Following a reading of Phoebe Roze's debut author-illustrated picture book, Our Islands, children and their grown-ups will be invited to create their own special island using craft materials and plenty of imagination.

Together, we'll explore themes of home, friendship and belonging, before connecting all of our unique islands into one colourful community display. A gentle, creative workshop perfect for little readers and makers.

Date: 23 July 2026

Location: Visual Arts Room, Birnam Arts

Age group: 3-5 years

Time: 10:30 - 12:00

(Adults are free)

Phoebe Roze is a children’s picture book author and illustrator. Originally from the Scottish Highlands, she now lives and works in Edinburgh. Her colourful, joyful work celebrates the charm of the handmade, bringing atmospheric landscapes together with expressive characters (and wild beasties) inspired by her life in Scotland. Her debut author-illustrated book Our Islands is published by Post Wave.

Book synopsis:

When Bear’s cosy island life is interrupted by a wild storm, he finds himself adrift and alone. Washed ashore on a new island, fear turns to wonder as he encounters an unlikely friend, Isla. Together, they join forces to help Bear find his way home. As they set off, they begin to explore the vibrant surrounding islands, discovering all kinds of different homes. But after all the amazing sights they see, Bear still longs for the comfort of his island home. Can Isla help Bear navigate the sparkling islands, or will he forever be adrift?

Join Bear on this heart-warming adventure to discover if the path back home might bring the greatest of adventures and the truest of friendships.

Book: Our Islands by Phoebe Roze | Waterstones

Website: Phoebe Roze

Summer Arts for Kids’ school holiday sessions are back

Join us for our artist-led creative programme for children, running throughout the school holidays.

Each week, a different Lead Artist introduces children to new art forms, materials and ways of thinking creatively, encouraging them to express themselves freely in a joyful and supportive environment. In these child-centred, hands-on workshops, participants are invited to explore, experiment and play.

Each session begins with a gentle start to help everyone settle in. Parents and guardians are welcome to stay for as long as needed to ensure their child feels safe and confident in the space.

If your child has any access needs you would like to discuss ahead of the sessions, please get in touch at visualarts@birnamarts.com. We are happy to work with you to make the experience as welcoming and inclusive as possible.

Part of Summer Arts for Kids

Festival Info >

Tickets
£8.00 / £10.00 / £12.00 / £15.00 /

All of our workshops are offered using a sliding scale pricing framework, helping to make our sessions as accessible as possible. We invite you to choose the tier that best reflects your current circumstances.

Tier 1: £8
I have little disposable income.

Tier 2: £10
I have some disposable income.

Tier 3: £12
I have a comfortable amount of disposable income.

Tier 4: £15
I have a comfortable amount of disposable income and am happy to pay a little extra to help enable others to access the arts.