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Visit Thanet Logo (3) Visit Thanet
Destinations
  • Margate
  • Insider's Guide to Margate Cliftonville
  • Broadstairs
  • Ramsgate
  • Villages
  • Seasonal Coast
  • Green & Sustainable Thanet
  • Our Coast
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  • Coastal Explorers
  • Coastal Education Resources
  • Beach Group Visits
  • History and Heritage
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  • Literary Heroes
Things to Do
  • See and Do
  • Latest Attraction Opening Hours
  • Find Attractions
  • Entertainment
  • Arts and Culture
  • Galleries and Studios Turner and Margate Kent’s Creative Isle of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate
  • Shopping and Markets
  • Family Fun
  • Escape Rooms
  • Experiences
  • Active and Outdoors
  • Cycling at the Coast Walking the Isle of Thanet It’s all about the Golf Sightseeing Boat and Fishing Trips Sea Swimming and Saunas
  • Coastal Wellness
  • Yoga
  • Parks
  • Seasonal Coast
  • Make a Digital Discovery
  • Audio Thanet
  • Did You Know
  • Creative Isle Community Rail Partnership
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Stay & Eat
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  4. Kids' Author Event: Lanisha Butterfield & 'We Can Be Mermaids' - Happy Reading Bookshop 11/04/26
Happy Reading Children's Bookshop
Web Links Location Pricing Local station Broadstairs

Kids' Author Event: Lanisha Butterfield & 'We Can Be Mermaids'- at Happy Reading Bookshop

11th April 2026
The Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop

Join award-winning Children's author Lanisha Butterfield ('Flower Block') for a joyful and empowering celebration of her picture book 'We Can Be Mermaids'!

Session 1: 11am - 11.45am

Session 2: 1pm - 1.45pm

Ages 3+

Dive into a heartfelt story about dreams, determination, and the magic of the water…

'We Can Be Mermaids' follows Silver, who dreams of becoming a mermaid but worries about leaving her dad behind when he can’t swim. Through imagination, love, and a special surprise, Silver learns that she should never give up on her dreams.

About 'We Can Be Mermaids'...

An uplifting and empowering story about the joy of swimming and following our dreams. Swimming should be for everyone, but it's reported that 95% of Black adults and 80% of Black children in the UK cannot swim. This important and joyful story demonstrates the freedom and excitement of swimming, empowering little ones to pursue their passions without fear.

Beautifully written by Lanisha Butterfield, with stunning illustrations by Raissa Figueroa, this is a story to inspire confidence, imagination and courage.

About Lanisha Butterfield...
Lanisha Butterfield is a children’s author, poet and passionate advocate for representation and confidence in the water. A swimming (and mermaid!) enthusiast herself, she creates stories that inspire children to dream boldly and believe in themselves.

At this cosy, creative session, children will:

✨ Enjoy a lively interactive storytime with Gabby Dawnay
🎨 Take part in fun, book-based creative activities
💬 Have the chance to ask questions about stories, rhyme and creativity
🎶 Celebrate confidence, self-expression and the joy of performance

Whether your child loves dancing, storytelling, or simply joining in with a good story, this welcoming event is designed to spark imagination, movement and joy.

Book Tickets

Important Information:

  • Suitable for children aged 3+
  • Event duration: approx. 45 minutes
  • Ticket price: £5 per child (includes a hardback copy of the book, usually £12.99)
  • Booking is essential — spaces are limited!
  • The bookshop is on the first floor, accessed via a flight of stairs.
  • Children will sit for the reading, then move to a play/craft table for activities. All materials are provided and age-appropriate.
  • Adults may stay for the event (limited seating available) or relax with a coffee and pastry downstairs in STAPLE.
  • If you can’t attend, please notify the Bookshop to allow another family to take your place.
  • Photos may be taken for social media (backs of heads only). Please say at the start of the session if you prefer your child not to be included.

Tickets and Pricing

£5 per child (includes hardback copy of the book)

Book now

Location

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Address

Kids' Author Event: Lanisha Butterfield & 'We Can Be Mermaids' - Happy Reading Bookshop 11/04/26 Happy Reading Children's Bookshop, Upstairs at Staple, 30a Reading Street, Broadstairs
CT10 3AZ

Contact

07519 758232

Links

  • Website
Book now
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