From letting loose their inner dinos, building mutants and coming up with fresh raps, kiddos are in for a real treat at SWF Playground come November.
Hold on to your hats! The Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) is back with a bang for its 26th edition, happening from 17 to 26 November 2023! With this year’s “Plot Twist” theme, brace yourself for a whirlwind of literary intrigue, jaw-dropping twists, and the most unexpected connections. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever with leading literati from local and international scenes.
This year’s SWF Playground, happening at various venues in the Civic District, is going to be a blast for the little ones. Get ready to embark on a literary adventure packed with fun activities and featuring some of the biggest names in the world of children’s literature!
Here’s a sneak peek at 10 sensational activities you and the kids shouldn’t miss this year:
1. Can I Have a Humourosaurus Rex? Draw-along with John Patrick Green
Are your kiddos besties with Crackerdile, the crocodile-shaped cracker, or Houdino, the escape-artist triceratops? They are in for an exciting treat! John Patrick Green, the mastermind behind the six volumes of The InvestiGators (which tells the story of two alligators who solve mysteries for a large undercover spy agency), will be guiding them in the magic of wordplay and the absurdity of language as they craft their very own side-splitting character in this workshop. This is a great opportunity for kiddos to get up close and personal with a beloved author and learn his tactics simultaneously. It’s sure to be a laugh riot as they unleash their inner dino artist! Recommended for ages seven to 12.
Date: 19 November 2023
Time: 10am – 11am
Venue: Blue Room, The Arts House
Price: $10; tickets can be booked here.
2. Jiggle Like a Jellyfish!*
The name says it all! This is for the marine-loving kiddos, and (inserts drum roll moment) there might even be a chance to meet a real-life mermaid! Dive into ocean adventures with children’s author and musician Katherine Wallace for an exhilarating session of music and movement. Dive into an ocean of original songs and stories that will have you and your little ones bouncing, bubbling, spinning, and splashing joyfully. This lively event is perfect for ages 18 months to five years old.
*This is a parent-accompanied activity.
Date: 25 November 2023
Time: 10am – 10.45am
Venue: Play Den, The Arts House
Price: $5; tickets can be booked here.
3. Storytelling: The Three Bandits
This captivating Mandarin storytelling session explores the fine line between good and evil! Follow the gripping tale of the three bandits, select an unexpected weapon, and discover its hidden powers. This storytelling session will be led by the talented Mun Poh, a theatre practitioner, performer, and educator. She combines drama and storytelling to engage young minds. Ideal for ages seven to 12, this adventure will leave kiddos on the edge of your seat!
Date: 26 November 2023
Time: 10am – 11.15am
Venue: Blue Room, The Arts House
Price: $10, tickets can be booked here.
4. Mutant Mayhem – A Poster Design Workshop
What if you were a mutant, part human, part animal, and part plant? What incredible superpowers would you wield, and how would you use them for the greater good? Kids are invited to get animated and tap into their unique superpowers in this cool workshop led by author and illustrator Quek Hong Shin. Get ready to design your super self, from superhero costumes to special abilities. The sky’s the limit! This workshop is perfect for kids aged six to 10.
Date: 18 November 2023
Time: 1pm – 2.30pm
Venue: Blue Room, The Arts House
Price: $10; tickets can be booked here.
5. Fresh Raps: Create Your Own Hip-Hop Alter Ego with BGourd
Get ready to groove to the beat because BGourd, Singapore’s very own herbaceous hip-hop sensation, is in the house! Not a fan of veggies? No worries! BGourd will show you how to embrace your alter ego and deliver rhymes so fresh they’ll make your mouth water. Join BGourd in creating your very own rap persona, and soon, you’ll be spitting juicy rhymes to crunchy rhythms. This high-energy event is recommended for kids aged eight to 12.
Date: 18 November 2023
Time: 10am – 11am
Venue: Living Room, The Arts House
Price: $5 (refundable deposit). Tickets can be booked here.
6. Eat Your Curry Puffs! Love Your Curly Hair!
Something’s amiss as Rosie’s favourite mamak shop uncle disappears, and Curly’s friends make fun of her curly hair. How far will a girl go to enjoy some potato curry puffs and embrace her natural beauty? Sit down for a double-bill storytelling session with author Rachelyn Gordon and embark on an uplifting journey of self-discovery. Perfect for ages three to eight, this heartwarming tale will leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling inside.
Date: 19 November 2023
Time: 10am – 11am
Venue: Living Room, The Arts House
Price: $5 (refundable deposit). Tickets can be booked here.
7. Save the Animals!
Kiddos delve into the captivating world of Singapore’s native wildlife in this storytelling session with Chen Juhua, author of Beware the Sunda Slow Loris and other Singaporean Fables. Kids will learn facts about these unique creatures and gain insights into why it’s crucial to protect them. This is an immersive storytelling session where kids become the decision-makers in exciting narratives. This engaging program is ideal for young adventurers aged seven to 10.
Date: 19 November 2023
Time: 10am – 11.30am
Venue: Demonstration Room, Asian Civilisations Museum
Price: $10; tickets can be booked here.
8. A Boxful of Stories*
Step into a world of limitless imagination! Thinking outside the box to create one-of-a-kind stories is highly encouraged! Join Zip Zap Zoom Collective performers for an unforgettable journey where kiddos get in on the action! Plus, with a treasure trove of props, performers and kids collaboratively breathe life into a brand-new narrative. Perfect for children aged five to 10.
* Parents are encouraged to accompany their children during this session.
Date: 26 November 2023
Time: 10.30am – 11.15am
Venue: Play Den, The Arts House
Price: $5 (refundable deposit). Tickets can be booked here.
9. Reading of Otters in the City by Wahap Brothers
The animated Wahap Brothers present their bilingual book Otters in the City, which follows a family of otters – we love otters! – as they navigate life in urban Singapore! Combining animation, augmented reality and music, we know this presentation will be otter-rific! This session is recommended for ages two and above.
Date: 25 November 2023
Time: 11.30am – 12pm
Venue: Gallery II, The Arts House
Price: $5 (refundable deposit) tickets can be booked here.
10. Ally at the Zoo with Norlin Samat
Young fans of Ally’s Adventures are in for a treat as they get to hear from author Norlin Samat as she takes them through all the animals at the zoo. This session is suitable for two years old and up.
Date: 18 November 2023
Time: 11.30am – 12pm
Venue: Gallery II, The Arts House
Price: $5 (refundable deposit). Tickets can be booked here.
Don’t let SWF Playground 2023 pass you by! This literary extravaganza will ignite imagination, spark laughter, and create cherished memories for you and your little ones alike! So, mark your calendars for these unforgettable adventures, and let the excitement begin.
With over 200 programmes happening over two weekends, you can expect to see all-time favourites and new offerings at this year’s Singapore Writers Festival. What’s more, there’s something for everyone of all ages in this year’s lineup: from immersive experiences, exhibitions, performances, meet-the-author sessions, and more.
See you at the Singapore Writers Festival!
This post is in partnership with the Singapore Writers Festival.
