Tania McCartney Blog: This is Banjo Paterson launch wrap-up

What a gorgeous event today at the National Library, launching This is Banjo Paterson into the stratosphere!

On a mega high-temps morning, we had a lovely turnout of adults and kids. After an intro by publisher Susan Hall, we enjoyed a rendition of Waltzing Matilda, sung by the amazing Sarah Wallace, accompanied on guitar by Candice from the National Library. They trilled like angels! And of course, everyone sang along.

Next was a book reading followed by a book signing and some Banjo-inspired activities. Kids made their own hobby horses and sheep masks, and hunted around for Banjo-inspired words.

I was astonished to see how much some kids knew about Banjo, and it was so much fun revealing more about his incredible life. The only thing missing was illustrator Christina Booth who is currently stranded on a beautiful island just south of Victoria (known for its apples; you may know it).

Warmest thanks to Susan and Candice from the NLA for all their hard work, and to Sarah and her daughter Imogen for their beautiful voices. Huge thanks to Nicole Godwin for taking these sensational images, and for the small handful taken by Cate Whittle, too.

And thank you to everyone who came along, for your continued support and for celebrating books for kids. Books are everything. Everything!

I hope you enjoy this wrap-up. Wish you could have been there.

Above, with James from Harry Hartog in Woden and with Julie (President, CBCA ACT) and Dawn from CBCA ACT Branch.

Above, intro by Susan Hall, and angelic voices singing (not mine!).

Oh my goodness, this little girl, above. The most divine little soul. She high-fived, fist-bumped and blew kisses, all while sipping from her hot chocolate bubbaccino takeaway cup. Not even two years old. Oh my. I wanted to steal her.