Past Mr Dilly Meets – Free Virtual Author Visits for Primary Schools
Relive the magic of Mr Dilly Meets – inspiring, free & fun online author visits for your classroom.
Over the past four years, nearly half a million primary school pupils have laughed, learned, and been inspired by Mr Dilly Meets: live-streamed events featuring best-selling children’s authors, award-winning poets, and brilliant illustrators.
Here you can watch this year’s Mr Dilly Meets events on demand — all videos play via YouTube for easy viewing in your classroom. From exciting book readings, class draw alongs to creative ideas, every session is recorded and ready to enjoy anytime.
Autumn Term 2025 – Mr Dilly Meets Free Virtual Author Visits On Demand
Mr Dilly’s Christmas Book Show – Festive Stories & Fun
Meet top children’s authors for a Christmas celebration packed with readings, quizzes, festive characters and seasonal storytelling magic.
Perfect for Ages 7–11.
Stories That Shape Us – Black History Month Special
Join Tọla Okogwu, Catherine Johnson and Jeffrey Boakye for powerful stories, inspiring conversations and joyful creativity celebrating Black History Month. Perfect for Ages 7–11.
The Power of Reading – Inspiring Authors & Big Ideas
Join Jamila Gavin, Peter Burns, Doug Naylor and Julia Green for rich conversations about storytelling, imagination, empathy and the magic of reading. Suitable for Ages 8–13.
Frightfully Good Fiction – Spooky Stories & MG Horror!
A spine-tingling selection of authors including Jennifer Killick, Phil Hickes, Christopher Edge, Lucy Strange and Emma Carroll bring spooky tales, readings and fun for brave young readers! Ideal for Ages 8–12.
Non-Fiction November – Fun Factual KS2 Author Special
Greg Jenner, Brian Bilston, Joe Berger, Matt Oldfield and Seth Burkett bring history, poetry, sport and facts to life in this lively non-fiction celebration. Perfect for Ages 7–11.
Celebrate Poetry! – Reading, Writing, Drawing & Games
Zaro Weil and Junli Song join Mr Dilly for a vibrant celebration of poetry through reading, writing, drawing and playful creativity. Perfect for Ages 6–11.
Summer Term 2025 – Mr Dilly Meets Free Virtual Author Visits On Demand
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Tom Palmer – Women’s EURO 2025 Author Event | KS2 & Early KS3
Celebrate the excitement of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 with bestselling author Tom Palmer and Mr Dilly. Exploring football stories, the history of the women’s game, and how sport can inspire reading and writing. For Ages 8-13
Big Book Bonanza! 6 Fantastic Children’s Author KS2 Event
An epic mix of storytelling, Q&A, poetry, and a book quiz with Tamsin Mori, Farhana Islam, Zohra Nabi, Philip Kavvadias, Sangu Mandanna, and A.F. Harrold. Perfect for Ages 7–11
Badgers Are Go! – Stories, Laughs & Live Draw-Along for KS2
Author Susannah Lloyd and illustrator Nici Gregory join Mr Dilly for a fun-packed storytelling and drawing session celebrating Badgers Are Go! For Ages 7–10
Super Summer Storyfest – Big-Name Author KS2 Fun!
Seven inspiring children’s authors including Patrick Ness, Andy Shepherd, Lindsay Galvin, Sophy Henn, Jennifer Claessen, Truly Johnston, and Gabby Dawnay join Mr Dilly for live readings, a draw-along, and a classroom quiz. Perfect for Ages 6–11
May’s Marvellous Authors – 7 Authors, 1 Big KS2 Celebration
With Cornelia Funke, Lui Sit, James Catchpole, Simon Packham, Rachel Chivers Khoo, Rachel Morrisroe, and Fidan Meikle. A diverse, lively celebration of books, stories, and creative inspiration for Ages 7–11
Spring Term 2025 – Author Events for Primary Schools
Liz Pichon – The Mubbles Live! | KS1 & Early KS2
Bestselling Tom Gates creator Liz Pichon joins Mr Dilly for an unmissable draw-along, storytelling, and Q&A — perfect end-of-week fun for KS1 & lower KS2 that brings reading and creativity to life.
British Science Week 2025 Author Special | KS2 & Early KS3
An inspiring British Science Week live stream for KS2 and early KS3 featuring STEM-themed storytelling, fascinating facts, author Q&A, and a draw-along — perfect for sparking curiosity across science, literacy, and art.
World Wildlife Day 2025 – KS2 Author Event
Discover the wonders of nature and the importance of conservation with authors Jasbinder Bilan, Maria de Jong, and Nicola Baker in this inspiring KS2 event celebrating World Wildlife Day 2025.
Celebrate the Joy of Reading – KS2 Author Special
Join top authors Philip Reeve, Sarah McIntyre, Nicky Smith Dale, and Jennifer Bell for readings, draw-alongs, and fun in this lively KS2 event celebrating books, stories, and a love of reading.
National Storytelling Week – KS2 Author Celebration
Celebrate National Storytelling Week with readings, draw-alongs, and author Q&As from Jenny McLachlan, Jordan Glover, Leah Williamson, and Jacob North in this magical KS2 event about the power of stories.
Hunt for the Golden Scarab – Time-Travel Adventure with M.G. Leonard
Bestselling author M.G. Leonard joins Mr Dilly for a thrilling journey into her new time-travel series, with exciting readings, fun activities and creative chat inspired by Ancient Egypt. Perfect for Ages 7–12.
Autumn Term 2024 – Author Events for Primary Schools ( Please note - links being updated)
Mr Dilly Meets | Christmas Children’s Books Special! Festive Stories, Draw-Alongs & Quiz 🎄
Mr Dilly Meets | Children's Authors Live – Space, Sharks & Adventure!
Mr Dilly Meets | World Children’s Day – Stories, Picture Books & Draw-Alongs
Mr Dilly Meets | World Kindness Day – Stories, Poems & Big Ideas About Kindness
Mr Dilly Meets | Jonny Lambert & Alex Latimer – KS1 Stories, Picture Books & Draw-Along Fun
Mr Dilly Meets | Black History Month – Inspiring Children’s Authors, Stories & Culture
Mr Dilly Meets | The Land of Lost Things – Andy Griffiths, Bill Hope & Big Adventure
Mr Dilly Meets | The Great Phoenix of London – Lindsay Galvin & The Great Fire of London
Mr Dilly Meets | Heroes & Villains Special – Stories, Draw-Alongs & Class Quiz
Mr Dilly Meets | Cats, Dogs, Birds & Drawing Fun – Steve Antony & Meg McLaren
Mr Dilly Meets | Pirates, Pigeons, Ghosts, Romans & Poo! Big Fun Children’s Author Special
Mr Dilly Meets | Podkin One-Ear Fantasy & Adventure Special with Kieran Larwood
See Every Mr Dilly Meets – 2022 to Today
Want even more inspiration for your classroom? The complete archive includes every Mr Dilly Meets event since 2022 — from author live streams and illustrator draw-alongs to poetry performances and storytelling specials. All past events play directly on YouTube so you can watch them anytime.
Book Your Next Mr Dilly Meets
Don’t miss out on Mr Dilly’s next free, fun, and inspirational virtual author visits for schools. Explore the upcoming season’s events and secure your place today.