Esteemed author Julia Donaldson – famed for the Gruffalo, Stick Man, and Zog – will be making a special visit to Birdworld this Easter.

In celebration of her new book The Bowerbird, which tells the heartwarming tale of a brave bird with a big heart, Julia will be taking part in a book signing at the Park on Saturday, March 30, between 11am and 1pm.

Just 60 tickets are available on a first-come-first serve basis and will include full access to Birdworld plus a copy of The Bowerbird to be signed.  

The Bowerbird is the irresistible tale of Bert – a small bird with a very big heart, from bestselling author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Catherine Rayner
The Bowerbird is the irresistible tale of Bert – a small bird with a very big heart, from bestselling author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Catherine Rayner (Macmillan Children's Books)

Guests will be given a designated time slot between 11am, 11.30am, midday, 12.30pm to meet Julia and have their purchased book signed, giving them ample time to explore and enjoy the rest of the park in the meantime.

Starting March 29, Birdworld will bring to life the uplifting tale of the Bowerbird through its special Easter scavenger hunt, offering visitors an ‘egg-citing’ way to enjoy the new children’s story.

Families will be invited to engage in a vivid storytelling experience, hunting for characters around the park that are marked with letters and accompanied by large brightly coloured Easter eggs.

After finding all the eggs, children will need to unravel the mystery word for the chance to win a special certificate and small treat.

Catherine Rayner has been shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie medal for Illustration 2024 for her work on Julia Donaldson's new book The Bowerbird
Catherine Rayner has been shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie medal for Illustration 2024 for her work on Julia Donaldson's new book The Bowerbird (Catherine Rayner)

Woodies Wheeler-Bennett, marketing manager at Birdworld, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Julia Donaldson to Birdworld. Her stories have captivated the imaginations of children and adults alike, and to have her join us this Easter is a true delight.

“We're especially fond of her new book The Bowerbird, and we're looking forward to everyone exploring its story through our Easter Scavenger Hunt, not to mention the chance to meet Julia herself.”

Guests are asked not to bring external books as these will not be eligible for signing.

For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.birdworld.co.uk/the-bowerbird/