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It’s true. You can’t deny it. Freya Blackwood‘s art is so exquisite that whether it’s for a Christmas or birthday gift, or a ‘just because I want it’ gift, every household should own a piece of her talent. And of course, coupling with superb artists of writing makes purchasing decisions all that much easier. Two […]

In an unprecedented achievement, illustrator Freya Blackwood has won three of the five categories in the 2015 Children’s Book Council of Australia awards. In the past few years Freya has generally been shortlisted two or three times but this year all of her shortlisted books are winners. Her partnership with incomparable children’s writer, Libby Gleeson […]

A true master of her craft is one that writes to elicit a multi-sensory experience from the very sight and sound of her words. She makes you feel, she makes you ponder, she creates suspense, excitement, and sorrow. All aimed to tug at your heartstrings, and all equally gratifying. The acclaimed multi award-winning author that […]

I’m flying back from the USA Convention where I launched ‘I AM JACK’ in the USA, to celebrate and network a the fabulous, fantastic, favourite – SCBWI Australia & New Zealand Conference in Sydney.

It’s going to be amazing with:-

- the best illustrator showcase ever with the best and brightest

- the best publishers and top agents

- amazing authors and illustrators

- NSW Writers Centre Kids and YA Literature Festival

-pitching and partying

and Meredith Costain author extraordinaire at the baby grand on Saturday night- bring allow your best singing

It’s a conferences of STARS – delegates and speakers !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Partner of National year of Reading – NSW Writers Centre and SCBWI with ambassadors of National year of Reading 2012 – Hazel Edwards, Deborah Abela, Frane Lessac, libby Gleeson, Christopher Cheng and Susanne Gervay.

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.

Maurice Saxby AM is one of the significant people in the development of children’s literature in Australia.

The inaugural lecture where Maurice will be speaking will be important.

It’s a National Year of Reading 2012 event.

Date: Thursday 1st May

State Library Sydney NSW

Bookings are open:-

Ph: 02 9818 3858

or email

[email protected]

Margaret Wild is a leading Australian children’s author. She has more than 70 picture books  with so many awards that I’ve lost count.

The adaptation of her brilliant multi award winning  picture book FOX illustrated by Ron Brooks and adapated into an opera by Monkey Baa Theatre www.monkeybaa.com.au was one of the great experiences of theatre.

The Lady Cutler Award gift of an illustration by the beautiful illustrator Julie Vivas will be deeply loved.

Edward Coffey who established the Lady Cutler Award which was sponsored by Hodder Publishers spoke about the importance of recognising those who contribute to children’s literature.

In 2011 Edward Coffey Chairman of  Peribo www.peribo.com.au has become the new sponsor.

Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell award winning fantasy authors spoke about their great-great-great-great mother who wrote the first Australian book ‘A Mother’s Offering’

It’s a glorious Sydney day with boats on the glittering harbour abuzz with publishers, authors, speakers, readers,writers and enthusiasts.

Doesn’t matter how busy I am, I always get down to the Wharf to mix and mingle. It’s the Sydney Writers Festival after all.

I love meeting my colleagues and friends who stay at The Hughenden. Had dinner with my HarperCollins publisher Lisa Berryman; catching up with the talented author Elizabeth Stead who’s staying there as always. Love Elizabeth Stead. Love her books too ….

I get to catch up with heaps of writers in the literary  meeting place of Sydney.

Libby Gleeson has just been recognised for her contribution to the literary world with a lifetime achievement award in the NSW Premier’s Literary Award.

Libby was totally surprised by  the announcement at the plush dinner. Maybe she should have guessed when she was put at the head table between NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and the Minister for Arts George Souris.

James Roy is excited about his trip to Germany later this year as his book ‘The Town’ is short listed for the German Youth Prize – very exciting.

Sooooo…………………….. good Libby and James.

I had lunch with Candice Bruce, a school friend who is going to rock the literary scene with her 20 year journey in writing an ART MYSTERY that reaches into our heritage, indigenous spirit, art and … it’s coming out March 2012 by Random House.

Go to the Sydney Writers Festival, suck in the creative life and enjoy!

It’s Anzac Day today, sunset services are being held all over Australia.

I’m up at sunset watching the Anzac service where doves of peace have been released.

Simpson & his Donkey represent the act of kindness that changes lives. Simpson carried more than 300 wounded soldiers from the World War 1 Gallipoli battlefield  under fire to safety. These special books engage us in the courage of Simpson and his Donkey:-

Simpson and His Donkey by Mark Greenwood illustrated by Frane Lessac

The Donkey Who Carried the Wounded by Jackie French

We all do acts of kindess at times, receive them at others. 

