Exploring the Magic of Picture Books: Wizard Within at Stories+Art=Picture Books Festival

March 8, 2024
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Wizard Within had a blast being part of the Stories+Art=Picture Books festival held at GMBB in Kuala Lumpur from 18 June to 17 July 2022. Hosted by the Museum of Picture Book Art, this ambitious month-long event celebrated the magical combination of stories and art found in picture books.

Set on Level 3A of GMBB, the festival showcased the talents of over 20 Malaysian illustrators, each with their own vibrant booths and spaces. Visitors were treated to a kaleidoscope of colorful art exhibitions, captivating author sessions, and hands-on craft workshops throughout the festival.

At our Wizard Within booth, our giant Dennis the Dragon wall display welcomed visitors of all ages to step into our interactive exhibit showcasing the making of our beloved storybook, Brave Katie in the Wizard’s Funland. From brainstorming to final illustrations, we offered a behind-the-scenes peek into the enchanting world of bookmaking.

In addition to our exhibit, we hosted a sharing session where attendees delved into the art of creating picture books. Our illustrator shared insider tips and tricks, giving aspiring and professional artists alike a glimpse into the creative process.

As part of the festivities, we also conducted a lively “Wobble Bot Workshop,” where our little wizardlings crafted their own wobbling robots using simple materials. And let’s not forget the two rounds of heartwarming storytelling sessions, where we brought Brave Katie’s adventures to life for eager young readers and parents alike.

Our storyteller, Pei Xuan, got to meet many of her online students & parents in real life after a long period of lockdown!

Overall, the Stories+Art=Picture Books festival was a wonderful celebration of creativity, imagination, and the magic of storytelling. We are grateful to have been a part of this vibrant event, and we’re excited to continue spreading the love of picture books to children and families everywhere.