Children’s Workshop: Story Prompts for Young Writers with Laura Shallcrass

Who says you have to write a story before designing its cover? In this playful, hands-on workshop, children aged 5–8 are invited to turn the usual book-making process upside down. With illustrator and author Laura Shallcrass leading the way, young creatives will use props, imagination and teamwork to dream up a book cover first — then see what wonderfully weird story might grow from it. Expect unexpected ideas, creative collaboration and plenty of fun as children experiment with the possibilities of storytelling. There’s no pressure to get everything right; the aim is to spark imaginations and show that stories can begin in all sorts of surprising ways. About Laura Shallcrass Laura Shallcrass is an award-winning author, illustrator and artist based near Tāhuna/Queenstown. Known for her intricate illustrations and imaginative visual storytelling, she often weaves together elements of the natural world and the supernatural. Her children’s books include Hare & Ruru, which won the Russell Clark Award for Illustration at the 2021 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, as well as What Colour Is the Sky? and Hare & Kunekune’s Moonlight Mission. Age group: 5–8 years Capacity: 20 children Supported by Mactodd Community Charitable Trust. Part of the Queenstown Writers Festival, running 5–8 November 2026.