riley and the grumpy wombat trailer

I honestly feel that no matter how many books I produce, no matter how many years I write for kids, I will never, ever, ever grow tired of even the most miniscule scrap of fun or joy that children find in my books – or indeed – any book.

When Ford Street Publishing ran a trailer comp for their book list, kids all over Australia entered with some sensational short films – their take on the books of Ford Street authors.

I sat with my hand over my mouth suppressing laughter over some truly fabulous trailers for Riley and the Grumpy Wombat – and I share one of them here with you now. I hope you find it as much fun as I do.

Aren’t kids amazing? Thanks, kids!

riley and the grumpy wombat Colouring-In Competition!

Do you like colouring in? Do you simply adore grumpy wombats? Here's your chance to win a very special, very grumpy prize! All you need do is click on the colouring page above, print it out and colour it in.

When you're done making this colouring page the best it can be, just get mum or dad to scan it and email it to: rileyATtaniamccartneyDOTcom OR post it to PO Box 1753, Woden ACT 2606, Australia.

Make sure you put your name, age and address on the back, because this is what you could win . . .

• a copy of Riley and the Grumpy Wombat: A journey around Melbourne
• your own fuzzy wuzzy cuddly wombat!
• three panda gift tags
• a panda greeting card
• a lion paper doll set

Get colouring now! Entries close 30 September and comp is open to Australian residents only.

book reading at The Children's Bookshop

Home, safe and sound, after a five-day literary pilgrimage. Have come home so contented, I can't stop smiling, even if it's on the inside.

I had so much fun at The Children's Bookshop in Beecroft (Sydney) last Friday. This is a place I've wanted to go to FOREVER and can I just say, it didn't disappoint. Owner Paul Macdonald has a stunning store and fabulous space for events and workshops and author visits. The room you see in these pictures contains photos and drawings and ephemera from an eye-popping array of literary talent. Placing my hand on original Oliver Jeffers and Bob Graham and Davide Cali artwork was indeed a religious experience.

Paul has such a passion for children's literature and literacy, it's utterly palpable. He's an immensely experienced teacher and purveyor of fine written work, and it felt really special to be sharing my work with the very lucky kids who frequent his store.

After a fabulous musical intro by the lovely Theresa (above), I read Riley and the Grumpy Wombat, followed by a glimpse at Australian Story (the book was well above the audience age level, yet the children were still totally engaged - props help!)

As usual, I'm never afraid to ham it up in my Julia Gillard wig (despite boos from the crowd!). It's such a fetching shade of red, non?

Warmest thanks to Paul and his lovely staff for having me, and to Theresa for helping tame the masses (not that they needed it) and also agreeing to be Captain Cook for a short while (above left). A big hello to the talented Nina Lim for dropping by with her gorgeous young daughter - and thank you to these gorgeous kids for making children's book writing so worthwhile.

More on our Sydney/Wollongong trip shortly!

Riley and the Grumpy Wombat review in SCAN

book reading at The Children's Bookshop, Sydney

The Children's Bookshop in Beecroft has been on my radar for some time now, ever since I heard about the talents of owner Paul MacDonald and his true passion for books. Not only have I wanted to just visit the store proper (and meet Paul), I've also dreamed of reading there, as many many authors have done over the years - authors I've adored and drooled over.

It's actually been a long time coming (Paul and I have had to cancel not one but two planned visits to the store) but I am FINALLY thrilled to be visiting the Children's Bookshop, with a storytime reading of both Australian Story and Riley and the Grumpy Wombat!

If you're in Sydney - do come along . . . there will be lamingtons!

Friday 15 June 2012

9.45am

The Children's Bookshop

6 Hannah Street, Beecroft
RSVP to 9481 8811 or staffATthechildrensbookshop.com.au

what reading means to me - Walker Books blog

I was so chuffed when asked to post on Walker Books' brand new blog Walk A Book - talking about what reading means to me. You must check it out - this blog is the perfect place to meet your favourite author and learn more about the fabulous books available in this country.

And, if you haven't already, be sure to check out the National Year of Reading website for all the glorious reading-based events happening around the country right now!

