Kinderboekenbal 2026
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wo 7 okt
A ball without formal dances or long speeches. Instead, expect authors, illustrators, theatre, short films, popcorn and plenty of room to use your own imagination. Put on your most festive outfit and join us at Natlab for Eindhoven’s Kinderboekenbal on Wednesday 7 October.
Every child will attend the interactive theatre performance De Grote voor Schut Show by Theater Oortwolk and take part in one workshop of their choice. Children aged 6 to 9 will start with the performance and attend their workshop afterwards. Children aged 9 to 12 will do the programme in the opposite order.
Please note: the theatre performance and workshops are in Dutch.
DE GROTE VOOR SCHUT SHOW
Do you know that feeling just before giving a presentation at school, taking a swimming test or stepping onto a stage? The feeling that makes you wish you could press a big red button and disappear? De Grote voor Schut Show is all about stage fright and the fear of embarrassing yourself.
Two show hosts present a talent show in which the children are invited to perform. With microphones, music and a spotlight, they discover the secret of every great performer. The hosts embarrass themselves first, then it is the audience’s turn. How spectacularly can you make a fool of yourself?
CHOOSE YOUR WORKSHOP
Select one of the following workshops when booking:
Kevin Hassing: bring a story to life
Join actor and children’s author Kevin Hassing in performing a scene from De avonturen van Kareltje. Divide the roles, add sound, music and lighting and discover what it takes to transform a written story into theatre.
Simon van der Geest: Wolf Workshop
Enter the world of Wolvenweer. What kind of wolf are you? Brave, elegant, wild or perhaps a little frightened? Author and theatre teacher Simon van der Geest will teach you how to play a wolf before the group performs a short play together.
Dagmar and Margot Holtman: design a Das Droog cover
Invent a new case for Das and Lee and design the cover of their next adventure. Dagmar and Margot will help you create a story, draw animals and make a book cover that immediately grabs everyone’s attention.
Karst-Janneke Rogaar: drawing with darkness
Discover how illustrator Karst-Janneke Rogaar created the illustrations for her Silver Brush-winning book Lucy en Donker. Use charcoal, colour and an eraser to make your own imaginary cuddly toy appear from the darkness. Please bring an apron or an old shirt to protect your clothes.
Maartje Kouwen: Leaf Creatures
How does an idea become a nature book? Maartje Kouwen explains how she creates her books and why spending time outdoors makes us feel so good. Afterwards, turn leaves into your own funny creatures.
EVEN MORE TO DISCOVER
There is plenty to do between the two main parts of the programme. Dance at the silent disco, watch special short films in the cinema or visit the bookstall. You can buy new books there and have them signed by the attending authors and illustrators.
Every child receives a free glass of squash and a bag of popcorn. Parents, grandparents and other accompanying adults can attend the theatre performance free of charge. During the workshops, they are welcome to enjoy a drink in the café.
TIMETABLE
13:30: doors open
14:00 to 15:00: first programme activity
15:00 to 15:45: break
15:45 to 16:45: second programme activity
17:15: end
A ticket costs €10 and includes the theatre performance and one workshop. When booking, choose the correct age group and the workshop your child would like to attend.
The Kinderboekenbal is organised by De Boekenberg, Boekhandel Van Piere, de Bibliotheek Regio Eindhoven and Natlab.
Make it a full night out
At Natlab, you don’t just come for the film. You come for the whole evening. Start with good food in our café-restaurant, then head into the screening room, and stick around afterwards for a drink.
Our kitchen works with fresh, seasonal ingredients and a menu that moves with the moment. Lunch, dinner or drinks: join us whenever it suits you.
Come early. Stay late. Make a night of it.