AUTHOR DIRECTORY 2018
AUTHOR BIO
Adele Jones Adele Jones is an award-winning Queensland author. She writes young adult and historical novels, poems, inspirational non-fiction and fictional short works, along with balancing family responsibilities and employment in the field of science. She holds a Master of Letters (major: Creative Writing) and her first YA novel Integrate was awarded the 2013 CALEB Prize for Unpublished Manuscript. Her writing explores issues of social justice, humanity, faith, natural beauty and meaning in life’s journey, and a variety of her poems have received commendation, with inclusion in several thought-provoking anthologies, including the ground-breaking Veils, Halos and Shackles: International Poetry on the Oppression and Empowerment of Women. As a speaker, Adele seeks to present practical and encouraging sessions that get students thinking about storytelling in a fun learning environment. Her workshops often incorporate a physical activity, enabling students the opportunity to get out of their seats whilst exploring new concepts on writing.
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Author Talks and Workshops 1)
Mystery, Misadventure and Hapless Heroes
This workshop explores the idea of suspense and enables students an opportunity to identify common ways suspense is built in a story. Students will be encouraged to distinguish character ‘needs’ from ‘wants’ in creating suspense, along with the importance of including meaningful obstacles, through simple role-play activities. Level: Years 4-7 2) Ethics, Morals and Me: Lessons from the Blaine Colton Trilogy This session complements use of Integrate as a class-novel, which broaches far-reaching topics, from euthanasia to manipulation of bioethical boundaries and more. Session Overview: • Morals and Ethics: Terminology & context • Societal vs Personal morals & ethics • The Death Sentence: Societal shifts over time • Bioethics & Integrate: Blurred boundaries Level: Year 9 + 3) Get Some Character This workshop introduces the concept of character, and examines what makes a successful character in the context of narrative. The technique of character mapping will be explored, along with keys for writing unique and engaging protagonists. Time permitting, students will be given the opportunity to develop a self-profile exploring personal strengths. Level: Years 7-10 4) In the Beginning Story beginnings are a crucial element of successful writing. This workshop examines story beginnings by critiquing the first page of a selection of books. Students will compile key features of a ‘great start’, and from this, create and share their own story beginnings from a variety of writing prompts. Level: Year 7 +
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AUTHOR BIO
Deborah Kelly Deborah Kelly writes books for children of all ages. Her recent publications include The Bouncing Ball (Random House 2013), Jam for Nana (Random House 2014), Dinosaur Disco (Random House 2015), Sam’s Great Invention (Macmillan Education 2014), Don’t Sweat It (Macmillan Education 2014), Me and You (Penguin Viking 2017) and The Chalk Rainbow (EK Books 2017). Deborah has also published short stories for both children and adults, as well as writes Haiku poetry. She also has a junior fiction series called Ruby Wishfingers (Wombat Books 2016). The first book in the series, Ruby Wishfingers: Skydancer’s Escape was a CBCA Notable 2017. Deborah is an engaging public speaker who regularly attends school, libraries and festival events to share her books and to talk about writing.
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Author Talks and Workshops 1)
The Role of an Author/Illustrator
This session covers what an author/illustrator does. Deb shares two to three picture books and/or snippets of her chapter book series in a fun interactive way, giving children the opportunity to ask questions and or share their own ideas. The session includes books sales and signing, photo opportunities and giveaways of colouring sheets or small promotional items like stickers, bookmarks or badges. Level: Years K-2 2) The Role of an Author and the Publishing Process As above, but a more in-depth talk about the role of an author and insight into the publishing process. Deborah shares snippets of chapter books and a picture book, before allowing for questions and comments. The session includes books sales and signing, photo opportunities and giveaways of colouring sheets or small promotional items Level: Years 3-6
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AUTHOR BIO
Debra Tidball Debra Tidball is an author, social worker, blogger and children’s book reviewer. Her first picture book, When I See Grandma was shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year 2014 and won the children’s book category of the CALEB award 2014. Her second picture book, The Scared Book, is heaps of interactive fun with sneaky opportunities for kids to learn about conquering their fears. Debra is an energetic speaker who engages students with stories and games to spark student’s imagination.
