Tania McCartney Press

Alphabet Street Melbourne's New Mini Mag

2011-06-02T14:32:00.002+10:00

Wow - I am in LOVE with the new mini mag from Alphabet Street Melbourne - there's a wee feature on yours truly as well as some reviews from Kids Book Review - don't they look amazing!?

You must head here immediately to see this sensational new magazine for Melbournites. The amazing Penny Price is currently working on mags for other capital cities, too, so head to the main Alphabet Street website to find your city! Thanks, Pen - you're a genius!

click to enlarge

National Simultaneous Story Time at Civic Library

2011-05-25T15:45:00.002+10:00

Today was National Simultaneous Story Time all over Australia! and this year's chosen book was one of my faves from 2010 - Feathers for Phoebe by Rod Clements. It's an utterly gorgeous book - slightly text-heavy but so entrancing and visually evocative, even three-year-olds sat mesmerised. Or maybe it was the fact that I wore a feather headdress and acted like a nutbag during the reading...

The kids also made their own feathery crests to wear during the reading and we of course had to sing Five Little Ducks and read another book on birds, too. So much fun. Huge thanks to the lovely Jill Howard (above) for having me along to read to the kids - I had a ball.

Peep!

Riley and the Sleeping Dragon Drawings

2011-05-24T19:36:00.002+10:00

There's one thing that turns me to marshmallow - kids and their propensity to be gorgeously artistic and right-brained. And what turns me to marshmallow melting in hot chocolate? Children's art inspired by my Riley books. One of my favouritist things in the world to do is read my books to kids. The other thing is to see them inspired to draw, to write, to ask questions...

Just take a look at this astonishing line-up of art by the kids of Grade 2 at Penguin Primary in northern Tasmania. Can you even believe how utterly gorgeous? What greater thrill for an author than to have her characters rendered in pencil and crayon by an extraordinarily talented group of kids?

And you should have seen the accompanying letters! Yes, there were tears.

Thank you, kids! I'm so glad you loved Riley and the Sleeping Dragon and I will absolutely treasure the beautiful drawings you sent me. I am also going to respond to all your letters very soon! And thank you to the wonderful Mrs Wright for organising to send these pictures and letters to me.

Author dreams are truly made of this.

Gungahlin Library Community Day

2011-05-21T14:05:00.001+10:00

Oh my, you should see the gorgeous new Gungahlin Library here in Canberra - absolutely beautiful - and absolutely packed with Community Day celebrations (the new library is just part of an entire new setup, including a CIT college and community centre).

Canberra weatherman Mark Carmody was on hand to interview local authors Jack Heath, Ingrid Jonach and I in the grand foyer of the library, closely followed by an interview with Canberra Raiders player, David Shillington.

We then adjourned to a meet-and-greet area where we chatted with some kids and local book lovers, and caught up on each others' lives, which was so lovely.

Thank you to Kerri Buckley for inviting us!

Presentation at the CPTLA Conference

2011-05-20T19:42:00.001+10:00

I had such a wonderful time at the Catholic Primary Teacher Librarian Association conference at the Rydges Canberra yesterday. I'm a bit obsessed with literary conferences and only wish I could have split myself in two so I could both present and enjoy the other workshops on offer!

I presented a topic on self-publishing and was fascinated by the insights I learned from teacher librarians on this topic. These TLs have an incredible understanding of the book market and are so impassioned by it - something close to my own heart.

It was also great fun to peruse all the books at the Trade Display (like I need more children's books in my life) and a highlight of the afternoon (other than chatting with my own kids' lovely librarian) was finally meeting author Sally Rippin in person.

A huge thank you to the gorgeous Rachael Hind for inviting me along!

handmade living in Style magazine

2011-05-16T09:44:00.002+10:00

So exciting to see excerpts of Handmade Living in sensational Style magazine, which covers rural and regional NSW. Huge thanks to Jacqui Greig, editor, for featuring our beautiful book!

Upcoming Events

2011-05-09T07:21:00.002+10:00

CPTLA Conference
Thursday 19 May 2011
I will be speaking on self-publishing at the Catholic Primary Teacher Librarian Association Conference at Rydges Lakeside in Canberra.

Author Interviews Gungahlin Library Community DaySaturday 21 May 2011
12pm
Gungahlin Library, Canberra
I will be part of an author interview panel during celebrations for the new Gungahlin Library's Community Day.

National Simultaneous Storytime
Weds 25 May 2011
Civic Library, Canberra
10.30am
Come along and hear Feathers for Phoebe read as part of the National Simultaneous Storytime initiative. Little ones can also make some beautiful feather headdresses before the reading!

Author Talk
Thursday 16 June 2011
Civic Libary, Canberra
12.30pm
Bring along your lunch and have an informal chat about my books and being an author.

Book Launch - Riley and the Grumpy Wombat
Thursday 20 October 2011
Yarra Valley Grammar School
Victoria

Book Readings - Riley and the Grumpy Wombat
Friday 21 October 2011
TBA
Melbourne

Book Launch - Riley and the Grumpy Wombat
Saturday 22 October 2011
TBA
Melbourne

Book Reading at Weetangera Primary

2011-04-14T16:21:00.000+10:00

It never fails to astound me how brilliant kids are - how they think so laterally and how they soak up information like that metaphoric sponge. I had such an amazing experience with two lots of kids today at Weetangera Primary - Grade 3/4 and Grade 5/6.

Such a bright and lovely bunch of kids - a boy named Sam was the first child to ever answer my [rather tricky] question - what is the term for a person who is both an author AND an illustrator? [answer at the bottom of this post]. I was so impressed, I nearly fell over on the stage.

Huge thanks to the wonderful Natarsha Van Den Boogaard for making me feel so so welcome, and to Lachie and all the lovely teachers who attended, too. Special hello to Annie who is a budding published author!

Answer: Author/Illustrator (sorry)

Book Reading for Live in Canberra

2011-04-13T11:32:00.000+10:00

So lovely to read Riley and the Curious Koala at the Crowne Plaza yesterday. Live in Canberra is a government-subsidised organisation that supports new families arriving in Canberra, whether it be expats on temporary assignment, or Aussies totally relocating their lives.

The Crowne Plaza hotel kindly donated use of the gorgeous Binara One room, where guests enjoyed tea, coffee, drinks and a sumptuous morning tea. Kiddles enjoyed balloons and a visit from the Lollipop's Playland Lion, then a book reading from me.

It was so much fun chatting with the kids and their parents, and catching up with the lovely Jenny Tiffen. Huge thanks to Glynis Rathbone for having me!

a new feather in my cap

2011-04-08T18:02:00.001+10:00

I absolutely adore editing and proof reading. I've been doing it for over ten years and it's a real passion of mine. So much so, I've had a secret desire to offer manuscript assessment and editing services to new authors for some time, but never did anything about it.

But now - along with some encouragement from a lovely friend - I've finally decided to offer this service via Kids Book Review.

If you or anyone you know is looking for affordable ms assessments or editing services, be in touch! The full details can be found right here.

Author of the Month - Bug in a Book

2011-04-04T14:35:00.003+10:00

Just thrilled to be Author of the Month at sensational literary site - Bug in a Book. Angela Hall is a good friend of Kids Book Review and it was so kind of her to feature me. I love Angela's work and you must drop by and check out all she's doing for books and authors and publishers and literacy. A must-visit!

mention in homespun magazine

2011-04-04T14:06:00.001+10:00

Look at this amazing interview with dear friend and book colleague Tina Snerling of Tiny Concept. Tina's work has been featured in the latest issue of Australian Homespun magazine (Vol 12,4) and in it she talks about her experience, her inspiration and also mentions not only handmade living but my Riley books. What a gal!

Tina and I are very busy working on a stunning new lifestyle/craft/concept book and I'm so excited about this project - can't wait to tell you more.

Don't miss Tina's beautiful ballerina dolls (page 22) in this issue of Australian Homespun - and there's also a gorgeous review of handmade living on page 102.

handmade living in Homespun Magazine

2011-04-04T14:00:00.001+10:00

What a thrill to see this great review of handmade living in gorgeous magazine - Homespun. Many thanks to the editors for this perfect take on the book! and congrats to the book's illustrator Tina Snerling who has a main feature article and interview win the magazine with some beautiful ballerina dolls. You don't want to miss it.

Riley and the Grumpy Wombat: Sneak Peek

2011-03-24T10:48:00.001+11:00

What are Riley, Panda, Lion, Koala and Dragon peeking at?
Whatever it is, it's grumpy!

Event: IWD Beautiful Strength

2011-03-17T08:24:00.002+11:00

I love country towns. I love them for the contrasts - for the surprises and beauty they have in store. And my recent trip to Cowra was no exception.

Travelling 2.5 hours north of Canberra to this large country town for an International Women's Day event and school visits was an inspirational experience, especially the spectacular Beautiful Strength event organised by local dynamo Kylie Wood, where I was guest speaker.

The event was held at the spectacular Mulligan's Vineyard, just a few kms west of town. Held in their long wine bunker, Kylie and her team had already set up rows and rows of retro blue chairs and lined the walls with lashings of ladies-who-lunch high tea style treats, goodie bags and IWD information. Talk about stunning.

I set up my book table, met the truly lovely vineyard owners Emma and Andrew, then before we knew it, the women started pouring in - and pouring in - until there was standing room only... a really astounding and inspiring turn-out of women from all over Cowra and surrounds.

Kylie Wood made a heartfelt intro about her connection with the Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia.

Then it was my turn - I spoke for about 40 minutes on how important it is for women to follow their hearts in life, no matter their dream, no matter the obstacles.

It was such a thrill to see such a diversity of women turn up at the event - Kylie had hoped to attract around 50 women, but there were well over 100 in the end. What a fantastic turn out for such an important women's event.

When I was done, the intensely soulful and talented Nerida Cuddy sang a superb song she had written just for the event, whilst plucking at her banjo. Talk about moving.

Also moving was meeting so many women who lined up to have a book signed - and tell me a little bit about themselves and their dreams. Several women had been so inspired by the event, their eyes were shining with a quiet ambition... I knew some wheels were certainly turning! and it's so exciting to think about the wonderful possibility these women are creating with their lives.

A huge thank you to Kylie and all her 'helpers' for such an incredible experience - and to everyone who turned up. It was an overwhelming weekend and one I'll never forget.

Cowra School Visits

2011-03-17T08:17:00.001+11:00

As part of my Cowra visit on the weekend, it was so much fun to be able to fit in some school visits and book readings. First was a visit to childcare centre - Carinya - to meet the kids and read Riley and the Curious Koala. It was so adorable to see the kids search for Koala amongst the pages and I just loved their comments. Huge thanks to Susan Callaghan for such an amazing author display! and book signing, and for being so sweet.

Then it was on to Cowra Public School, who have been around an astonishing 153 years - more than many city schools. I read to grade 4 and 5 kids and then did a powerpoint presentation on how I put the Riley books together. They were so attentive and asked some great questions. Then they presented me with a very special mug which is just so super cool, I think I have now become a mug addict. Here it is sitting on my desk with Panda (from the Riley books) snuggled inside . . . Huge thanks to the lovely Sheridan Oborn for making me feel so welcome.

Next was Mulyan Public School - the largest school in Cowra, where I met with the years 3 and 5 kids (who will all be completing NAPLAN this year) in their school hall. They were such a well-behaved bunch of kids - enjoying a reading then my presentation on book creation. I just love it when kids think outside the square, and these kids came up with some great responses and questions. Half of them then pounced on me for autographs and my very first - ever - signing of hats and even a football! Thanks so much to principal John Smith for having me!

I loved my Cowra visits and would love to go back again - it was an inspiring time and most of all, I had a lot of fun.

Riley and the Grumpy Wombat: A journey around Melbourne

2011-03-08T19:29:00.001+11:00

Coming in 2011...

Riley and the Grumpy Wombat:
A journey around Melbourne (Ford Street Publishing)

Why is she so grumpy? You'll soon find out why... Riley's adventure to Melbourne is the fourth book in the Riley travelogue series. Learn more about the first three while you wait... IF you can wait...

Riley and the Sleeping Dragon: A journey around Beijing

Riley and the Dancing Lion: A journey around Hong Kong

Riley and the Curious Koala: A journey around Sydney

Cowra Guardian Profile for International Women's Day Event

2011-03-05T13:14:00.001+11:00

Wonderful to be featured in the Cowra Guardian for the Beautiful Strength International Women's Day Event being held in Canberra on 13 March 2011. Hope to see you there!

handmade living in Shop4Kids magazine!

2011-03-05T12:47:00.002+11:00

How utterly thrilling to open one of our favourite Australian mags, Shop 4 Kids, and see Shop Handmade on page 39, along with a mention of handmade living! Handmade bliss.

handmade living in Embroidery & Cross Stitch magazine

2011-03-05T12:41:00.002+11:00

What a beautiful write-up on handmade living in Embroidery & Cross Stitch magazine! Many thanks to the editors for including our beautiful book in the mag - we've already had even more inquiries about the book since this went live! Handmade bliss.

Great Celebrity Book Auction

2011-03-04T19:02:00.001+11:00

A signed copy of Riley and the Dancing Lion is up for bids in the Great Celebrity Book Auction to encourage reading and raise funds for literacy programmes at Kyilla Primary School, a small Government school of 200 students in North Perth, Western Australia.

I so love this initiative. In 2010 the children and families of Kyilla wrote to people they admired asking them to donate a book that has influenced them and to write in it why it is important.

I wrote . . . "The Riley series is important to me because it aims to take kids on a tour of the world - opening their minds and hearts to the cultural experiences of this vast and beautiful planet. Travel is everything to me and I hope the bearer of this book has a life filled with glorious travel and adventure."

Get bidding and help raise funds for literacy!

National Simultaneous Storytime

2011-03-04T08:31:00.001+11:00

On Wednesday 25 May at 11am, schools, centres and libraries around the country will be taking part in the National Simultaneous Storytime - a glorious event to celebrate the joy of reading.

This year, I'm delighted to take part by reading Feathers for Phoebe by Rod Clements at Canberra Civic Library. I adore this book and it will be so much fun to read it to the kids and take part in some feathery activities.

Why don't you bring the kids along? Stay tuned for more information.

We nominted Feathers for Phoebe as our favourite book of the year over at Kids Book Review and you can read our review right here.

Event: Book Reading at Government House Open Day

2011-03-01T10:12:00.002+11:00

click to enlarge

I'm delighted to be reading my books, once again, at Government House Open Day in Canberra this Sunday 6 March 2011.

This amazing family event is in support of the Smith Family - there will be loads of glorious things to do and see including pony rides, crafts, stalls, music, activities and of course the amazing opportunity to take a peek inside Government House.

I'll be reading at 11am at the storytelling marquee - along with a gaggle of other talented authors and illustrators.

Bring the kids along and say hi! With over 70,000 people at last year's event - let's make this year's even bigger!

Event: International Women's Day in Cowra

2011-03-01T08:45:00.001+11:00

The amazing Kylie Wood has pulled together a superb International Women's Day Event in Cowra, New South Wales, in support of the Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia. International Women's Day falls on March 8 - and will celebrate 100 years of supporting women worldwide.

I'm thrilled to be speaking at the event, and will be talking about how vital it is that women have the courage to follow their dreams and do what they love. If you're in the region, come along to this gorgeous high tea and celebrate the strength and power of women - especially country women... who know all about hard work and challenges.

You can RSVP to Kylie on 0427 453 274 - hope to see you there~!

handmade living in the West Australian

2011-02-22T06:00:00.003+11:00

So thrilling to see handmade living featured in the West Australian Habitat magazine on 14 January. Our WA friends are a clever, crafty bunch!

Handmade Market Book Signing

2011-02-21T10:41:00.000+11:00

What a wonderful Handmade Market experience at the National Convention Centre on Saturday - and so exciting to reveal the next book in the Riley series - Riley and the Grumpy Wombat: A journey around Melbourne.

Kieron had only just sketched up my beautiful wombat - just days before the event, so I couldn't resist showing this sneak peek to Handmade customers. And the response was fantastic! Everyone is so looking forward to meeting this wombat - and yes, she's grumpy alright!

I'm also thrilled to reveal that the next book in the Riley series has been taken over by Ford Street Publishing and I'm busy working with the glorious Paul Collins and his team to get this book on the shelves earlier than usual. So keep an eye on this space - it's another fantastical Riley adventure!

Book Signing at Handmade Market

2011-02-14T08:21:00.001+11:00

Don't miss Handmade Market in its brand new venue - the National Convention Centre in the heart of Canberra - a fantastic venue with loads of facilities and parking - and of course, the best of handmade talent from Canberra and around the countryside.

I will be hosting the handmade living stall and signing books - come along and snaffle your copy. You can then trawl the market and have your book signed by any one of the book's featured designers!! I'll also have my Riley books for sale, including the new Riley and the Curious Koala: A journey around Sydney.

Hope to see you there!

Handmade Market

Saturday 19 February

11am to 4pm

National Convention Centre

Canberra

What People are Saying about Riley and the Curious Koala

2011-02-10T08:45:00.002+11:00

It's a superb book and a brilliant series concept - can think of a least a dozen kids I'd love to give it to who'd get so much from it. - author Jackie French

Like its predecessors, this new Riley book is filled with stunning photographs and bright, vibrant illustrations, that just work so well together. As always the text is lively and full of interesting words that little ears soak up into growing vocabularies (and when you see more of McCartney's work, you'll come to know that this is one of her trademarks). - writer Megan Blandford

Riley and the Curious Koala would make an excellent choice as a gift for a child who lives in another country, especially one who's about to visit Australia. It introduces kids to the sights of Sydney and to many native Australian, as well as exotic animals. This also makes it a good choice for schools doing units on Australia. - The Book Chook

The Riley travel adventures are a wonderful way to introduce young readers to the cities of Beijing, Hong Kong and Sydney. The photographs showing various locations about these cities provide a wonderful backdrop to Riley’s fun adventures. The text is very descriptive, offering very appealing account the characters and locations Riley encounters on his travels. - Susan Whelan, Suite 1010

Tania McCartney has written this story well, she uses fun descriptions and encourages thinking. I love the illustrations by Kieron Pratt, they are gorgeous and dare I say ready for their own TV show! A great effect, highly appealing visually and the story is a delight. - Angela Hall, Bug in a Book

See what people are saying about Riley and the Sleeping Dragon
See what people are saying about Riley and the Dancing Lion
See what people are saying about Beijing Tai Tai
See what people are saying about handmade living

Reading and Presentation at Civic Library

2011-01-15T15:53:00.001+11:00

What a fun session I had with kids at Civic Library, reading Riley and the Dancing Lion and then showing them a powerpoint presentation on how the book was constructed. Afterwards, we read Riley and the Curious Koala, then we folded really super cool paper planes from red paper, and had a plane launch.

Thank you to the lovely Kerri Buckley for organising such a fun session - it's always so lovely to meet new kids and parents, and I was even shown a gorgeous little book about a panda, made by six-year-old Sophia.

Beautiful.

