A Kids' Year Series in Simplified Chinese

The A Kids’ Year series has been translated into Simplified Chinese and I’m over the moon.   

Starting with An Aussie Year in 2013 (EK Books), the series is still going strong. Knowing Chinese children can now explore these countries through the eyes of children their age, is a joy for me. We spent four years in Beijing when our kids were young, and I developed a real connection to Chinese children during our time there.  

The books come in a paperback set with a collective sleeve. It also includes a concertina scrapbook for kids to draw and write stories in – perhaps of their own traditions and customs – and a booklet featuring some of the facts from the series, including our own ANZAC Day.  

The production values are beautiful and I’m so grateful to Anouska Jones and EK Books and their rights team for securing this publication. And of course, the books were a team effort, with amazing illustrations by Tina Snerling (Lukas).

Click here to see a video of the books.

An Aussie Year / A Kiwi Year in paperback

After a fabulous 6 years in print, the bestselling An Aussie Year is now out in a luscious paperback version... with an updated cover in a divine Outback Orange! It will be so lovely to see the book in the hands of new generation of little ones now aged 6 (and up).

A Kiwi Year is also now in paperback with a delectable kiwifruit green cover. Both updates made by my gorgeous friend and A Kids' Year series illustrator, Tina Lukas (once Snerling).

I still have such a fondness for this series (there's also Canada, England, Scotland, Texas and New York), and have ever been inspired with the way children react to the kids featured in each book, and their localised year, from events and festivals to traditions, food, games, toys and everyday life in the place they call home.

Look out for the books in a shop near you, or online, or ... win a copy! I have to sets of these books to give away. Just head to my Instagram account to enter! Hurry, ends Sunday 3 November 2019.

a kids' year series - An Aussie Year and A Kiwi Year in paperback

Just look at these stunning new covers for An Aussie Year and A Kiwi Year, designed by the amazing Tina Snerling - for the paperback versions of each book. Love!

Both books will be released 21 October, in Australia and New Zealand, with EK Books. If you'd like to pre-order, just click An Aussie Year or A Kiwi Year and you'll be taken directly to each one.

Click the covers above for more on each book, and below is a peek at all nine books in one spot! Click on the GIF to buy/pre-order.

Goodbye, summer--hello deadlines

Well, hello, creative people. It's been a wee while since I last wrote. Have been under a bit of a mountain and that will continue for some time, but it's all good! From under the mountain, lots of lovely things have been going on, including the onset of Autumn. Sigh. So happy.

This morning I burrowed into the oversized basket in our spare room, perennially crammed with knits--scarves, beanies, gloves. And I wore a beanie for the first time this year, on our walk around the lake (and no, I'm not being a sook, it was 4 degrees in Canberra this morning!). I sure was cold but this walk warms my heart. I love it so. Every Sunday we do it, my hubster and me. Well, he runs.

So, I'm aware it's not spring, but above you will see a forest of daisies--aren't they superb? They're hiding a little darling who is taking up a lot of my time--Evie. She is a daisy-loving girl and I'm in love with her. I was talking to Cate Whittle recently, for The Happy Book podcast, and she was saying that if you want to write a junior fiction series, you need to fall in love with your characters, and that's just what I've done. I can't wait for you to meet Evie. The books will be out next year.

Christmas stocking stuffers

Books are the absolute best stocking stuffers, and Exisle Publishing's latest catalogue has some sensational ideas for Christmas--from adult books through to 'the cutest book of emotions for young kids'.

See the online catalogue right here!

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.

An Aussie Year wins ACT Writing and Publishing Award for Children's Book

with my beautiful Ella

So happy to share some news--An Aussie Year has won the ACT Writers Centre Writing and Publishing Awards for children's book!

This was a true labour of love, and the first picture book I worked on with my darling friend Tina Snerling. I'm so proud of this book!

Thank you, ACT Writers Centre, and EK Books and Anouska and Tina. I'd like to thank my mum... my family... my friends...

Happy!

x

 

An Aussie Year Shortlisted for the ACT Writing and Publishing Awards 2014

 

So excited to see An Aussie Year receive this shortlisting nod for the ACT Writers Centre's Writing and Publishing Awards 2014. Winners will be announced at the Christmas party on Tuesday 16 December, so fingers crossed! Good luck to my colleagues Joy and Maree, too!

Letters from Children - Holy Trinity Primary School

It's always a pleasure to visit schools and talk to kids about my books. Recently, I visited Holy Trinity Primary School here in Canberra, and had the most amazing time. I did a presentation on Australian Story, but the wonderful librarian, Kate, had also shared my other books with the kids.