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Author Talks and Workshops 1)
Feeding the Imagination
Debra’s standard author talk is built around the ideas of making and imagination, and involves a reading of her book/s. She plays a game of ‘Roll the Dice Monster’ and each class comes up with their own unique creation. Debra can also speak about feeding the imagination and writing as play, using Lego as an example. Debra brings along interactive props and toys she made as a child. Feedback from a Year 2 parent: “Wow! My daughter is just about to read a story she wrote just now … you inspired her.” Level: Years K-3
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AUTHOR BIO
Emily Larkin Emily Larkin is an Australian author, based on the Sunshine Coast. Her picture book, The Whirlpool, was published with Wombat Books in 2017, and is illustrated by award-winning artist Helene Magisson. Emily has published fiction in international literary journals including Meniscus, Seizure, Literary Orphans, The Zodiac Review, and Number Eleven Magazine, and was shortlisted in the CYA Conference’s 2017 competition, in the YoungAdult ‘Aspiring’ category. After receiving a Bachelor of Communication and Bachelor of Arts (Honours), graduating with Class 1, Division 1, she is undertaking a Doctorate in Creative Writing at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Find Emily on Facebook at ehlarkinauthor, or read her fiction and blog at ehlarkin.com.
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Author Talks and Workshops 1)
Happy or Sad?
Using The Whirlpool as an example, the cohort creates a story that uses different colours to reflect sadness or joy. They discuss how emotions change, and bad times don’t need to last. Each child is encouraged to invent their own animal hero. Level: Years K-3 2) Finding Magic in the Everyday In this interactive presentation, Emily discusses how kids can ask themselves questions about small things, to help them imagine scenarios and write stories. Kids are encouraged to respond to prompts and play an imagination game. Level: Years K-3 3) Writing a Picture Book In this workshop, Emily discusses the writing process and how The Whirlpool was created, and gives a book reading. Kids are encouraged to respond to different words and images and interpret how they work together to create meaning. Level: Years 1-3 4) Writing Short Stories What makes a great short story? How do you capture a moment? Emily discusses hooking the reader from the start, keeping the story tight, and ‘killer’ last lines. Level: Years 3-6
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AUTHOR BIO
Georgie Donaghey Georgie Donaghey discovered her love for creative writing at the age of seven when she won her first writing competition. Although her hand-written award from the Sun Herald Junior is now faded and the poem she submitted a distant memory, her passion for writing continued to bubble just below the surface. Georgie founded Creative Kids Tales, an online site where emerging children’s authors could come together and find tips, information and at the same time display their work. She even took her love of writing to the airwaves with the radio show, The Author’s Shelf. In 2015 Georgie’s first picture book, Lulu was published through DragonTales. In 2017 Lulu was re-released through Wombat Books. Her second picture book, Clover’s BIG Ideas was released through Little Pink Dog Books. Two of her short stories were published in the CKT Story Collection also released in 2017. In 2018, In the Shadow of an Elephant will also be released through Little Pink Dog Books. “Writing is a journey. The most wonderful, heartwrenching, exhilarating, goose bumps expedition you can venture on. Build your name within the industry. Work hard at your writing. Wear rejections like a badge of honour. Be proud and celebrate each and every achievement, no matter how small. Most of all believe, always believe, because that acceptance letter is on its way.” ~ Georgie Donaghey
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Author Talks and Workshops 1)
The World of the Children’s Author
This author session includes interaction, inspiration and giveaways. Children are invited to take a peek into the world of a children’s author and share in stories, craft, dress-ups and smiles. Georgie incorporates interactive play into her sessions, where children are invited to dress up as characters from her books. They become the stars of the story by acting out the book. Audience members are also invited to participate in the story telling through movement and sounds. Georgie always ensures every child receives a gift at the conclusion of her sessions, whether it be a post card, colouring sheet, novelty pencil, eraser or a book. Level: Years K-6 2) The Adventures of Story This workshop incorporates storytelling, character and story building, structure and fun activities to encourage creative flow. Children are encouraged to build on their own talents and explore the many adventures of story through creative writing. Level: Years 3-6
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AUTHOR BIO
Katrina Roe Katrina Roe is an author and radio presenter. She can be heard each weekday on Sydney’s Hope 103.2 radio, where she is the host of Hope Mornings. Her newest book, Gemma gets the Jitters, is about anxiety and encourages children to face their fears. Katrina’s first book, Marty’s Nut-Free Party, was shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Book of the Year Award. Her second book, Emily Eases Her Wheezes, was listed as a Notable Book by CBCA in 2015. Her third children’s book, Same, is a true story about her brother, Charlie, who has cerebral palsy. It was shortlisted for the Caleb Prize, 2016. Katrina is always keen to get outdoors, has a weakness for soft cheese and is rather pedantic about her tea. She likes to daydream of holidays by the sea, where she can go for long walks in the morning and curl up with a good book in the afternoon. Katrina lives in Sydney with her husband, Chris, a television news producer, and her three gorgeous girls.