Story Writing Workshop at Kingston Library

2011-01-15T15:42:00.000+11:00

It was a real joy to work with 11 kids on a short story writing workshop at the Kingston Library here in Canberra. The kids, aged between 7 and 12, created their own story from a selection special grid - where a main character, setting, object and situation are chosen for them.

Some kids ended up with a very strange combination - like a wounded shark on a space station or a chocolate frog in the desert (mmm... sounds delicious).

I'm constantly amazed at the creativity and cleverness of children. Thanks for inspiring me, kids! and thanks to the lovely Kerri Buckley for organising this special event.

Reading at Gungahlin School Holiday Programme

2011-01-15T15:35:00.000+11:00

I had such a lovely time reading to the kids at the Gungahlin School Holiday programme in Amaroo - there were so many, but such a well behaved bunch! I read them my new book Riley and the Curious Koala and they had a ball trying to find koala on each page.

Thanks to Lisa Healy for organising and the lovely people at the programme for making me feel so welcome.

Aviator Tales with Tania McCartney

2011-01-10T10:42:00.004+11:00

Nothing to do with the kids this Friday 14 Jan? Come along to my special presentation at Civic Library in Canberra...

Aviator Tales with Tania McCartney

Friday 14 January 2011

1.00 – 2.00 pm

Civic Library (mezzanine)

Children Ages: 6 - 8

There'll be book readings and a presentation on how my books are constructed, as well as paper plane making. Bookings are essential - http://www.library.act.gov.au/ or phone 6205 9000.

handmade living Review on Suite 101

2010-12-20T06:00:00.001+11:00

Huge thanks to the lovely Susan Whelan of Reading Upside Down fame, who is also a World Literatures feature writer and book reviewer for Suite 101, where she Susan has reviewed handmade living. Check out the entire review here!

handmade living Excerpt in the Herald Sun

2010-12-19T06:00:00.001+11:00

click to enlarge

Big congrats to Tracey Donohoe of Tracey D for this fabulous excerpt from handmade living - published in the Herald Sun's Weekend magazine yesterday! Doesn't it look just fabulous?

It's such a thrill to see handmade living doing so well, only a short time after release. May it continue!

handmade living Book Signing and Chai Tea at Paperchain

2010-12-17T12:41:00.001+11:00

Talk about a wonderful way to wind up a massive weekend of handmade living book launch events...

Illustrator, graphic designer and major contributor Tina Snerling and I spent an hour at Paperchain bookstore in Manuka, Canberra, for a relaxed and totally lovely book signing, along with the gorgeous Anthea Cahill from RealChai.

We were really in giggle mode and just spent the whole time laughing and chatting and sipping tea with several customers. It was such a lovely experience. Thanks, Paperchain!

handmade living Book Stall at the Canberra Centre

2010-12-17T12:35:00.001+11:00

me with riley and ella

We had a lovely book stall at the Canberra Centre on Saturday, as part of our book launch celebrations for handmade living - right outside Borders, too!

So wonderful to chat to the general public about the book and spend some much-needed one-on-one time with my fellow book creators - Julie Nichols and Tina Snerling. We've already nutted out the next book! Just you wait...

Riley and the Curious Koala Reading and Signing at Dymocks

2010-12-13T11:35:00.001+11:00

Huge thanks to the lovely Fiona Nichols from Dymocks Tuggeranong for a gorgeous book reading and signing. Kieron came along, too, for some live drawing - and we gave away a book and also his drawings to the lucky attendees!

So lovely to chat and meet the kids and parents and share my third Riley book. Fiona even did an amazing book display in her shop window. We felt tres special - as you can see from the photos above. Thanks for coming along, everyone!

Riley and the Curious Koala Book Reading and Signing at Paperchain

2010-12-13T10:51:00.006+11:00

What a gorgeous reading at Paperchain bookstore in Manuka. The heavens opened and the rain came down, but it couldn't keep the kids from enjoying a story reading and koala mask craft. Such a warm and lovely atmosphere, with koalas aplenty. Thanks for having us, Paperchain!

Reading of Riley and the Curious Koala at St Monica's

2010-12-13T09:39:00.000+11:00

In late November, I visited one of my favourite schools in Canberra - St Monica's - for a book reading to 120 students, who are all very familiar with the Riley series. They laughed their way through the funniest Riley book yet, and once again delighted me with their fabulous questions and big smiles. Thank you again to the eternally supportive and majorly book-loving Rachael Hind for having me.

Riley and the Curious Koala Launch Party

2010-12-13T09:13:00.001+11:00

The Riley and the Curious Koala Launch party at Dalton's bookstore in Canberra was such a raging success. Over 100 people packed in to this stunning bookstore for fun and games, koala masks and the most exquisite cakes from Elizabeth Wright at pARTy cakes for the Sydney-themed candy bar.

Enjoy this peek and you can see the entire thing right here. Thanks to Jen Leheny from Red Instead for the photos.

wombats, opera houses, the rocks - what more could a kid need?

incredible cakes by pARTy cakes

the REAL riley can be seen in the background here.... he's an elusive little soul!

there was truly an awed silence as Kieron worked

he's so super talented and so cool!

hamming it up with rory, amelia and illustrator extraordinate kieron pratt

Thank you, sponsors!!

A percentage of sales from Riley and the Curious Koala will be donated to the Australian Koala Foundation. Help save our koalas - donate or foster a fuzzy critter now.

ABC666 Radio Interview for handmade living

2010-12-10T06:00:00.001+11:00

Thrilled to chat with the lovely Genevieve Jacobs at ABC radio here in Canberra today about handmade living. I challenged Genevieve to create something from the book, so hopefully she'll also enjoy the wonderful spirit of handmade.

handmade living Book Launch!

2010-12-04T18:00:00.025+11:00

Biggest. Market. Ever. What were we expecting? There's nothing that can keep punters away from the magic that is Handmade, not even lousy weather and mudpits underfoot - especially when a fabulous new book is being launched!

But did the threat of rain stop the crowds? Oh no no no. I may have been permanently tied to the handmade living marquee, but the few times I did wander into the grounds, I could not even see for the people covering the grounds and pathways. Stallholders were manic, everyone was smiling, there was laughter, music, product flying off tables, there was even a line for the handmade living marquee on at least 20 occasions. It was absolutely magical.

Louise Hall (Mrs Sew & So's and book contributor) and I headed up the handmade living marquee, and, despite wearing gumboots and standing in a mud puddle for most of the day, had nonstop handmade living buyers all day. I think I quite literally sat down for two minutes in the space of 11 hours.

Louise Hall and her mud boots

You could say the launch of handmade living was a soggy but fabulous success and it was such a joy to meet so many faces from the book - with a marquee filled with talent. Thank you to everyone who made this launch such a success!

we replenished these books every 30 minutes

Lisa Johnson's divine Covetables book (left)

My stall, with handmade living to the left

queue starts forming for the handmade living marquee

squeezing room only in the handmade living marquee

meet some handmade living marquee designers!

Wynona of Ivy Designs and Katie of MissChief Maker

Rachel of Ricochet Art and designer Catalina Voroneanu

Kirsten of Paper by Forget-Me-Not and Kathy of Studio Amara

Sarah of Winter Designs and photographer Hilary Wardaugh

Tanya of Seven Blueberries and designer Caleena Edkins

Head here for more of this fabulous market...

-:- photos by Tania McCartney and Rosalind Grace -:-

Review: Riley and the Curious Koala on Buzz Words

2010-12-02T12:51:00.000+11:00

Amazing book review from the uber talented Vicki Stanton of Buzz Words. Love it, thanks Vicki!

Handmade Canberra Times Feature

2010-12-02T06:00:00.002+11:00

click to enlarge

Wow - just look at the Handmade Market spread in yesterday's Canberra Times~! A gorgeous collection of designers... I'm already drooling. And of course, a big section on the gorgeous handmade living. See you there for your copy of the book!

WINNER! Riley and the Curious Koala Colouring Competition

2010-12-01T11:56:00.000+11:00

Thank you to everyone who sent in entries for the Riley and the Curious Koala colouring competition! I don’t know what’s happened to kids nowadays because they seem creatively supersonic – just look at these finalists – can you believe how creative and fabulous these entries are!?

Isabella and Charlie Mayne (aged just 1 and 2!!)

Rachael Perkins (7)

Alexander Moore (7)

The competition was SO TIGHT! I could hardly hardly even decide a winner… but I’m pleased to announce, the winner of the colouring comp is…

Congratulations Jessica Moore! (just 5 years old!)

It was the sparkly pink string and green Riley face that pushed Jessica into first place… I mean, doesn’t it make sense that Riley would be green with travel sickness? I love this colouring SO much, Jessica – and stay tuned – a copy of the book is on the way!

Thank you to everyone who entered and look out for the next Riley comp!

Kids Book Review interview in Buzz Words

2010-12-01T06:00:00.002+11:00

Megan and I are so thrilled to appear in Vicki Stanton's amazing Buzz Words children's book industry newsletter with a fantastic, conversational interview. Thank you so much, for having us, Vicki! (and for the wondeful Riley and the Curious Koala review!).

If you're in the least bit hankering for an amazing collection of literary news and information (who isn't!?), be sure to check out Vicki's Buzz Words site. You will NOT regret subscribing to this industry newsletter, jam packed with amazing info, and check out Vicki's blog, too - where she reviews a fab line-up of books.

Book Reading and Signing at Dymocks, Tuggeranong

2010-12-01T06:00:00.001+11:00

Click to enlarge

1pm

Sunday 5 December 2010

Dymocks, Tuggeranong

Tania will be reading her new book Riley and the Curious Koala at Dymocks at the Tuggeranong Hyperdone, Canberra.

