This Christchurch based book event is seeking applications from authors and illustrators who wish to be involved.

Workshops: Friday, 25 September
Festival: Saturday, 26 September 11 am – 4 pm
The Arts Centre, Christchurch

What they expect from authors/illustrators:

Participating in the Tamariki Book Festival is a little different from having a sales table at a market. Their goal is to create an interactive space where readers can do fun activities related to your books. They expect participating authors and illustrators to plan and create an activity to showcase your works. They want children engaged, not just wandering by. As you consider what activity or activities you might plan, think about how you can incorporate the themes, characters, or settings in your books.

Previous Tamariki Book Festival authors have done scavenger hunts, games, dress-up, play houses, crafts, puzzles, and competitions. Please steer away from straight colouring activities, though you are welcome to add your own, branded, colouring sheets to our colouring station. They encourage you to be creative and have fun. And of course the ultimate goal is to sell your work, so make sure your activity focuses on the awesome stories and illustrations you create!

Friday workshops:
There are six 50-minute workshop slots on Friday 25 September, which we will be advertising to schools and homeschool groups. We are looking for authors to present these workshops, focused on writing and illustrating for ages 7-17. This is a paid opportunity–$150 per workshop. Workshops will be held in the Maker Workshop at the Arts Centre. If you are interested in being one of our presenters, you can register your interest on the festival application form.

To apply:

Please complete the application form. (if you have trouble accessing the form, email tamarikibookfestival[at]gmail.com)
Applicants will be considered based on the following key criteria:

• Proposal for your interactive area
• Quality of publications
• Recency of publications
• The overall mix of authors/illustrators/audience ages
• Your location (if space is tight, we’ll give preference to Canterbury authors)

* Please note that, although this year’s theme is Spellbound, your books don’t need to feature magic, witches or wizards—they want a wide range of children’s stories represented. But if you want to weave the theme into your interactive area, that would be spectacular!
Applications are to be submitted by 15 April 2026.

More about the event

The kaupapa of the Tamariki Book Festival is to create a festival atmosphere celebrating New Zealand authors and illustrators of children’s books. The emphasis is on creating vibrant and fun interactions between authors, illustrators and tamariki. The theme for 2026 is Spellbound: Magic in Every Story.

The venue can accommodate around 15 participants and a selection criteria applies. Participants are charged a table fee of $40 to help pay for the venue and other expenses.