Young people in Hilton and Fremantle can now enrol in a free after-school writing, illustration and publishing program, with Book Builders Challenge: Young Creators Studio beginning on 25 February 2027 in partnership with Fremantle Toy Library.
Created by award-winning author and creative entrepreneur Kristy Nita Brown, the program will give 50 young people aged 8-12 the opportunity to develop their writing, illustration and publishing skills while creating a professionally printed anthology on the theme of bravery. The program is supported by the WA Government and Healthway through the Creativity and Wellbeing for Young People Program.
Following a successful pilot involving more than 150 students at East Victoria Park Primary School in 2024 and expansion to 350 participants across four schools in 2025, Book Builders Challenge moved into community settings in 2026, with 100 young people taking part through partnerships with Mundaring Arts Centre and Midland Junction Arts Centre.
The new partnership with Fremantle Toy Library will extend this reach in 2027, bringing creative opportunities beyond the classroom and helping more young people discover the joy of writing, illustrating and sharing their work.
Participants will attend 10 workshops between February and June 2027, exploring creative writing, illustration, editing, book design and publishing. Sessions will be led by program founder and director Kristy Nita Brown, alongside special guests James Foley, Kylie Howarth, HM Waugh, Ash Harrier (also known as Sasha Wasley) and Alison Mutton, with more guests to be announced.
The anthology will bring together participants’ short stories, comic strips, poems, song lyrics, recipes, photographs and illustrations. A youth-led book launch will give young creators the opportunity to celebrate their published work with family, friends and the wider community.
“By partnering with Kristy to provide this program, we can deliver a valuable, creative and supportive experience that strengthens the agency, creativity and wellbeing of young people in our communities of Hilton and Fremantle,” said Lou Dixon, Family Engagement Officer at Fremantle Toy Library.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering creative learning opportunities and supporting connection and positive social and emotional wellbeing through the arts,” added Lou.
“We’re excited to bring Book Builders Challenge into this community and give more young people the chance to develop their ideas, build creative skills and see their work published,” said Kristy Nita Brown.
“Sharing something you’ve created takes bravery, and this program gives young people a supportive space to take that step.”
2027 workshop dates and presenters
- 25 February: Kristy Nita Brown – award-winning author and program founder
- 4 March: Kylie Howarth – award-winning author and illustrator
- 11 March: James Foley – award-winning author and illustrator
- 18 March: HM Waugh – award-shortlisted author
- 29 April: Ash Harrier, also known as Sasha Wasley – bestselling author
- 6 May: Kristy Nita Brown
- 13 May: Special guest to be announced
- 20 May: Special guest to be announced
- 27 May: Alison Mutton – award-winning illustrator
- 3 June: Kristy Nita Brown
The program is free, with places limited to 50 participants. Young people aged 8-12 who enjoy writing, drawing or creating are encouraged to enrol early.
Registration: https://events.humanitix.com/book-builders-challenge-young-creators-studio-program
