Boundless Festival wrap up with Andy Griffiths

 

The Boundless Festival of Australian Children's Literature wound up today with a spectacular author meet-and-greet with Andy Griffiths at the National Library of Australia.

Andy spent a few days in Canberra, visiting schools, lunching, dining and sharing his expertise with a range of lucky people. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in one of his workshops at the ACT Writers' Centre, and you can also see the COOL Awards event here.

Today's event at the NLA was simply glorious. I would say over 300 people turned up - and to see dozens upon dozens of young kids - especially boys - clutching Andy's books and spending time leafing through the pages while they waited {most patiently!} to have their book signed, was so very special.

I hope the following photos explain just how vital author visits like this are for young kids and the development of a love of reading. Andy is a generous, warm soul whose adoration for kids shines through - and these lucky kids were simply agog at the chance to meet him {+ some adults, too!}.

A huge congratulations to Belle Alderman and her team for this year's inaugural Boundless Festival. If you didn't get to this time, I hope you'll have a chance to indulge in this glorious event next year - please spread the word.

Happy reading - and perusing!

Andy with NLA bookshop's Matt (grey tee) and Leanne Barrett, CBCA ACT President (right)

with the lovely NLA Bookshop staff

the fan pics begin...

Andy started signing 30 minutes before the event officially opened

some eager fans, queuing patiently

this was the queue 30 mins before event start-time

the queue - about 15 mins before the event was due to start

the queue - about 15 mins before the event was due to start

NLA Marketing Manager, Maureen Brooks, introduces Andy

 

Andy reading The Naked Boy and the Crocodile, in support of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation