Children's Book Authors

Spend time in the company of other writers putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard. Work on your current project or start something new. If you are fresh out of inspiration a member of the Wordcraft Collective will be ready with a prompt to get you going. You can use that to unlock your creative brain before moving back to your own project or run with it. Who knows where the story will take you? Arrive when you like, leave when you like, or join us for a drink in the bar downstairs afterwards. Location: Pianofabriek, Rue du Fort 35, 1060 Saint-Gilles.

**We'll be discussing the book “One, none and a Hundred Thousand” by Luigi Pirandello and choosing the next book.**

Join us for a fun and social **day trip to Parc Astérix**, one of France’s most famous theme parks, just outside Paris This is not just an amusement park visit — it’s also a dive into a **legendary part of French and Belgian culture**. -- ## 🏛️ What is Astérix & Obélix Astérix and Obélix are iconic comic book characters created in 1959 by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. 👉 The story: a small Gaulish village resisting the Roman Empire thanks to a magic potion 👉 Themes: humor, friendship, satire of European culture 👉 Status: one of the most famous comics in Europe (especially France & Belgium) For many locals, this is **childhood nostalgia + cultural reference + humor all in one** Visiting Parc Astérix is like stepping inside that world. -- ## 🎢 What to expect • Thrilling roller coasters (like OzIris & Toutatis 🎢 • Fun water rides) • Live shows & themed village • A mix of adrenaline + chill + social vibe We’ll go as a group but keep flexibility inside the park so everyone can enjoy at their own pace. -- ## 🚆 Logistic **Departure:** Brussels (exact meeting point shared in WhatsApp group) **Destination:** Parc Astérix **Travel:** Train + shuttle or carpool (to be confirmed depending on group) **Return:** Same day in the evening. 👉 A WhatsApp group will be created for coordination -- ## 💰 Cost • 🎟️ Park ticket: approx. €55–€65 (depending on availability / group rate) • 🚆 Transport: approx. €30–€80 (train or carpool share) • 🍔 Food & drinks inside park: optional (~€15–€25 • 👥 Sunday Vacations organizing fee: 5€ -- ## 👥 Who is this for • Expats curious about local culture • Theme park lovers • Social explorers who enjoy group trip • Anyone who wants a fun, easy day escape from Brussel -- ## ✅ Important • This is a **members-only event** 👉 Membership starts from €5/year: [https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) • Please confirm your spot via the link (to be shared) • Ambassador & Voyager members can use their code to waive the organizing fee. -- ## ⚠️ Disclaimer Sunday Vacations / UJAMAA ASBL acts as a **community organizer only** Participants organize their transport and tickets individually -- ## ✨ Why join Because this is more than a theme park It’s a chance to • understand a key part of local culture • meet amazing people • and just have a fun day -- If you’ve been in Belgium or France for a while and never heard of Astérix, 👉 this is your moment.

