By: Susanne Gervay,
on 4/15/2012
Writers and illustrators from around Australia and New Zealand are coming together with great Australian publishers and
NSW Writers Centre
Copyright Agency Limited CAL
SCBWI leadership
to celebrate the vibrant children’s book industry in all its delivery ways – from print, illustration, picture books, e-books ….
SCBWI Conference blogspot has been launched today – see what’s happening.
http://scbwiaustnzconferenceblog2012.blogspot.com.au/
supporting Room to Read and National Year of Reading
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 3/30/2012
Love talking to the fantastic kids around Australia as
an Ambassador of the National Year of Reading, Ambassador for Room to Read and as a writer.
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 10/1/2011
Sarah Davis’ spooky model of the haunted house was centre stage at the launch of ‘Sounds Spooky’, a brilliant picture book illustrated by Sarah Davis and written by Christopher Cheng.
Maurice Saxby gave a wonderful reading of Sounds Spooky celebrating the originality of the book’s design, unique three dimensional models created by Sarah and the spooky words of Chris.
Publisher and former President of the CBCA Margaret Hamilton, illustrator Serena Geddes, author Wendy Fitzgerald, librarians, children and friends came to celebrate. People crowed into Better Read than Dead Bookshop in Newtown and we all partied.
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 12/9/2011
I LOVE MonkeyBaa Theatre.
Tim MacGarry, Sandra Eldridge and Eva Di Cesare, the Directors of Monkey Baa Theatre are creative, passionate and have done a brilliant job adapting Australian children’s lietrature for the stage.
Their adaptation of Jackie French’s ‘Hitler’s Daughter’ will be touring North America next year.
Next year opens with Tim Winton’s Bugalugs – it’s booked across Australia.
However the piece de la resistance is the adaptation of Duncan Ball’s ‘Emily Eyefinger – it was magic – the comedy, the digital support and animation enhancing the talented actors. Of course Tim McGarry (who plays my JACK in ‘I AM JACK’) was the star to me – he was hilarious. They were all great and played to full houses.
The Christmas party was fun with cast members, production manager Sam Johnston (who did I AM JACK – love Sam), the Monkey Baa team. board members and of course … actors. Love them all.
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 1/28/2012
Looking forward to a year where we can be part of a world community promoting literacy in developing counties like Room to Read – www.roomtoread.org or in Australia like Books in Homes www.biha.org.au
It’s the National Year of Reading which is launched February 14 in libraries across Australia. Call your library and find out how you can celebrate.
I’ll be at the State Library in Macquarie Street Sydney as an Ambassador for the National Year of Reading.
The Cancer Council’s Relay for Life is a community celebration of those living with cancer and working towards its eradication. Join in – walk the circuit, barbecue those sausages, enjoy the bands and festivities in your local area.
Writers can pursue their inspirations – participate in your Writers Centre, Children’s Book Council, SCBWI – see the meetings across Australia.
I’ll be running the SCBWI events at The Hughenden Hotel in Sydney and am Festival Director of the Kids and young Adult Literature Festival 30th June at the NSW Writers Centre – come along.
Support the brilliant Monkey Baa Theatre which adapts the best in Australian children’s literature – www.monkeybaa.com.au
The Alannah & Madeline Foundation working against school bullying – love them.
So many fantastic things to do, enjoy and celebrate.
Let’s make 2012 count.
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 2/6/2012
Supporters, writers and friends piled into The Hughenden to celebrate the contributions of Australian volunteers to Room to Read – www.roomtoread.org – bringing literacy and education to the children of the developing world.
To date Room to Read has reached 6 million children in countries from Nepal to Uganda.
John Wood founder of Room to Read established it 11 years ago, He is in Sydney for the great GALA Wine event which raised $1 million for Room to Read.
Jennie Orchard who founded the Australian branch of Room to Read and the author ambassador programme was celebrating.
Deborah Abela and Susanne Gervay are author ambassadors for Room to Read.
SCBWI Australia and New Zealand supports Room to Read
The Hughenden supports Room to Read.
