Children’s Book Week 2017

I think I’ve mentioned in previous posts that Children’s Book Week, apart from the excitement of the announcement of the Children’s Book Council Book of the Year Awards, is also the time of year, when children’s authors and illustrators venture from their creative caves and journey, en masse, to schools and bookshops all over Australia.

This week there has been no time to remain in warm pyjamas in our home offices or studios to write or illustrate.

Instead we have loaded our books, research materials, show and tell items and goodness knows what other clobber and joined the crazy line of traffic, like ants, often heading into totally unknown areas, to share our craft with our wonderful audiences.

For me, Monday was across town, to St. Damian’s Catholic Primary School in Bundoora, a lovely school I’ve visited before. I allowed 1 1/2 hours and it took just over one. Always lovely to arrive a little early which gives time to get organised and gather your thoughts. There is nothing worse than sitting, white-knuckled in bumper-to-bumper traffic, nervously watching the clock and imagining hundreds of children waiting, waiting . . . for you!

                                                                 

                                                               

• I would like to say a special thank you to the students of 5L at St. Damians for all the beautiful letters and for creating that gorgeous carousel.

Yesterday, I was heading in a westerly direction, once again across town to Overnewton Grammar where I’ve also been before. This time I allowed 2 hours and it took an hour and 20 minutes. As I struggled to the school office, with the above-mentioned books, research materials, show and tell items, I happened to drop Tertius (not the real one), in the bushes and as I retrieved him he started complaining in a loud voice . . . Oop, Oop! I was just thinking – I hope no-one is watching, when a lovely teacher appeared and rescued me.

                                                                 

As an author, there is nothing like getting out there and interacting with your audience, answering thousands of questions and sharing with students and teachers how and why we do what we do. For me, the very best thing has always been the silence when I’m reading one of my stories. It’s precious and priceless.And this week, has been extra special as I’ve also been able to share my brand new book, Little Dog and the Summer Holiday, which is of course a companion book to Little Dog and the Christmas Wish. The launch will be on Saturday, October 7 at 11.00 a.m. at Collins Booksellers Main Street, Croydon. Harry, the Westie and Collins Bookshop dog will also be there as well as a special surprise.