2021 Begins

Hmmm feels a little strange to be writing about the beginning of 2021 and we are already heading towards the end of February and the end of summer…

Summer holidays for what they were this year revolved around a 20 day lock down here in the northern beaches but I’m not here to complain being in this beautiful part of the world. Rather I’m here to announce…

The big announcement for me is the signing of a picture book contract with Larrikin House!

The contract was signed last December 2020. I feel very humbled to be chosen and am enjoying the process of working through the picture book process.

So I can’t reveal very much as yet but I will share the name of the story is “My Sister’s a Cutie’ and the author is the delightful Samara Lemke. I can’t wait to share some more of our little characters but for now I will reveal that they are little tigers!

A huge thank you to James Layton and also to Mary Anastiou for making this dream come true with an Australian publisher!

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.

ASA Mentorship Award Winner!

Wow, still coming to terms with this, but super excited to announce that as of last week, I am one of the winners of the Australian Society of Authors Mentorship awards! This will mean the opportunity to work with another successful Australian illustrator - what a privilege! Thanks so much to the judges, looking forward to getting started.