Apps creator and writer Karen Robertson who was at The Hughenden, is creating an app for Room to Read for the picture book Zak the Yak created by John Wood.
Author Mark Thomason hs committed to write the next Zak the Yak picture book.
Room to Read is now a partner for The National Year of Reading 2012.
Authors and illustrators supporting Room to read at the event included Margaret Roc, Aleesah Darlinson, Nathan Luff, Lesley Vamos, Sarah Davis, Chris Cheng, Oliver Phommavanh and lots more.
Support the kids of the world through education
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By: Susanne Gervay,
on 5/6/2011
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.
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By: Susanne Gervay,
on 6/14/2011
The Queen’s Honours list – I am overwhelmed and teary by this honour from my country.
I’ve set up a special file for the beautiful congratulations, emails, phone calls, letters …
Thankyou to my friends across Australia and the world.
Special thankyou to Society of Children’s Book Illustrators and Writers SCBWI - states across USA, Hong Kong, Scotland, Singapore … to India – for your messages.
Thankyou to Room to Read, the NSW Writers Centre, the Children’s Writers * Illustrators Network at The Hughenden, the school librarian’s network … and family and friends.
Feel embraced by your all. THANKYOU.
LOVE YOU ALL!.
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By: Susanne Gervay,
on 6/16/2011
Yesterday I was part of the Cancer Council’s photo shoot for their Pink Ribbon Day – with kids, babies, young women, old women, guys – it was great fun and something close to my heart as a multiple breast cancer survivor and author of ’Always Jack’ that carries the Cancer Council’s logo – the yellow daffodil.
SUPPORT the Cancer Council’s Pink Ribbon Day in October.
http://www.pinkribbonday.com.au
Beautiful congratulations are coming from all over Australia & the world.
Thankyou to HarperCollins Australia for the stunning bouquet of flowers.
Thankyou to the organisations I advocate for – the NSW Writers Centre, Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People, Room to Read, CBCA, the Children’s & Illustrators Network (at the Hughenden), SCBWI, Books in Homes, Cancer Council …
Thankyou to my very funny friends – who think an OAM is hilarious and keep courtseying and sending me cards with OAM.
Thankyou Australia for the OAM!!!!
Thankyou for SCBWI – the messages are coming from everywhere.
As the child of post war refugees, my parents with my baby brother, left everything to escape Hungary across minefields in the dead of night, for freedom. In the Austrian refugee camp, they hoped a country would take them.
They wanted to be chosen by the USA, but it was Australia who offered them home. They didn’t know what or where Australia was, except it was far away from war, communism and imprisonment.
They came on a refugee ship, without language, possessions, community, but with hope. Like many, they rebuilt their lives in a new country. It is the story of America, Canada, UK …. many countries.
It’s hard to believe that as the child of refugees, I have been awarded an Order of Australia. It is overwhelming and deeply meaningful.
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By: Dianne Hofmeyr,
on 6/17/2011
There are some incredible athletes amongst our ABBA bloggers but if scaling Everest only happens in your dreams, read on – Just a few weeks ago on 14th May, a friend of mine, Rob Hart, made the summit and raised $15 000 in sponsorship for the Room to Read Project in South Africa and for building a school in Nepal. The trip took seven weeks, starting in Kathmandu on March 30th, and ending there on May 17th.
The ‘getting down alive’ part is brought grimly home when they came across a Japanese climber who’d died two days before. ‘Apparently he had got hypothemia, become disorientated and when his sherpa tried to help him, he became aggressive and pulled off his goggles, and so they had to leave him. He was still attached to the rope, looking like a wax model, and just a few meters off that path, so we cut him loose and retied the rope so that climbers could continue to use the fixed line.’
‘A quick 9 hour slog up the mountain and I am on top of the world. As you can see I was tired enough to want to sit down. With only 2 of us up there it was impossible to hold the flag out properly - Mike took 3 photo's of me with my flag with his hands out of the gloves in -20C, and this is
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 8/12/2011
‘When you educate a girl, you educate a family that includes that girl’s future children, her comunity, her nation and the world.’
