The Kings School - Presenting An Anzac in the Family and the HSC ‘Discovery’ Theme

I had an enjoyable day at The Kings School on Tuesday 27^th May taking two sessions to two groups of Year 9 boys, presenting my PowerPoint, An Anzac in the Family, which is about the writing process of my novel, Eventual Poppy Day  (to be released by Harper Collins in March 2015).

I also addressed Year 11, with my PowerPoint presentation based on the theme of DISCOVERY by looking at three very different picture storybooks:- Outside (Little Hare) with illustrations by Ritva Voutila  (to be launched in October at State Library as part  of the inaugural SWW Writers’ Festival) as a child explores a garden and her five senses; A Boy Like Me: a story about peace (ABC Books/Harper Collins)with illustrations by Bruce Whatley, which treats the difficult concept of war and peace and a journey of self-discovery for a young boy; and finally Sangita’s Singing  with illustrations by Nepali artist Bandana Tulachan in which a 10 year old village child in Nepal begins her schooling in the large and bewildering city of Kathmandu, with its themes of alienation, bullying, self discovery and transformation for the child.

Judi Hirst, chief librarian arranged things perfectly and I was accompanied and well looked after by    Marita Thomson. The speakers at this Literary Festival were well supported by Paul MacDonald at the Children’s Bookshop, Beecroft.