PLEASE NOTE: this session will exceptionally begin at 14h and end at 17h What comes to mind when we hear the word "dream"? 1) Experiences we undergo while sleeping? 2) Hopes, desires and goals we cherish for the future? 3) Daydreaming? 4) Imagining, thought-experimenting, inventing? 5) ...? How are all these various forms of dreaming connected to our waking, here-and-now lives? What life experiences have you had that noticeably influenced your dreams? What dreams have you had that especially affected, possibly changing or even transforming, your life? How can we maximize the value of our dreams? How can we maximize the value our waking/here-and-now experiences have on our dreams? What can dreams teach us about consciousness? [Jef, might you want to add Jung and Freud to the BINGO cards? 😉😅] How do dreaming and non-dreaming affect self-identity, and vice-versa? Should we categorically aim to avoid all nightmares (or not)? Does free will exist in dreams? Do all dreams carry messages? (What) can we learn (something) from the "logic" of dreams? Can dreams predict the future? (How) can we know whether we are dreaming or not dreaming? If our waking consciousness would turn out to be all a dream after all, how might "waking consciousness lucid dreaming" manifest itself to us? "Life, as I experience it, is an ongoing quest to search for, collect and process "dream material": scenes, sounds and events during waking life that will inevitably return later (sometimes much later) during dream sleep, (dis)guised in all various forms and permutations ... only to resurface, rematerialize and recur in new configurations and in new contexts during future waking life. Like the ongoing cycle of breathing, a continual exchange of "dream material" is constantly occurring, oscillating back and forth between waking and sleeping, between consciousness and the unconscious, between past and future." — Alnata Karuna This session will be an opportunity to talk about and to share our dreams - in whatever forms or contents - and to explore together their possible roles and significance in our lives. [https://www.sleepfoundation.org/dreams](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/dreams) [https://allaboutpsychology.substack.com/p/the-psychology-of-daydreaming](https://allaboutpsychology.substack.com/p/the-psychology-of-daydreaming) [https://youtu.be/oiAQlDBJ88U?is=XGS_yOiQ_quk9N4f](https://youtu.be/oiAQlDBJ88U?is=XGS_yOiQ_quk9N4f) [https://youtu.be/gemBa8L7jQo?is=DsTTxyu0vwddr76f](https://youtu.be/gemBa8L7jQo?is=DsTTxyu0vwddr76f) [https://youtu.be/5cCW2a8kT3Q?is=ERhHppMUhtwG0wdt](https://youtu.be/5cCW2a8kT3Q?is=ERhHppMUhtwG0wdt)

Story Night is back with a new group of talented storytellers will share their stories to make you think, laugh and cry! **Story Night Brussels: an evening of connection and community through personal stories** Looking for a different kind of Saturday night? Join us for the one and only Story Night of Storytelling Brussels! Storytelling Brussels aims to create a space where we pause, connect, and experience our shared humanity through the power of stories. A space where everyday experiences become well-crafted narratives with meaning and impact. Stories that will make you laugh, cry, reflect, feel. Come with an open mind and leave with a full heart. **Event Details:** * Each storyteller has prepared a short (around 8 minutes) personal story. * **Venue**: the Bridge Theatre Studio; Chau. de Forest 83, St. Gilles * **Doors open 19:30.** Show starts at 20:00 (sharp!). More than just a show, we want to create a community around storytelling, so **we encourage you to come early**, socialize, and maybe meet new people! There will be music and drinks available at the bar. We are starting again at 8 pm to allow for more storytellers and not end too late! Please note that the **front door of the venue might be closed once the show starts**, as it’s a private space, so you might not be able to enter if you are too late! * Attention! We will be collecting **donations upon check-in at the door.** We recommend a donation of **10€/person**, but if you can't pay this at the moment, feel free to make a donation of your choice. All the earnings will go to compensate the performers (some of whom will be traveling long distances for this event) and organise more of these in the future. **Please bring cash**. * All stories will be told in **English** * We kindly ask you to be present and listen actively to the stories. But don't fear, we will also have time to have fun and chat in between, and some breaks to enjoy the bar! **Reservations**: it helps us a lot if you [RSVP through here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-night-connecting-through-personal-stories-tickets-1986118609225?lid=mhwkwiitinr1&utm_source=braze&utm_medium=ebml&utm_campaign=clpo_ceex_lcm_fad_mec_mc_mum_0_0_eventpublished&utm_term=Main_EventPublishedSubFree_HeroSummary_other%20feature%20usage&utm_content=e412e73b-f3c5-463c-af88-9aa6b8e94267__69c7948f688bf81f67b04ace587e740e__2cc6065c-8d9a-424d-a326-56cd04fcd4b9). Space is limited, so secure your spot by booking today! If in the end you cannot make it, please cancel your reservation so someone else might take your spot. Please note that if you haven’t arrived by the time the show starts, your spot might be given to someone else. **What is storytelling?** Sharing stories in front of an audience may well be the oldest form of art. This ancient oral tradition is experiencing a modern revival through organizations like The Moth in New York, the Mezrab in Amsterdam, or The Bear in Berlin. Now, it is Brussels’ turn! Though deeply connected to many other disciplines, storytelling is an artform on its own. It might make you laugh, but it's not stand-up comedy. It might make you think, but it's not a TED talk. It make help you heal, but it's not therapy. Ultimately, it's about connecting with each other, sharing and celebrating life. **Want to tell a story?** We believe everyone has a story to tell, and we welcome everyone who wants to dare! Previous performance experience is a plus, but **not necessarily required.** We simply ask you to fill up the form below and commit to respect the format (you will have priority if you have come to our shows before). Depending on the volume of applications we will contact you only when we find a spot for you, thank you for your understanding! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEI9BtS4uNOWhBtvV2nEtbjy8Y6POs2PWPbYvFX5cTGy7n8A/viewform?usp=dialog **Want to be updated about our events?** If you don't want to miss our next shows and keep up to date with our activities, **find us** **on Instagram @storytellingbrussels** Tired of social media? Sign up to our mailing list here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHgK8mRpp_3GiXO4l6bIugqGqe6l7bHGnjLJXEHyEEjYvOTw/viewform?usp=preview We kindly ask you to not take videos of the performers. Please note however that photos and videos may be taken by the organisation at the event to be used in promotion materials. If you do not wish to be included in photographs, please let us know on the day itself.