Room to Read’s girls’ education programme is now educating nearly 11,000 girls in 8 developing countries -Laos, India, Zambia, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Nepal, Bangladesh.
As an author ambassador for Room to Read, I support education as the real way to fight poverty. Reaching girls, means we will reach boys and community.
The Hughenden Hotel Woollahra, supports Room to Read – their menu includes a Book Menu where all books sales go to Room to Read.
Erin Ganju, co founder and CEO of Room to Read spoke at the Sydney event raising awareness of their Girls’ Education Programme. Jeni Orchard has taken Room to Read to Australia inspiring corporates and the ordinary person to make a difference with Room to Read.
Meg Lee, who I’ve known since a little girl, is a co-chair of the Mallesons Stephen Jacques Room to Read, Power of Ten Committee raising funds for girls’ education. I’m really proud of Meg.
Such a wonderful supporter night, with soprano Katie Connor singing movingly, together with young musicians for the Australian Youth Orchestra.
SUPPORT ROOM TO R
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By: Susanne Gervay,
on 9/16/2011
The sun was shining, Government House was a gracious reminder of the past, the gardens flowering for the investiture of Australians for their contributions to Australia.
We sat in the sumptuous sitting room, as guests gathered for the ceremony. It was inspiring to hear the contribution of so many awarded decorations for courage, extraordinary services in fields as varied as medical, business, government, social justice …. and of course my very special Order of Australia (OAM) for children’s literature and professional organisations.
My wonderful children were there which made it doubly special.
Thankyou to my friends who sent me letters, emails, gifts.
Thankyou to the organisations who are part of my life that supported this award – Room to Read, The NSW Writers Centre, SCBWI, CBCA, MonkeyBaa Theatre and many others.
It was a time where I reflected on my parents’ journey as refugees to Australia. I know they were there with me. We had lunch at 21 Double Bay where my father took me as a girl to share Hungarian dishes, laugh and share stories.
I carried a private momento of my parents with me today.
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 9/17/2011
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.
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 9/24/2011
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
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 6/7/2010
Love Room to Read - thankyou Pam Cook who coordinates the Kids and Room to Read programme
ROOM TO READ has its 10th anniversary at the State Library Sydney
- for its 10,000th library build in developing countries
Join in the celebrations with patrons Melina Marchetta, Deborah Abela and Me
- email Pam Cook and book on e: pe_cook@hotmail.com
It’s FREE & your’e all welcome!!!!
Loved speaking to the Sutherland Teacher-Librarians - thankyou to Cecilie Yates who coordinates the Sutherland Shire Teacher Librarians Network.
How beautiful are these scenes of Cronulla Beach.
It was rewarding sharing the inside story of my books with the Professional Learning Day at Cronulla Beach.
Spoke about My JACK books especially ‘Always Jack’ is coming out October 2010 from Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Also talked about ‘That’s Why I Wrote This Song’ with the music and lyrcis by my daughter Tory.
They laughed at the video clip of ‘Psycho Dad’ by Tory that drives my young adult novel.
Enjoy the video clip on my youtube channel – www.youtube.com/user/sgervay
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 7/12/2010
Pre-launch run at The Hughenden Cafe Restaurant with
- Courtney Severini jazz singer working with the piano tuner on the baby grand
- Kat Medina Head Chef preparing for the opening
-Jules Sevelson portrait artist whose painting of Barry Humphreys is a signature of The Hughenden
- thankyou to Jennie Orchard for being one of our first diners
Jennie heads Room to Read one of my favourite charities – all kids have the right to read – support Room to Read and give hope to the world www.roomtoread.org
- 
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 7/15/2010
SUPPORT ROOM TO READ & THE KIDS OF THE WORLD
Where? Kirribilli Club
Time: 6.30pm
Date: Thursday 22 July.
