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/

Poetry Masterclasses for NSW High Schools; Connected Classroom

I have run 3 Poetry Masterclasses for 8 state high school groups across NSW with the help of Teacher Librarian and wizard technician Joachim Cohen at the Bondi Teachers' Centre with the enthusiastic eye of Gavin Patterson, School Education Director. Using my compilation The ABC Book of Australian Poetry which has the river as its theme, some 65 students and 8 teachers took a trip down the river with me from waterfalls to the sea, using the Hathorn Technique of Poetry Writing.

The students responded to poetry models, specially chosen visuals, music and the joy of words demonstrated in quality chosen poems, with poems of their own. A certificate of accomplishment is being awarded to all students, then poems will appear on a blog (to be announced). I hope and trust a new relationship to the wonders of poetry established for life.

Poetry Party

My first official workshop as National Ambassador for Reading 2012 was at NSW State Library in March using the ABC Book Of Australian Poetry.

Students from 3 schools attended and we were delighted that the State Librarian Dr Alex Byrne, and Frances Sims - Director of Public Library and Community Learning Services paid us a visit and watched poetry writing in the making. In the afternoon, two remote schools responded by video conferencing to more poetry writing; a great Poetry Party Day.