Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and changing ecosystems are transforming the world we live in. But how can authors translate this into stories that resonate with children — and foster environmental awareness from an early age?
This two-day online workshop with Austrian children’s book author and biologist Andrea Grill explores how storytelling can make the realities of climate change tangible, emotional, and ultimately hopeful. Twelve selected participants from across the region will explore ways to write about the interconnectedness of humans and nature, in order to awaken young readers’ curiosity and care for the living world around them.
Day 1 – Writing About Nature & Science for Children
• Examples of children’s books
• Choosing topics & developing characters
• Can “climate” be a character?
• How to begin a story?
• Research as a non-scientist
• Structuring a story
• How many stories in one book?
• Developing sketches
Day 2 – From Idea to Book
• Turning ideas into a story
• Can plants/animals be characters?
• Research II
• Writing dialogues & vivid descriptions
• Illustration ideas
• Multicultural storytelling
• Writing practice & group feedback
W h o: children’s book authors
W h e n: 19 & 20 Nov 2025 | both days from 5-8 PM
W h e r e: Online via Zoom (login information will be provided upon confirmed participation)
H o w: Registration by 17 Nov via the following form https://forms.gle/boirE6ptte5mBdpx5
C o s t: Free of charge
L a n g u a g e: English
A b o u t: Andrea Grill is an Austrian author, biologist, and translator. She combines science and art in her novels, essays, and children’s books, including Biodiversi-was (2023) and Perfekte Menschen (2024). Recipient of the Anton Wildgans Prize (2021) and the City of Vienna Prize for Children’s Literature.
If you have any further questions, we are happy to answer them via oriana.reinhardt@bmeia.gv.at