Launch: John Wood’s new children’s book, Zak the Yak with Books on his Back
FREE COPY OF ZAK THE ZAK to everyone attending
Room to Read Ambassadors: Tristan Bancks, Deborah Abela and Susanne Gervay speaking about Room to Read bringing literacy to the kids of the developing world
- buy their books, get them signed, and 15% goes to Room to Read
Bookseller: Paul MacDonald from The Children’s Bookshop in Beecroft
Contact: Email your attendance to Debbie Cairns, Sydney@roomtoread.com
Room to read: www.roomtoread.org
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 7/23/2010
Deborah Abela gave a vivacious reading of John Wood’s kids’ book - Zac the Yak.
Zac the Yak is sending the message from Room to Read that kids in the developing world need books and the right to read. That’s the way to end poverty and change the world.
Tristan Banks gave a terrific speech about all the ways we can help Room to Read from joining their City to Surf team to joining the charity ball ….
Illustrator Gus Gordon joined in and there were lots of other authors and supporters. Even though I was a little late due to Sydney Harbour Bridge traffic, I made it for the speeches. It was a great night.
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By: Susanne Gervay,
on 8/25/2010
Nearly on the plane to Fiji, then flying to the capital of Kiribati -Tarawa – on the equator.
It’s a Pacific Calling Delegation including Patrick Dodson father of reconcilation, Phil Glendenning human rights advocate and Director of the Edmund Rice Centre, Tom Zubrycki award winning film maker - www.tomzubrycki.com.
The world is so small – apologies for cliche – Tom met my cousin Ruth Balint (also a documentary film maker) for coffee a few days ago.
Our delegation shared dinner last night in preparation to start our 8 day mission on Monday.
My purpose: As a kids and YA author who writes to gives choices to young people, and as an ambassador for Room to Read bringing literacy to kids in the developing world, I’m on a fact finding mission.
I’ll try to report from Kiribati.
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 9/24/2010
Special Event for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Author Susanne Gervay
Shares her story about the effect of cancer on families
| For bookings and more information: |
www.library.act.gov.au or phone 6205 9000
|
Thursday 14 October 2010 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm Woden Library FREE Bookings Essential Join author Susanne Gervay at Woden Library and discover her insightful and inspiring story Always Jack, a story that highlights the challenges that face children when their mothers are diagnosed with cancer. Always Jack uses humour and warmth to break down the taboos surrounding cancer and encourage parents, teachers and children to discuss the subject openly. About Susanne Gervay: A multiple breast cancer survivor herself, she faced cancer when her children were six and nine; when they were teenagers; and again just recently, so she has firsthand experience of how difficult a cancer diagnosis can be on children. An award winning author, specialist in child growth and development, nationally and internationally recognised for writing stories on social justice from school bullying to burns. Her books are endorsed by Room to Read, Alannah & Madeline Foundation, Life Education, The Children’s Hospital Westmead, and The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). Susanne is passionate about reaching kids, parents, schools, and the community and as a result, is donating a percentage of book sales of Always Jack to the Cancer Council and the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre. Books will be available for sale at this event, and Susanne will be happy to sign them for you.
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.
They loved Australia and were always grateful to find a home where they could rebuild their lives and where their children would be safe. Other ambassadors include:- Writers – Thomas Keneally, Libby Hathorn, Bryce Courtney, Maurice Saxby Sports people – Mike York Captain of the Australian Hockey Team, Dean Widden Rugby player, Parramatta Eeels, Mal Melinga Rugby League icon Singers – Marcia Hines, David Campbell, Angry Anderson Journalists and TV personalities – Ita Buttrose, Belinda Green Miss World, Don Burke People who have changed the world – Gough Whitlan former Prime Minister, Clary Castrission Founder of 40K creating eduction for poor Indian children, Ian Keirnan Founder of Clean Up Australia, Dick Smith Human Rights, leaders in all fields – Police, Law, Indigenous ….. I’ll be going to the country over the Australia Day weekend. I could even be the speaker at a Citizenship ceremony. Imagine that! THANKYOU Australia!!!!
