Fantastic Free Children's Events at MK Indie Book Fair 2026

Join us for a day of fantastic free children’s events at the MK Indie Book Fair 2026 in Middleton Hall, centre:mk on Saturday 26 September!

​There will be exciting and interactive workshops, readings and storytelling throughout the day, and all the authors’ books will be available in the Children’s Zone in the Book Fair. You can even get your own signed copy! (And there’ll be books for mums and dads too!)

You can book free family places now for the children’s workshops, to discover dance steps, make change happen, learn about the superpowers of food, celebrate everyone's unique abilities with Daniel Dinosaur, feel the importance of understanding other people, and finding out how to manage your inner-monkey!

Or just come along on the day to join in the fun – we can’t wait to see you there!

11.10-11.35am: Sunny Steps Loves to Dance with Ali Thompson
(Ages 2-7)

Join Ali Thompson and get your body moving as she takes you through a fun workshop on movement, based around her two delightful books, Sunny Steps Loves to Dance and Sunny Steps Loves To Dance Under The Sea. Dance into a world of imagination, with lots of twists and turns, with Sunny Steps!

11.55-12.20pm: Adventures with the Mayor’s Bear with Jon Harvey
(Ages 8-12)

With conversation, creative writing and a focus on how young people can help change their communities for the better, Jon Harvey shares his new book The Mayor's Bear and Other Stories of Hope. Help write the next chapter of our story!

12.35-1pm: Who is at the Door? Daniel Dinosaur and Friends with Stacey Gittens
(All ages)

Celebrate what makes the Faithful Stories characters wonderfully unique, while reflecting on their individual support needs! This session is a fantastic opportunity for families to get creative and discuss how we all have unique abilities, alongside challenges where help is appreciated. Enjoy singing, drama, and designing during this inclusive, interactive adventure that fosters social-communication skills and empowers self-care. And make sure to visit Stacey Gittens at the Faithful Stories stand before the workshop to snap up related resources, posters, and stickers while stocks last!

1.20-2pm: Session to be announced

2-2.20pm: Spadger Finds His Way Home with Carolann Hinson
(Ages 5+)

Join Carolann Hinson for special workshop about finding compassion and connection in difficult family times. Spadger Finds His Way Home softly introduces themes of memory loss in a way that is warm, comforting and hopeful for both children and adults. It was inspired by Carolann’s dad’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease and30 years working in dementia and social care, and helps everyone better understand the importance of helping each other.

2.45.3.10pm: There’s a Monkey on my Shoulder with Tana MacPherson-Smith
(Ages 11+)

When you feel anxiety, anger, fear or loneliness, it’s hard to know what to do. Former teacher and child and adolescent trauma-informed therapist Tana MacPherson-Smith helps you discover your inner-monkey, choosing its name and what it looks like, and pulling threads on what it does on a daily basis to try to keep you safe, and what perhaps is holding you back. It’s all about understanding what drives you and how to invite your monkeys to be a Power Partner so you can be the best you can be.  Bert – the monkey on Tana’s shoulder – will be there too.