Parramatta High School’s hall was filled with students, teachers and kids from other schools, authors – Paul Collins, Meredith Costain, Oliver Phommavanh, Toni Brisland, Wendy Fitzgerald, Lindy Batchelor, Wendy Orr.
Judith Ridge, recognised as one of Australia’s leading authorities on youth literature, wrote the foreward for ‘Trust me Too’ – 58 reasons to celebrate reading by some of Australia’s best loved authors and illustrators.
Wendy Orr read from her moving story ‘The Snake Singer’
Meredith Costain read her wonderful poem ‘Shoefitti’ illustrated by Grant Gittus.
It includes an Obernewtyn novelette by the interntaional best selling fantasy author Isobelle Carmody.
Everyone can dip into this anthology and discover laughs, tears, meaning, fantasy, imagination and more.
A National Year of Reading 2012 event.
Authors, illustrators, librarians, publishers …. so many people gathered to celebrate Maurice Saxby’s contribution to children’s literature.
Professor Robyn Ewing gave the keynote:- ‘Story is at the centre of what we do – imagine.’
‘A creative work remains permanently unfinished.’ Shaun Tan.
Children’s literature promotes creativity, imagination and exploration.
The inaugural Maurice Saxby lecture was the brainchild of Libby Gleeson, an Ambassador for the National Year of Reading. She was joined by other ambassadors – Chris Cheng, Libby Hathorn and me.
A national year of Reading event
It was a wonderful evening in Sydney’s heritage Mitchell Library.
The Northern branch of the Children’s Book Council is so joyous with lots of authors, librarians, readers at the Christmas.
The brilliant illustrator Kim Gamble created a Tashi artwork while Anna Feinberg read out their newest Tashi to be published next year.
Sarah Davis’ ’Sounds Spooky’ is zooming ahead with major sales. Karen Robertson has won the top position for her apps – Treasure Kai. Oliver Phommavanh has two new books coming out with Penguin in 2012. Wendy Blaxland’s Cooking series with MacMillan is cooking up a storm – sorry for my pathetic joke.
Jan Latta is back from yet another adventure crossing the globe taking wildlife photos for her Real life series of books – she’s off to China in February of course.
Jill Bruce was interviewed by Laurine Croasdale about her role as NSW judge of the CBC awards.
Jenny hale, Kate Forsyth, Lindy Batchelor, Jill Bruce, Serena Geddes, Aleesah Darlinson … and lots of other authors and illustrators there.
So many success stories.
Wendy Fitzgerald is the new President of the CBCA Northern Branch Sydney
Jampacked, with champagne flowing, the launch of Kate Forsyth’s ‘The Wildkin’s Curse’ and Belinda Murrell’s ‘The Ruby Talison’ was a celebration of sisters, their joint love of fantasy, family, friends, fans.
Their brother – another talented author, who writes business books – launched his sisters’ books with humour and love. 
Kate’s dedication to her sister Belinda is beautiful:-
‘For my sister Belinda Murrell
For listening when I need to talk
For talking when I need to listen
And for travelling the writer’s road hand in hand with me.
Belinda and Kate will be speaking at the Kids and Young Adult Literature Festival at the NSW Writers Centre on 3rd July.
British Carnegie Medal winner of young adult literature Mal Peet and USA Michael L Printz winner of young adult literature M T Anderson were funny, warm, engaging as they spoke to the Children’s Book Council dinner at The Hughenden Boutique Hotel.
Carnegie Medal Award winner Mal Peet
Michael Printz Prize winner M T Anderson
Authors Kate Forsyth, Wendy Blaxland, Sue Whiting, Maureen Johnson, Sandy Fussell, Margaret Roc, Lindy Batchelor, Jan Latta and others as well as John Cohen Editor of Reading Time , Judith Ridge youth literature office for Western Sydney and many fans celebrated.
Susanne Gervay, Carole Keeble CBC President, Jessica Francis CBC
- The GONG fans & authors
Jan Latta and Wendy Blaxland
