- Elohim – a small school offering hope to the children of the dust in Arequipa Peru – Susi Prescott - you are a light
- Room to Read bringing education to the children of the developing world – Jennie Orchard -you are a light
- 40K building schools and reducing poverty in India – my cousin Les Szekely - you are a light
- Rotary Sydney Cove -bringing services to the Solomon Islands- Thomas and Megan Gervay – you are a light
- Cambodian Children’s Trust – breaking the cycle of poverty of children in Cambodia -Tara Winkler – you are a light
- Monkey Baa Theatre – bringing theatre to indigenous, disadvantaged & young people across Australia & the world – Tim McGarry, Eva Di Cesare, Sandie Eldrige - you are a light
www.elohimschool.org, www.roomtoread.org, www.40k.com.au, www.sydneycoverotary.com, www.cambodianchildrenstrust.org, www.monkeybaa.com.au
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Thankyou to the kids and teachers of Central Coast Adventist School for loving I Am Jack and my JACKS!
‘I Am Jack’ is a core study at the Adventist School for a term. As I entered the library, it felt like I was welcomed by friends. The warmth of the kids and teachers was a special way to end nearly 2 months on this Book writing tour.
It was so much fun driving with my daughter Tory from Sydney to the Central Coast especially since my GPS went crazy.
We ended up at this Buddhist Cafe and gallery set amongst rolling hills and the green countryside. Beautiful. Then I got to speak to this fantastic kids on their last day before school holidays.
As an ambassador for the National Year of Reading 2012, love speaking to kids and promoting books – next year is going to be a major one – log onto and have fun:- www.love2read.org.au
I drive towards The Southport School at Southport on the Gold Coast Queensland. The skies are sparkling blue, the sun bright and the sprawling fields the green of spring.
I had the pleasure of meeting Stewart Eglington again, a brilliant teacher and educator who two years ago took The Southport boys to MonkeyBaa Theatre’s ’I Am Jack’ which was the feature event of the Somerset Celebration of Literature Festival.
In my 29 years of teaching that (I Am Jack) was the most powerful and moving experience that dealt with bullying in an honest open yet sensitive manner.
Stewart Eglington.
Coordinator of Students and Staff
The Southport School – Preparatory School
I spotted Stewart when I saw boys running towards him. They had things to tell him and share the education experience. When I asked if they’d like a photo with Stewart, there was a rush and crush.
Such great teachers – a special thanks to Mr Mac and librarian Deborah Schinckel and all the staff for the warm welcome.
It is such a special experience when a school embraces my JACK series where I invite readers to come into my home and life.
There’s something romantic about Teddy’s Library in historic Olesnica. With nearly 7500 children’s books in Glowinski’s Library, in different languages from 88 countries, children and parents have access to the world culture of books.
I’ve donated from time to time my books. Teddy just sent me this photo of his grand daughter Daria holding ‘Jamie’s A Hero’ – my first book. I’m reminded to post some books next week to the Glowinski Library.
Daria wants to be a librarian like her grandfather. I find it touching.
As an author Ambassador of Room to Read with my writing friends like Deborah Abela, Markus Zusak, Libby Hathorn, Tristan Bancks, we can change the world through books and literacy.
Teddy’s library is doing that there in his small corner of the world.
Thankyou Teddy.
http://glowinski.olesnica.pl/
LOVED catching up with author friends from everywhere. Some favourite moments:-
Deborah Abela and Tony Park joking around – adventure African ex-soldier author meets one of my favourite authors Deb Abela
Tristan Bancks was hilarious on the Books for Boys panel except - yuk to his ‘scab’ story!
Maggie Hamilton really makes a difference empowering boys (and girls) – love beautiful Maggie – and when will she give me Reiki again? Maggie has magic healing hands.
Andrew Daddo’s story of writing his 1st book had everyone in stitches.
Dinner at the Hughenden with fabulous award winning Lucy Christopher for his first book – international best seller ‘Stolen’.
Libby Hathorn - so funny dining at the Hughenden when the next table whispers – ‘Is that Libby Hathorn? We named a class at Australia Street Public School Newtown after her!’ The Mum was thrilled to see Libby. She’s a brilliant author.
So good to catch up with Tim Pegler from Melbourne – cutting edge YA novellist.
Special to chat to Isabelle Carmody who has flown in from Prague for the festival. She says she’ll be back in Australia in a couple of years.
Newington Literature festival is raising funds for Room to Read – bringing literature to the kids of the developing world.
As an author ambassador for Room to Read, I think Newington is fantastic.
Thankyou to Sean Corcoran Head of English for supporting Room to Read a Newington College charity and to Newington College for embracing Room to Read!
Authors & Illustrators network at The Hughenden Hotel in Sydney’s heritage Paddington-Woollahra, where they share publishing, festival, writing news – offering support when there’s a rejection or celebration with a new book, leads for new work, humour and lots of coffee and friendship.
Open to all published authors & illustrators – just turn up and you’ll be welcomed.
It meets the first Wednesday of every month (except January) 10.30-12.30 with optional lunch at The Hughenden. For directions - www.thehughenden.com.au
Christmas Network – celebrations and Christmas cheer – 10.30-12.30 – need to book for brunch $15 – just respond to contact here.
