It's August, which in Australia means it is nearly Book Week. From 19-26 August, children around Australia are celebrating books. There are book parades, special writing classes, authors visiting schools, book displays...
One of the best writers festivals in the country is about to set up in Byron Bay. If you've been before, you might already know about Kids Big Day Out on Sunday 6 August. Kids Big Day Out is an amazing opportunity for kids to meet some...
Book Week is just around the corner, on the 18-25 August. Every year, I look forward to seeing the incredible costumes in my newsfeed - Where's Wally, Harry Potter, Pippi Longstocking...
I went to a children's book conference last week, CYA in Brisbane. FYI I completely recommend attending conferences like CYA, KidLitVic or SCBWI if you are an aspiring writer, or an emerging writer. You spend a day hanging out with people in your field. Making...
In the last few months, I have visited local schools around the Northern Rivers - Burringbar, Crabbes Creek, Newrybar, Rous Public...
I have just finished reading the fifth Kate DiCamillo book I have on my shelf. Each one of her books is more satisfying than the last. Kate weaves such original, compelling stories. But I have been thinking to myself, why do I love these books so...
I have been doing some school workshops lately, through the StoryBoard program and Byron Writers Festival. I love this work, more than I can say. To be surrounded by kids burning to create...
I recently finished Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down The Bones, and really, I could quote every chapter. But I am going to start here, at chapter "Writing Is A Communal Act". Several friends and students have said to me that they avoid reading other books, when they are...
Last Sunday, a bunch of bears and children (and parents) gathered at The Little Bookroom for a teddy bear's picnic, and a lot of Archie and the Bear fun! Thank you to Leesa and her wonderful parents for hosting this fabulous day. Happy Birthday, Archie and...