Workshops, wild storytelling sessions and performances galore: it's all on at Singapore Writers Festival 2017!
Singapore Writers Festival has rolled around again (a whole year since we got star struck by last year’s fantastic line up of authors) and with a theme of Aram (pronounced ah-ruhm and meaning being good/doing good), we think this year is set to be a real goodie. As avid readers ourselves (whenever we can get a mum time moment, you’ll find us nose in book), we’re always bringing our own kids to Singapore’s amazing libraries, throwing together wild storytelling sessions and exploring more sensitive topics with the help of some powerful reads. In other words, The Singapore Writers Festival is right up our street!
The events we’re loving for our kids at SWF
Empowering Teenage Girls: Award-winning Irish writer and teacher, Deirdre Sullivan, will be using her stories to help teach empathy amongst the teenage girl set (because let’s face it, with all that awkward angst going on, they need some help!). This will be a session filled with gritty subjects, so is suited to girls aged 11 and up.
When: 4 November, 3.30-4pm
Where: The Arts House, Gallery II
Cost: Free
www.singaporewritersfestival.com
In Celebration Of Oddballs: British author Philip Ardagh’s children’s books feature a host of fascinatingly weird characters, ranging from unusual families who find themselves on hysterical adventures to mysteries involving stowaways and knights-in-training. Ardagh will be sharing the inspirations behind his popular series The Grunts, his Eddie Dickens trilogy and his latest best-seller, The Secret Diary of John Drawbridge. Suitable for kiddos aged seven years and up.
When: 4 November, 10-11am
Where: The Arts House, Living Room
www.singaporewritersfestival.com
The Makings of a Heroine: Marie Lu, author of the New York Times bestselling The Young Elites and Legend fantasy series will be imparting her wisdom and dishing the secrets behind the inspirations for the teenage heroines in her fantasy, dystopian and sci-fi books. We do love a kick-ass female role model! The event is suitable for kids aged 11-13 years.
When: 4 November, 2-3pm
Where: The Arts House, Play Den
Cost: Free
www.singaporewritersfestival.com
Make a Fun Family Portrait: Israeli mixed-media artist, Hanoch Piven, will be whipping up a caricature storm in a fun session where you’ll be creating your own family portrait. Expect plenty of laughs and a whole lot of fun.
When: 11 November, 4.30-6.30pm
Where: Tent@Empress, in front of Victoria Theatre
Cost: $5 per person
www.singaporewritersfestival.com
Si Ma Guang And The Giant Jar: An Experiential Storytelling Event: Popular Asian folktale Si Ma Guang and the Giant Jar is being brought to life for kids aged four and up in a dramatised reading by authors Lee Seow Ser and Hidayah Amin, along with illustrator Tan Ai Khim and drama educator, Hafidz Rahman. The awesome session encourages kindness, empathy and courage – kids will experience what it might be like to be deaf or blind by using sign language, and find out how to read with their small ears and hands.
When: 4 November, 3.30-5pm
Where: The Tent@The Empress
Cost: Free (but you need to reserve your spot)
www.singaporewritersfestival.com
Shape a Story with Your Body: Little people aged two to six years can have some creative fun in a delightful session that will see them trying to morph into objects, animals and more using nothing but their own bodies (and a little help from parents). Theatre practitioner, R Chandran, will be heading up the adventure.
When: 4 November, 11-11.45am
Where Tent@Empress, in front of Victoria Theatre
Cost: Free
www.singaporewritersfestival.com
Unleash Your Writing Superpowers: If you have a budding wannabe author aged nine to 13 years, this is the workshop for them. They’ll be joining Australian author, A.L. Tait, the brains behind The Mapmaker Chronicles, to find out how to create plot lines, develop mysterious characters and develop a keen editorial eye.
When: 11 November, 10.30am-2pm
Where: Timbre Music Academy, Hall
Cost: $10 per person
www.singaporewritersfestival.com
Jay Asher: Thirteen Reasons Why, 10 Years On: The recent Netflix smash, Thirteen Reasons Why, is definitely a binge watch for teenagers and parents alike, which is why we’re more than a little excited to hear that the creator of this hard-hitting tale, Jay Asher, is in town for a Q&A session suitable for teens age 13 and up. It’s actually 10 years since the literary version was published, and subjects such as bullying, shaming and casual sexism are still prevalent in many schools around the globe. Asher will be giving his opinion on why the story resonates with so many, and what he thinks can be done about the issue of bullying amongst teenagers.
When: 11 November, 3.30-4.30pm
Where: Tent@Empress, Victoria Theatre
Cost: Free
www.singaporewritersfestival.com
The Joy of Quiet Adventures: Leila Boukarim and Barbara Moxham are the author and illustrator of two wonderful reads for children, Aiden Finds a Way and All Too Much for Oliver, which are explore how sensitive children find their way in our very busy world. Come listen to their stories, learn the value of empathy, and watch as Barbara sketches images from the stories in front of a live audience. A great session for all children age four and above, especially sensitive ones!
When: 5 November, 11-11.45am
Where: Tent@Empress, Victoria Theatre
Cost: Free
www.singaporewritersfestival.com
See you there, folks!
Lead image: Sugarlight Photography
Like this story? Here’s more we think you’ll enjoy:
Picture books to help your kids deal with feelings and emotions
Singapore stories to read with your kids
10 coming of age novels for teenagers to read
Best kids’ bookstores in Singapore