Come along and travel with Riley on this wonderful adventure around Sydney. There will be goodie bags, koala masks, book giveaways and fun activities, plus your chance to have a book signed!

Perfect for kids aged 2 to 10, though other kids also welcome.

Contact Dymocks on 02-6293 9055 for more info or RSVP here.

All hail to my glorious launch sponsors...

A percentage of sales from Riley and the Curious Koala will be donated to the Australian Koala Foundation. Help save our koalas - donate or foster a fuzzy critter now.

riley and the curious koala on Bug in a Book!

2010-11-30T20:33:00.002+11:00

The gorgeous Angela at Bug in a Book has been so lovely to have Riley and the Curious Koala as her featured book! She's done a really wonderful review, too - so insightful to read what other people see in my books, and Angela has such an inherent passion for literature and education... it's so inspirational.

I love Angela's site - thanks for having me, Ang!

Event: Sustainable Santa Story Competition

2010-11-30T11:22:00.000+11:00

10am, Wednesday 8 December 2010

loop, Belconnen, Canberra

I will be judging the Sustainable Santa story comp at the opening of an enormous Green Christmas event. The event is run by loop, the new sustainable development at the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets and there will be loads of fun for the whole family. more...

What people are saying about handmade living

2010-11-27T11:34:00.000+11:00

She's almost here... Handmade Canberra's stunning inaugural publication - handmade living: a designer collective. It has certainly been a labour of love - from the initial designer call out... to the myriad of cover options (can you now see how hard it was to choose the final cover!?)... and on 4 December, you can all see this magnificent book for yourself at Handmade Market and Shop Handmade, and Australia-wide from 6 December.

When you've snaffled your copy and pored over it with your creative heart in your throat, do drop us a line and tell us what you think!

The media have their review copies and are asking for interviews and excerpts (stay tuned for more info on that!), wholesaling designers are getting their copies, and the word is spreading - this book is like nothing Australia has ever seen before. Handmade designers rejoice... this is going to be big.

Here's just some of the comments we're receiving, and the book hasn't even hit the shelves yet...

The book is a real credit to you, Julie, Tina and all those involved. Just gorgeous! - Julie Samaras, Editor, Canberra Weekly

The quality of the book and presentation exceeded my expectations - it is just lovely and a credit to you and the team. I was also really impressed with the originality and cleverness of many of the projects - I think this will make it stand out in the marketplace. I'm thrilled to be a part of it. - Nic from Yardage Design

Congratulations on the book, it’s really something to be amazingly proud of, well done you!! - Jennie from Posie Patchwork

I have got to say the book has exceeded my wildest expectations. You must be so proud of yourself, the book is truly amazing. I have NEVER seen anything quite like it. I have quite a few craft books but they are nothing in comparison and it is truly inspirational! - Ali from Park Eden

The books arrived this morning... words almost fail me. You must be thrilled with the final product. Well done - it is truly stunning. It’s such an honour to be featured in this publication alongside my creative contemporaries. - Kirsten from Paper by Forget Me Not

OMG OMG OMG OMG!!! So beautiful, I am drooling over the pages right now!! LOVE! - Emma of Kidson Jewellery

The book is a winner....congrats. - Liz of Betty Jo Designs

Your beautiful book arrived today and it is amazing! It has so many inspiring projects – the hard part will be deciding which project to make first. It truly is a visual feast. {My daughter} has already identified some projects that she wants to make – I can see it will get a lot of use during the school holidays. I especially love the broad range of projects, as we love to dabble in lots of different crafts. With most craft books you may find one or two projects of interest but yours is full to the brim of lovely, inspiring ideas. - Lisa of A Spoonful of Sugar

Lou and I held our breath this afternoon and opened the box that held our copies of handmade living. The book is exquisite. I was expecting something great, but it is even better than I thought it would be. I am so thrilled and proud to have been part of something so wonderful. - Michelle of Poppy Bean & Bloss

My books arrived in the post on Thursday and I was so delighted with them, I have ordered 5 more for Christmas presents! - Amy of Happy as Larry Designs

I just finished looking through my copy of the book and I can honestly tell you that it's the most beautiful craft book that I have ever seen. I am so proud that it is Australian and all Aussie craft lovers need to buy this book! It's truly fabulous. Congratulations to all involved! I so want to be part of the next book. – Thea from Thea & Sami {Ed: and we want you to be part of it!}

Just as the Handmade Market and Shop Handmade store are made up of beautiful unique pieces by a range of creatives, so is the book, by Tania McCartney, Julie Nichols and Tina Snerling. In fact, it shares the creative love – crammed full of projects, inspiring handmade goodness and profiles on the designers themselves, it’s a must for all lovers of handmade and crafters. - Belinda from The Happy Home

Every page is full of inspiration! - Kristin from An Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

I've got one of my softies in the book and I have to say, it is divine. It's one of the best craft/handmade books I've had the pleasure of looking through with such a great variety of things to make and things to buy which are handmade. It's been so well compiled and is definitely a coffee-table-style book you'll be proud to have out. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I have been! - Magdalena from The Craft Revival

Handmade Living is filled with tonnes of beautiful projects. It's like walking around a handmade market stall. You know that feeling you get when you're amongst such talent, and you wish you had just a teeny bit of what they've got. It kinda feels possible with this book. Let's just say I had a lot of bookmarks going on. I ended up putting together a batch of the most beautiful brownies I've ever tasted. - Fat Mum Slim

When the book arrived I drooled over the pages, bookmarking my favourites into a shortlist of which I'd pick 'the' item I would create. Absolutely charming, beautifully presented with lovely projects and pictures, Handmade Living book is now in my library! - Katia from Plushka Craft

Let me tell you this book is simply STUNNING!! the images, the information, the ideas, the inspiration - everything in this book is fabulous and I am more than honored to have Giggleberry Creations be a small part of it! Truly, this book is a beautiful read... I plan to grab a glass of red later tonight and sit in the comfy part of my couch and devour each and every page of this gorgeous book! - Amy from Giggleberry Creations

It's been a long and exciting wait, but Handmade Living has finally arrived... I picked up my copy at Handmade Market and had trouble putting it down to serve all the customers who had come to visit our stall. It's full of beautiful ideas and inspiration for lovers of handmade. - Kate from Please Eloise

Its like Christmas came early! I could hardly contain myself in the past few days as I have received the first copies of Handmade Living. I'm so excited about this book as one of my crafts (the spotty card) was accepted to be part of it! The book's pretty awesome, with lots of sections so there's bound to be something for everyone - from knitting, to baking, to sewing and even making your own spa soaks and masques! - Frances from FrancesCraft

So, I'm kinda sorta going to be in a book. A very lovely book. A very lovely book indeed. - Samantha from Samantha Hughes

Wow! Wow! Wow! I finally got to sit down and have a look at my copy of Handmade Living. An absolute stunning book and kasiabear's feature looks sooo good. OMG!! I'm in love!! - Kasia of kasiabear

I have just had my first look at Handmade Living and I am blown away!!! This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever seen-everything about it-images,colours, layout, etc combine to make one amazing collection.Congratulations to you and your team and thank you for allowing me to be featured. - Elizabeth Thompson of Knit Baby

If you would like to stock handmade living in your shop or online, contact Janet at Dennis Jones and Associates. Did I say this was going to be big?

handmade living Blog Tour Schedule

2010-11-26T06:00:00.000+11:00

handmade living is on tour!

Handmade Canberra is thrilled to announce its handmade living Book Launch Blog Tour! The tour will commence Saturday 27 November and run until the book launch on Saturday 4 December.

We will be ‘touring’ a stunning line-up of blogs – and you can follow it right along. It’s going to be a lot of fun! and we hope to see you there, sharing a glass of virtual bubbles! Enjoy every glorious handmade moment.

Saturday 27 November
Posie Patchwork
What is handmade living?

Sunday 28 November
Thea and Sami
How handmade living Was Produced

Sunday 28 November
Tiny Concept
Illustrating handmade living

Monday 29 November
Australian Women Online
Handmade Is the New Black & book giveaway!

Monday 29 November
The Happy Home
Designer Interview

Tuesday 30 November
Lark
Designer Profiles - Kate Ward, Kidson Jewellery, Ivy Designs

Tuesday 30 November
Tania McCartney
Sneak Peek!

Wednesday 1 December
A Spoonful of Sugar
Handmade Christmas gifts

Wednesday 1 December
Perth Upmarket
Western Australian Designers

Thursday 2 December
made it
Book Profile

Thursday 2 December
Life and Other Crises
handmade living Choc-Fest

Friday 3 December
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Combining a Cottage Business with Raising a Family

Friday 3 December
Find Make Do
Designer Profile

Saturday 4 December
Fat Mum Slim
Project Recreation

Saturday 4 December
Handmade Canberra
Book Giveaways

Gift Hamper and handmade living Giveaway in the Canberra Weekly

2010-11-25T06:00:00.001+11:00

I love the Canberra Weekly!

Thanks again to the lovely, totally supportive Julie Samaras for featuring handmade living again in her gorgeous weekly mag. And you could WIN a Handmade hamper (including $50 voucher to spend at the market)

Grab this week's copy of the Canberra Weekly and get entering!

Riley and the Curious Koala on Writing Out Loud

2010-11-23T19:02:00.000+11:00

Riley and the Curious Koala has appeared on the blog of good friend, Kids Book Review partner and talented writer Megan Blandford. It's such an honour to appear on Writing Out Loud - Megan is such a fine writer and advocate of literature - her words were so well appreciated. Check out the entire review here!

Handmade Living Blog Tour Schedule

2010-11-23T09:33:00.000+11:00

handmade living is on tour!

