and colourful illustrations, full of joy. ‘Nanna Croccles’ is her debut picture book as both Author and Illustrator and is shortlisted for the 2026 WA Young Readers’ Book Award (WAYRBA). Susan draws inspiration from observing the little things in life, silly thoughts and funny things her children say.

• Rebecca Grant

  • Rebecca Grant, author of Potion Commotion and How Do You Hide a Hippo?, dreams of a world full of children who love reading. She enjoys creating playful stories inspired by curiosity, chaos, and everyday life. In addition to writing, Rebecca works as a physiotherapist and is known for her love of chocolate, intense dislike of winter and terrible singing. She lives in Perth with her husband and young children (who all prefer Rebecca to spend time writing rather than singing).

What’s On

9am – 10.15am and 11.15am – 12.30pm

Main Character Energy with Susan Joy Lu
Discover how to draw expressive characters to feature in your very own stories. Follow a step-by-step tutorial or create a character that’s uniquely yours.

Potion Bottle Masterpieces with Rebecca Grant
Create a magical paper collage inspired by Potion Commotion. Design a colourful potion bottle and imagine the magical powers it holds.

DIY Symphony Story Makers
Create and decorate your own story-inspired musical instrument before joining others to make a joyful symphony of stories through music and imagination.

Colouring-In & Book Giveaways
Relax with book-themed colouring activities and collect a free book while stocks last.

9am – 10.15am and 11.15am – 12.30pm

Imagine & Play with Renae Hayward
Enjoy imaginative games, playful challenges and creative activities inspired by water play.

Sensory Play with Wonder & Bloom
Explore hands-on sensory experiences inspired by books, music and imagination.

10.15am – 10.45am and 12.30pm – 1pm

Family Story Time with Renae Hayward
Gather together for stories, songs, movement and interactive fun in a lively finale celebrating the joy of reading.

9am – 1pm

There’s even more to discover throughout the library:

• Face painting
• Book Cover Discovery Quest
• Book-themed photo opportunity
• Colouring-in activities

Please note the Terms and Conditions applicable to all library events.