Mr Dilly Meets – Free Virtual Author Events for Primary Schools
Inspiring Reading, Writing, and Creativity in Classrooms Nationwide
Over 300,000 primary school children in more than 3,000 schools have already experienced the magic of Mr Dilly Meets — fun, free, and inspirational live virtual author visits beamed straight into classrooms across the UK.
These exciting online events bring the wonderful world of children’s books, authors, poets, and illustrators to life through lively chat, engaging read-alouds, draw-alongs, and more. Each live stream event celebrates creativity in a colourful, energetic way that encourages reading for pleasure, inspires curiosity, and supports literacy learning — with a huge burst of laughter and fun along the way.
For over four years, Mr Dilly Meets has been an integral part of many schools’ reading and literacy programmes, making Mr Dilly Meets a perfect partner in the nationwide drive to encourage and celebrate reading through the National Year of Reading 2026 and beyond.
Why Schools Love Mr Dilly Meets
FREE to join – accessible for all schools, no matter the budget
Live interaction with celebrated children’s authors, poets, and illustrators
Inspires reading for pleasure and supports creative writing in the classroom
Curriculum-linked – from literacy to cross-curricular themes like myths, STEM, and the environment
Flexible and easy to access – join live from your classroom with a single link
Memorable experiences – lively, funny, and packed with ideas children remember long after the session
Rewatch anytime – access event recordings, with longer sessions split into shorter parts for flexible classroom use
🎥 Want to catch up on past Mr Dilly Meets? See the full archive on our Past Events page — watch author live streams anytime, on demand.
Upcoming Mr Dilly Meets – Free, Fun & Inspirational Virtual Author Visits for Primary Schools
New Chapters: A Back-to-School Author Special
Date: Tuesday 23 September, 11:00am (BST, UK time)
Ages 7–11 (UK: Years 3–6 / KS2; US: Grades 3–6)
Kick-start the new academic year with stories of fresh starts, big dreams, and inspiring journeys. Join top authors Nat Harrison (The Girl Who Raced the World), Ross Montgomery (Small Wonder, I Am Rebel), Mary-Louise Fitzpatrick (The Museum of Lost Umbrellas), Kieran Larwood (Jed Greenleaf & The Fate of Podkin One-Ear), and Krystal Sutherland & Martin Seneviratne (The Time Lions) for an unforgettable celebration of reading.
Inspires a love of books at the start of the school year
Features celebrated children’s authors and illustrators
Curriculum-linked to literacy and personal development
Fun, interactive, and uplifting for pupils and teachers
“Play!” National Poetry Day – Poetry & Art for Primary Schools
Date: National Poetry Day Week – 29 Sept–3 Oct, Daily at 9:30am, Thursday 2 October at 9:30am & 1:30pm (BST, UK time)
Ages 6–11 (UK: Years 2–6 / upper KS1–KS2; US: Grades 1–6)
Celebrate National Poetry Day with award-winning poet Zaro Weil and illustrator Junli Song in this special interactive event, inspired by their latest book I Hear the Trees.
Join us for live poetry performances, draw-alongs, games, and classroom creativity — all themed around this year’s National Poetry Day theme: Play!. Perfect for Years 2–6 (KS1 welcome too!), this free event will spark imagination, laughter, and a love of words in every pupil.
Combines poetry, art, and performance to spark creativity.
Links perfectly to this year’s National Poetry Day theme of “Play!”.
Supports literacy, visual arts, and creative writing in one engaging session.
Multiple times offered for flexible scheduling.
Frightfully Good Fiction
Date: Tuesday 7 October, 11:00am (BST, UK time)
Ages 7–11 (UK: Years 3–6 / KS2; US: Grades 3–6)
A celebration of spooky storytelling! Authors Christopher Edge, Emma Carroll (Dracula and Her Daughters), PJ Kilburn (Dead Yard: Seeds of Doom), Phil Hickes (The Last Day of October), and Jennifer Killick (The Witch in the Woods) share spine-tingling tales, writing tips, and just the right amount of fright.
Encourages reluctant readers with thrilling, page-turning stories.
Great for autumn term literacy themes and Halloween inspiration.
Live Q&A with authors to spark curiosity and discussion.
Replay available to enjoy the scares again!
Stories That Shape Us – Black History Month Special
Date: Tuesday 21 October, 11:00am (BST, UK time)
Ages 9–13 (UK: Years 5–8 / KS2–lower KS3; US: Grades 4–7)
Celebrate Black heritage, creativity, and storytelling with Tola Okogwu (Champions of the Galaxy), Jeffrey Boakye (Kofi and the Brand New Vibe), and Catherine Johnson (Dance of Resistance). Powerful stories that inspire pride, empathy, and curiosity.
Highlights diverse voices and powerful personal narratives.
Perfect for Black History Month curriculum activities.
Encourages empathy, discussion, and critical thinking.
Replay available for extended learning and assemblies.
Non-Fiction November Special
Date: Thursday 6 November, 11:00am (GMT, UK time)
Ages 7–11 (UK: Years 3–6 / KS2; US: Grades 3–6)
Dive into the world of facts with Greg Jenner (Totally Chaotic History: The Stone Age Runs Wild!), Matt Oldfield & Seth Burkett (The Football GOAT), and Brian Bilston (A Poem for Every Question). An inspiring look at how true stories and factual writing can be just as exciting as fiction.
Sparks curiosity and fact-based learning in a fun, engaging way.
Perfect for National Non-Fiction November activities.
Authors bring history, sport, and poetry to life.
Replay available for continued classroom use.
Booking Opens 1st October
The Power of Reading
Date: Thursday 13 November, 11:00am (GMT, UK time)
Ages 7–11 (UK: Years 3–6 / KS2; US: Grades 3–6)
In anticipation of the 2026 National Year of Reading, this special event celebrates the magic of books and storytelling. Featuring Jamila Gavin (My Soul, A Shining Tree), Doug Naylor (Sinbin Island), Julia Green (Ettie and the Midnight Pool), and Peter Burns (Shadow Thieves).
Inspires a lifelong love of books and storytelling.
Supports literacy goals and reading for pleasure.
Perfect lead-in to the 2026 National Year of Reading.
Replay available for flexible classroom access.
Booking Opens 1st October
Jingle Books! – KS2 Festive Special
Wednesday 3 December, 11:00am (GMT, UK time)
Ages 6–11 (UK: Years 2–6 / upper KS1–KS2; US: Grades 1–6)
Save the date for a magical end-of-term celebration! Our festive edition of Mr Dilly Meets will feature seasonal storytelling, laughter, and creative inspiration to wrap up the year. Guests to be announced — check back soon!
🎥 See more in the Mr Dilly Meets Past Events archive — watch previous author live streams anytime.