Young Readers & Writers Program
Save the date! 15-17 MAY 2026
Justin Somper (WA)
Justin Somper is the award-winning author of eleven books for middle-grade and young teen readers, including the beloved VAMPIRATES sequence – published in 35 countries and 25 languages – and PIRATE ACADEMY, its “feisty younger sibling” described by Cressida Cowell as “gloriously action-packed adventure, full of characters you really care about.”
Both VAMPIRATES and PIRATE ACADEMY are currently being developed for TV. Justin relocated from London to Perth in 2022. He has over twenty years’ experience working in schools worldwide.
Photo credit: PJ Norman
Renée Treml (WA)
Renée Treml loves to write and illustrate books that are inspired by the natural world. She has written and illustrated over twenty picture books for young readers, including Goodnight, Joeys and Once I Heard a Little Wombat.
She is also the creator of ten highly engaging and funny graphic novels, including Sherlock Bones and the Natural History Mystery, The Super Adventures of Ollie and Bea and The Thylacine and the Time Machine.
Renée has a degree in environmental science and has a passionate love of natural history.
Photo credit: Indie Lane Photography
Solli Raphael (VIC)
Author | Speaker | Performer | Poet | Advocate – Creating content and experiences to spark connection, creativity, self-discovery and positive impacts
Solli Raphael is an award-winning author and poet, advocate and acclaimed keynote speaker. Solli has authored four books, which have received accolades for their capacity to engage children and teenagers educationally.
His newest book, Starlight, aims to guide self-discovery and self-expression in children and teenagers. Solli spends most of his time on the road, speaking at schools, universities, events and businesses, as well as being regularly featured on radio and TV shows, in printed media and books. His work has reached a global audience of two billion people.
Photo credit: Anna Warr
Joel McKerrow (VIC)
Joel McKerrow is an award-winning writer, keynote speaker, children’s author and one of Australia’s most successful performance poets. Full time in his creative work for the last sixteen years, he performs and presents sessions in over fifty schools a year, as well as within many of Australia’s leading literary festivals.
Renowned singer Kate Ceberano describes Joel’s work as, ‘completely free, reckless and unbound in his expression.’ whilst the CEO of Village Roadshow lauds Joel as, ‘a true creative genius.’
Joel has twelve books/albums of poetry, a teen HEIST series with Penguin Random House, as well as a graphic novel series (URBAN LEGEND HUNTERS) and a murder mystery (GRAVE ROBBING AND OTHER CURIOUS ACTIVITIES) with Larrikin House.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Our Young Readers & Writers Program was created to spark a lifelong love of stories and storytelling.
Working closely with local schools across the South West, we bring inspiring authors into classrooms to share their craft, curiosity and creative process. By connecting students directly with writers, we open the door to children’s imagination, confidence and remind them that their stories matter.
SUPPORT US
For nearly 20 years, the Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival has been a celebration of stories, ideas, and connection in the South West — and we couldn’t do it without you.
As a not-for-profit, we rely on the support of our community to keep the festival thriving. Your donation helps us bring brilliant authors to the region, support local voices, run school programs, and keep events accessible through free sessions.
Love the festival? Help us keep it growing. Every contribution makes a difference.
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