I’m delighted to share the cover of my new picture book Little Matilda, with stunning illustrations by Shaney Hyde. This will be the first in the series featuring Little Matilda the kitten, and will be released early in 2022. More details coming soon.
Upcoming Events 2021
SCBWI Sketch and Scribble Event
– 20 November 2021
We had glorious weather, gorgeous surroundings and great company at our annual SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) Sketch and Scribble event at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. It was terrific to connect with other children’s writers and illustrators and spend time sketching, writing and chatting.
Nance Donkin Award for Children’s Literature
– 4 November 2021
It was an honour to judge the Nance Donkin Award for Children’s Literature and announce the winner. The Nance Donkin Award, run by The Society of Women Writers, is a biennial award for a woman author in Australia who writes for children. Nance’s intention in offering this award was to encourage and make known a writer for children deserving more recognition. It was a pleasure to immerse myself in the writing of the shortlisted authors, all of whom are talented writers deserving of recognition. Congratulations to the winner, Anna Ciddor, and the shortlisted authors.
Australian Reading Hour 2021
-14 September 2021
It is a pleasure to be an Australia Reads Ambassador, and participate in the Australian Reading. Australia Reads is an initiative between authors, publishers, librarians and booksellers to champion books and reading.
More information
Book Week
– August 21-27 2021
Book week is a wonderful way for children to celebrate books and Australian authors and illustrators. Many libraries and schools encourage children to dress up as their favourite book character. Aren’t these Lazy Daisy Koalas gorgeous? (The baby’s father is a teacher who had a virtual book parade.)
LAZY DAISY read by the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson
– August 20 2021
The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson is too funny reading LAZY DAISY on her Storytime with Fergie and Friends show. Her comment about “the fussiest queen” was a classic! Watch the video reading
SCBWI Meet & Greet
– 10 July 2021
It’s always terrific getting together with fellow writers and illustrators. Our SCBWI VIC Meet and Greet with new members was inspiring. Some have already started on their creative journey. Look out for future books by these creative people.
School Holiday Fun
– 8th July 2021
It was such fun to run a koala-themed school holiday event at the gorgeous bookshop, Escape Hatch Books. The storytime with Lazy Daisy the giant koala, and the craft activities were enjoyed by all.
Lazy Daisy & Daisy Runs Wild are available in braille
– June 2021
I’m delighted that LAZY DAISY and DAISY RUNS WILD are now available in Braille. They come with a tactile handbook which offers a shortened retelling of the story in tactile form. There will also be audio versions too. Now blind and low-vision children can enjoy Daisy’s adventures. Thank you, Vision Australia, for helping to ensure books are available to all.
Sharing writing advice on Podcast
– 13th May 2021
I’m on episode 2 of the Best of Tacos Podcast, sharing tips and advice about writing books for children. There are some great authors involved, all sharing The Most Useful Writing Advice You Should Know and Use. If you are interested in writing illustrated books for children, you can listen to the Writing with a Chance of Tacos podcasts on your favourite podcast app.