Bookish Adventures - Summing up 2023!

It seems all my family and friends were commenting about how quickly 2023 whizzed by. Do you agree? I felt compelled to share & celebrate some of my highlights before moving on to 2024…

Unboxing Book Week Bear!

It was a thrill to have Book Week Bear published in July! This involved the opportunity to meet with author Rory H Mather and go on an adventure around the city signing copies of Book Week Bear. thrill of publishing Book Week Bear to the joy of visiting schools and meeting enthusiastic book fans, it was a year filled with unforgettable moments.

The following day, Rory and I had the opportunity to launch the book at Better Read than Dead bookshop. What a great time we had, celebrating the Book Week Bear with fellow book lovers.

Book signing

But it wasn't just about the books. Getting the chance to visit schools and talk to students about illustration was a privilege. At North Narrabeen Public School I got to spend the day with creative children and work with them on their own illustrations. Their curiosity and enthusiasm were infectious, and it was heartwarming to see their faces light up as we talked about storytelling and creativity. At Covenant Christian school the Kindergarten class created their own ‘Book Week Bears!’

I really do feel grateful for all the wonderful experiences and opportunities that came my way in 2023. Here's to another year of creativity, inspiration, and new adventures. I hope you enjoyed sharing them with me.

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

Little Mister Is Here!

Hard to believe but finally Little Mister gets a Sister is released!!!

Written by Samaria Lemke and published by Larrikin House it is the sweetest story of the effect of a new sibling in the home. Hysterical situations are captured beautifully by Samaria’s text.

Our Bookish days review stated, ‘This is an extremely relatable story seeing those little signs of jealousy peek through when everyone is fussing over the new baby… Little Mister Gets a Sister is humorous and light hearted and would make a wonderful gift for new big brother and sisters.”

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.