The children (in years 3 and 4) sent me a whole pile of letters after my visit. They were so utterly charming and touching--it was very emotional reading them all.

Below are just a handful of the comments made by the kids. 

THIS is why I write books. Truly.

My favourite part of your presentation is when you put the Julia Gillard wig on Cody and when you put the handcuffs on Daniel.

I find most of your books really interesting. Also, I really like your Australian Story and Tottie and Dot is really funny.

I was the boy wearing the Julia Gillard wig. Loved the work we did with your book Australian Story. I learnt a lot about history ... how much fun!

I just want to thank you for writing those books.

I loved the work we did with your book Australian Story. I learnt a lot about history, no - it is so much fun. I love your work.

I was not there but I hear your presentation was awesome and you are awesome.

I learnt a lot about history - how much fun. My favourite book was Tottie and Dot.

How you make history fun!! You spoke so clearly!

I really liked when you said in the book about the Gold Rush and how you really explained how we got here in the first place.

Because of your story, I know more about Australia--more than I usually know, and I liked when you said 'once there was nothing and then there was something'.

I was really interested in how the process of writing a book is. Your Power Point was fantastic. The way we got to hold things was fun.

You have given inspiration to write a book. I've been asking our librarian so much to borrow your books. Love your books.

I really enjoyed learning about Australian history.

I like how we dressed up and I really enjoyed your [Tottie and Dot] book tour!!!!!!

I loved the way you set out Australian Story and did all the swirly curly writing. My favourite book was Riley and the Curious Koala.

My favourite book you made was Riley and the Jumpy Kangaroo.

I think your books are amazing.

I like the way you taught us how to write a book. I like the work we did with your book, it was amazing. I now want to buy it.

I liked the fun way it taught us history. History is a bit more amazing.

I loved the work we did with Australian Story--how you taught us about history and how much fun it can be. You did everything in a fun way.

I liked the way we got dressed up to represent the different times and what was happening. I really enjoyed it.

I thought history was boring but it's not.

The story was really interesting and history is not boring!

You taught me that Gondwanaland was once Australia. I loved learning about history.

I was the one who got to put the Captain Cook wig on. I really loved it.

THANK YOU, oh and thank you for visiting our school. It taught me history and how much fun it can be ... with you.

I love your books about Riley and your Power Point was great and you spoke clearly.

I feel sorry for you only getting $1 per book. You should earn more money, like $246 because your books are great.

By the way, make a big world book including Germany and Australia.

I love your work and I see how much you love your son. I loved the work that you put into the Australian Story. Peace out!

You taught me that history is not boring. You can make history fun.

I enjoyed your presentation, especially how you changed my look on history. It's not just discovering land--it's me brushing my teeth or 11 minutes ago.

I LOVED how you made it fun and interesting in the Power Point.

I loved the way you included us and made us dress up.

The book Australian Story sounded amazing and I can't wait to buy it.

Your Power Point blew my mind.

I really liked that you made little jokes on your Power Point on how history is boring!

All thanks to you, I have a completely new excitement for history.

When you got us to dress up and then show the timeline, it made me feel that history could be writing this letter to you--and brushing my teeth! 

I loved the series of Riley. I liked the sounds you used when you were talking.

I thought your Power Point and speech was fantastic.

I thought your speech was brilliant. I loved how the Power Point was funny when it started disagreeing with you.

I liked you when you're funny--when the [Powerpoint Presentation] said 'okay sorry'.

Before I hated history but you have changed my mind and now I can say to people history is not boring.

It is actually really fun. It was great to see lots of people holding the money, flags, bridges and lots of other really cool, awesome stuff.

It must be fun being an author and writing books. You spoke really clearly and you were really funny.

I loved how you explained your Australian book. It was great to see a book that was not too old and not too young!

I loved how you spoke clearly, dressed up people, your [Tottie and Dot] book tour, and your lovely Power Point.

I learnt a lot about history. How wonderful.

You really entertained me. I didn't know history could be so entertaining.

I really liked your book Tottie and Dot.

My favourite book was the Australian Story.

May favourite book of yours is Tottie and Dot.

My favourite thing I learnt was about how Cathy Freeman was the first Aboriginal to have her face on a postage stamp. I got dressed up as Usain Bolt. I brang in his biography. It talks about how he became good at running and what he did as a kid. Usain Bolt. Faster than lightning.

I think your books are amazing! Especially Riley and the Jumpy Kangaroo.

I think that you are an inspirational person. Like Albert Namatjira. Your Power Point was awesome. I learnt a lot about history.