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Author Talks and Workshops 1)
Story Time with Katrina Roe
Katrina runs 30 - 45 minute story time and discussion sessions based around the topics covered in her books: Anxiety, food allergies, asthma, disability and difference. Level: Years K-3 2) Creative Writing Workshop Katrina teaches creative writing to older primary aged students in 45 - 60 min sessions. Her focus is on teaching students to draw on their own experiences, feelings and family stories to create engaging authentic creative writing. Level: Years 3-6
Endorsements: ‘Katrina Roe wowed audiences at the Snowy Mountains Readers & Writers festival. Her writing journey was inspirational to kids and adults alike.’ Jack Heath, Children’s and YA Author ‘Katrina’s ability to captivate and engage a class of preschoolers for over an hour is amazing.’ Helen Besestri, Snowy Moutains Readers & Writers Festival. ‘Our students thoroughly enjoyed Katrina’s presentation and even our youngest students were engaged the whole time. Katrina involved the girls by asking them questions and developed their understanding of issues presented in her books.’ Gwyn Bromhead, Junior School – Teacher Librarian, Tara Anglican School for Girls ‘You were amazing! The students were engaged and captivated by your fabulous stories. All the teachers present agreed it was a fabulous morning! Thank you and come again.’ Emma Cutmore, Kindergarten Teacher, Loquat Valley Anglican School
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AUTHOR BIO
Kellie Byrnes Kellie Byrnes is a children’s author, full-time freelance writer, and book reviewer with her first picture book, The Cloud Conductor, being released by Wombat Books in 2018. Kellie has a BA degree in Literature; over five years of experience copywriting; and has spent time in marketing, PR and publishing roles. She previously worked as a publishing assistant for Pan Macmillan, and as a sales rep for Pan and later Hardie Grant Gift (Taltrade Books at the time). Kellie has written copy for companies in Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and the UK, and her ghost-written work has been featured on sites such as Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, Lifehacker, Inc., Forbes, Gumtree and Seek. She has created content for firms such as Optus, St. George Bank, Fiji Airways, Mortgage Choice, Sheridan, Bridgestone, Spirit of Tasmania, Expedia and Stuck on You. She was hired to create a children’s book as part of a marketing campaign for the launch of a food product for kids; and has written a number of scripts for the first season of a children’s television program currently in development. Kellie is a member of SCBWI and the Queensland Writer’s Centre, and has attended numerous conferences, workshops, webinars and talks in the last two years to stay abreast of current trends and developments in children’s publishing. She also writes monthly reviews of children’s books for Just Write for Kids. When she’s not busy writing, reading or coming up with new ideas, Kellie can be found walking her two dogs, checking out movies, plays and musicals, or travelling as far and wide as she can for inspiration.
