Primary School Days

Yxavel Magno Diño’s childhood was spent daydreaming about fantasy worlds filled with characters who had more unusual names than she did. Now, she writes stories about her Filipino heritage and its fantastical folklore, including her latest The Firefly Crown. Learn about the inspiration and worldbuilding skills Yxavel uses to bring these stories to life. 

For years, Mick Elliott has been entertaining kids of all ages with his hilarious and action-packed books, including the popular Squidge Dibley series. In 2026 he is unveiling his first ever graphic novel series Uranus FC. Just how hard are graphic novels to make? Super hard! And in this interactive presentation, Mick will tell you all about it. 

Solve mysteries with Freddie Jones, the brilliant main character in a new series from award-winning author Kate Foster. Be it troublesome trees, ghostly gardens or cryptic creatures, join in the fun and look for the clues. It’s time to travel the world and learn more about Freddie and his loyal assistant dog Hobnob. 

Craig Silvey’s novel Runt was a runaway success and now he has just released its highly anticipated sequel Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping. Hear the inspiration behind Runt and the journey Craig has been on since its publication. Craig will also share behind-the-scenes stories from Runt’s film and stage adaptations.

Yxavel Magno Diño is the author of The Serpent Rider and The Firefly Crown. She was born in the Philippines before moving to Australia at a young age, where she soon discovered that almost nobody there knew how to say her name. Yxavel has fond memories of attending Sydney Writers’ Festival School Days when she was a kid. When she's not writing, you can find her drinking copious amounts of black tea or getting lost in the pages of a book. 

Mick Elliott is an author, illustrator, TV producer, screenwriter and professional mischief maker. He is the author of the popular Squidge Dibley and The Turners series and Mr Duckins’ Chickens. Mick has written and produced acclaimed children’s shows for the ABC, Nickelodeon, the Sesame Workshop and Channel TEN, including Rock Island Mysteries for Paramount. The first book in his new graphic novel series Uranus FC is coming in 2026.

Kate Foster is a children’s author writing about friends, family and dogs. Originally from a small town in the south east of England, she now lives on the stunning Gold Coast in Australia with her family and second-hand dogs. She is passionate about encouraging and teaching a wider understanding of autism and mental illness via positive approach and representation. Her books include Paws, The Unlikely Heroes Club, The Bravest Word and Harriet Hound.

Craig Silvey is an author and screenwriter from Fremantle, Western Australia. He is the author of Runt, winner of the 2023 CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers, and its sequel, Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping. He is also the author of Rhubarb, Jasper Jones and Honeybee. His many plaudits include an International Dublin Literary Award shortlisting, a Michael J. Printz Award Honor, a Miles Franklin Literary Award shortlisting, Best Fiction for the Indie Book Awards 2021, Dymock's Book of the Year 2020 and the Australian Book Industry Awards Book of the Year for 2010.