**Join us for an hour of writing!** We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 11:00 - Quick introductions 11:15 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 12:15 - The End: chat, take off, or keep writing OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 12:15. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! **What Should I Bring?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s overhead music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. There are plugs in the cafe but we may not be seated right next to them, so please charge any device before coming ! **Other Important Details:** WIFI : the cafe has wifi, the password is written on the menu TRAVEL / PARKING: The cafe is in the center of the city. An uncovered bike rack is available. For more information on parking, please visit https://leuven.be/parkeren SEATING INFORMATION: Please RSVP so I know how many seats to book ! GUIDELINES: **You are required to order at least one thing to support the café.**

**This event is free for Sunday Vacations members. Membership starts at €5/year.** 👉 Join here: https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership *Please RSVP only if you are reasonably sure you can attend and update your RSVP if your plans change.* Escape the city bustle and join us for a magical evening walk from the royal gardens of Tervuren, through the ancient Sonian Forest, ending at the picturesque Rouge Cloître. This hike is perfect for anyone looking to unwind, breathe some fresh forest air, and enjoy the golden hour colors. 🗺️ The Route We will start at the Tervuren Station (terminus of Tram 44). We’ll begin by walking through the formal gardens and ponds of Tervuren Park, enjoying the open views and the sunset light reflecting on the water. From there, we will dive into the Sonian Forest (Fôret de Soignes), walking under the canopy of the majestic beech cathedrals. We will walk through the magnificent Arboretum that boasts centennial trees and majestic Giant Sequoias. The path will lead us gently downhill towards the historic Rouge Cloître (Red Closter), a 14th-century Augustinian priory nestled on the edge of the forest where we will stop for a well deserved drink. 🕒 The Plan * Meeting Time: 14:50 * Meeting Point: Just outside the Tervuren Station (Terminus of Tram 44). * The Walk: We depart at 15:00 sharp. * The End: We aim to arrive at Rouge Cloître around 18:00 - 18:30. * Après-Walk: We usually grab a drink at the beautiful Maison du Prieur in Rouge Cloître. 📋 Practical Details * Distance: Approximately 12 km. * Duration: \~3.5 hours walking time. * Pace: Casual to moderate. We wait for everyone, but please be comfortable walking this distance. * Terrain: Mostly flat/downhill with some unpaved forest paths. 🎒 What to Bring * Comfortable Shoes: Walking shoes or sneakers (trail runners are great if it has rained recently). * Water: Stay hydrated! * Layers: Evenings can get chilly in the forest. 🚇 Getting Home The walk ends at Rouge Cloître. From there, it is a short 10-15 minute walk to Herrmann-Debroux metro station (Line 5), buses and tram 8 which connect you easily back to the city center. Note: This event is free of charge. Participation is at your own risk. Please **RSVP only** if you intend to come so we don't leave anyone behind! See you on the trail! 🌳✨

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

Hey lovely people, Join us for another gathering of the **Queer Reads Collective**. Since we have been reading some quite heavy books lately, we decided to do a round of something lighter for the spring. Our April read will be the famous bestseller, *The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo* by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job. Summoned to Evelyn's luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the '80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love.

