Brewongle – Writers in the Environment Camp Australia

The bush, blue skies, native flora and fauna, native animlas, sandstone school room 1878, fabulous teachers, creative kids and some of the best Australian authors – James Roy, Richard Tulloch, Simon French and me too – it was very special.

It was an Australian experience of writing in the bush, sharing with kids from many different schools, connecting with each other and the environment with sun and history and with exploration of ideas for the future.

James Roy and Richard Tulloch were joined by Steve Body a scientist from Brewongle to give an impromptu music interlude.

Had some beautiful moments with the kids who were so smart, thoughtful with deep ideas about making the world better and their role in it.

Did I love it?  Yessssssssssssssssss

Check out Brewongle  Environment Education Centre, a NSW Government Education & Communities Centre for our kids.

Tricia Evy Jazz Singer in Paris

When Tricia Evy, the beautiful French, West Indies jazz singer sang me her song from her new album – soon to be released – it was moving.

She sang without accompaniment in the city of romance, about hearts broken and romance renewed. 

Tricia will be in Sydney to tour from 25th September as part of the Manly Jazz Festival and Jazz la Vienne.

It was a lovely ending to a mad cap day with Frane Lessac and Mark Greenwood in Les Puces – the Paris Flea Market.

We walked out feet off and came away with treasures, Frane wasn’t allowed to buy the crocodile head, but she came away with an old silver urn, Mark bargained for some ancient stone axe heads and I found a beautiful old painting for The Hughenden.

We were all inspired by the weird and wonderful things there – so expect some interesting artwork and stories.

Kane Miller Books, EDC & Usborne Books Convention USA

There are bookseller consultants from all over USA from Missouri, Texas, Utah, Oklahoma ….. and they love their books, their work and their authors.

We’re all in Tulsa for their big convention.

Randall White President and CEO of EDC is the publisher of Kane Miller Books and distributer of Usborne Books is welcoming and enthusiastic. He’s also got a great sense of humour.

Peter Usborne publisher for Usbourne Books spoke about his company – Publisher of the Year 2012 which EDC distributes. He says his books are good enough to eat. They are wonderful and distributed in Australia by my Aussie publisher HarperCollins.

Kane Miller is EDC’s children’s trade list with the brilliant Kira Lyn who I’ve caught up with.

There’s a lovefest for ‘Butterflies’ by the Kane Miller consultants which is very special.

Night with Writers, Illustrators catching up with Leigh Hobbs & Mr Chicken

It’s always so much fun catching up with children’s writers and illustrators.

Leigh Hobbs was in Sydney to speak about his famous Mr Chicken, as the guest of Western Sydney Literature Project. Watch out – a new HORRIBLE HARRIET is coming.

Always love catching up with:-

Duncan Ball – the much loved author of Selby the Talking Dog & Emily Eyefinger

Sarah Davis and Christopher Cheng-  ’Sounds Spooky’ which just won the Aurelius Award for Kids’ books

Julie Vivas – whose beautiful illustrations weave into your heart – Possum Magic

David Legge – his ‘Kisses and Daddy’ is an international best seller

Libby Gleeson – her ‘The Great Bear’ illustrated by Armin Geder is one of great great picture books

Simon French and Donna Rawlings and Winn- love their “Guess the baby?’ picture book

Louise Pfanner – whose ‘Louise Builds A House’ is a loved picture book

Kerry thompson – who showed us her beautiful water colours and oils of the landscape which she’s doing as well  as well as illustrating books.

Judith Ridge is the Project officer. Thankyou Judith for organising the Indian feast in Glebe.

Writing & Art celebrates story in ‘Trust Me Too’ – FordStreetPublishing

57 Australian authors, poets and illustrators celebrate story in this anthology with some of Australia’s most loved creators.

It’s a thick book with lots of tasty morsels. If you want a laugh or a cry or a new world – it’s all there and more.

Love the illustration by Shan Tan opening ”Trust Me Too’ with a boy thinking  as he rides a fantasy like creature with a tap as its head.

Opening lines:-

‘Liam is a nerd. Fortunately, I like him most of the time.’  Kerry Greenwood

‘The Oakley yard was a savenger’s delight’  Archimede Fusillo.

‘Im thirteen and I want my name back.’ Susanne Gervay

‘My life got tipped upside down in the library.’  Bill Condon

‘Don’t Let go.’ Deborah Abela

‘There are shoes/hanging from the power line/at the end of our street.’ Meredith Costain

Judith Ridge did a great introduction.  Now it’s time to dip in and out of this anthology. There’s lots to discover.

Coffee in Sydney with Sally Lloyd-Jones ~ NY best seller ‘How to be a Baby by Me, The Big Sister’

Sally Lloyd-Jones is warm and funny like her New York best selling picture book – ‘How to be a Baby by Me, The Big Sister’.

Kids were piling into Gleebooks in Dulwich Hills Sydney, as I was interviewing her in the cafe next door, for Reading Time Magazine.

She’s in Sydney for Book Week on a writing tour of schools and bookshops for her delightful ‘How to be a Baby by Me, The Big Sister’ illustrated by award wiining Sue Heap with Walker Books.

Her books are hilarious – kids say what they see – ‘When you’re a baby, you don’t read books. You eat them.’

How true is that!!!!!

Love Sally. Love her books. Kids and parents are going to laugh, then hug each other. It’s all good.

www.sallylloyd-jones.com

The critics write…

“marvelous melding of knowing observations and funny, sunny, on-the-money art … this book will get many readings.”

STARRED REViEW BOOKLIST

“perfect family fare and a welcome departure from storybooks that assume the worst when a new life joins the family.”