Schools are invited to join us (free of charge) online for a very special virtual event with Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2024 winner, Pari Thomson as she presents her spellbinding fantasy story, Greenwild: The World Behind the Door, which is illustrated by Elisa Paganelli.

Recommended age: KS2 and Year 7 (year 4 upwards)

As part of this 45-minute interactive schools’ event Pari introduces students to Daisy Thistledown, whose mother sets off on a dangerous mission, and leaves Daisy behind at a strict boarding school. Mysteriously, her mother goes missing, and danger closes in on Daisy, leading her to make a hasty escape. Her flight takes her to Kew Gardens, where she discovers a hidden door that leads her to the rich, vibrant and impossibly beautiful world of Greenwild. There, Daisy encounters green magic, botanists, and a dangerous presence that threatens nature itself.

Pari will introduce the magical world of Greenwild, explore where her ideas come from, and delve into how she created her extraordinary story full of bravery, hope and adventure. Schools will also have the chance to put questions to Pari for this special event. Students will come away feeling inspired to create their own magical worlds and look for the magic in the natural world around them.

With wildly inventive world-building and important messages about nature, Greenwild: The World Behind the Door is perfect for fans of Nevermoor and Strangeworlds. The second book in the Greenwild series, Greenwild: The City Beyond the Sea, will be published on 23 May 2024.

About Pari Thompson

Pari Thomson’s debut novel, Greenwild: The World Behind the Door, was published to critical acclaim in 2023. It was named Blackwell’s Children’s Book of the Year 2023, and won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2024. Pari’s original fantasy adventure was inspired by the extraordinary wonders found at Kew Gardens, a botanical garden that features everything from giant lily pads and freckled orchids to hairy pink bananas. A tribute to the beauty and wildness of nature, Greenwild also draws on the various natural settings that Pari lived in and experienced growing up, including misty pine forests in Pakistan, colourful gardens in India and pomegranate groves in Iran. Half Persian, half English, Pari studied at Oxford University and now works as Editorial Director for picture books at a children’s publisher. She lives near the river in London, not far from Kew Gardens. The second book in the Greenwild series, Greenwild: The City Beyond the Sea, will be published in May 2024.

Waterstones Virtual Author Visits are the perfect opportunity to encourage reading for pleasure, introducing children to new books as well as fabulous author & illustrators, and to help inspire a love of reading even in the most reluctant readers. Taking part will support children’s literacy, creative writing and encourage a love of reading for pleasure.

Taking place on Zoom, this 45-minture webinar session will include a live presentation from the author, giving children the chance to hear about the authors book, characters and writing processes. There will also be a chance for children to have their questions answered live during the event!

Often pupils are very inspired to read the author’s book after the event, so we have created a special discount on Greenwild: The World Behind the Door, for school account orders. Schools can save 30% on single copy or a class set by contacting [email protected]. Copies of the book can also be purchased at £6.50 (RRP £7.99 – incl. P&P) using the ticket link between now and the event on Wednesday 24th April.

Once you register with your email address, you’ll be sent a Zoom link to the webinar. Registered schools will also receive an email including a chapter sampler and teachers’ resources that can be printed for the classroom.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]