Handmade Canberra is thrilled to announce its handmade living Book Launch Blog Tour! The tour will commence Saturday 27 November and run until the book launch on Saturday 4 December.

We will be ‘touring’ a stunning line-up of blogs – and you can follow it right along. It’s going to be a lot of fun! and we hope to see you there, sharing a glass of virtual bubbles! Enjoy every glorious handmade moment.

Saturday 27 November
Posie Patchwork
What is handmade living?

Sunday 28 November
Thea and Sami
How handmade living Was Produced

Sunday 28 November
Tiny Concept
Illustrating handmade living

Monday 29 November
Australian Women Online
Handmade Is the New Black & book giveaway!

Monday 29 November
The Happy Home
Designer Interview

Tuesday 30 November
Lark
Designer Profiles

Tuesday 30 November
Tania McCartney
Sneak Peek!

Wednesday 1 December
A Spoonful of Sugar
Handmade Christmas gifts

Wednesday 1 December
Perth Upmarket
Western Australian Designers

Thursday 2 December
made it
Book Profile

Thursday 2 December
Life and Other Crises
handmade living Choc-Fest

Friday 3 December
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Combining a Cottage Business with Raising a Family

Friday 3 December
findmakedo
Designer Profile

Saturday 4 December
Fat Mum Slim
Project Recreation

Saturday 4 December
Handmade Canberra
Book Giveaways

handmade living in the Canberra Weekly

2010-11-23T06:00:00.001+11:00

click to enlarge

Eternal thanks to the lovely Julie Samaras for this fantastic profile on handmade living in the Canberra Weekly this week! Readers can win one of three sensational packs - which include the book and a gorgeous hand-made sewing kit by our own Jennie McClelland of Posie Patchwork!

BOOK LAUNCH PARTY! Riley and the Curious Koala

2010-11-21T17:02:00.000+11:00

click to enlarge

Come along, furry critter lovers, to the launch of Riley and the Curious Koala!

This fantastical event will feature:

a book reading and signing
illustrator demonstration by the superlative Kieron Pratt (who also happens to be very very funny)
a spectacular Sydney-themed candy bar
helium balloons
goodie bags
koala masks
prize giveaways
book giveaways
lots and lots of fun!

Don't miss out! Places are strictly limited so RSVP now for your place. This party will suit kids aged 2 to 10, but other kids also welcome.

Sunday 21 November 2010

11am - 12.30pm

Cnr Marcus Clarke & Rudd Streets
Canberra City

RSVP to email or 0422 128 115

Riley and the Curious Koala: A journey around Sydney
21 November 2010
Tania McCartney Press
ISBN: 9780980475036
A$16.99PB, 32pp

The third book in the fantastical Riley travelogue series for young children, Riley and the Curious Koala takes this intrepid aviator on a trip around Sydney in search of a very elusive koala. Touring this magnificent city from the Harbour Bridge to Taronga Zoo, Riley is joined in his little red plane by characters from the first two Riley books – Panda, Dragon and Lion – who provide much comic relief and giggle-worthy shenanigans on Riley’s journey.

With only mere glimpses of this curious, leaf-munching and evasive critter, will Riley finally find what he is searching for? And what curiosities will we learn about this uniquely Australian animal?

With hilarious illustrations by Kieron Pratt and sweeping black and white vista photographs of one of the world’s most beautiful cities, this beautiful multi-media book is a travel-lover’s dream. Children will adore joining Riley on his search, taking in the sites and delights of Sydney as only Riley and his travelling band of fuzzy friends know how...

Don't miss Tania's sensational Blog Tour, which will commence 15 November 2010. Check back here for more soon.

All hail to my glorious launch sponsors...

A percentage of sales from Riley and the Curious Koala will be donated to the Australian Koala Foundation. Help save our koalas - donate or foster a fuzzy critter now.

Book Reading and Signing at Paperchain, Manuka

2010-11-21T15:02:00.002+11:00

11am

Sunday 28 November 2010

Paperchain, Manuka, Canberra

Tania will be reading her new book Riley and the Curious Koala at Paperchain Bookstore in beautiful Manuka.

Come along and travel with Riley on this wonderful adventure around Sydney. There will be goodie bags, book giveaways and fun activities, plus your chance to have a book signed!

Perfect for kids aged 2 to 10, though other kids also welcome.

Contact Paperchain on 02-6295 6723 for more info or RSVP here.

All hail to my glorious launch sponsors...

A percentage of sales from Riley and the Curious Koala will be donated to the Australian Koala Foundation. Help save our koalas - donate or foster a fuzzy critter now.

handmade living in Canberra Times Relax Magazine

2010-11-21T06:00:00.001+11:00

click to enlarge

How cool is this - the Handmade Canberra story in the Canberra Times Relax magazine from Sunday. Here is Tania and Julie preening the baubles in Shop - while Julie chats to the lovely Karen Hardy about her amazing Handmade journey and where it is today... market, shop, book. Handmade bliss.

Review: Riley and the Curious Koala on Suite 101

2010-11-18T13:55:00.004+11:00

Thank you to the wonderful Susan Whelan of Suite 101 for this fabulous Riley and the Curious Koala review!

Riley and the Curious Koala Blog Tour

2010-11-15T06:00:00.008+11:00

Where in the world will Riley visit?

Welcome to my Blog Tour - in celebration of the launch of Riley and the Curious Koala! Commencing 15 November 2010, I hope you can join me on this whirlwind tour to some of the best literary blogs on the web. Huge thanks to my wonderful hosts and see you on tour!

Monday 15 November
Writing Out Loud Blog
AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Monday 15 November
The Book Chook
CRAFTING A BOOK USING PHOTOS

Monday 15 November
Handmade Canberra Blog
BOOK GIVEAWAY! Win Riley and the Curious Koala! Run!

Tuesday 16 November
Dee Scribe
MARKETING A SELF-PUBLISHED BOOK

Tuesday 16 November
Reading Upside Down
A CURIOUS LIFE

Tuesday 16 November
Australian Women Online
HOW TO SELF-PUBLISH A CHILDREN’S SERIES AND REMAIN SANE

Wednesday 17 November
Little People Books
READING TO LITTLE ONES

Wednesday 17 November
Miss Helen Writes
TRAVEL, BOOKS AND CHILDREN

Thursday 18 November
Soup Blog
STORY WRITING IDEAS

Thursday 18 November
Bernadette Kelly’s Blog
ILLUSTRATING THE RILEY SERIES

Thursday 18 November
Posie Patchwork: The Blog
EXTENDING YOUR BRAND and BOOK GIVE AWAY!

Friday 19 November
Sally Murphy’s Writing for Children Blog
APPROACHING PUBLISHERS

Saturday 20 November

Sue Whiting’s Blog

THE PROS AND CONS OF SELF-PUBLISHING

Saturday 20 November

Sheryl Gwyther's Blog

FROM BEIJING TO CANBERRA

Saturday 20 November

Kids Book Review

LIVE QUESTION TIME WITH TANIA!

The conversation will take place all day long – just post a question and Tania will answer.

Sunday 21 November

Sandy Fussell’s Stories are Light Blog

AN INTERVIEW WITH RILEY!

Sunday 21 November

Kids Book Review

RILEY AND THE CURIOUS KOALA BOOK GIVEAWAYS!

Sunday 21 November

Tania McCartney Blog

BOOK LAUNCH PARTY

Join Tania as she takes you through her book launch party, held at Dalton’s Bookstore in Canberra City. There will be photos, stories about the launch and lots of fun!

All hail to my glorious launch sponsors...

A percentage of sales from Riley and the Curious Koala will be donated to the Australian Koala Foundation. Help save our koalas - donate or foster a fuzzy critter now.

riley book giveaway in the canberra weekly!

2010-11-11T11:34:00.004+11:00

click to enlarge

Huge thanks to the ever-lovely Julie Samaras for this wonderful giveaway in the Canberra Weekly! Doesn't it look great? Enter now for your chance to win a very special Riley book pack. And watch this space - my book launch blog tour is about to start!

Review: Riley and the Curious Koala on The Book Chook

2010-11-02T06:00:00.001+11:00

Huge thanks to the wonderful Susan Stephenson (aka The Book Chook) for posting a review of Riley and the Curious Koala on her fabulous site - love your work, Chook!

Riley and the Curious Koala Book Launch Party!

2010-10-28T08:42:00.002+11:00

It’s that time of year again! Another Riley book launch! The third book in the Riley travelogue series (and my favourite yet) – Riley and the Curious Koala: A journey around Sydney – will be launched at Dalton’s Books in Canberra City on Sunday 21 November 2010.

Here is your opportunity to attend another spectacular launch – with a book reading and signing, live illustrator demo, goodie bags, helium balloons, book giveaways, koala masks, an amazing Sydney-themed candy bar, entertainment by Kelly Sports and much more!

Click on the poster for more but HURRY – numbers are strictly limited and they go fast! The event is free but you do need to RSVP.

Hope to see you there!

Interview, Books Before Bedtime

2010-09-29T10:48:00.003+10:00

We catch up with Tania McCartney, reviewer and founder of the popular Kids’ Book Review site, as she tells us how to select the best books for your kids, and also gives us her best bedtime reading tips!

Why do you love children's books? I have always loved children’s books. Even before I had my own kids, I was seriously addicted to picture books and children’s classics – my collection is now the size of a small mountain! I love the enchantment, the superlative storytelling, the magic, the characters – the ability children’s books have to transport the reader to another world, whether they be child or adult. I particularly love the way children’s books expand the imagination and encourage children to think big, to think laterally, to develop compassion and empathy, to learn, to absorb, to grow – and to delight. And of course – I love any opportunity to travel with my children via the pages of a book.

