Sunday 23 to Saturday 29 August 2026

10.30 – 11.30am or
2 – 3pm

Watts Gallery is delighted to be collaborating with Guildford Book Festival for a very special Summer Book Festival for families to enjoy in the final week of August. Join us for a fun-filled programme of inspiring author and illustrator events, from magical hands-on experiments and interactive storytelling to lively performances, creative workshops, and much more. A wonderful opportunity for children and families to discover new books, spark their imaginations, and celebrate the joy of reading together.

Monday 24 August

10.30 – 11.30 | Amanda Wood | The Wizard’s Guide to Magical Experiments

Spark wonder and curiosity with our wonderful event for wizards-in-training. Kids will discover the thrill of the real-life magic of chemistry with hands-on experiments from the creator of the bestselling Ology books, and First Class Wizard.

2 – 3pm | Amanda Wood | The Wizard’s Guide to Extraordinary Experiments

Become a trainee wizard by joining this event with First Class Wizard, A.J. Wood, where you can learn to perform magic tricks whilst finding out all about the wonderful world of physics. Make an anti-gravity bottle, a magical jumping bean, and find out how to make water stay in a glass even when it’s upside down!

Wednesday 26 August
10.30 – 11.30 | Jonny Lambert | Butterfly Workshop

When Buttons spots a beautiful blue butterfly, he wants everyone to stop and share the moment, but in the bustle of busy streets and the chitter-chatter of cafés, the world just rushes by.

Join renowned author and illustrator, Jonny Lambert for an enchanting butterfly workshop and give your little ones the chance to slow down, look closely, and discover the magic of the natural world, one small, wonderful wing at a time.

2 – 3pm | Emma Dodd | Illustration Workshop

Emma Dodd is an award-winning author and illustrator beloved by children everywhere. Best known for her gorgeous Love You series, including Me, Together, and What Matters Most.

Inspired by her own children, Emma's books are full of warmth, and the magic of unconditional love. Now she's bringing that same joy to life in an interactive drawing session just for little ones! Join Emma for a hands-on creative adventure where your child can draw alongside a real author-illustrator and discover the storyteller within.

Thursday 27 August
10.30 – 11.30am or 2 – 3pm | James Carter | B O I N G ! giggles riddles & rhymes

Come on down, you bugs big and small, for a really zippy, buzzy, bouncy hour full of giggles, riddles, songs and rhymes with James Carter, madcap musician/children’s writer. Expect axolotls, capybaras, woolly mammoths and more… Plus you get to write your very own riddle, take it home and stick it on the fridge or somewhere cool... BOING!