Magical drawing workshop brings stories to life at Alconbury Weald community library
- 11.08.2025
Young readers were treated to a magical morning when Matty Long, Cambridgeshire-based illustrator and author of the hit Super Happy Magic Forest series, visited Alconbury Weald community library for a live drawing workshop.
Matty, whose much-loved picture books have been transformed into a popular CBBC animated series, showed children and their parents/carers how to bring Blossom the unicorn and Herbert the gnome to life, along with other quirky characters from his stories. The session was filled with concentration and creativity as budding artists copied his creations.
The event formed part of the community library’s activities for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, in partnership with Cambridgeshire Libraries, which encourages children aged 4–11 to discover the joy of reading for pleasure during the holidays. This year’s theme - Story Garden: Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors - has inspired children to dive into books set in the wild and wonderful world beyond their doorstep.
"Matty’s visit was a highlight of our Summer Reading Challenge programme. The children were completely captivated, not just by the chance to meet the author and illustrator of some of their favourite books, but by the way he brought his characters to life before their eyes. It’s exactly the kind of experience that inspires a lifelong love of books and creativity."
Every Wednesday morning during the summer holidays, community library volunteers have been listening to children read, awarding them with a sticker for each completed book. Those who finish the challenge will be presented with a certificate and medal at the final session.
