Mega thanks to the #Bookstagang_BestOf2023Aussie team for this gorgeous nod for Dorrie! Just thrilled to see her recognised in this way, and so happy to be alongside these other fab books.  If you love kids' books, give these book-loving instagrammers are follow... @canyoutellmeastory @get.kids.booked @artsplorers_au @aussie_kids_books @ohcreativeday @lovefourreading @bookieboo.au @flipwithjoy    ..read more

Today we launched Plume: Christmas Elf, hosted by the glorious Peter, Hannah and the team @ The Book Cow - Kingston!   We had a beautiful spot in leafy Green Square, with stacks of candy canes, goodie bags and the cutest mylar balloons (which were a huge hit!).   Thank you thank you to everyone who came along and braved that truly melting humidity this morning. I was terrified the book pages would curl in protest, but it was such a magical, fun time, with lots of laughter and candy-cane-sweet moments. Thanks to my beautiful industry friends for the love and support - some gal ..read more

The A Kids’ Year series has been translated into Simplified Chinese and I’m over the moon.    Starting with An Aussie Year in 2013 (EK Books), the series is still going strong. Knowing Chinese children can now explore these countries through the eyes of children their age, is a joy for me. We spent four years in Beijing when our kids were young, and I developed a real connection to Chinese children during our time there.   The books come in a paperback set with a collective sleeve. It also includes a concertina scrapbook for kids to draw and write stories in – perhaps of ..read more

Well well well - my first book launch in many years. Any excuse to have a Christmas party, I say! Plume and I hope you can join us at @thebookcowkingston on Sunday 15 October at 11am, to celebrate the fourth book in the Plume series - Plume: Christmas Elf (@hardiegrantbooks). There will be a book reading and signing, goodie bags and festive mylar balloons for the kids, and a balloon wall and photo props to have your photo taken with Plume - yes, he will be there! Kids will take home colouring sheets, and there's a lucky door prize of some of the treasures found in the book. Spots are lim ..read more

I loved visiting National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature Inc. recently and writing up this blog post on the legacy of May Gibbs at the Centre. Click here to read the entire piece ..read more

Thanks to Dionne and Nic at the ACT Government Education Directorate for organising my two recent school visits for the Chief Minister's Reading Challenge, and for their hard work every year on this amazing initiative. It's an honour to be an ambassador for the Challenge (since 2016).  Visiting schools is a wonderful opportunity to connect with children and talk to them about books and literacy. I'm ever inspired by their inherent understanding of story, visual literacy and creative potential. Is your school involved in the Challenge? A fab write-up rom the Directorate: Tania ..read more

Willdlife Compendium of the World makes an appearance in the Australian Women's Weekly, June 2023 ..read more

Dorrie window is go! Huge thanks to Harry Hartog Bookseller Woden Westfield for this superb space, yet again. Dorrie and Blinky feel so at home here among the glorious book and gifts! Thanks to Caitlin and Jemima for helping me sort this install. And to Emma at HarperCollins Children's Books Australia for sorting the image printing. Ever thanks to my divine publisher Lisa Berryman HarperCollins and editor Evie Tonelli (now publisher!) for this beautiful Dorrie journey. I’ve left some signed copies of the book instore, so do pop in if you’d like one. Or seven. See more about Dorrie right ..read more

I'm thrilled to announce I will be available for Children's Book Week in 2023.  I'll only be available for Zoom sessions, however, this means I will be able to visit schools all over Australia!  Sessions will be available from Monday 19 to Friday 25 August 2023.  for session ideas and rates. Get in quick - slots will book out fast ..read more

Join me at the State Library of NSW on Friday 21 April for a journey through the illustrations in Dorrie - my picture book on the life of Dorothy Wall, creator of Blinky Bill. We’ll do a book reading, then will compare illustration styles with Dorothy’s works. There’ll also be some of her original artwork on display! Kids will also enjoy an illustration tutorial on some of Australia’s most beautiful plants and animals. My little Blinky Bill toy from the 1970s may help out, too. There will be some Dorrie colouring sheets to take home and I’ll be signing some books, too. The event runs from ..read more