NYR12 community launch at Dickson Library, Canberra

The National Year of Reading 2012 was celebrated at Dickson Library in Canberra today, as part of a community celebration. It was so fantastic to see a plethora of kids and parents come along to kick off the proceedings with Story Time.

I first kicked off with a quick peek at my new book - Australian Story - the first kids in Australia to see it! So that was exciting. Then it was a reading of Riley and the Grumpy Wombat . . . we even had a visit from a very cheeky wombat, who kept peeking out from behind my chair (thank you, Yamu!) and being a right pest...

But I managed to grab her, and off she dashed into the crowd as the story began...

It was so much fun reading to this younger age group - they really allow me to ham it up! (and hamming is something I simply cannot resist).

After the reading, Senator Kate Lundy came along to cut The Cake - a magnificent book provided by the very clever Kate from Kate Makes Cakes.

This was some delicious book, let me tell you. I so love it when a cake's insides are as good as the outside.

Kate had the kids totally engaged as they gathered around and sliced on through...

. . . then made LOVE 2 READ hand signals with the kids.

It was so lovely to catch up with local author Tracey Hawkins (below left) and to spend time chatting with the superlative Jackie French, whose stunning new book - A Day To Remember, illustrated by Mark Wilson - tells the ANZAC Day tale (out 1 March).

Jackie regaled us with her glorious take on reading - from ancient hieroglyphics through to iPads, it was enchanting to listen to her historical account and her own experiences and beliefs on reading and its occasional (more occasional that not, alas) challenges.

Congratulations to the local NYR12 team and Dickson Library on a really fabulous community event. It was a joy to be part of it. Thanks to Sarah for taking the photos of my reading, and to Jaz, Rachel, Eleanor and all the team for providing yet another celebration to celebrate reading.

review - Riley and the Grumpy Wombat

An unbelievable thrill to have my literary idol - Jackie French - review Riley and the Grumpy Wombat. Click on the pic above to read the full review.

a very grumpy cookie

Just take a look at this amazing cookie, created by Jackie Small of My Little Bookcase, for my event at Three Four Knock on the Door.

So, what does a wombat do when she's feeling a little bit cranky?

Answer below.

riley and the grumpy wombat event at Three Four Knock on the Door

Oh my - I am so love with this amazing store in Port Melbourne. Three Four Knock on the Door is children's nirvana - a beautifully-laid out store, packed to bliss with all things kidalicious and gorgeous - from Halloween costumes to mini wooden tree houses, kooky knitted planes (more on that plane soon) and of course - the best of the best of the best books.

shop co-owner Danielle rings up another sale

I felt eye-boggled as I entered the store, where I was warmly greeted by L-J and Danielle Lacey, owners, and my friend and creator of My Little Bookcase, Jackie Small - who had already begun setting up for our Riley and the Grumpy Wombat special event.

From the lime green balloons and miniature paper plane garlands to the tubs of pastel-coloured cordial and exquisite gingerbread cookies in the shape of wombats, planes (complete with letter R) and maps of Australia ... this was style all the way.

the creators, left to right: Jackie Small, shop owners Danielle and L-J, and me

After stuffing the goodie bags with more treats, including Jackie's extraordinary chocolate-covered wombat cookies (above), kids began arriving - and soon got stuck into making their very own wombat headbands, and folding their own red paper planes.

Jackie took the kids in a round of songs - here she is (below) driving that bus with its wheels going round and round - and then I was introduced, and off we went, on a tour of Melbourne, to find a Grumpy Wombat.

Afterwards, the kids (and adults!) indulged in the fabulous gingerbread cookies made by consummate baker L-J, and I signed some books and met the most charming children (and parents!). It was also wonderful to finally meet the lovely Anna, her husband Andrew and gorgeous little son, from Wilkins Farago, one of my fave publishers ever.

Huge thanks to L-J and Danielle for going to such amazing effort to create this beautiful event - and Jackie, too - who made decorations and went out of her way to help (plus, those cookies, oh my!).

L-J holds balloon sentry at the door