Interactive storytelling and draw-along with children’s author and illustrator Bryony Thomson takes place on Thursday 29 October
Pallant House Gallery has joined forces with local charity Children’s BookFest to invite young artists, book lovers and budding storytellers to step into a world of monsters and imagination this half term, with a special children’s workshop led by author and illustrator Bryony Thomson.
Taking place on Thursday 29 October 2026, The Wardrobe Monster: Storytelling & Draw-Along with Bryony Thomson will combine interactive storytelling with a lively, hands-on drawing session, giving children the opportunity to bring their own monster creations to life.
The workshop celebrates Children’s BookFest and the National Year of Reading, offering families an imaginative and creative way to spend time together during the school holidays, while highlighting the importance of giving children opportunities to discover the joy of books and meeting the people who create them.
Children will encounter The Wardrobe Monster through Bryony’s engaging storytelling before picking up pencils and drawing materials to create their very own monster-inspired artwork. With all drawing and sketching materials provided, the session is designed to encourage children to listen, imagine, experiment and create in the inspiring surroundings of Pallant House Gallery.
Children’s BookFest is a local charity that runs author events for pupils in schools across Chichester, Bognor and Midhurst. The charity covers the cost of the books featured at its events so that every child can leave with their own copy, individually signed and given to them by the author. By putting a book directly into a child’s hands and creating the opportunity to meet the person who wrote it, BookFest aims to build a lasting connection between the child, the story and the experience.
The partnership with Pallant House Gallery brings this approach into a creative gallery setting, giving children the chance to experience storytelling alongside art and illustration, and encouraging them to see books and creativity as something they can actively participate in.
Georgina Lippiett, Festival Director at Children’s BookFest commented:
“Children’s BookFest is all about creating memorable experiences around books and authors, and helping children discover that stories can open up whole new worlds. We’re delighted to be working with Pallant House Gallery to bring that experience to families during half term. The Wardrobe Monster is a wonderful opportunity for children to listen, imagine and create, while discovering the joy of meeting an author and illustrator.”
Claire Walton, Learning Programme Manager at Pallant House Gallery, comments:
“We are delighted to be partnering with Children’s BookFest to deliver this engaging and imaginative family workshop. Encouraging creativity and imagination from an early age helps children develop valuable skills that will stay with them throughout their lives, and we are committed to ensuring the Gallery is welcoming and accessible to everyone, including the occasional wardrobe monster! We look forward to welcoming families to Pallant House Gallery for what promises to be a fun and inspiring experience.”
There are two sessions available, with the 11am workshop recommended for children aged 4–7 and the 2pm workshop suitable for children aged 4–11. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult, while parents and siblings under four can attend free of charge.
Bryony Thomson is a fine art graduate who went on to complete an MA in Children’s Illustration. She graduated with distinction, was highly commended in the Macmillan Prize and shortlisted for the Bridgeman Studio Award. Her practice explores mark making and different printing techniques, combining layered textures with watercolour, ink and pencil.
The workshop costs £5 per child, with places available for both sessions.
Families looking for a creative, imaginative activity this October half term can find out more and book tickets via Pallant House Gallery’s website.
