About
Join Ashley Thorpe, author of the action-packed middle grade adventure The Boy to Beat the Gods, for an event that explores how stories of old have evolved to make the new. Learn about how Ashley took inspiration from the incredible pantheon of Yoruba gods – the Orishas, their similarities with mythology from all across the world, and how to build your own worlds and characters for your own stories.
Date & Time
Friday 30 October, 12:30pm – 1:15pm
Location
The Children’s Library at Southport Library, The Atkinson
What Three Words: ///tummy.fetch.shaped
Ashley Thorpe
Ashley is an author and editor living in Manchester with his partner and a greedy cat. His fantasy adventures The Boy to Beat the Gods and Spirit Warriors have been shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, the Jhalak Prize, the Branford Boase Award and The Week Junior Award for Breakthrough Book. When he isn’t writing or reading, Ashley enjoys making music, gaming, anime, and being out in nature.
Easy Read description
Join Ashley Thorpe, author of The Boy to Beat the Gods. Discover stories inspired by Yoruba gods and myths from around the world. Learn how to create your own characters, worlds and exciting adventures for your stories.
Accessibility Information
This event includes audience participation, projected visuals or screens, and interactive workshop activities. Suitable for all primary-aged children (ages 5–11).
About Children's Books North Network
Children’s Books North Network (CBNN) connects and supports published children’s writers, illustrators and publishing professionals living in the North of England and Scotland. They have over 450 members and promote their members' work, new books and events. Additionally, CBNN highlights the importance of regional diversity in children’s books and the wider industry. CBNN partners with festivals, universities, bookshops and libraries to support and celebrate creatives in the North of England and Scotland. In 2025, the Network announced the Children’s Books North Prize for aspiring picture book writers and illustrators based in the North of England. The network was co-founded in 2020 by Tilda Johnson, Emma Layfield and Liz Scott. Emma now leads the network with Beatrice Cross and Bethany Sparks.