Exploring Time and Place Through Children's Literature

from Australian Kids Through the Years, image by Andrew Joyner

Not sure if you know (!), but I love books. And reading. And other cultures. And watching children grow and learn and thrive with the inclusion of all three of these vital components in their lives.

A few months ago, I was asked to write an article for Connections magazine, an initiative of the Schools Catalogue Information Service, which serves schools and libraries in both Australia and New Zealand. The article has just been published in the magazine, and is also online.

In it, I discuss the importance of exposing children to books featuring other places, times, races and cultures. I talk about the benefits of multicultural exposure, which include broader minds and a deeper understanding of both the self and others. Children exposed to other ways of life have a greater willingness to explore and experience life to its fullest, and to pursue friendship, relationship and career opportunities unbound by prejudice, stereotypes and limited thinking.

Now do you know why I love books, reading and other cultures?

You can read the entire article right here.

Smile Cry WINNERS!

THE WINNERS

Thank you to everyone for entering my comp to win a copy of Smile Cry. Some of you entered by leaving a comment and some by email. Your entries were so heartwarming, and oftentimes hilarious!

And now, I have great pleasure in announcing the two winners, as chosen anonymously by my two kids.

Congratulations go to:

Reena Balding

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Vanna McAlister

 
Congratulations, Reena and Vanna (who entered by email). I hope you love Smile Cry. Please email me at booksATtaniamccartney.combooks@taniamccartney.com and your book will soon be winging its way to you!

You can find most of my books online or instore around Australia, though some of the older books may not be available instore. Ask your local to order it in, or find it online. See all books here.

Here is a link to Booktopia, but other sites sell my books, too, including The Book Depository for buyers outside Australia.

I sometimes have small quantities of my books for sale (which means I can sign them!), especially new release, and you can find them at my Etsy store. You can also buy giclée or laser prints of my artwork and book artwork at this store. Just click the image below.

selected recent illustrations

no.2 The Conservatory, The Flora Series, 2018

no.3 The Flower Girl, The Flora Series, 2018

no.4 The Leaf Fairy, The Flora Series, 2018

no.5 The Bonnet, The Flora Series, 2018

no.6 The Book, The Flora Series, 2018

no.7 The Seamstress, The Flora Series, 2018

no.8 The Flamenco, The Flora Series, 2018

no.9 The Leaf Dress, The Flora Series, 2018

no.10 The Hair, The Flora Series, 2018

Lizzy, pet commission, Apr 2018

no.2 T-Shirt Bear, A Bear a Day, Jan - Mar 2018

no.7 Pork Pie Bear, A Bear a Day, Jan - Mar 2018

no.46 Flower Crown Bear, A Bear a Day, Jan - Mar 2018

no.82 Hibernating Bear, A Bear a Day, Jan - Mar 2018

no.90 Bear Hat Bear, A Bear a Day, Jan - Mar 2018

from Mamie, HarperCollins, Dec 2018

lull

Lisa-Marie Kerr

Sometimes, we all need a lull. A period of less frenzied activity. A time of creative connection without the pressure of production.

More time to ponder, less time to do.

More time to wander, less time to rue.

I've spent the last month in a state of Lull. At a slower pace. After a deeply-dedicated, lengthy period working on my first illustrated book (I'm revealing the title at the end of this post!!), putting in about 900 hours and putting on about 900 kilos in the process, I've taken this time to walk, read, crochet, eat good food, and do yoga in the sunshine.