What made you start your own blog reviewing children's books? As an author myself, I have a deep passion for supporting and immersing myself in literary talent. I think it’s vital that authors and illustrators network and support each other – writing is such a solitary pursuit, and the literary world is a phenomenal place to make friends and source information to make you a better writer. I wanted to start a blog first and foremost out of my desire to read and share books with other adults and children, but my other aim is to open up the book writing world to everyone – to inspire both adults and children to read and write more. I hope Kids Book Review, even in the smallest way, adds to the plethora of fabulous websites and blogs that focus on children’s literature. I also hope it serves as a platform for authors and illustrators to share their work and their processes with everyone and anyone – from kids to professional writers.

Favourite author/illustrator? This is a difficult question to answer in the singular, and apologies to the 100 people I’ve left off this short list… but my current faves are Emily Gravett, Maurice Sendak, Enid Blyton, Miroslav Sasek, Babette Cole, Mo Willems, Lynley Dodd, Heath Mackenzie, Lauren Child, Peter Carnavas, David Shannon, Oliver Jeffers, CS Lewis, Stephen Michael King, Kay Thompson.

What do you look out for when selecting books to read to your own children? I like books that are ‘different’. I know that’s a totally subjective statement – but I love something that’s just not been done before – in any way, shape or form. I buy my kids endless information and non-fiction books but when it comes to inspirational stories and fiction, I always go for something that looks as beautiful on the outside as it reads on the inside. This is a given with picture books, but I also prefer it with novels. I love gorgeous illustration and design, and I think front covers can be underestimated in terms of the power they have over the content – not just upon purchasing but also upon reading. As for content, I buy books across the board and in all genres, but the writing must be engaging, well-edited, clever, informative and most of all – creative and imaginative. I refuse to buy churn-em out series held together by little more than clever marketing and fluff. I want meaty books for my kids. I want them transported to another world. I also want them to laugh. And learn.

I wish I had written... Too many to say! Of course, we all wish we’d written Harry Potter… and I honestly wish I’d written every single book I’ve ever fallen in love with (many!). This question might be better answered if I told you which authors I wish I could actually physically become – and there are only two. Emily Gravett and Lauren Child.

Best bedtime reading tips? Of course, having wind-down time is vital before bed, but once a dreamy ready-to-read state has been achieved… allow your child to choose the book. Always have several options – and introduce new books all the time. When your child is really young, of course they’ll want books repeated ad infinitum, and this is perfectly okay – you must comply! You’ll soon know them off by heart – I can still recite Little Miss Spider and Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy verbatim.

Try older books like readers and chapter books early in your child’s life – this will help your child learn to love the concept of imagining rather than relying on pictures. Use intonation and character voices, sound effects and physical movement to keep your child engaged in the story. Ask them to read an occasional word, if they’re old enough – perhaps the last word on every page. Another tip, to keep kids engaged, is to ask them questions through the story, asking their opinion or interpretation. Don’t hesitate to add your own sentiment to the story, too – like “poor Mr Twiddle!” or “I wonder what will happen next!?”

Consider vintage books for bedtime reading. Kids are exposed to many modern books at school but there is a whole other world contained in books of the past. Go for early edition copies, if you can. Scour eBay or second hand bookstores for old editions… you really want original Enid Blyton not her completely messed-up, modernised form. Oh, the agony.

Lastly, try making up your own mini stories, without a book in hand, to finish off your reading session. Having your child star in these stories will have them listening in rapture. Make sure you fill the story with people they know, and add in some surprise characters. It doesn’t have to be sophisticated or full of plot twists; even the simplest bookless story will entrance a child when told with love.

Currently reading? Always so much. I’m just about to start some new Pocket Money Puffins, the Mr Gum series by Andy Stanton, the Willy Waggledagger series by Martin Chatterton and Gregory Rogers, the Mr Badger series by Leigh Hobbs and some more Emily Gravett picture books for our special Behind the Books feature on Kids Book Review. I’m also in the midst of reading Sandy Fussell’s amazing Samurai Kids books and will soon be starting a heap of fabulous information books just delivered from the National Library. I’m in heaven.

See the Books Before Bedtime site for more.

Book Signing at Handmade Market in Bloom

2010-09-25T14:08:00.005+10:00

It was a glorious, sunshiney day at Handmade Market in Canberra - but someone forgot to turn off the wind!
Even though my marquee and I consistently battled the elements and my sensational friend and marketeer in crime Louise Hall and I spent an inordinate amount of time chasing handmade living posters across the market grounds, there was still a fabulous turnout of people, with a cacaphony of exquisite stalls, both indoors and out.

I signed quite a few books, with endless requests for Riley and the Curious Koala (it's coming soon!) and it was so fantastic to catch up with so many people - old friends and new.

Another Handmade Canberra triumph! See you at the 4 December twlight Christmas market.

Reading at MOCCA Fete

2010-09-25T14:02:00.000+10:00

What a glorious day for MOCCA's spring fete - Jenny Haling and the team did a fantastic job - the centre was packed with families enjoying a plethora of fun and games, including a fashion parade, auction, music, stalls and more.

Tracey Hawkins and I had great fun reading our books to a little audience of poppets. Tracey read her beautiful book Max Meets a Monster and I read Riley and the Dancing Lion. It was fun catching up with familiar faces and meeting new ones, too.

See you next year, MOCCA!

Events - Upcoming

2010-09-24T15:20:00.030+10:00

Storytime Book Readings
11am, Sunday 6 March 2011
Government House Open Day, Canberra
Tania will be one of several local children's authors and illustrators reading books to kids, in support of Government House Open Day - an initiative run by the Smith Family to raise educational funds for our most underpriveleged kids. more...

International Women's Day Event
Beautiful Strength, Stories of Womanhood
11am, Sunday 13 March 2011
Mulligan's Vineyard, Cowra
Tania will be speaking at an International Women's Day event, celebrating 100 years of supporting women worldwide. This high tea and talk will be held at Mulligan's Vineyard in Cowra. more...

National Simultaneous Storytime
11am, Wednesday 25 May 2011
Civic Library, Canberra
Come along to hear Tania read the beautiful Feathers for Phoebe by Rod Clements during this special Australia-wide reading event. Held at Civic Library, kids will enjoy a reading and the opportunity to make something delightfully feathery. more...

Click to see an events archive of past events like readings and festivals and book launches. (You might even see some paper aeroplane launches.)

All hail to my glorious Riley and the Curious Koala launch sponsors...

A percentage of sales from Riley and the Curious Koala will be donated to the Australian Koala Foundation. Help save our koalas - donate or foster a fuzzy critter now.

Book Reading and Signing at Borders, Canberra City

2010-09-24T14:22:00.009+10:00

Click to enlarge

11am

Sunday 5 December 2010

Borders, Canberra City

Tania will be reading her new book Riley and the Curious Koala at Borders in the Canberra Centre, Canberra City.

Come along and travel with Riley on this wonderful adventure around Sydney. There will be goodie bags, book giveaways, koala masks and fun activities, plus your chance to have a book signed!

Perfect for kids aged 2 to 10, though other kids also welcome.

Contact Borders on 02-6293 9055 for more info or RSVP here.

All hail to my glorious launch sponsors...

A percentage of sales from Riley and the Curious Koala will be donated to the Australian Koala Foundation. Help save our koalas - donate or foster a fuzzy critter now.

My Books on Australian Writers Rock!

2010-09-23T08:32:00.003+10:00

Big thanks to Kelly for adding my books to her fab new site Australian Writers Rock!!! Kelly clearly has a passion for supporting Aus talent and I feel very special being featured. Keep up the great work, Kelly!

Books Before Bedtime

2010-09-19T14:55:00.001+10:00

So much fun to appear on Books Before Bedtime - a collaboration between Hachette Children's Books and Dymocks, talking about tips for bedtime reading.

The site also plays host to tips for establishing great bedtime routines, and you'll also find activities sheets, wall charts and rewards charts and some great bedtime reading suggestions.

Click on the pic to read my entire piece!

Featured Local Author at Civic Library

2010-09-16T12:49:00.005+10:00

Many thanks to the lovely Jill Howard at Civic Library for hosting me in their Local Author cabinet, right in the heart of Canberra. The display features all my books as well as props from the Riley series, including Le Plane. So much fun!

My Book Week Experience 2010

2010-09-13T13:09:00.004+10:00

Welcome to my Book Week journey in the ACT! Relatively new to the Book Week scene (2008 was my first year in Beijing and 2009 my first year in Australia), it was so much fun to be welcomed into local schools to read my books and talk about writing and publishing. I hope you enjoy this insider's view!

Book Week 2010 - a typical visiting author day

7am Wake. Loo. Prep breakfast. Check over bag for 187th time. Laptop? Check. USB stick with powerpoint presentation? Check. Actually, better check pres is on stick AGAIN. Fire up laptop, insert USB, triple check powerpoint pres is on USB. Check. Close down laptop. Copies of my books? Check. Book signing pen (hey, I always live in hope)? Check. Street directory? Vital. Did I put USB stick back in bag? Yes. Head screwed on? Sort of.

7.15am Dress. Run around madly because I forgot to pack my own lunch AND my kids' lunch. Call to husband to make sandwiches. Take deep breaths to counterbalance sheer excitement and nervousness. No matter how many school visits you do, there's still butterflies in tummy.

7.34am Change. Redo hair. Wonder if heels are too high to be standing on all day, change to flats. Figure I'll be doing some sitting as must read books. Change back to heels.

7.39am Scoff down breakfast. Run to computer and check emails, send a few, check post for Kids Book Review is scheduled.

