Join us at the Festival Hub on Friday morning for a storytelling and craft session.

Children’s authors Sharna Carter, Toni D’Alia and Sarah Speedie will be with us at the Festival Hub to read to you from their beautiful picture books. There will also be craft activities and colouring in available.

Drop in and spend some time with these wonderful storytellers between 11am and 12pm

This is an open session aimed at children of all ages. No festival ticket is required and younger siblings are welcome to join in.

About the authors

Sharna Carter

Mornington Peninsula author Sharna Carter writes engaging books for young readers, including I Dreamed of You, The Sleepy Train, Hooray for PJ Day and her delightful Rex lift-the-flap board book series. Infused with love, humour, and a delightful splash of quirkiness, her stories celebrate the magical moments that define childhood.

Toni D’Alia

Toni D’Alia is the best-selling, award-winning author of Frogs Are Our Friends (2026 CBCA Shortlisted Book for Early Childhood), My Father’s Arms (2026 CBCA Notable Books for Early Childhood), Worms Are Our Friends (2025 CBCA Notable Books for Early Childhood), Ten Little Guinea Pigs, and more. Toni loves to write heartwarming stories that children and families can share and treasure.

Sarah Speedie

Sarah Speedie is an award‑winning, internationally published Melbourne author of Our Beautiful World (CBCA Notable 2026), The Great Dawn Choir, Wild About Book Week and more. A passionate literacy advocate, Sarah visits schools and libraries year‑round, championing children’s storytelling across Australia. When Sarah isn’t busy writing her next book, she can often be found wandering the beach, dreaming up new stories.

Sarah, Toni and Sharna will also be appearing at the Meet the Author Signing Table over lunch on Friday.