When I’m not writing and illustrating my own books, these days I mainly seem to spend my time volunteering for the IW Story Festival, for children and families, which this year took place between Wednesday 17 and Saturday 20 February 2021, entirely online on YouTube.

I did two sessions myself which, if you missed them, you can view here:

Wednesday 17 February, 1.15pm: HOW TO BEAT THE NIGGLE

Can you make a scary face? Can you wiggle your fingers? Yes? Then this is the session for you! Don’t just listen to the story of The Niggle – about a little monster who whispers in five-year old Joe Jackson’s ear and makes him afraid – but join in! We all get a niggle in our ear from time to time, but there are things you can do to beat it: Peta will show you how to make a ‘Positivity Cube’ so you can get creative and conquer your fears and worries! Ages: 5-8

IF YOU WANT TO HAVE A GO AT MAKING THE POSITIVITY CUBE, THE TEMPLATE IS HERE

Thursday 18 February, 2pm: FROM SOURCE TO SEE

How does a seed of an idea grow into a 32 page full- colour picture book? Isle of Wight author and illustrator, Peta Rainford, takes you through the process with her eighth children’s picture book – Crab, Dab & Blenny – which will be published later in 2021. Lots of ideas and tips for anyone – child or adult – writing and/or illustrating stories.
Ages: 8+

IF YOU’VE BEEN TO THE SESSION AND HAVE COME TO THIS PAGE LOOKING FOR SOME TIPS ON RHYMING, YOU CAN FIND THEM HERE