The Eden Project will celebrate the power of reading, storytelling and nature this September with a Celebration of Stories Weekend featuring bestselling children's author Pari Thomson, family storytelling inspired by Julia Donaldson's latest bird-themed books and activities supporting the UK National Year of Reading.
Taking place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, the weekend will bring together authors, storytelling, creative workshops and family activities designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and a lifelong love of reading.
As an educational charity dedicated to helping people better understand and connect with the natural world, Eden has long used storytelling as a way of bringing nature, science and learning to life. Celebration of Stories Weekend builds on that tradition, encouraging families to discover new stories while exploring one of the UK's most inspiring settings.
A major highlight of the weekend will be on Saturday 26 September, when the world-renowned global garden welcomes bestselling children's author Pari Thomson for a series of talks, workshops and book signings inspired by her award-winning botanical fantasy trilogy.
For readers aged 9–11, the Greenwild books have won widespread acclaim for their blend of magical adventure, botanical wonder and environmental storytelling. In the final instalment, Greenwild: The Forest in the Sky illustrated by Elisa Paganelli, heroine Daisy Thistledown journeys into a spectacular rainforest world filled with extraordinary plants, hidden magic and powerful conservation messages. The trilogy has been praised for inspiring young readers through its imaginative exploration of the natural world.
Set among Eden's iconic Biomes, visitors will have the opportunity to hear from Thomson herself, discover the inspiration behind the trilogy and take part in interactive workshops. Visitors can also explore Eden's Rainforest Biome through a special Greenwild-inspired lens, connecting the themes of the books with the extraordinary plants and habitats.
On Sunday 27 September, the celebration will continue with a family storytelling day inspired by some of Julia Donaldson's latest nature-themed books, including The Bowerbird, The Magic Feather and Go Away Bird, illustrated by Catherine Rayner. Through lively readings, audience participation and creative storytelling experiences, Eden's expert storytelling team will bring the stories to life for families throughout the day.
Kate Francis, Eden Project's creative programme producer, said: "Stories are one of the most powerful ways we can help young people connect with nature. Whether that's through a magical botanical adventure like Greenwild or a much-loved picture book, storytelling sparks curiosity, imagination and a sense of wonder about the world around us.
"As a place built on learning and discovery, we're passionate about helping people develop a lifelong love of reading. Storytelling already plays an important role in our programme throughout the year, helping visitors explore nature, science and creativity in engaging ways.
"We hope this weekend inspires families to discover new books together. There are few better places to enjoy a story than among the gardens and Biomes at Eden, surrounded by some of the world's most extraordinary plants and landscapes."
Jamie Forrest, Communications Director at Macmillan Children's Books, said: "We're delighted to be partnering with the Eden Project for this special Celebration of Stories Weekend. At their heart, both Pari Thomson's Greenwild books and Julia Donaldson's nature-themed stories celebrate curiosity, imagination and the wonder of the natural world, making Eden the perfect setting to bring them to life.
"Pari's award-winning Greenwild trilogy has captivated young readers through its unforgettable characters, magical storytelling and deep connection to plants and nature. We're excited to give fans the opportunity to meet Pari and discover the creative inspiration behind the books.
"By bringing together stories, authors and nature in such an iconic setting, this weekend offers a wonderful opportunity to inspire young readers and share the joy of reading with families."
Pari Thomson said: “The seeds of the Greenwild series were planted by a lifelong fascination with the natural world, so there couldn't be a more fitting setting than the Eden Project. I’m delighted to be joining the Celebration of Stories Weekend and meeting readers there this September.”
The Celebration of Stories Weekend forms part of Eden's support for the UK National Year of Reading, which aims to encourage more children, young people and adults to discover the benefits and enjoyment of reading, alongside encouraging more people to volunteer to help close the literacy gap.
