Arty Farty

Recommended for ages 8+Ryan McNaught also known as “The Brickman” has a world of experience with LEGO! What is his favourite colour to build in? How many lego blocks does he have at home? Where does he get his ideas? In this fun conversation, we talk about The Brickman's career, what inspires him, his creative process and about building the Lego Opera House.

Recommended for ages 8+Sami Bayly is a young natural history illustrator and has released 5 books including 3 illustrated encyclopaedias. In this conversation, we talk to her about her encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals, her career so far and how she got into drawing. She also discusses the environment - the impact of climate change on animals and what we can do to protect our planet.

Recommended for ages 9+Karlie Noon is a Gamilaroi astronomer and science communicator. For the last ten years she has been working in promoting Indigenous astronomical knowledge systems and advocating for women in STEM. During this insightful conversation, Karlie shares her story and explains some of the principles of Indigenous Astronomy.

Recommended for ages 8+Cristy Burne and Denis Knight are co-authors to the book series Wednesday Weeks, a series that blends fantasy and science. A young sorcerer's apprentice changes when her grandpa is captured by a goblin king! She is forced to embrace her magical heritage and use her love for science to save her grandpa! In this conversation, Cristy and Denis encourage kids to write stories, to not to give up on doing things they love even when they fail. They also explore the crossover between fantasy and science.

Recommended for ages 9+Dr Karl, popular science communicator, answers some of of Australia's students burning questions - how much does the sky weigh? How does the multiverse work? How can lizards regrow body parts? Could you survive in a falling lift if you jump as it hits the ground? Dr Karl offers insights into these questions and more, plus shares his four messages of hope for the future.

Join us for a creative conversation with one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors Andy Griffiths. We will hear about his inspirations, writing habits and favourite tricks for creating his award winning stories. Andy and illustrator Terry Denton have collaborated on more than 33 bestselling books and their phenomenal, award-winning Treehouse series is published in more than 35 countries.-Watch other children and family videos on Stream. The new streaming service from the Sydney Opera House. Register for free now and start watching.Follow the Sydney Opera House on: Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Join Melbourne-based writer, artist and poet Maxine Beneba Clarke, whose award-winning books include Wide Big World, The Patchwork Bike and Fashionista – a celebration of self-expression. Maxine is an Australian writer of Afro-Caribbean heritage whose stories embrace individuality and celebrate differences and diversity by using the natural wonders of the world.In this digital interactive discussion, Maxine will share her inspiration for becoming a storyteller, her experience growing up black in Australia and her passion for words, books and libraries. Maxine also offers tips and insights for budding authors and illustrators on creating stories and multi-media illustrations.-Watch other children and family videos on Stream. The new streaming service from the Sydney Opera House. Register for free now and start watching.Follow the Sydney Opera House on: Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Hear from Li Cunxin AO, author of Mao’s Last Dancer and Artistic Director of the QLD Ballet. His memoir tells the story of adapting to change and overcoming adversity.Li was born in China and was selected to study at Beijing Dance Academy, upon his graduation, he received a cultural exchange scholarship to America.  Li subsequently became principal dancer with Houston Ballet and then The Australian Ballet and won multiple prestigious dance awards. He retired from dancing in 1999 and made a successful career transition from ballet into finance.-Watch other children and family videos on Stream. The new streaming service from the Sydney Opera House. Register for free now and start watching.Follow the Sydney Opera House on: Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.