City Lit first ran a course in writing for children in 1983. It has continued to run courses in writing and illustration for children to the present day and has nurtured an extraordinary array of talent both in terms of the written word and illustration.

Now a new exhibition celebrates four decades of storytelling through much-loved book covers, favourite extracts, and the authors and illustrators behind them: from Malorie Blackman’s Noughts & Crosses to Yasmeen Ismail’s Time For Bed, Fred, Tim Tilley’s Harklights, and Sophie McKenzie’s Girl, Missing, among many others.

The exhibition, The Story Starts Here: the craft of children’s book writing and illustration at City Lit, opens on Tuesday 9 September 2025, The Gallery at City Lit, Keeley Street WC2B 4BA

Readers of Books for Keeps are invited to attend the exhibition opening, 18:30-20:00 on 16 September (NB THIS DATE WAS REARRANGED DUE TO THE TUBE STRIKE). Drinks and nibbles will be available to enjoy while you explore the exhibition and you are very welcome to bring guests. RSVP required, email events@citylit.ac.uk.