Read!

Thank you for visiting our lovely school. I hope you had a great time!!! Thank you very much for teaching me about history. It was much more interesting than other history.

I really like the book that you wrote Australian Story! It was great to see all the students dressed up. They looked amazing and some were hilarious! I also love your books about Riley's adventures.

You inspired me to write books when I am older.

My fave book was Tottie and Dot and An Aussie Year.

I loved the work you did with your book Australian Story. The best thing I learned was that Samantha Harris was the first [Aboriginal] model on Vogue magazine front cover.

Your Power Point was thenomenal and unreal. My favourite book is Tottie and Dot.

I loved history--how I learnt a lot about it and it can be fun.

Can you put me in one of your books? Pleassssse!

Thank you for making history fun!

I especially liked how you made boring old history fun and enjoyable. Yay! I also enjoyed how you interacted with everyone!

It was great how you made me think history was fun. After school, I went running to mum and dad to tell them what I learnt. My favourite book was Riley and the Jumpy Kangaroo. I had great fun. Love, your great friend.

You're cool. Old [ie: the author!] is good.

My favourite book you have written is Tottie and Dot and you have taught me that history is fun.

I like your books and how you put Riley in your books.

History rules!

I admire you very much and it's so amazing how you turn BORING info into fabulous kids books. You also seem like a very nice lady.

It was so much fun!!!! Now I love history.

I love the work we did with Riley and the Sleeping Dragon.

I am borrowing your book Australian Story.

Thanks for making history awesome!

I have learned a lot about history like Gillard was the first woman prime minister of Australia--girl power!

It was so much fun.

My favourite book was Tottie and Dot. I love your books.

You are a great inspiration to us all and we had so much fun.

I loved Australian Story with all the different bands of colours and images. It taught me what happened on the timeline in history.

I really loved your books of Riley.

Your Power Point was engaging. I loved it.

I like your book Tottie and Dot.

Your books are amazing.

You made history fun and exciting. The props you used were awesome!

Australian Story fascinated me a lot. It taught me that history is then ... and then ... and then ... ['then' something else happened, then something else happened ...].

It was great to see everyone getting into the true Aussie spirit.

I was the girl who held up the gold.

I really enjoyed learning about history and how much fun and interesting it is!

Your Power Point was fantastic and funny!

What I learnt was, that actually a long time ago, Australia was part of Antarctica!

I learnt that with some images in books, you have to get permission!

I really like your books, and so do all the children at Holy Trinity.

I learnt a lot about history and how much fun it can be!

I loved your [Tottie and Dot] book tour.

You have inspired me to be an author when I grow up.

I think the idea of your Riley books are cool.

I loved the way you set out the timeline in Australian Story.

Please come back!!!

An Aussie Year review on Tinybeans

Thanks to the lovely S-J for this fabulous review of An Aussie Year! Check out the Tinybeans website--it's every kind of wonderful.

An Aussie Year Virtual Tour - Day 26: WIN! Publisher’s Desk Opportunity!

click poster for the full tour schedule

BIGGEST CONGRATS TO ...
Teena! EK Publishing has chosen your story to view!

Thanks to everyone who partook in this comp, in celebration of our An Aussie Year tour. I so loved reading all of your story ideas and I honestly have no idea how Anouska could have chosen a winner from such a stellar line-up. Congrats, Teena! And happy writing, everyone.

Teena, please do email me here so I can pass you onto Anouska!

Wow, what an incredible tour it's been for An Aussie Year! 

Tina and I have spent the past month touring the webosphere, visiting dear friends and colleagues with reviews, guest posts, sneak peeks, stacks of giveaways and lots of fun.

Thank you to our divine hosts for all your support! What an incredible, supportive, fabulous bunch of people you are. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for all you have done to make this tour such a success.

If you've missed what went on, just click here for the full tour schedule, with direct links. There are still some chances to win a copy of the book and if you missed out, you can snaffle your own copy right here!

Now, as a grand finale to our grand tour, we're offering something very exciting ... the opportunity to have your children's book manuscript fall right on the desk of the publishers at EK Publishing. How cool is that?

This opportunity is for picture book manuscripts of 500 words or less, and is open to Australian and New Zealand residents only.

All you have to do is leave a comment below with a tempting synopsis (50 words or less) on your story. Anouska Jones, publisher at EK, will read each synopsis, and then choose the story she wishes to see.

Comp ends Thursday 5 December at midnight (Australian EST), so comments must be left before that time to be eligible. The winning entry will be announced on this blog on Friday 6 December, so do watch this space! as you'll need to email us with your details.

