Aliens, Octopuses and Imagination at Storytelling Event
An alien stole a brain in Feilding the other week at least, according to the spontaneous tale created live at the Manawatū Community Hub Libraries (MCHL) session on a Monday afternoon. As part of the “Story Magic in Motion” event, finalists from the 2025 New Zealand Children’s and Young Adults Book Awards gathered to spin stories, sketch and inspire imagination.
A modest but enthusiastic group of parents, grandparents, children and MCHL staff gathered for the event, which offered a rare chance to see well-known authors in action. The storytelling began when Alan Dingley spotted a plaster on the forehead of a boy in the front row and used it as the perfect prompt for a story. What followed was a tale involving aliens, octopuses and a special chest used to store a stolen brain, with plenty of input from the audience.
Claire Mabey, literary curator and debut author of The Raven’s Eye Runaways, spoke about her fantasy novel, offering a glimpse into the richly imagined world she has created.
Ned Barraud, known for his nature-themed non-fiction books, shared that the key to his skill as an illustrator was years of practice. His sketchbooks, he said, are full of the drawings that shaped his career. He sketched on the whiteboard as the story unfolded, capturing the energy.
Ruth Paul, the award-winning author of Lion Guards the Cake, and I Am Jellyfish, read aloud from her books with humour and flair, drawing smiles from both children and adults.
Several lucky children were surprised with gifted books from the authors an unexpected highlight of the afternoon.
“This is such an exciting opportunity for our community,” said Lydia Smith, Community Hub Programmes Assistant. “It is wonderful children engaged directly with the people behind the books they love it’s something they’ll remember.” Children created story magic together through a fun, interactive storytelling session full of imagination and teamwork.
This event was made possible by REALM, (Reading and Literacy in Manawatū) and hosted by Manawatū Community Hub Libraries which celebrates storytelling, creativity and connection.
Claire Mabey, literary curator and author spoke about her fantasy novel.
A plaster on the forehead of a boy in the front row prompted a story.
Ruth Paul, Ned Barraud, Claire Mabey and Alan Dingley engaging with the audience.
Ruth Paul, the award-winning author read aloud from her books with humour and flair.
Lucky recipient of Ned Barraud children’s books that will be shared with her brother.