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.
Recent Mr Dilly Meets
Upcoming Mr Dilly Meets – Free, Fun & Inspirational Virtual Author Visits for Primary School
Stories That Shape Us – Black History Month Special
Date: Tuesday 21 October 2025, 11:00am (BST, UK time)
Replay Access: Available on the Mr Dilly website via YouTube for 7 days after the live broadcast
Ages: 7–11 (UK: Years 3–6 / KS2; US: Grades 3–6)
Celebrate Black History Month 2025 with this thoughtful online author event hosted by Mr Dilly. This inclusive session highlights creativity, heritage, and the power of storytelling — connecting with all pupils through shared human experiences.
Join Mr Dilly and guests:
Tola Okogwu – Champions of the Galaxy
Jeffrey Boakye – Kofi and the Brand New Vibe (pre-recorded)
Catherine Johnson – Dance of Resistance
What’s included?
Together they’ll share:
📖 Readings and reveals from their books
🗣️ Reflections on what Black History Month means to them, shared in child-friendly ways
💬 A panel conversation on creativity, identity, and how stories shape us all
❓ A chance to submit your pupils’ questions in advance
The event will stream on the Mr Dilly website, embedded via YouTube. Please check in advance that your school firewall allows access to YouTube.
This free event supports literacy, inclusion, and reading for pleasure. It offers pupils the chance to hear diverse voices and explore how stories reflect our experiences, build empathy, and inspire creativity.
Non-Fiction November Special
Free Virtual Author Event for KS2 (Ages 7–11)
Date: Thursday 6 November 2025 • 11:00am GMT
Ages: 7–11 (UK Years 3–6 / KS2; US Grades 3–6)
Replay available for flexible classroom use
Dive into the world of non-fiction! Whether your class loves history, sports, poetry, or just following curiosities — there's something in this Mr Dilly event for everyone.
Meet the authors:
Greg Jenner — Totally Chaotic History: The Stone Age Runs Wild! — hilarious, vivid historical storytelling.
Matt Oldfield & Seth Burkett — The Football GOAT — combining sport, data, biography & insight.
Brian Bilston — A Poem for Every Question — poetry rooted in facts, wonder, and wit.
What your class will get:
Live author readings and conversations
Behind-the-scenes of how factual work is researched and written
Ideas for bringing nonfiction into the classroom (writing, inquiry, reading)
Cross-curricular links: history, PE, English, poetry
Pupil Q&A
Replay for use in assemblies, library time or lessons
Why take part?
Celebrates Non-Fiction November — part of the national movement celebrating factual reading. fcbg.org.uk+2Literacy Hive+2
Genre variety = more entry points — history, sport, poetry make nonfiction reach a wide range of students.
Supports reading curriculum — non-fiction boosts vocabulary, knowledge-building, research skills, critical thinking.
Flexible access — replay means you’re not tied to the live time.
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 special live event designed to celebrate the magic of books and inspire every child to see themselves as a reader.
This free, curriculum-linked livestream brings together four brilliant children’s authors, each offering a different way into stories:
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 a lifelong love of reading. Four genres mean there’s something to hook every pupil, from fantasy lovers to budding historians.
Supports literacy goals and the curriculum. Use extracts for vocabulary, inference, discussion, and creative writing.
Encourages reluctant readers. Fast-paced chapters, cliffhangers, and read-aloud moments provide easy entry points.
Flexible access. Replay available so you can use it for assemblies, book weeks, library lessons, or English classes.
Ahead of the curve. The perfect lead-in to the 2026 National Year of Reading.
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 (updating - link coming soon)