7.55 See kids off for school bus. Pack car with bags, books, props, laptop bag, food, water. Be tempted to check USB stick again. Resist. Open street directory. Lay schedule with schools and contact details on top of street directory. Start engine... Go!

3.47pm Take a pause. Sit in car for a few minutes with head reeling. Eat something. Drink something (only water!!!). Smile and laugh to myself and reminisce. Remember the faces of the kids, the lightbulb moments, the laughter, the questions...

"...where do you get your ideas from?"

"...my mum is an author, too."

"...how long did it take you to write this book?"

"...I've been to Hong Kong. And the south of France. And Africa." (lucky you!)

"...how much money do you make?" (my reponse? "Enough for an occasional jam sandwich.")

"...who is the boss? you or the illustrator?"

"...how many books have you sold?"

"...what's your favourite book you've written?"

"...what other authors do you like?"

"...how do you come up with the ending?"

"...my cat coughed up a furball, and then he ate it."

"...is it hard to write a book?"

"...do you like writing books?"

And my personal favourite...

"...do you get writer's block or mental breakdowns?"

My answer? Yes.

Follow up question...

"...how do you deal with them?" All this adorable kid needed was a pipe, a pair of argyle socks and some slippers!

4.12pm Sigh gratefully at how much I love speaking to kids and how utterly clever and gorgeous they are. Grab books and water bottle and head in to St Monica's PS for the Children's Seminar. Meet some absolutely gorgeous, talented, warm and funny (funny ha ha) authors who share my passion for children's literature and write some of our country's finest books and published works. Natter endlessly.

Left to right: Moi, Tracey Hawkins, Krista Bell, Christina Booth

Bernadette Kelly and I signing certificates for the kids

Bernadette and I having a laugh. It wasn't the only one.

Bernadette, Me, Tracey Hawkins, Christina Booth, Pauline Deeves

4.40pm Spread out around the library to our 'stations' where we meet with rounds of kids every 15 minutes, chatting about our work and about writing and reading. The children range in age from around 8 through to mid-teen. Be fascinated and enthralled by the talent and passion of these children. Sign some autographs (yes, you read it right!). Too cute.

The kids get ready to rumble! (with authors and illustrators)

6.30pm Head to a nearby Thai restaurant for dinner where other CBCA members join us for lots of laughter and lively literary discussion. We are also joined by Stephanie Owen Reeder whose book Lost! A True Tale from the Bush was shortlisted for the Eve Pownall Award and nominted an Honour Book in the Junior Judges Project.

Illustrator Christina Booth was also shortlisted for the Book of the Year Awards this year with her beautiful book Kip, which became an Honour Book.

Back L to R: Christine Aldred, Stephanie Owen Reeder, Christina Booth, Ingrid Jonach, Bernadette Kelly

Front L to R: Tania McCartney, Pauline Deeves, Tracey Hawkins, Krista Bell

9.15pmish What a glorious Book Week experience. We wrapped up dinner and I drove Krista back to Kingston (after getting partially lost, needing instruction from a non-Canberran! thank goodness I had Krista in the car with me!) before heading home for a hot shower and a solid night's sleep, dreaming all the while of smiles, great conversation, fabulous fun and... books.

The perfect day.

Book Week 2010 - My School Visits

2010-09-13T12:43:00.006+10:00

I had such a lovely Book Week with local schools this year - visiting several and thoroughly enjoying each and every one. Here I am at St Thomas the Apostle in Kambah (above) where I spoke to several year 3 classes.

Next was St Bede's Primary School in Red Hill where I chatted with the year 4 class...

Then it was on to St Monica's in Evatt, where the lovely Rachael Hind (CBCA Visiting Author Coordinator) set up a talk with some kindergarteners.

I also visited Canberra Girls Grammar in Deakin and had lots of fun with the year 2 kids...

...before doing three back-to-back sessions with the boys at Marist Primary School in Pearce...

My talks involved a reading of Riley and the Dancing Lion then a powerpoint presentation and discussion on how I literally put the book pages together, including sneak peeks at illustrations from roughs to finals and info on designing, publishing, printing and marketing books.

Huge thanks to the fabulous teacher/librarians who looked after me - Barb Selleck, teacher Victoria Scarano, Louise Hall, Rachael Hind and Janine Hays - and thanks to the fabulous kids who make school visits just so much fun.

See you again next year!

Local Author Display at Civic Library

2010-09-13T11:42:00.010+10:00

Thanks to Jill Howard at Civic Library for my gorgeous 'local author' display! This fantastic library, located right in the heart of Canberra City, does author displays and also has a section where local authors' and illustrators' books are displayed.

All my books are inside the case, along with an in-process look at my new kids book Riley and the Curious Koala - and info on my first lifestyle book, handmade living, written in conjunction with Handmade Canberra.

Lovely!

Marlon and the Sleeping Dragon

2010-09-10T11:00:00.000+10:00

How unbelievably adorable is this? Little Marlon (3) from Lennox Head, NSW, reading Riley and the Sleeping Dragon to Puff the Dragon - it just brought tears to my eyes.

Marlon's mum Sharyn actually contacted me some time ago about sending her a signed copy of Sleeping Dragon but life sort of got in the way (as it is want to do). Then, when out and about shopping with her little man last week, Marlon happened upon a copy of Riley and the Sleeping Dragon in Mary Ryan's Booktore in Byron Bay and asked his mum to buy it.

Mason has known nothing about his mum's initial contact with me. Thinking this was awfully serendipidous, Sharyn emailed me again and ordered a signed copy of the book. This photo was taken moments after little Marlon opened the envelope - he adores the book and I hope he enjoys many wonderful readings with his own little pet dragon.

Hi Marlon! Hope you enjoy the book and happy adventures!

Handmade Revolutionaries in Lip Mag

2010-09-09T08:30:00.000+10:00

It was fantastic to be interviewed for über cool lip magazine about the resurgence of all things handmade, most particularly women's fashion!

Check it out by clicking on the pic above.

Me in MAEVE Magazine

2010-09-08T08:20:00.002+10:00

I recently wrote to the lovely ladies at MAEVE Magazine, and was delighted when they said I could write some pieces for issue.3! They also featured my 'Self Portrait' author photo on their blog.

Click the pic to see my whole photo and click here to start drooling over that glorious magazine.

Book Signing at Handmade Market in Bloom

2010-09-07T08:34:00.001+10:00

I'm so happy to be back at Handmade Market this September 11 for Handmade in Bloom - a stunning spring time market packed with all things beautiful.

I will be signing Riley books and also taking pre-orders for handmade living - and if you pre-order a copy at the market, you will go in the running to win a signed copy of the book!

Come on down to Handmade Market and say hi - 10am to 4pm Saturday 11 September at the Kamberra Wine Company, Canberra.

Book Reading at MOCCA Fair, Canberra

2010-09-01T10:01:00.003+10:00

Saturday 25 September 2010

9am to 1pm

Manuka Childcare Centre

Canberra

I will be reading books and signing them at MOCCA's fabulous Spring Bling Fete.

Sponsored by the Canberra Weekly, ActewAGL, Canberra Milk and more, Spring Bling is will from 9am to 1pm at Manuka Childcare Centre, Flinders Way, Manuka, Canberra.

There will be a fabulous stall line up, farm animals, games, a craft corner, plants, second hand toys, books and clothes, live music, a visit by the ACT Fire Brigade and Brumby Jack, fabulous food and coffee and much more!

Come along and say hi! Joining me will be local author Tracey Hawkins, who will be reading books and signing, too.

It's a spring celebration!

handmade living in Dennis Jones Catalogue - Nov 2010

2010-08-30T19:46:00.003+10:00

So exciting to see handmade living and Riley and the Curious Koala in the Dennis Jones & Associates November 2010 book distribution catalogue. Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Riley and the Sleeping Dragon by Jake

2010-08-20T15:59:00.001+10:00

Just had to share with your this AMAZING rendition of the front cover of Riley and the Sleeping Dragon by the very talented Jake, age 7. He had to draw the front cover of his 'favourite book' and then write out the plot on a separate page - he even wrote some words in Chinese!

How utterly gorgeous is this? I just love it SO much and I feel very lucky.

Thanks, Jake, for being so clever!!

Colouring in Lions

2010-08-19T09:47:00.002+10:00

So wonderful to witness the creative talents of children at St Bede's primary school who used the dancing lion from Riley and the Dancing Lion as a colouring project in the school library. How gorgeous is that?

The very lovely librarian Kathy recently had kids colour and display these wonderful works of art - how lucky am I? Having kids love my stories is, for me, what writing is all about. Just warms the heart.

Kids Book Review on Buzz Words

2010-08-16T13:21:00.004+10:00

Kids Book Review was recently featured in the sensational industry newsletter Buzz Words - a really gorgeous write up on what we are doing and our glorious content, a lot of it thanks to our amazing line up of guests posters and my wonderful partner Megan Blandford.

Here is what Vicki said under USEFUL BOOKS and WEBSITES...

KIDS’ BOOK REVIEW
One of my favourite blogs, Kids Book Review was started by Canberra author Tania McCartney. It is full of interviews with authors/illustrators/librarians, book reviews, articles on literacy and reading, articles by children on why they like the books they like, profiles, links to other blogs, websites in the children’s literature world, writing tips, you name it! It is very easy to spend hours at this blog and everyone will get something out of it.

How lovely is that? We featured a sensational interview with Vicki on KBR recently - read it here - and sign up to Buzz Words post-haste - it is truly the most useful and interesting children's literature portal.

TO SUBSCRIBE head to the Buzz Words website or contact Vicki at vicki@stanton.id.au.

Books: handmade living.

