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.
All events stream via the Mr Dilly website, embedded via YouTube — no downloads, sign-ins, or special software required.
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.
With a packed calendar of new events each term, Mr Dilly Meets continues to grow as one of the the UK’s leading free virtual author programme for schools.
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
Replay available – most events include replay access for flexible classroom use
🎥 Want to catch up on past Mr Dilly Meets? See the full archive on our Past Events page (updating - coming soon)— watch author live streams anytime, on demand.
Upcoming Mr Dilly Meets – Free, Fun & Inspirational Virtual Author Visits for Primary School
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)
Replay available for flexible classroom use
In anticipation of the 2026 National Year of Reading, The Power of Reading is a joyful, interactive live event that celebrates the magic of stories and helps every child find their own doorway into reading.
This free, curriculum-linked livestream brings together four brilliant children’s authors — each offering a different path into books and imagination:
Jamila Gavin – My Soul, A Shining Tree → a moving, empathy-rich historical novel set in World War I.
Doug Naylor – Sin Bin Island → a laugh-out-loud, high-stakes survival adventure, perfect for reluctant readers.
Julia Green – Ettie and the Midnight Pool → a lyrical mystery exploring friendship, secrets, and the power of the natural world.
Peter Burns – Shadow Thieves → an action-packed heist fantasy, full of daring missions and big-screen excitement.
Why take part?
📖 Inspires every reader — four genres, four doorways into stories: something to hook every pupil, from history fans to fantasy gamers.
💬 Lively author interviews + readings — discover how writers build worlds, characters and cliffhangers.
🎮 Interactive fun — join the “Guess the Doorway” book game and see which famous stories your class can identify.
🎧 Panel chat: Reading, Gaming & Imagination — Who’s Really in Control?
🎥 Flexible access — replay available for assemblies, book-week events, libraries or English lessons.
Jingle Books - A Festive Live Stream for Schools with Mr Dilly and Friends
Date: Wednesday 3rd December 11:00am (GMT, UK time)
Ages: 6–11 (UK: Years 2–6 / KS1–KS2; US: Grades 1–6)
Replay available for flexible classroom use
Bring the spirit of Christmas into your classroom with Mr Dilly’s Jingle Books – a joyful, free livestream that celebrates reading, imagination and festive fun!
✨ Festive Guests:
Sarah Ann Juckes – Robin
A timeless winter’s tale of courage, hope and finding your voice — capturing the beauty and quiet strength of the season.
Andy Shepherd – The Boy Who Grew Dragons: A Christmas Delivery
A snow dragon, a Christmas rescue, and heaps of festive mayhem in this sparkling picture-book adventure!
Angie Thomas – Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Book of Anansi
A thrilling fantasy inspired by African folklore — perfect for older KS2 readers who love adventure and imagination.
Jamie Littler - Arkspire 3: Return of the Misfits
The epic conclusion to the Arkspire series, from the bestselling author of Frostheart
Laura Ellen Anderson - Marnie Midnight and the Minibeast Mission
The third in the magical illustrated young fiction series for children.
Plus special Christmas messages from Jennifer Killick, Tom Palmer, Zaro Weill, Jenny Pearson - and Mr Dilly himself appearing as everyone’s favourite festive grump, Scrooge!
🎁 Why Take Part
Celebrate the joy of stories. Bring pupils together for a shared reading experience full of warmth, humour and creativity.
Perfect for end-of-term fun. A lively way to wrap up the school year with laughter, learning and festive sparkle.
Supports literacy goals. Encourages reading for pleasure, empathy, imagination and creative thinking.
Flexible classroom access. Watch live or use the replay for assemblies, library lessons or festive classroom celebrations.
Fun for all ages. Ideal for KS1 & KS2 pupils, families, and book lovers everywhere.
Make this Christmas magical with stories that celebrate courage, kindness and the power of imagination. Join Mr Dilly and friends for Jingle Books – the perfect mix of festive fun and reading inspiration!
🎥 See more in the Mr Dilly Meets Past Events archive — watch previous author live streams anytime (updating - link coming soon)