♟️ **Rejoignez l’aventure Knight Clubbers !** ♟️ Venez vivre une soirée où l’échiquier devient un champ de bataille, entre bonne humeur et esprit de compétition. 🔗 **Inscription gratuite** : [S'inscrire](https://knightclubbers.com/meetup/663758?utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=social) ✨ **Des parties pour tous les niveaux** Débutant curieux ou stratège aguerri, chaque partie est l’occasion parfaite pour progresser et rencontrer d’autres passionné.e.s. 🕒 **Liberté totale – Jouez à votre rythme** Participez aux duels ou observez dans une ambiance conviviale. 🏆 **Défiez vos adversaires et grimpez au classement** Accumulez les victoires pour tenter de devenir Roi ou Reine de l’Arène. 👑 **Prêts pour le défi ?** Rejoignez Knight Clubbers et entrez dans la légende !

*🎟️ Ticket required to participate (QR code check-in)* Once a year… and only for a short moment… **Hallerbos turns into a surreal purple-blue carpet of wild flowers.** This is **one of the most beautiful natural sights in Belgium** — and we’re going to experience it together. 👉 Expect: nature, good vibes, great people, and a relaxed social atmosphere ⚠️ **This event happens only a few weeks per year and spots always fill fast** ## 🥾 The Plan - **12:30** – Optional brunch at *Time Off (Midi Station)* - **14:14** – Train from Brussels Midi - **14:24** – Arrival Halle + shuttle to Hallerbos - **Walk:** 7–9 km (easy & social pace) - **Duration:** ~2.5–3 hours (with photo & chill stops 📸) - Optional drink after 🍻 👉 You can also join directly at Hallerbos (details in WhatsApp group) ## 🌍 Who Joins? Our events bring together: - Expats 🌍 - Locals 🇧🇪 - Solo joiners (most people come alone!) 👉 **You don’t need to know anyone — you’ll meet people naturally** ## 💸 Participation **Not a member yet?** €10 Or join Sunday Vacations and save: - Explorer (starting at €5/year) → event price: €5 - Voyager (starting at €50/year) → Free - Ambassador (starting at €150/year) → Free 👉 Join here: [https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) ## ⚠️ Important - Stay on paths (bluebells are fragile 🌸) - Shoes may get muddy - Dress for Belgian weather 😄 ## 📲 WhatsApp Group Created before the event for: - live updates - exact meeting points - smooth coordination ## 🔥 Why You Should Join Because this is not just a walk. It’s one of those **“wow, I’m glad I came” moments** you remember… and the kind of people you meet make it even better. 👉 **Spots are limited — RSVP early to secure your place** **Sunday Vacations** Living the moment ✨

Hi everyone! Let’s take a walk along the Belgian coast to enjoy some fresh salty air and gaze at the horizon. We’re planning a walk of around 3 hours starting east of Ostende (Oosterover) passing De Haan and finishing in Wenduine or whenever we collectively decide to go back to the van by tram😊 Meeting point: Tournay-Solvaypark Entrance (Boitsfort Train Station) 💶 Contribution: €20 per person, which covers fuel, parking, as well as snacks and drinks along the way. Kindly complete your registration before signing up. Thank you. Yifei Yang BE12363234512492 Communication: your name+ event Group size: small and cozy — limited to 6 people ( 7 seats in the van) If you prefer to drive your own car or come by train/bus, you’re very welcome to join us as well (No need for payment) In this case, please contact the organizers.

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @ **Château Moderne**, on Saturday, is 18 April 2026, from 10:00 - 13:00. **Château Moderne will be changing its name to Radio Moderne!** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the place, you will see a long table that is set up for the event. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== *** **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I post the event on Saturday/Sunday for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder as an email or a comment on the event page on Thursday/Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the first three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON SATURDAY!** **LOCATION:** Château Moderne Mont des Arts 1 1000 Bruxelles

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * Feel free to come whether or not you’ve started or finished the book ◡̈ * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

This month we’ll be reading Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, April 22 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!