EYFS and Key Stage 1

Puffin Virtual Visits: Join author Arden Jones and illustrator Saoirse Lou as they introduce Witchy Boo: Casts Her First Spell, the start of a spellbinding new illustrated series featuring a little ghost with a big magical secret. Enjoy a live reading, take part in a magical draw-along and hear from the creators, with the opportunity for pupils to put their own questions to Arden and Saoirse.

• 9 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 5–7

Puffin Virtual Visits: Join award-winning comedian, author and illustrator Olaf Falafel for a fun-filled workshop inspired by his graphic novel series The Far-Out Five. Packed with jokes, comic-making tips and live drawing, this interactive event will encourage pupils to create their own funny characters and stories, with the opportunity to put their own questions to Olaf.

• 6 November 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 6–10

Read for Good: Join Michael Rosen for his annual Huge Poetry Party, celebrating this year’s theme, Silly School Stuff. Enjoy Michael’s trademark raps, rhymes, poems and stories, including favourite school-themed performances, with the opportunity for pupils to put their own questions to one of the UK’s best-loved children’s poets.

• 12 November 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 5–12

Puffin Virtual Visits: Join multi-million-selling author and illustrator team Nick Sharratt and Pippa Goodhart as they introduce You Choose Party Time!. Embark on an imaginative journey packed with fun, games and drawing, inspired by the much-loved You Choose series, with the opportunity for pupils to put their own questions to the creators.

• 13 November 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 3–7

Key Stage 2

Read for Good: Join bestselling authors Katie and Kevin Tsang as they introduce The Neverland Thieves, their new book written in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. Discover the connection between the hospital and the original Peter Pan, before letting imaginations take flight as pupils design their own unique Neverland Island.

• 8 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 8–12

Scholastic Book Club Live: Get doodling with Liz Pichon as she celebrates the release of Tom Gates is Not Famous (Yet!) in this interactive event. Draw along with Liz as she introduces the latest book in the bestselling series and shares insights into Tom’s newest adventures through live storytelling and illustration.

• 8 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 9–12

Reading Rocks Online Author Events: Discover the bestselling InvestiGators graphic novel series with John Patrick Green, creator of the sewer-surfing super-sleuths Mango and Brash. Packed with tips for aspiring writers and artists, this event offers insights into John’s journey to becoming a comic-book creator and how he finds inspiration for new stories.

• 9 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 7–11

Mr Dilly Meets: Discover ghosts, monsters, mysteries and things that go bump in the night with authors Phil Corbett, Guy Bass, Adam Murphy, Jennifer Killick, Christopher Edge and Jack Mackay. Featuring author chats, readings, pupil questions and a special panel exploring what makes a great creepy story, this event is a fun way to introduce pupils to a range of spooky stories and potential next reads.

• 13 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 7–13

Empathy Lab: Join bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson as she introduces Esme Pepper, a funny and hopeful story about resilience, change and finding your way through difficult circumstances. Hear Jacqueline read from her new book, share her thoughts on the power of reading, and enable pupils to put their own questions to one of the UK’s best-loved children’s authors.

• 14 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 8–12

Waterstones Virtual School Event: Learn about the inspiration behind Rob Biddulph’s latest book The Last Wolf, a spine-tingling re-imagining of the werewolf legend, and take part in a live ‘Draw with Rob’ session, with the opportunity for pupils to put their own questions to one of the leading figures in the children’s book world.

• 14 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 8–11

Puffin Virtual Visits: Join author and illustrator Dotty Sutton as she introduces Moth the Veggie Vampire, the first book in her hilarious new illustrated series. Learn how Dotty brings her characters to life through illustration, and enjoy the opportunity for pupils to put their own questions to the author in a live Q&A.

• 16 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 7–9

Mr Dilly Meets: Explore themes of courage, freedom, friendship and the power to make change with authors Onyinye Iwu, E.L. Norry and Gillian Rowe. Through stories spanning African history, social justice and starting school, pupils will enjoy author talks, readings and discussion while discovering three distinct voices and perspectives in this Black History Month special.

