Unleash your class’s imagination with this active workshop with map and creative writing activities inspired by traditional stories from the North. Developed by the Portico Library with acclaimed author Marie Basting.

You’ll begin by introducing your class to some of the mischievous folk who appear in traditional tales commonly told in the North. Meet characters like Will-O-The-Wisp, and Wag-at-the-Wa who preside over marshlands and roaring fires, and discover the comedic mischief of the Mancunian Boggarts.

Explore maps from different stories and think of your favourites, before making your own map to show where these mischievous creatures might live (world building activity).

Use your map to inspire and write the opening to your own fantasy adventure story featuring your favourite mischievous creatures.Teachers can continue this exercise in subsequent lessons.