CBCA Clayton’s Night – 24 March, 2015 – Little Dog and the Christmas Wish, Chasing Shadows and Hey Mum, I Love You

As I try to do each year, last night I attended the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Victorian Branch Annual Clayton’s Night (fondly known as the Clayton’s or pretend short list.)

On counting the entry list just now, I see a total of 435 books from wonderful authors and illustrators all over Australia and I’m honored to be included there amongst some of my friends and heroes. This year I’m lucky enough to have three books entered – ‘Little Dog and the Christmas Wish’ and ‘Chasing Shadows’ both entered into the picture book and Crichton (first time illustrators Robin Cowcher and Hannah Sommerville) Categories and ‘Hey Mum, I Love You’ in the Early Childhood category. An extra thrill was having one of the four presenters, Leesa Lambert from The Little Bookroom choose Little Dog and the Christmas Wish as one of her 6 shortlisted books to discuss.

I’ve just returned from a walk with Harry the gorgeous westie (from the launch) and his lovely owner Laraine so it seemed apt to post some recent photos of Harry and also Maverick, the golden retriever who attended the Chasing Shadows launch and to whom the book is dedicated.

I’m afraid I haven’t come into contact with any pigs lately, so the cover of ‘Hey Mum, I Love You’ will have to do.

For variety – here’s Harry chasing the autumn leaves in the shadows

Maverick, all dressed up for Christmas

and running out of the sunset towards home.

Hey Mum I Love You – in hardback and just out in board book for Mother’s Day.

and I do.