I’m flying by charter plane from Sydney on the 25th January, then it’s all day celebrations on 26th January. I will be making citizenship presentations at the Australia Day Breakfasts across the Wakool Shire. Recipients of Wakool Shire Council Citizenship Awards are: Citizen of the Year – Mrs Peg Watts, Moulamein Junior Citizen of the Year – Mr Jackson Spinks, Kyalite Sportsperson of the Year – Mrs Ivy Siely, Tooleybuc Bowling Club Community Event of the Year – Wakool Fishing Classic There will be flag raising ceremonies, official presentations The 2011 Ambassador Program is proudly sponsored by Woolworths. Australia Day is about celebrating ‘our land and reflecting on our diversity, remarkable achievements and bright future.’ For more information on the Wakool Day Australia Day celebrations :- There’s Australia Day celebrations everywhere. It’s the first time I’ll be missing the Australia Day Aussie barbecue at The Hughenden Woollahra – but everyone is welcome to drop by there and wave a flag – say hello, while I’ll be saying hello to our fabulous country Aussies in Wakool! The GM at The Hughenden is from Wakool – how kool is that!!!
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!
I loved speaking at All Saints - the authors, creators, teachers, kids … it was about friendship, sharing story, inspiring young people and old. I came home to beautiful fan mail and comments from All Saints. I was moved when a parent-teacher sought me out after my talk on I AM JACK & School Bullying. She said that after hearing me speak, she’d shared time with her son and they’d talked about bullying in a real way. TEARY moment for me – because I’d been there with my son bullied and he couldn’t get me to hear him. Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People is performing I AM JACK at a theatre in the Seymour , Sydney. Dates: October 26 – November 4th. Bookings: admin@monkeybaa.com.au; ph: 02 9351 7938 If you have a chance check out the youtube preview of Monkey Baa’s on my youtube channel: www.youtube.com/user/sgervay Monkey baa is also performing Duncan Ball’s joyous Emily Eyefinger – touring starts in July. I Am Jack published by Tricycle (imprint RandomHouse USA), published by HarperCollins Australia; and translated into Korea, Bahasa, Vietnamese and Slovenia |
I'm fascinated by mountain climbers, while being a complete wuss who's terrified of heights myself. And what a brilliant cause! Awful, the story of the disorientated Japanese climber. Thanks, Di!
Refreshing! You always bring us amazing high skies, pure waves and nature at her most uncontaminated and challenging, Dianne. I can tell it's one of your blogs just from the picture. Your friend, and Room to Read, are wonderful.
Thanks Sue and Michelle... sorry not to have followed up before but a few hours ago flew over your home city Michelle lying like a jasper stone in the midst of all that water. I've been in Le Marche & the flight back flies directly over Venice. Incredible to see such detail from the air... tried to imagine you there! And then found youe comment on return.
Wow!
Leslie
What a beautiful account of an extraordinary event. The last picture makes me cry. Thank you Di. xx Vanessa
One of my very favorite programs at RtR, is their “Local Language Publishing.” They found, after having built many schools and libraries around the poorest countries in the developing world, that the literacy rate was not improving as much as they expected. By digging deeper, they realized that it was because of the books! A child in a rural, poor, mountain region of Nepal (or Sri Lanka, Vietnam, etc…) does not identify with “Curious George Goes to The Fire Station” or “Cat in the Hat”. The storybooks that filled the newly built libraries had no cultural relevance to these children and also, they were in English. Now, RtR is the LARGEST publisher of local language children’s books – they have more than 553 original titles – in languages that no one else would ever publish in – and they use local artisans, authors, in order to create new, culturally-relevant children’s book and it also helps fuel the local economy – The LLP program operates in eight RtR countries (Cambodia, India, Laos, Nepal, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Vietnam and so far publishes in 25 different languages.
I have many of these books at home as I use them to show potential donors when talking about RtR. If you have children, or have ever read to a child, you will know what pure joy reading can be when a child has a favorite book. In my home, “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson is a book we ALL love and reading it with our children is a amazingly fun! It is great that RtR lets us give children who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity, the ability to have a favorite book too!
ps - Thank you Di! xx