A vibrant exhibition that shines the spotlight on the creative and innovative world of children’s book illustration. Colourful, diverse, wry and amusing, Picture a Story brings together a collection of stunning and evocative work by published author-artists from a range of genres and styles for babies to older children. Picture a Story unlocks the creation of children’s books, empowering young people to read, write, draw and share their own stories. Selected by an expert panel following an open call, the exhibition includes the work of Loretta Schauer (The Legend of Ghastly Jack Crowheart), Bridget Marzo (You, Me and Our World; Tiz and Ott’s Big Draw), Karin Littlewood (Immi; Moonshadow), Rikin Parekh (Fly Tiger, Fly; The Worst Class in the World) and Steve Antony (Mr Panda; Rainbowsaurus, to be published January 2024). Children’s Writers and Illustrators for Stores and Literacy (CWISL) is a membership organisation comprising of a dynamic group of published writers and illustrators who are passionate about creating children’s books, many award-winning in the field. CWISL run festivals and workshops to encourage a love of books, reading and illustration working with schools, libraries and other community groups. From small, local roots in South London, their reach now extends nationally through in-person and virtual events. The Picture a Story programme in partnership with Half Moon, is their first major encounter with families, schools and children in Tower Hamlets. Gallery @ Half Moon is free to visit and is open during the theatre opening hours. Beneath some of the artwork, there are chalkboards for visitors of all ages to make their own responses. You can write a message or draw a picture and leave it for others to enjoy. We also have an art cart to enable children to do their own drawings and collages. For all our exhibitions, we provide an art trail for children to complete appropriate for Artsmark and Arts Award and a series of special events and workshops for schools and community groups. So, for example, school groups visiting the theatre for a performance can arrive 45 mins before the show so the children can complete the art trail. Come and view a range of different styles, all suitable for children and young people.