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The Quakers have a long history of tolerance and commitment to peace, so it was special to enter this very old school near Union Square in New York.

‘Torture is a Moral Issue’ was draped across their prayer hall

It was PEACE WEEK at the school and my visit was a relevant adjunct to it.

I shared ‘Ships in the Field’ with students and teachers and the journey of refugees to rebuild their lives in new ‘fields’.

I shared the deep honour as the child of refugees whose parents came to a new country with memories of war and communism, to receive an Order of Australia for services to children’s literature:-

from parents who worked in factories, sharing one room, without language, to standing in our Government House with all its pomp and splendeur.

‘Ships in the Field’ is such a beautiful picture book.

Anna Pignataro the illustrator’s journey was the same as mine, and so many others.

The children at the Quaker School identified with the story as so many of their families made that journey through Ellis Island to find home in the USA.

Thankyou to Constance Vidor the Head of Library Services for welcoming me to this caring school.

New York, New York, New York – hope it’s not too freezing. I’m wearing thongs!.

I was there last time to speak at the World Burn Congress about ‘Butterflies’ & was on the faculty with the amazing Kim Phuc UNESCO Ambassador for Peace.

My itinerary:-

Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Conference with JULIE ANDREWS – Sound of Music

and our very own brilliant Shaun Tan

and meeting my writing and illustrating friends from across the world.

Lecturing at Friends Seminary on Ships in the Field in New York

Then it’s off to Salisbury University Maryland who are studying my books- this great university supports international books and I get to catch up with Professors Ernest Bond and Patricia Dean.

Then 10 days  of speaking in Seattle hosted by Publisher Kane Miller’s Tabitha Roach. Thankyou Tabitha.

What a trip!