2010-07-20T14:36:00.006+10:00

handmade living. a designer collective is a stunning collection of over 70 handmade projects and inspirational ideas, featuring the superlative talent of artists, designers and artisans from around Australia.

Divided into thematic chapters like textiles, jewellery, clothing, paper, indulgences (food, drink, pampering, photography), this kind of book has never been seen in Australia before.

To find out what people are saying about handmade living., click here.

Released December 2010, handmade living. is available at bookstores all over Australia or you can order your copy online at the Handmade Canberra website.

In the meantime, enjoy this sneak peek...

realchai.com.au

posie.com.au

tinyconcept.com.au

To see even more of handmade living, check out the Book Launch Blog Tour.

Interview on The Book Designer website

2010-07-04T21:31:00.000+10:00

I met the wonderful Joel Friedlander - The Book Designer - through twitter a while back - and so admire his amazing website, stacked to the rafters with brilliant articles and advice on books and publishing.

I was so thrilled when he recently ran an interview with me on self-publishing and marketing your work - Joel has been so generous with the praise, methinks it's a bit of a mutual-admiration thing going on!

Huge thanks to Joel for the feature - you can read the full piece here.

Riley Books and handmade living. in Canberra Times Handmade Market Feature

2010-06-04T21:36:00.003+10:00

So fabulous to be prominently featured in Handmade Market's amazing two-page advertorial in the Canberra Times this week, showcasing my Riley books and also talking about our exciting new venture - handmade living. The full spread can be seen here.

handmade living. in the Canberra Times

2010-05-10T12:21:00.002+10:00

Click to enlarge

So fabulous to be mentioned in the Canberra Times on Sunday - our gorgeous book is becoming the talk of the town! We're so excited about this glorious project.

Books: Riley and the Curious Koala

2010-04-26T21:56:00.010+10:00

Following in the Riley series of travel adventure books, Riley and the Curious Koala takes our little aviator on a journey around the beautiful landmarks of Sydney, in search of a strange and elusive fuzzy creature.

With stunning black and white photos of Sydney's beaches and glorious harbour, even in the torrential rain, this whirlwind trip showcases this gorgeous city at its best.

Riley and the Curious Koala is illustrated once again by the illustrious Kieron Pratt. It is the third book in the very popular Riley travelogue series for little ones.

"It's a superb book and a brilliant series concept - can think of a least a dozen kids I'd love to give it to who'd get so much from it." - author Jackie French

To find out what else people are saying about Riley and the Curious Koala, click here.

Riley and the Curious Koala is available at bookstores Australia-wide thanks to Dennis Jones & Associates. All media enquiries here. Distribution enquiries here.

If you would like a signed copy of Riley and the Curious Koala, please email here. Shipping worldwide.

Author Interview on Miss Helen Writes

2010-04-23T08:46:00.004+10:00

So thrilled to be featured on the blog of gorgeous and talented author Helen Ross recently - all about my self-publishing journey. I loved doing this interview - Helen is a real advocate of self-publishing and puts a lot of energy into promoting her own beautiful books. Check out Kids Book Review for a review of 10 Yellow Bananas.

Thanks Helen, for this lovely opportunity!

Riley the Little Aviator Products

2010-04-21T09:16:00.002+10:00

Announcing the arrival of Riley the Little Aviator products!

Gorgeous, completely handmade in Australia, these old-fashioned items are exclusively available at Shop Handmade in Canberra's CBD or online right here.

Happy perusing! More coming soon... Check back to see stunning pencil rolls, handmade by the exquisite Posie.

Ordering information following.

Riley paper doll
A$10.90 (A4 sheet)
ORDER

Panda paper doll (A5 sheet)
A$7.90
ORDER

Riley dress-up magnets (A4 sheet)
A$14.50
ORDER

Dancing Lion magnets (A5 sheet)
Rapper, Flinger, Tapper
OR
Ballerina, Latin Dancer, Jazz Dancer
A$9.90 set of three
ORDER

Chinese dancer magnets (A4 sheet)
A$12.50
ORDER

Riley and Panda greeting card (small)
A$2.90
ORDER

Riley and Panda greeting card (A6)
A$5.50
ORDER

TO ORDER: Simply send an email outlining your order. Payment accepted by paypal (including credit card) or request bank account details with your order. Paypal preferred.

Appearance in Sunday Canberra Times

2010-04-21T08:43:00.003+10:00

click to englarge

Fantastic to have the Shop Handmade opening appear in the Sunday Canberra Times. A full page social article by Lyn Mills pinpointed one of the many highlights of the evening - Barbie Robinson gadding about in one of Gypsy Tutus' creations.

I am writing Handmade's new book - handmade living.

Introducing my newest project... handmade living!

2010-04-19T19:25:00.004+10:00

I am thrilled and proud to announce my latest writing project - the next stunning instalment in the Handmade Market name - its first ever publication.... handmade living.

Working closely with the lovely Handmade mastermind, Julie Nichols, I am beside myself to be compiling and writing this stunning new book - encompassing all I love and desire. Beauty. Whimsy. Style. Inspiration.

Totally inspired by the huge success of both Handmade Market and Shop Handmade, handmade living. will be a glamorous, hardcover book jam-packed with stunning photographs, glorious products and projects, how-tos and heavenly inspiration.

You can see more at the website. Handmade bliss.

Book Chook Review of Riley and the Dancing Lion

2010-04-11T10:37:00.003+10:00

Huge thanks to the Book Chook for a fantastic review of Riley and the Dancing Lion! I love Susan's informative and highly creative site and am thrilled to be featured.

Amazing Australians Talk at Good Shepherd Primary School, Canberra

2010-04-09T09:03:00.002+10:00

I had the most 'amazing' time at Good Shepherd Primary School here in Canberra at one of the funnest events I've ever had the fortune to be involved in.

The children are doing a unit on Amazing Australians - people they admire or are inspired by, and who have contributed to society in a lasting way.

These year 6 kids also dressed the part, coming along as their most admired Amazing Australian. No surprise that over 60% of the classmates came as sportspeople! but there were also people from the arts, business (there was a Dick Smith!) and the literary world... a world I was speaking on.

I had to talk about Amazing Australians who inspired me and how I felt authors, illustrators and other literary figures contribute to our community. It was great fun and the kids had some intriguing questions afterwards.

I just loved this fantastic addition to this school's curriculum and hope the kids have been as inspired as I was. Thank you to Luke Maher for having me!

Book Reading at MissChief Maker's Easter Event, Canberra

2010-04-09T09:02:00.002+10:00

It was an absolutely divine Easter Sunday at Rodney's Nursery in Canberra, where families converged to celebrate with an egg hunt, Easter bonnet parade, colouring competition, sausage sizzle and all things chocolate-coated. Katie Dawson from MissChief Maker threw this event to raise funds for the 4TylerFames Fund, and around eighty kids enjoyed a perfect sunshiney afternoon of fun and games.

Whilst intrepid egg-layers set about laying their finest foiled chocolate treats, I kept the kids busy outside the MissChief Maker shop (below left) with a story-reading of Riley and the Sleeping Dragon. Then it was off and running for treasure. Well done, Katie!

See more here.

Interview on Really Good Stuff

2010-04-08T21:51:00.010+10:00

I was really thrilled to be interviewed for a wonderful site in the US called Really Good Stuff. The site is an extensive and very impressive teacher resource that offers 'fun and creative teaching tools for today's classroom'.

My piece actually appeared in The Teacher's Lounge blog, run by the incomparable Brandi Jordan, one of the most prolific writers I know. She really covers an amazing array of fascinating blog posts that make or wonderful reading, whether you're a teacher or parent.

Brandi is also giving away a copy of Riley and the Dancing Lion and the responses are already pouring in.

Mention in City News for MissChief Maker Easter Event

2010-04-08T20:18:00.001+10:00

Really fantastic to see City News run a little piece on Katie Dawson's (MissChief Maker) wonderful Easter event at Rodney's nursery on Easter Sunday. You can read more about the event here.

The Riley Product Line Begins

2010-04-07T21:36:00.001+10:00

Just thrilled with these handmade magnets I created today, thanks to the amazing stylings of illustrator Kieron Pratt. These gorgeous magnets will be exclusively available at Shop Handmade, opening here in Canberra next Friday 16 April. Or online if you click here and ask for a set.

Riley and the Sleeping Dragon Teaching Notes

2010-03-30T15:34:00.004+11:00

Finally! I am pleased to provide the first of my teaching notes and lesson plans for the Riley series of books. Here you will find three different lesson plans for Riley and the Sleeping Dragon in PDF. Just click below where you can download or print the plans. Happy teaching!

Riley and the Sleeping Dragon Lesson Plans

Readings and Signing with Kieron Pratt at St Monica's, Canberra

2010-03-29T14:59:00.008+11:00

My book readings and presentations for kids was taken to a whole new level thanks to my glorious illustrator Kieron Pratt, who accompanied me on a fabulous visit to St Monica's Primary School in Canberra.

Kieron had the children absolutely entranced with his fuzzy personality and talent. After a book reading that was rasped out by me (part of my voice was missing at the time!), we took the kids through a powerpoint presentation on how we collaborated to write and illustrate a book.

Here is Kieron (below) being a cheeky monkey behind my back, just seconds before being sent to the naughty chair.

And here he is doing what he does best (other than enthral children) - showing saucer-eyed children how he draws Riley... first with outlines...

And then padding everything out with arms and leg 'sausages'. Brilliant.

After the presentation, we had a fun time signing lots of books and chatting to the kids about this, that, the other, books, writing and travel. And naughty illustrators.

Huge thanks to the lovely Rachael Hind for organising, and I can't wait to go back to St Monica's awesome library full of awesome kids again. Naughty illustrators optional.

;)