Hazelhurst Regional Gallery

There is a brilliant art show called 'Look, The Art of Australian Picture Books Today' touring from the State Library of Queensland to the Mornington Peninsula Regional Art Gallery as part of the National Year of Reading. 

Hazelhurst Regional Gallery invited me to talk about my book 'Way Home' now in it's 16th year of publication with Greg Rogers marvellous artwork. The book will be part of this great exhibition.

Powerhouse Discovery Centre & Poetry

Just a teaser about the Hathorn Technique for Poetry Writing being coupled with wonderful objects from the PDC, e.g Harry's famous Cafe de Wheels and a springy Cobb and Co coach for a Poetry Trail to be launched as part of the National Year of Reading 2012. After many meetings at the PDC and Kenthurst School trailing the program, we are almost ready to roll later this year. Watch this space.

Virtual Launch of A Boy Like Me

Harper Collins and Electroboard hosted a Virtual Launch at Electroboard premises of A Boy Like Me with both author and artist Bruce Whatley able to talk to students and librarians from Tasmania to Toowoomba. A virtual book signing - maybe Australia's first - was followed by a hearty afternoon tea and the book is out there for all to enjoy. With its theme of peace and Bruce's sensitive illustrations it is a timely work for both children and their parents.

National Year of Reading Event

DOUBLE BAY LIBRARY had lots of prams parked outside today. I talked to some 20 families about the National Year of Reading and read The Very Cranky Bear, the chosen text for Simultaneous Reading across Australia, with lots of sound effects from the gathered pre-schoolers; and then I read from one or two of my own picture books and talked to the mums about the importance of reading and of introducing their kids to poetry at a young age. Right now!

Masterclasses for Budding Writers

I had wonderful fun with young writers of Year 2 at Randwick Public School, teaching The Hathorn Technique of Poetry Writing using my book, The ABC Book of Australian Poetry.

One of the Dads who is an accomplished artist, Todd Hunter, painted an amazing river scene for the back of the class room with the help of several students. We attached poetry words to this beautiful river painting, which helped the children develop their 'word wallets' before waxing lyrical in poems modelled on those in the collection.

The presentation of the student's poetry to parents is still to come.

National Year of Reading Ambassador Visits

I'm pleased to be invited to a number of libraries in country towns, such as Griffith and Tamworth as well as local city libraries, such as the Hills.

I will be launching my book on peace, A Boy Like Me (Harper Collins), with illustrations by Bruce Whatley in both country and city.

Poetry Reading for Rhizomic

Last night enjoyed a new venue for a poetry reading of my Rooming House Cycle to a small but enthusiastic audience. Please note Rhizomic meets every third Wednesday of each month and there is an open mike opportunity. Looking forward to the launch of Rhyll McMaster's new poetry collection Late Night Shopping, 10th April at Sapphos Glebe. http://rhyllmcmaster.wordpress.com/