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Author Talks and Workshops 1)
The Cloud Conductor Book Reading and Talk
Kellie will talk about how she came to write The Cloud Conductor, provide a fun reading of the picture book, discuss some of its themes and how the pictures and text work together, and include a craft activity and/or some interactive games. 45 mins to 1 hour Level: Years K-3 2) The Making of a Picture Book Workshop Kellie will cover topics like idea generation, the picture-book creation process, elements of story, working with publishers and illustrators, and format and storyboarding. Students will start developing their own picture-book ideas, covering story structure basics such as character(s), setting and conflict. 1 hour Level: Years 1-6 3) Creativity ‘Where Do Ideas Come From?’ Talk Kellie will bust misconceptions about creativity and explore where ideas come from and how they’re developed. She’ll discuss stories in numerous formats (e.g. books, movies, TV and musicals), and how ideas are influenced. She’ll also touch on a writer’s life and what it really involves. 1 hour Level: Years 3-6 4) Fun with Language Workshop Helping children think about language in a fun, interactive way, the workshop will cover elements like interesting/funny words, word mashups, history and culture of language, tongue twisters, and different language techniques. Students will have the opportunity to play with words and strengthen their skills using creative games and exercises. 1 hour Level: Years K-3
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AUTHOR BIO
Kirrily Lowe Kirrily is the author of The Invisible Tree, a popular series of children’s picture books reinforcing positive character development through fun, rhyming poetry and stunning illustrations. She is a mum of 3 boys, Sammy (12), Harry (10) and Elijah (8), all of whom provide a steady source of inspiration for her writing. Kirrily began her career as a children’s solicitor in Sydney’s western suburbs, before marrying her husband Tim and joining him in leading a vibrant and creative church in Darlinghurst, Sydney. She is passionate about filling young lives with great values in a fun and relatable way.
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Author Talks and Workshops 1)
The Journey of an Author
Kirrily usually runs a session about the journey of an author, covering the inspiration and process of writing poetry as well as the importance of teamwork and collaboration with the illustrator and publisher. She shows a video greeting on the everyday creativity by the illustrator of The Invisible Tree books. Kirrily typically reads from two of her books (with images on smart board) and then holds a ‘question and answer’ time. For groups wanting to include craft and activities – Colouring and cut-outs of The Invisible Tree and its fruits are available, as is additional resources including find-a-word and other activities. Level: Years K-6 2) Visual Literacy Kirrily typically speaks about her career pathway and how she came to be a children’s author. She speaks of her passion for visual literacy and its potential to impact its audience. The presentation will also include: • The inspiration and process of writing poetry. • The importance of teamwork and collaboration with the illustrator and publisher. • A video greeting on the everyday creativity by the illustrator of The Invisible Tree books. • Detailed information on publishing and print process. • A reading of at least one of her books. • Plenty of time for student’s questions. Level: Years 7-9
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AUTHOR BIO
Lora Inak Lora began her writing journey aged ten - with a short story featuring an evil eyeball named Optic. Not her finest work but fortunately she kept on writing. Her debut novel, Unspoken Rules, was released in 2017 with Rhiza Press and follows the two lives of seventeen-year-old, Syrian-Australian Natalie. Lora drew on her own experiences as a Turkish-Australian to write Unspoken Rules and show first-and-second-generation Australians how important it is to accept and be proud of all inherent cultures Lora is married with a son, a daughter, a rescue dog called Chloe and a possum that won’t go away (Chloe and the possum are often at war). She lives in the burbs of Melbourne, works in marketing, a passion for food, Harry Potter, Anne of Green Gables, coloured pencils, books books and more books, and an obsession with neatness (which is hard to come by with two kids, a dog, and a possum).
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Author Talks and Workshops 1)
Cultural Conflict and the Cultural Tightrope
Lora facilitates a discussion about our individual cultures and how that creates conflict at school, at home, with friends, boyfriends, in love, work, and life in general. She draws on her personal experience growing up an immigrant in Australia in the 80s and discusses how the school environment has changed, and also how it’s stayed the same. Lora relates back the ‘cultural tightrope’ in Unspoken Rules. Level: Year 9+ 2) Multiculturalism vs Assimilation - what is the difference? Cultural assimilation is the interpretation and fusion of ethnic minorities into the dominant culture. This phenomenon is the opposite of multiculturalism, which respects and promotes diversity in society. Lora challenges the audience to define the differences and then discuss each, and their experiences with each. Level: Year 9+ 3) Identity Are we Australian? Or do we classify ourselves as someone from our place of birth, or the birthplace of our parents/grandparents? Perhaps we are both? Or neither? Lora facilitates a discussion where the audience does most of the talking about their backgrounds and how they define themselves and whether their definition changes in different situation. Level: Year 9+ 4) Acculturation - what does it mean? Acculturation is a process of cultural contact and exchange through which a person or group comes to adopt certain values and practices of a culture that is not originally their own. Lora facilitates a discussion on how the audience has noticed/seen acculturation occur in Australia and in their own lives. Level: Year 9+
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AUTHOR BIO
Lynne Stringer Lynne Stringer has been passionate about writing all her life, beginning with short stories in her primary school days. She began writing professionally as a journalist and was the editor of a small newspaper (later magazine) for seven years, before turning her hand to screenplay writing and novels. Lynne is the author of the Verindon trilogy, a young adult science fiction romance series released in 2013. Her latest novel, released in October 2016, is Once Confronted, a contemporary drama. Visit www.lynnestringer.com for more information.
