Cover Reveal "Book Week Bear!" June 2023

Hey there, picture book lovers and bear enthusiasts! Today I’m writing about the reveal of the “Book Week Bear” cover. I've had the honor of working on a new children's book titled "Book Week Bear," written by the talented Rory H Mather during 2022. And the time has finally come to unveil the cover! As the illustrator, I've adored working on this fun book which captures the essence of Book Week and has a few magical surprises. So here it is…

I'm delighted to announce that Scholastic Australia, an amazing publisher with a passion for inspiring young minds, will be bringing "Book Week Bear" to bookshelves across the country. Mark your calendars because the big day is just around the corner—1st July 2023!

KidlitVic 2023

Hi everyone!

Walking through the door of KidLit Vic 2023!

I just wanted to share with you all about my recent trip down to Melbourne for KidLitVic, last weekend. KidLitVic is a conference for authors and illustrators interested in the Australian publishing market. It was an absolutely amazing experience, and I'm so grateful to have been able to attend.

The conference was packed full of great content, with four publisher panels covering topics such as finding the right publisher, what to expect when you receive a contract, and finding your voice. The panels were incredibly informative and gave us all a lot to think about as we navigate the world of publishing.

Ruth-Mary Smith holding my portfolio in the KidLitVic showcase

One of the highlights for me was having my portfolio in the illustrator showcase, which gave me the opportunity to have it looked through by a variety of publishers. It was nerve-wracking to have my work on display like that, but it was also incredibly exciting to see the reactions from people as they flipped through my illustrations.

But perhaps the best part of the conference was the connections I made with other authors and illustrators. I had the thrill of meeting Anna Battese the author of the PDMcPem series. It's always great to be able to chat with people who understand the industry and who are going through the same things as you. And after so long without being able to see each other in person, it was especially wonderful to be able to connect face-to-face.

Ruth-Mary Smith meeting Anna Battese. They are holding the page showing PDMcPem in the showcase of KidLitVic 2023

All in all, KidLitVic was an incredibly valuable day, and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it. I learned so much and made some great connections, and I'm excited to take everything I learned and use it to continue growing as an illustrator..

Logo for Ruth-Mary Smith

August 2022 PD McPem is well and truly here!

I’m very excited to announce that my favourite mystery solver - PD McPem both Case 1 and 2 are out!

I’ve had such a wonderful time illustrating for editor of Yellow Brick books Rowena Beresford and simply adore the writing of energetic author Anna Battese.

Here’s are little taster from Case 2 The Puzzling Pet Parade

WHEN PETS GO MISSING ON THE DAY OF THE BIG PARADE, DETECTIVE PD MCPEM IS ON THE CASE!

It's West Bay Primary School's annual Pet Parade and Miss Hartnett's Year One class is excited to showcase their lovable companions. Budding detective PD McPem is particularly keen to show off her clever canine assistant, Scooter.  But the arrival of her new deskmate, Theodora Putkins, and her Rhinoceros Beetle Circus creates havoc when both Scooter and Mary the beetle are nowhere to be found!

PD can be purchased from Yellow Brick Books or Booktopia

June 2021 Catch Up

Hello! I’ve been a busy bee and a little slow on the blogging side!!! Here’s a catch up…

I loved doing the illustrations for “Little Mister Gets a Sister”. I learnt a lot and enjoyed the process of sinking into world of “Little Mister “in my imagination. Larrikin house was a fabulous publishing company to work with and I count myself very blessed for the opportunity.Now comes the impatient wait by Samaria Lemke (author) and myself for it to be published - hopefully October this year!

End pages process pic for ‘Little Mister Gets a Sister’ from Larrikin House

In other exciting news, I was shortlisted for an Illustration Award in a competition run by The Illustration Station and CYAll Stars We were asked to create an illustration on the themes of JOY!… So came the anxious wait for the result … and I received a highly commended!

My Exciting result in The Illustration Station and CYA Competition

I have had a number of projects in Surface Pattern design as well as having some amazing news in Children’s illustration to share but I will get back to you shortly on those.

Keep well and thanks for reading

Ruth-Mary

September Catch Up 2020

Is it a sign that I’m getting older that each year find myself saying , Wow this year have gone fast! Well even in this, strangest of years, I find myself saying it again! I felt it was high time for a catch up of all things children’s bookish so I hope you enjoy looking back with me over the past few months.

I have found some remarkable opportunities this year for catch ups via zoom with like minded kidlit lovers. The pandemic has forced the rethinking of ways to get together and I have been grateful for the way various groups have put so much effort into keeping members connected and informed. Here’s a few but there were many many more….

Juniper & Daisy

SCBWI- What an amazing organisation!

Illustrator critiques gives us the opportunity to come together and discuss our latest works. It’s such an encouraging group where knowledgable leaders are so keen to share their experience. SCBWI has also run online weekend conferences which have given the chance to hear from a variety of those in Kidlit with so much to share.

CYA

During the month of July, I was learning from the CYA conference in Queensland. Being online was a tremendous way to hear from so many others without having to leave my study ( or change my slippers!)

To my great delight…

I had the honour of receiving second place in the CYA open illustrators competition!!!

CYA Second Place for Fleur

Kid Lit Vic

KidLitVic has been postponed but there has been the opportunity to meet with publishers and it’s also very exciting that there is to be an online showcase! I believe publishers with have access next week and then other KidLitVic folk the following week- squeeeeeeeeee!

Pinerolo

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to the Pinerolo cabin in the Blue Mountains for a day of learning with Margaret Hamilton and author illustrator Tohby Riddle. There is always so much to learn! I went a lovely friend with her own interest in the Kidlit world, and we enjoyed a beautiful crisp Blue Mountins day and a wealth of information. The charming cabin is filled to the brim with picture books from over the years and original artworks.

As I said a t the start there is too much to mention in one post but I’m so thankful for the community of children’s writers and illustrators.