Led by students and staff of The Telling Room, this workshop invites its participants to answer this question: "If you only had one story to tell about what matters most to you, what would it be?" Start by positing your answer as a statement you could shout from the rooftops, and grow it into a story to share.

THE TELLING ROOM is a nonprofit writing center in Portland, Maine, dedicated to the idea that children and young adults are natural storytellers. Focused on young writers ages 6 to 18, we seek to build confidence, strengthen literacy skills, and provide real audiences for our students. We believe that the power of creative expression can change our communities and prepare our youth for future success.

THE TELLING ROOM is a pioneer in youth publishing, and produces carefully edited, beautifully designed, and locally printed books of our students’ stories, poems, and personal narratives. Currently, we publish between 15-20 titles a year, and more than 30,000 Telling Room books are now in circulation. Since the printing of our first book a decade ago, in 2007, we have published more than 3,000 young authors in 125 anthologies, individual titles, and project “chapbooks," including Maine Literary Award-winner The Story I Want to Tell, and our newest release, by students in the national award-winning Young Writers & Leader's program, A Season for Building Houses.

This event is co-sponsored by BHPL and is free and open to the public.

Learn how award-winning illustrator Hazel Mitchell creates her drawings! Draw alongside as she sketches “Toby”— the dog from her book of the same name—and learn how to draw your favorite animal or pet too. No experience required. Drawing supplies provided, or bring your pencils and drawing pad. Recommended for ages 8-12.

Hazel Mitchell is a children's author and illustrator. She has created more than 20 books for children, including Toby from Candlewick Press, Imani's Moon, Where Do Fairies Go When It Snows? and Farmers Market Surprise. Her work has been recognized by Bank Street Books, Reading is Fundamental and Maine State Librarians among others. Born in Yorkshire, England, she now lives and works in midcoast Maine with her two poodles and black cat as studio mates. Find out more about her work at www.hazelmitchell.com.

This workshop is co-sponsored by BHPL and is free and open to kids age 8-12.

Join author Bundy Boit and illustrator Deb Belyea for a reading of their new book, Letter by Fairy Post, and make a fairy crown from flowers and other materials. Ages 4-8.

Penobscot resident Bundy H. Boit is a pianist, composer and writer of plays, short stories and essays. Living in rural Maine, and traveling often to the west of Ireland, she’s in tune with the possibilities and inspirations for believing in a world made more beautiful by the supernatural.

Deb Belyea is a retired art teacher and school principal living the good life in Downeast Maine. When she’s not roaming the woods and shores, she can be found in her studio catching up on the painting she always wanted to do and dreamed about while sitting in meetings.

This workshop co-sponsored by BHPL and is free and open to all kids ages 4-8.