• 21 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 7–11

Read for Good: Join dreadful duo Guy Bass and David Roberts as they introduce The Worst Thing That Could Possibly Happen, their new book of strangely spine-chilling short stories. Prepare to be alarmed and entertained as Guy and David share their spooky work through storytelling and live drawing.

• 22 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 7+

National Literacy Trust: Sign up for a Go All In Together event for the National Year of Reading that invites pupils to help create The Never-Ending Comic. With a surprise comic superstar and members of the Beano team, this is an opportunity for pupils to explore one of the oldest forms of storytelling and help create a nationwide comic.

• 22 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 8–14

Puffin Virtual Visits: Join author Freddie Kölsch as she introduces Spindlewood, a spooky new novel set in a boarding school for children who can see ghosts. Discover the inspiration behind the series and explore the importance of celebrating differences, with the opportunity for pupils to put their own questions to the author.

• 23 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 9–13

Puffin Virtual Visits: Join award-winning comedian, author and illustrator Olaf Falafel for a fun-filled workshop inspired by his graphic novel series The Far-Out Five. Packed with jokes, comic-making tips and live drawing, this interactive event will encourage pupils to create their own funny characters and stories, with the opportunity to put their own questions to Olaf.

• 6 November 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 6–10

British Library: Create your own magical worlds with author and illustrator Thiago de Moraes and author Viviane Schwarz as they explore comics, mythical creatures and visual storytelling. Through creative prompts and live draw-alongs, pupils will be inspired to invent their own fantastical characters, design new worlds and discover how comics can bring stories to life.

• 6 November 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 7–11

Waterstones Virtual School Event: Discover the inspiration behind Abi Elphinstone’s latest novel Goodnight Silver. Learn where Abi finds ideas for her stories, uncover fascinating facts about one of the world’s most elusive animals, and pick up tips for writing your own adventure stories, with the opportunity for pupils to put their questions to the author.

• 11 November 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 8–12

Read for Good: Join Michael Rosen for his annual Huge Poetry Party, celebrating this year’s theme, Silly School Stuff. Enjoy Michael’s trademark raps, rhymes, poems and stories, including favourite school-themed performances, with the opportunity for pupils to put their own questions to one of the UK’s best-loved children’s poets.

• 12 November 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 5–12

Waterstones Virtual School Event: Discover the story behind one of history’s most famous artworks with Martin Howard as he introduces The Bayeux Tapestry: The Graphic Novel. Through humour, storytelling and comic-book creation, pupils will explore the Bayeux Tapestry, learn how history can inspire great stories, and pick up tips for creating their own funny historical retellings, with the opportunity to put their questions to the author.

• 19 November 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 8–11

Puffin Virtual Visits: Join author and planetary scientist Dr Sheila Kanani as she introduces 10 Extraordinary Ideas that Shaped our Universe, a fascinating new book exploring some of the biggest ideas in science. Discover the hidden figures behind major scientific discoveries, learn amazing facts about space and science, and find out about careers in the space industry, with the opportunity for pupils to put their own questions to Sheila.

• 20 November 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 9–11

Authors Live: Get into the Christmas spirit with acclaimed author and illustrator Alex T. Smith as he introduces his latest seasonal story How Winston Delivered a Christmas Wish. Told in 24 and a half chapters, the hilarious and heartwarming tale also includes lots of festive activity ideas, making it an ideal ‘advent calendar’ read.

• 25 November 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 6–10

Waterstones Virtual School Event: Join bestselling authors Katie and Kevin Tsang as they introduce The Neverland Thieves, their new adventure written in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. Let your imagination take flight as you design your own Neverland Island and take part in the ultimate Neverland Christmas Quiz, exploring what makes a great fantasy world and where your own adventure might begin.

• 2 December 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 8–12

Key Stage 3

Read for Good: Join bestselling authors Katie and Kevin Tsang as they introduce The Neverland Thieves, their new book written in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. Discover the connection between the hospital and the original Peter Pan, before letting imaginations take flight as pupils design their own unique Neverland Island.