You only need to post your entry ONCE. It will appear when I approve the comment.

Thank you to everyone for following us on tour. It's been a fantastic ride and I hope you've enjoyed it as much as Tina and I have. We've simply loved celebrating our Aussie childhood, in all its glory. What a lucky country we are.

An Aussie Year Virtual Tour - Day 25: Book Giveaway on Alphabet Street!

Such a pleasure to visit the Alphabet Street today--a multi-layered site bursting with all things kids. The incredible, multi-tasking and uber talented Penny Price has organised a book giveaway for your winning pleasure--and make sure you take the time to check out what Penny is doing with her astonishing sites (yes, plural). You'll love them.

Check out the giveaway here. This is the last giveaway comp for the An Aussie Year tour, so don't miss out!

And click the poster below for the full tour schedule ...

click poster for the full tour schedule

#aussieyeartour

An Aussie Year Virtual Tour - Day 24: Review, Five Tips + WIN! Manuscript Assessment/Writing Ebook on Dee White’s DeeScribe

Absolutely delighted to visit the gorgeous Dee White today with a book review, 5 writing tips and your chance to win the coolest prize ...

WIN a Mentoring Package and Writing Ebook!

Leave a writing tip in the comment's section on today's post and you could win a mentoring package valued at over $100 including editor's report and feedback on your first ten pages (double spaced) plus synopsis. The package also includes a free e-book on writing.

Head to the post now for more!

And click the poster below for the full tour schedule ...

click poster for the full tour schedule

#aussieyeartour

An Aussie Year Virtual Tour - Day 23: Meet My Book on Aussie Reviews

Today I am visiting Aussie Reviews with a Meet My Book post, thanks to the lovely Sally Murphy. I simply love this Meet My Book series--make sure you sure stop awhile and check out the other Meet My Book creators!

And click the poster below for the full tour schedule ...

click poster for the full tour schedule

#aussieyeartour

An Aussie Year Virtual Tour - Day 22: WIN! Book Giveaway on Alison Reynolds' Blog

Want to win yet another copy of An Aussie Year? The giveaways keep coming on our An Aussie Year virtual tour! Head to the divine Ms Alison Reynold's blog for this book giveaway now, and then stop awhile and check out her amazing books, too! See it here.

And click the poster below for the full tour schedule ...

click poster for the full tour schedule

#aussieyeartour

An Aussie Year Virtual Tour - Day 21: WIN! Book Giveaway on HerCanberra

So wonderful to visit fabulous local site HerCanberra today with a book giveaway! Thanks to the lovely Amanda Whitley for hosting. Click here to enter!

And click the poster below for the full tour schedule ...

click poster for the full tour schedule

#aussieyeartour

An Aussie Year Virtual Tour - Day 20: Review on Dianne Bates Writing for Children

Absolutely delighted to visit the lovely Di Bates today on tour with An Aussie Year with this absolutely gorgeous review from a woman who knows books very well! See the entire review right here.

And click the poster below for the full tour schedule ...

click poster for the full tour schedule

#aussieyeartour

An Aussie Year Virtual Tour - Day 19: Sneak Peek + WIN! a year’s subscription to Buzz Words Industry Newsletter

So wonderful to visit the gorgeous Vicki Stanton today on her site Buzz Words with a sneak peek at July! You also have the chance to win a sensational prize--a year's subscription to Buzz Words industry magazine! Don't miss out. See the post right here.

And click the poster below for the full tour schedule ...

click poster for the full tour schedule

#aussieyeartour

An Aussie Year Virtual Tour - Day 18: Interview and Review on Dimity Powell's Write Stuff

Always such a pleasure to visit the blog of friend and talented author Dimity Powell, who has yet again created a phenomenal post out of her part of the An Aussie Year tour. Check out the gorgeous review and interview right here!

And click the poster below for the full tour schedule ...

click poster for the full tour schedule

#aussieyeartour

An Aussie Year Virtual Tour - Day 17: Character Interview + WIN! Publisher's Desk Opportunity on Elaine Ouston's Blog

Today the kids from An Aussie Year are visiting the blog of the gorgeous Elaine Ouston, publisher and author, with this very special character interview! Hear about all the behind-the-scenes joy of creating a picture book, and learn what the kids loved the most about appearing in An Aussie Year.

You could also win the opportunity to jump to the front of the queue and have your work seen by Morris Publishing--and published in an ebook!--with the possibility of print publication. Don't miss this glorious opportunity! See the post here.

And click the poster below for the full tour schedule ...

click poster for the full tour schedule

#aussieyeartour