Errol Broome – Cherished Children’s Author
29 Sep, 2022 | What's happening in my writing life
Magnus only wanted to sniff the morning. Errol Broome
On 14 September we lost a treasured friend and wonderful author, Errol Broome. On Tuesday, with many others, I had the privilege of attending a farewell to Errol, surrounded by her precious family, friends and writing buddies. It was a true celebration of the life of someone who was very much loved and gave so much to everyone she met.
Looking back on my blog posts, I found this is what I posted on 30 April last year, so I thought I’d repost it. Errol was a special member of our small picture book group of Errol, Diana Lawrenson, Marjory Gardner, Claire Saxby and myself. We also have special memories of celebrating her 80th Birthday at the Windsor Hotel. She will be sadly missed but always in our hearts.
Blog post 30 April, 2021
Last week I rediscovered a special picture book on my bookshelf, The Song of the Dove by Errol Broome and illustrated by Sonia Kretschmar, published by Walker Books Australia. I am fortunate enough to have a precious selection of books written and illustrated by my creative and talented friends.
So today I thought I’d begin a series of blog posts where I showcase the books of my friends and colleagues, starting with Errol Broome.
While I don’t have all of Errol’s books, I do have a good selection. Of these, Magnus Maybe is my personal favourite. I remember studying this book at college when I was learning how to be a writer and Errol was one of the famous children’s authors I studied. At the time I never thought that one day she would be my friend.
Since then, I recall being at a CBCA Judge’s Talk one evening and the then current judge, Christine Oughtred, held up Errol’s Rockhopper saying something like, ‘and here’s another one of Errol Broome’s treasures.’
Errol’s bio reads as beautifully as her story words. A selection of her books is above, but there are so many more which you can read about on her website (link below) (or perhaps do a Google. (29.9.22)
Errol is of a time before social media, self-promotion and performance, when reviews were read in newspapers and magazines and put away in a special place to keep forever. She is also of a time when words and books were the most important thing.
https://www.errolbroome.com.au/
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