A line up of exciting writing events is planned to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Bookrapt - the Bay of Plenty Children's Literature Assocation.

The group was established in 1983 by distinguished founding members and notable authors including, Phyllis Johnston, Sherryl Jordan and Lynley Dodd with the vision of encouraging, supporting and promoting reading and writing.

Throughout the 40 years, the group has held many literary events including an annual seminar with high profile Kiwi authors, and writing and illustrating workshops for teens and children.

It has collaborated with local and national writing groups, organized outdoor events such as the popular Story Bus, and supported works and events which celebrate literary achievement, such as the Hairy Maclary statues on the Strand, Tauranga.

2023 celebrations

The first event for the 2023 anniversary is a fun and informal networking luncheon to be held at Brain Watkins House on April 29. This event is open to all published or unpublished writers and illustrators as well as librarians, teachers and anyone with an interest in children's literature.

Bookrapt member Angie Belcher says the luncheon will be a great opportunity to share ideas, be motivated, and to get a first glimpse at the group's major anniversary project, Bookrapt's Banquet, which is a hard-cover treasury of children's writing from the Bay or Plenty.

Younger writers

For younger writers and illustrators, the Pen Warrior Workshops will be held on July 4.

"the Pen Warrior Workshop is an opportunity for Bay of Plenty children and teens to work alongside eight well-known local authors," says Angie.

The Pen Warriors will be able to select between one or two workshops covering a range of topics such as creating great zombie stories, retelling traditional tales with a twist, developing research skills for creative non-fiction and many more.

With a line-up of award-winning authors such as Lee Murray, Carol Garden, Rachel Weston, Angie Belcher, librarians Penny Guy and Julie Edgecombe and well-known illustrator Debbie Tipuna the Bay's children and teens will be able to unleash their potential and perhaps become the next generation of Bay of Plenty Literati. All workshops will take place at Toi Ohomai on July 4 and registrations are essential.

The group's chairperson, Penny Guy says that these events are only possible through the generosity and support of Creative Communities Tauranga, the former Tauranga Writers for Children and Pub Charities.

For more information on all of these events contact Bookraptnz@gmail.com or ring 02102488981