• 8 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 8–12

Scholastic Book Club Live: Get doodling with Liz Pichon as she celebrates the release of Tom Gates is Not Famous (Yet!) in this interactive event. Draw along with Liz as she introduces the latest book in the bestselling series and shares insights into Tom’s newest adventures through live storytelling and illustration.

• 8 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 9–12

Mr Dilly Meets: Discover ghosts, monsters, mysteries and things that go bump in the night with authors Phil Corbett, Guy Bass, Adam Murphy, Jennifer Killick, Christopher Edge and Jack Mackay. Featuring author chats, readings, pupil questions and a special panel exploring what makes a great creepy story, this event is a fun way to introduce pupils to a range of spooky stories and potential next reads.

• 13 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 7–13

British Library: Explore themes of climate change, nature and disinformation in young adult fiction with acclaimed author Richard Lambert. This Green Libraries Week masterclass examines the importance of research, environmental storytelling and how contemporary issues can be explored through fiction, offering valuable insights for aspiring writers and readers alike.

• 23 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 13–16

National Literacy Trust: Sign up for a Go All In Together event for the National Year of Reading that invites pupils to help create The Never-Ending Comic. With a surprise comic superstar and members of the Beano team, this is an opportunity for pupils to explore one of the oldest forms of storytelling and help create a nationwide comic.

• 22 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 8–14

Puffin Virtual Visits: Join author Freddie Kölsch as she introduces Spindlewood, a spooky new novel set in a boarding school for children who can see ghosts. Discover the inspiration behind the series and explore the importance of celebrating differences, with the opportunity for pupils to put their own questions to the author.

• 23 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 9–13

Empathy Lab: Join bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson as she introduces Esme Pepper, a funny and hopeful story about resilience, change and finding your way through difficult circumstances. Hear Jacqueline read from her new book, share her thoughts on the power of reading, and enable pupils to put their own questions to one of the UK’s best-loved children’s authors.

• 14 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 8–12

National Literacy Trust: UK Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and poet Sharena Lee Satti lead a celebration of poetry with readings and a shared writing activity for Young Poets Week. They will be joined by some of the 2026/27 Young Poet Laureates who will share their own work and experiences to inspire fellow young writers.

• 6 November 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 11–14

Waterstones Virtual School Event: Discover the inspiration behind Abi Elphinstone’s latest novel Goodnight Silver. Learn where Abi finds ideas for her stories, uncover fascinating facts about one of the world’s most elusive animals, and pick up tips for writing your own adventure stories, with the opportunity for pupils to put their questions to the author.

• 11 November 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 8–12

Waterstones Virtual School Event: Join bestselling authors Katie and Kevin Tsang as they introduce The Neverland Thieves, their new adventure written in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. Let your imagination take flight as you design your own Neverland Island and take part in the ultimate Neverland Christmas Quiz, exploring what makes a great fantasy world and where your own adventure might begin.

• 2 December 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 8–12

Key Stage 4+

British Library: Explore themes of climate change, nature and disinformation in young adult fiction with acclaimed author Richard Lambert. This Green Libraries Week masterclass examines the importance of research, environmental storytelling and how contemporary issues can be explored through fiction, offering valuable insights for aspiring writers and readers alike.

• 23 October 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 13–16

British Library: Celebrate young adult crime fiction with authors Benjamin Dean, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Sharna Jackson, Jenny Valentine, Rachael Davis, Ravena Guron, Lucy Foley and Patrice Lawrence. Linked to the British Library’s Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery exhibition, this event explores Christie’s lasting influence on the genre through a series of author talks and exclusive exhibition content.

• 20 and 23 November 2026 | Suitable for pupils aged 13–18

More to explore on Literacy Hive

If you are interested in hosting a bespoke event for your school with an author, poet, storyteller or illustrator, there are a number of organisations that can help. Check out your options here.