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Author Talks and Workshops 1)
How Do I Write a Novel?
This seminar will cover the basics of writing a novel, such as showing and not telling, point of view, excessive descriptions, first and third person, and past and present tense. It can include information about the publishing process if requested. Level: Year 7+ 2) My Novel is Ready to Be Published … Or Is It? This seminar provides an overview of writing a novel. It also details the following: • how to make sure the submissions editor reads your novel • how to write a good query letter • the pros and cons of self-publishing and vanity publishing • the benefits of a professional edit Level: Year 7+ 3) Structural Editing This seminar provides an overview of the basics of structural editing, such as: • How to make sure your plot works • Character development and consistency • Point of view • Show don’t tell • Descriptions Level: Year 7+ 4) Ten Things You Should Know About a Professional Edit This seminar is for those who have written a manuscript and are considering having it edited by a professional. It will detail ten key things authors should know about having their books professionally edited and will help them understand the process and enable them to make more informed decisions. Level: Year 7+
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AUTHOR BIO
Michelle Worthington Award winning author Michelle Worthington released her first children’s picture book with Wombat Books in November 2011. Michelle grew up in Brisbane, Australia and has always enjoyed writing stories and sharing them with others. She believes in the many benefits of sharing quality time with children by engaging them in stories. Since graduating from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Arts, she has travelled extensively and enjoys learning about new cultures and sharing new experiences. An energetic and dynamic story teller, Michelle is dedicated to encouraging a strong love of reading and writing in young children and conducts author visits at primary and special schools, libraries and bookstore storytelling as well as hosting publishing workshops and mentoring sessions for adults.
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Author Talks and Workshops 1)
Australian Animals Everywhere
Children will be transported on an exciting adventure and meet a host of interesting Australian animals along the way. Inspired by The Bedtime Band and Possum Games, students will create their own animal characters. Learn how to create a little storytelling magic! Narratives – Focus on storytelling and oral language development, as well as developing a character and structuring a simple narrative plot.
Level: Years K-3 2)
Mischief and Magic
This writing workshop combines fairy tale themes and improvised storytelling with creative writing. Students will explore the elements of fairy tales and narratives, as they follow the prompts inspired by Hootie The Cutie. Settings, good and bad characters, plots, problems and magical items will be woven into twisted fairy tales. Through oral storytelling and creative writing, they will bring their story to life. Fairy Tales – Focus on generating original ideas and introducing the essential elements of narratives – setting/character/plot
Level: Years 3-6 3)
Tell Me A Story
Since the dawn of time, humans have told stories to each other – powerful stories about their life experiences and funny stories to entertain their friends and family. This workshop combines writing and performing arts to engage children in the art of story creation inspired by The Three Legged Kangaroo from Uluru and Glitch and use these as springboards for developing original and interesting innovations. Because these stories have similar patterns and make use of repetition and rhyme, the student’s innovations will lend themselves easily to inspire children to tell a story that reveals something about themselves. Developing narratives using a set structure, focus on oral storytelling
Level:Years 1-4 4) Choose Your Own Adventure Choose your Own Adventure is a creative writing format that puts the writer straight into the heart of story. Inspired by My Brother Tom, Noah Chases the Wind and Yellow Dress Day, the decisions these young writers make, and the options they choose, will determine exactly how their particular adventure story unfolds. Children will need to generate a host of creative ideas, as well as apply logic and higher order thinking skills to weave their way through the writing process and solve the problems that arise. Both sides of the brain will get a workout here! Activities are designed to extend children’s creative writing and thinking skills, as well as inspire a love of language and storytelling. Adventure/Fantasy/Hero’s Journey – Focus on plotting/planning an adventure style story, developing main characters and creating interesting plots.
