Young at art

Fluff isn't the only kidstuff on offer at Auckland Festival 09. The event has its own "family weekend" centred around Red Square and the Auckland Town Hall on March 14 and 15 acts designed for kids and parents. Among the attractions...

Peter and the Wolf: Prokofiev's musical fairytale is performed by The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and narrated by Michael Hurst at the Auckland Town Hall, on March 15, 10.30am. The 30-minute show is recommended for ages 5-12.

The Arrival Shadow Puppetry Workshop: A spin-off from stage show The Arrival (which is suitable for kids of all ages and runs from Thursday to Sunday), its creator Kate Parker will take a workshop on shadow puppetry and how to make your own cardboard creature which will look many times scarier when its outline is projected on a wall. At the Aotea Centre, March 15, 11am-1pm and suitable for kids 8-12.

Kids as Critics: Artist Judy Darragh works with kids to write their thoughts on the arts on ping-pong balls which will be suspended on a giant mobile. At the Aotea Centre from 10am-4pm, both days. For kids of all ages.

Spielgeltent Story Time: Local children's writers take turns to read their books at the festival's tent venue. Saturday:Peter Millett (10am), Paula Green (11.30am) and Brian Falkner (2.30pm).Sunday: Mark Sommerset (10am), Tessa Duder (11.30am) and Lorraine Orman (2.30pm).

www.aucklandfestival.co.nz