Reader’s Digest says their column on acts of kindness has exploded – people want to celebrate acts of kindness.

Reader’s Digest supports the just released book ‘The Power of Good’ – stories of the kindness of strangers by leaders in the community, writers, actors, politicans…. and of course some children’s authors – Libby Gleeson. There’s one from me too.

Write your own story on: www.powerofgood.com.au

The Power of Good: True stories of great kindness from total strangers

This book counters the overwhelming media bombardment about a violence, cruelty, war.

The world has also KINDNESS.

One just has to see the terrible disaster in Japan with the earthquakes and read the stories of human kindness – neighbour helping neighbour.

The Power of Good is a celebration of those acts of kindness we have all experienced.

Let brotherly (and sisterly) love continue.

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers:

for thereby some have entertained angels unaware.

Hebrews 12:1-2

 A percentage of sales of this book go to the Australian charity HOPE STREET www.hopestreet.org.au

There are seventy very short stories – easy to read, easy to relate to, easy to care.

Some of the stories are written by:-

Writers:  Peter FitzSimons, Geraldine Brooks, Libby Gleeson,  Susanne Gervay

Media personalities: Jean Kittson comedian, Anthony Ackroyd comedian

 TV Reporters: Simon Reeve presenter ‘Sunrise’ channel 7; news presenter Tracey Spicer; Anton Enus SBS World News

Leaders of Charities: Simon Rountree Camp Quality; Father Chris Riley Youth off the Streets; Stephen Murby Cystic Fibrosis Victoria

Sports, politicians, many others: Eric Bailey former NBA player;  Tim Fischer AC former Deputy Prime Minister; Professor David de Kretser AC Governor of Victoria .

This book of acts of kindness – ‘the power of good’-  is being launched now.

For more details contact: www.mccrindle.com.au; [email protected]

Kate Colley  has become an Oz legend for kids’ books – sorry Kate – but your love of  kids’  books, support of authors & illustrators is a LEGEND!

Everyone piled into Kate’s Bloomin’ Books in Caringbah to celebrate 20 years as a book seller.

Some of the people who came to celebrate:-

International award winning brilliant illustrators -  Jeannie Baker  and Julie Vivas.

Richard Harland just returned from a USA and UK media tour WORLD SHAKER

Alan Baille whose book Krakatoa just won the NSW Premier’s Literature Award

Multi award winning author Libby Gleeson and illustrator David Legge, publishing icon Margaret Hamilton and Max Hamilton and CBC supporters including the terrific Mary McNally and people who love books.

Mark MacLeod author, editor and publisher was on his way but had a car crash. His car was written off but he’s safe and that’s what matters.

Fabulous food, wine, friends and a huge CHEER for Kate!!!!

Hazel Edwards is one of Australia’s most loved children’s authors as well as an author of adult fiction and non fiction. She has represented Australian Authors nationally and internationally and I regard her as a close friend.

It was wonderful to see her receive the award among her peers - including  many people in publishing and of course authors and illustrators such Libby Gleeson, Sophie Massion, Jeremy Fisher, Elise Hurst, Rosie Scott, Pamela Freeman and many more …  

Author Libby Gleeson and illustrator Julie Vivas

The Lady Cutler Award dinner was filled with authors, illustrators, publishers, librarians and readers. Lady Cutler’s son presented the award this year to Chris Cheng who spoke to us from Hong Kong.

Authors Oliver and Susanne Gervay, Val Noake from e-lit

I gave the citation speech which was innovative over cyberspace.

Chris Cheng accepting the Lady Cutler Award via skype

Kris from Lateral Learning Speakers Agency and author Ursula Dubosarsky

Bill Condon, Jan Latta, Ursula Dubosarsky, Wendy Blaxland ……. who were celebrating Chris’ achievements and the Children’s Book Council.

Nina Rycroft is part of Network www.ninarycroft.com

Don’t forget that the writers and illustrators network for published creators is on this Wednesday 4th November. It’s always the 1st Wednesday of every month 10.30-12.30 - then kicking on for lunch at The Hughenden:-

Address: 14 Queen Street, Woollahra (Paddington) - opposite Centennial Parklands where you can park and a few minutes from the Pddington Markets on Oxford Street.

Just turn up with your news, questions and discussions. It’s always a wonderful way to find out what’s happening in children’s publishing.

Author Hazel Edwards and illustrator Frane Lessac

Authors Chris Cheng and Libby Gleeson