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AUTHOR BIO
Narelda Joy Narelda Joy is a puppet maker and Illustrator specialising in highly textural illustrations including collage. You can see her work at www. nareldajoy.com.au and at www.facebook.com/ nareldajoyillustration. Narelda Joy won the State Medal (highest marks in the state) for Design Cert IV, was accepted into the Bachelor of Costume at NIDA (and received a high distinction average), and graduated with Distinction from the Advanced Diploma in Design and Illustration Skills. She also has first places with distinctions in both Fashion and Theatrical Millinery. Narelda Joy has won many first prizes for her fabric sculptures including four first places and four Standard of Excellent Awards at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, and has been exhibited at the Books Illustrated Gallery, M2 gallery, See Street Gallery, Blue Mountains Regional Gallery, and Raw Grandeur. Narelda Joy is passionate about children’s books, and is Vice President of the Blue Mountains Sub-branch of the Children’s Book Council of Australia. She has illustrated for The School Magazine. Narelda Joy sells her Australian animal puppets and illustrations at the internationally renowned Scenic World. Her latest book is Fox and Moonbeam by Wombat Books. She lives in the beautiful Blue Mountains surrounded by inspirational flora and fauna.
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Author Talks and Workshops 1)
Group Creativity Talks (full day)
6 x 45 minute slots. PowerPoint presentation with a display of Narelda’s work and a talk about the creative process, followed by fun, interactive design activity making characters, both drawn and assembled. Usually held in school hall. Level: Years K-6 2) Moveable Puppet Workshop (2 sessions, full day) Max 26 students per session (Stage 3 preferred) Session 1: Make and assemble the puppet (NB: if the workshop is over two days students have the option to complete the puppet at home if unfinished) Session 2: Working in small groups, students will learn to move the puppet and make up a short story with fun and often hilarious prompts. Level: Years K-6 3) Collage Workshop (1 session, 2 hours minimum) Max 26 students per session (Stage 3 preferred) Learn how to make an interesting, detailed collage. May have a recycling focus, or be tailored to a certain theme eg. Animals. Level: Years K-6 4) Sewing Workshop (1 session, 3 hours minimum) Max 8 students per session (Stage 3 preferred) Learn basic sewing & embroidery stitches and make a hanging ornament. A more advanced session (longer) is also available which involves making a hand puppet. Level: Years K-6
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AUTHOR BIO
Penny Reeve Penny Reeve is the Australian author of more than 20 books for children, including the popular Madison and Tania Abbey series. She is passionate about writing stories that both entertain and empower readers to engage with - and respond to - the around them. Penny is a confident and experienced presenter to groups of all ages, including early childhood and high-school settings. She is based in western Sydney, NSW but is willing to travel to accommodate regional or interstate visits. Penny’s strength in school visits is her flexibility and ability to adapt to the needs and interests of your students, no matter their age. Independent Christian and Catholic schools may also appreciate the unique dynamic she can offer as a Christian author of many popular Christian children’s books.
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Author Talks and Workshops 1)
Whole School Author Talk
In this engaging and entertaining all age author talk, Penny introduces the story behind how she became a writer and how her childhood impacts the kinds of books she writes today. Level: Years K-6 2) Writing Workshops for Middle Primary Classes Using a variety of strategies and examples from her own work, Penny leads student in years 3 and 4 through a fun, engaging character driven workshop that can be used as a springboard for further creative writing. Level: Years 3-4 3) Tailored Author Talks for Specific Age Groups Whether your group contains pre-schoolers or fidgety year sevens, Penny can tailor a relevant presentation for your school. Topics include: how I became an author, how to be a better writer, using writing to respond to global issues etc. Level: n/a
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AUTHOR BIO
Robert Vescio Robert Vescio has worked in the publishing industry for over 12 years as a Production Manager and as a Photo Editor, working on a number of photographic magazines. Robert enjoyed sourcing photographic material from world-renowned photographers the ilks of Mario Testino, Annie Leibovitz, Greg Gorman and Jean-Baptiste Mondino just to name a few. Robert’s picture books include Eric Finds A Way (Wombat Books), Ella Saw the Tree (Big Sky Publishing), Jack and Mia (Wombat Books) listed on the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2017, Barnaby and the Lost Treasure of Bunnyville (Big Sky Publishing), Marlo Can Fly (Wombat Books) listed on the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2015, and No Matter Who We’re With (IP Kidz). He has more picture books due out soon. A number of his short stories have been published in anthologies such as Packed Lunch, Short and Twisted, Charms Vol 1, The Toy Chest and The NSW School Magazine. Awards for his children’s writing include: First Place in the 2012 Marshall Allan Hill Children’s Writing Competition and Highly Commended in the 2011 Marshall Allan Hill Children’s Writing Competition. Robert is a Books in Homes Role Model and enjoys visiting schools. His aim is to enthuse and inspire children to read and write and leave them bursting with imaginative ideas. A BIG kid at heart, Robert is a huge fan of Disney and loves animation. He lives in Sydney and enjoys spending time with his children, who are an endless source of inspiration. For more information visit Robert’s website: www.robertvescio.com.
