Celebrate Reading! National Conference, WA

Australia’s own celebration of reading (and writing!) I’ve just returned from this fantastic conference at the Literature Centre in Fremantle, having delivered a key note and been on several panels. My keynote called Writing under the influence focused on the inspiration for many of my texts; what the gift of reading means to me; and the importance ...

Shortlisting for INCREDIBILIA and the coming EXTRAVAGANZA

Awards Incredibilia with the captivating illustrations by Gaye Chapman, has been short listed for the Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards. And also for the Society of Women Writers of NSW Biennial Awards.  Incredibilia Music and Dance Event for Children – Centennial Park  Both Bondi Beach Public School and the Centennial Park Foundation have been plotting and planning ...

Libby Hathorn and Elena Katz Chernin Create!

25 October, 2016 / Australian Music, Children's Opera, News

I’ve been lucky enough to be working with the marvellous composer Elena Katz Chernin on my picturebook OUTSIDE, with its divine illustrations by Ritva Voutila. The good news is, that it is to be a very special CHILDREN’S OPERA with Elena’s magical music inspiring all, especially children!  

National Bookshop Day

13 August, 2016 / News

Saturday 13th August was National Bookshop Day and I was glad to visit Harry Hartog’s amazing bookshop at Bondi Junction, there to spend a happy half hour. But I also want to acknowledge  and send greetings to all those wonderful bookshops, especially those who specialize in children’s books who help to keep Australian children’s literature ...

Beautiful Beecroft Children’s Bookshop and a Host of Beautiful Librarians

26 July, 2016 / News

I made it to Paul MacDonald’s amazing bookshop at Beecroft for a talk to about 30 enthusiastic librarians about my latest picturebooks, A Soldier and Incredibilia and other things besides (there were extenuating circumstances). Like so many other writers and illustrators I am so grateful for Paul’s support and that of teachers and librarians who go ...

Vale Gillian Mears

9 June, 2016 / News

Gillian leaves a rich legacy of Australian literature for generations to come and it makes me sad to think such a modest and talented person has gone at 51 years of age.