​Unleash their creativity with online videos and workshops for children

Let your children unleash their creativity! Seven well-known children’s authors have come together to make videos for children from the very young, to early teens. They can get rapping, drawing, and making their own poems with Authors Abroad who are an organisation of well-respected children’s authors, illustrators and poets!

The videos are free and are available to watch on the website and on the InDerby YouTube channel from Sat 20 Feb to Sat 17 Apr.

The videos include:

Chris White is an illustrator and poet, who creates work that is ‘wild, zany and yucky, and who also delves into difficult ideas about what is and isn’t “normal” and how individuality counts’. Chris talks about his career, shares his artwork and poetry, and leads a cartoon and poetry writing session. Ages 5 to 11.

Kev Payne is an author, illustrator, poet and primary school teacher. Kev’s first book was ‘B is for Blobfish’ a brilliant book featuring ‘unusual and unloved animals’. Kev will bring his experience and creativity to Derby Libraries to lead some amazing sessions to create action rhymes, riddles and rap, and teach children how to draw all sorts of animals! Ages 5 to 11.

Michael De Souza, author of the classic book ‘RastaMouse’, creator of the CBBC character of the same name plus band mates Scratch and Zoomer who together form Da Easy Crew. Michael will delight our families with a brilliant reading of his amazing picture books and rhymes. Ages 3 and above.

Dominic Berry who is an internationally award-winning poet and Glastonbury Festival Poet in Residence (2017). Dom will give a lively performance of his book 'When Trolls Try To Eat Your Goldfish' and share his skills and passion with a poetry writing workshop. Ages 5 to 11.

Karl Nova is a poet, author, and hip-hop artist who has won the Ruth Rendell award for services to children’s literature. Karl will talk about his amazing career writing and performing, explore the links between rap and poetry, and deliver a workshop on how to write different forms of poetry. Ages 7 to 13.

Ed Boxall, poet, illustrator, performer, educator and musician. Ed will give a brilliant presentation on reading and performance and share some of his writing and crafting tips. Ages 7 to 13.

Nicholas Allan, Bafta award winner, author and illustrator of international bestselling picture books. Children and families can enjoy a filmed performance of Nicholas reading his picture books, originally recorded at the Isle of Wight Festival. Ages 3 to 8.