Greenwild author Pari Thomson to visit Eden Project in September

Picture a rainforest under glass, packed with families curled up over open books instead of guidebooks. That is what the Eden Project has planned for this September, when one of children’s fiction’s biggest current names turns up among the Biomes to talk plants, magic and the garden that helped inspire her.

A first Celebration of Stories Weekend

The Cornwall attraction is launching its first Celebration of Stories Weekend on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, built around authors, storytelling, creative workshops and family activities. It ties in with the UK National Year of Reading, which is encouraging more children, young people and adults to discover the enjoyment of reading and is also calling for volunteers to help close the literacy gap.

Eden has used storytelling to bring nature and science to life for years, and this weekend leans further into that, pairing new books with one of the county’s most striking backdrops.

Pari Thomson brings Greenwild to the Biomes

Saturday belongs to Pari Thomson, the bestselling author of the Greenwild trilogy, who will run a series of talks, workshops and book signings at the garden near St Austell. Aimed at readers aged 9 to 11, the botanical fantasy series follows heroine Daisy Thistledown and has been praised for weaving magical adventure and environmental storytelling around a real fascination with plants.

The final book, Greenwild: The Forest in the Sky, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli, sends Daisy into a rainforest world built from extraordinary plants and hidden magic, carrying a conservation message through to the trilogy’s close. On the day, visitors will get the chance to hear from Thomson directly, find out what shaped the books, and take part in interactive workshops. There is also a Greenwild-inspired route through Eden’s own Rainforest Biome, tying the fictional forest to the real one growing under the dome.

“The seeds of the Greenwild series were planted by a lifelong fascination with the natural world, so there couldn’t be a more fitting setting than the Eden Project,” said Pari. “I’m delighted to be joining the Literary Weekend and meeting readers there this September.”

Sunday turns to Julia Donaldson’s birds

The following day shifts to a family storytelling day built around some of Julia Donaldson’s more recent nature-themed picture books, among them The Bowerbird, The Magic Feather and The Go-Away Bird, all illustrated by Catherine Rayner. Eden’s own storytelling team will run readings, audience participation and creative sessions through the day, aimed at bringing the books to life for younger visitors.

Why Eden is doing this

Kate Francis, Eden Project’s creative programme producer, said stories were one of the most powerful ways to help young people connect with nature. “Whether that’s through a magical botanical adventure like Greenwild or a much-loved picture book, storytelling sparks curiosity, imagination and a sense of wonder about the world around us,” she said.

“As a place built on learning and discovery, we’re passionate about helping people develop a lifelong love of reading. Storytelling already plays an important role in our programme throughout the year, helping visitors explore nature, science and creativity in engaging ways. We hope this weekend inspires families to discover new books together. There are few better places to enjoy a story than among the gardens and Biomes at Eden, surrounded by some of the world’s most extraordinary plants and landscapes.”

Jamie Forrest, Communications Director at Macmillan Children’s Books, called Eden the perfect setting for the weekend. “At their heart, both Pari Thomson’s Greenwild books and Julia Donaldson’s nature-themed stories celebrate curiosity, imagination and the wonder of the natural world,” he said. “Pari’s award-winning Greenwild trilogy has captivated young readers through its unforgettable characters, magical storytelling and deep connection to plants and nature. We’re excited to give fans the opportunity to meet Pari and discover the creative inspiration behind the books.”

Visiting the Celebration of Stories Weekend

Admission to the Eden Project is priced from £35.50 for adults and £12 for children, with under fives admitted free. Visitors receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit or UK Legacy Credit can enter for £10. Devon and Cornwall residents can buy a Locals’ Pass, now available year round, from £29.80 per adult and £12 per child. Tickets can be pre-booked for the best price at edenproject.com.