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Author Talks and Workshops 1)
‘The Writing Style’ Workshop
The workshop touches upon the parts of narrative writing, adjectives, figurative language and punctuation. Robert writes a picture book text on the whiteboard and has the children edit each sentence as the story moves along. This will teach them correct use of punctuation (full stops, commas, quotation marks etc), capital letters (proper nouns and beginning of sentences etc), adjectives and colourful verbs, and writing tools like similes, metaphors, alliteration, onomatopoeia etc. Robert also reads to the kids from his picture books. Level: Years 2-6
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AUTHOR BIO
Rosanne Hawke Rosanne Hawke is an award winning SA author of 28 books for young people. Many have been shortlisted and/or longlisted in Australian awards with Taj and the Great Camel Trek winning the 2012 Adelaide Festival Award for Children’s Literature. For ten years Rosanne was an aid worker and teacher in Pakistan and the Middle East. She is the 2015 recipient of the Nance Donkin Award for an Australian woman author who writes for children and she is also a Bard of Cornwall. Rosanne is an adjunct lecturer in Creative Writing at Tabor Adelaide and writes in an old Cornish farmhouse with underground rooms. In her books she explores South Asian culture, all things Cornish, history, faith and relationships, social justice issues and snow leopards! Her latest books include Daughter of Nomads, a Notable title in the CBCA Book of the Year Awards, and Liana’s Dance. Rosanne speaks in schools, at writing festivals, community groups and libraries. Rosanne believes in supporting the literacy program in classes and can tailor her sessions according to needs in the classroom. She can give author talks, book talks and writing workshops. She uses PPT, artefacts from her books and costumes/hats to dress up some students. Often she role plays one of her characters or tells a folktale from one of her books.
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Author Talks and Workshops 1)
Author Talk
A more general or introductory talk about becoming an author, inspiration, research and writing process using some of Rosanne’s books as examples. Level: n/a 2) Book Talk Rosanne gives a detailed talk when classes have been reading a particular book and would like to have an interactive session where Rosanne shares the inspiration, research and writing process of that particular book or books and students can show their related projects and ask burning questions. Level: n/a 3) Writing workshops These can be tailored to the students’ needs or teachers can choose from a list of titles, eg. • How your characters can write your story. Tips on developing a character. • Writing a narrative and finishing it! Learn a sure way of finding the ending of those stories on your iPad. • My seven secrets of writing a great story. • Writing adventure stories (mid-primary). Level: n/a
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Harrison Craig School Visits Author, Singer, Motivational Speaker “Being a kid is tough and overcoming challenges can be hard, but when you find what makes you special, you can do almost anything.” - Harrison Craig Harrison Craig first made his mark on Australia in 2013, taking out the second series of The Voice. From a young age, Harrison found that singing was a remedy to his stutter, and it became a means to escape bullying at school. Now an international and platinum-selling singer, Harrison has put his story of courage and resilience into a picture book for school-aged children. Harrison’s Song inspires children to search for and use their own talents to overcome challenges they may face. During his Harrison’s Song launch tour, he is offering motivational talks to schools in your area. Session Details: Harrison is taking his uplifting story across Australia. He is available for one hour motivational talks at schools, where he will do a reading of his new book and share his inspirational story of how he overcame his stutter to become the singer he is today. Level: Years K-6 Topics: Resilience Bullying Individuality and Differences Special Inclusions: 1x Free signed copy of Harrison’s Song for school Signing Opportunities Photo Opportunities
32 | The Book Curator: Author Directory