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.

Cover reveal - The Gum Family Finds Home

I'm so delighted to showcase the cover for my next book with friend and illustrious illustrator, Christina Booth--The Gum Family Finds Home--published by the National Library of Australia.

It's all about a darling family of koalas, on the hunt for a more 'stable and rock solid' home. Leaving their flimsy gum tree, they set out on a tour of Australia, discovering a range of our magnificent geological sites. Not only do they learn a lot, they also learn that home is pretty much where the heart is. But where will that home be?

The book is out this August and I'll soon have some giveaways and koala-like fun on my blog, so keep your eyes peeled!

You can grab a peek at the internal pages in my blog post for the NLA right here, and if you're really keen, you can pre-order a copy here!

Australia map--the entire thing!

Okay, can't wait a moment longer. Here's the entire Australia map! (Hardie Grant Travel, Dec 2017.)

I hope enjoyed this peek at my latest dream project. It's one of those endeavours I didn't want to end.

Keep an eye out for the map in shops and online, in time for Christmas.

If you would like some close-ups, see...

Queensland
Northern Territory and South Australia

Australia map peek II

Today I thought we could head over to the Northern Territory, for a peek at my Australia map (Hardie Grant Travel, Dec 2017). From honey ants to dilly bags, bush tomatoes and sacred sites, this is a territory of vast beauty and cultural significance.

Then, I thought we could meander south...

...to South Australia. From the Painted Desert to vineyards, lofty ranges, the Nullarbor Plain and the vast Southern Ocean, this is yet another state of extremes.

Stay tuned for a peek at the entire thing!

See...
Queensland
Northern Territory and South Australia
The entire map!

a dream project - Australia map!

We all have dream projects, do we not? And sometimes they are curious things. For me, it's been a Christmas book, a map, an ABC book, a book about balloons, among others. Don't know why it's been these particular things; it just has.

This year, the magical dream project pixies fluttered in from a nearby wood, and granted two creative wishes--and one of them was a map.

A map! Hyperventilating.

This one is called Australia and it was some delightful journey, traversing--yet again--our big, beautiful land, exploring and learning even more about this incredibly diverse continent. I worked closely with the amazing Emily from Hardie Grant Travel to create this enormous--nearly 1.5 metres wide!--wall map. And I loved each and every minute. Very soon I'll be working on the packaging design, for a December 2017 publication.

Created with ink, watercolour and digital artwork, the map features flora, fauna, icons, sights and sites, along with Indigenous rock art sites and shipwrecks. There's also a key with over 250 labels, and fun facts dotted around in yellow spots.

I'm delighted to share the map with you, starting with our beautiful Sunshine State, Queensland. I'll take you through a peek at a few states, with a final glimpse at the entire map.

Huge thanks to commissioning editor Melissa Kayser for approaching me with this truly divine project. A major tick on the Dream Project list.

See...

Northern Territory and South Australia
The entire map!

Goulburn Library Visit

My family and I love to explore new places, and it was so much fun to spend the day in Goulburn this past Saturday, visiting Goulburn Mulwaree Library with two kids' sessions and an adult talk on Beijing Tai Tai.

I started with a presentation on Eco Warriors to the Rescue! There were some self-proclaimed eco warriors in the audience and yet again, I just loved hearing the responses from the kids as we went through the book and explored ways to keep our native flora safe.

Next was a session for littlies--I read Riley and the Jumpy Kangaroo, and of course, Roo just happened to be onsite and did A LOT of hopping around, which always gets the kids fired up. Little ones are so hoppy!

After a book signing, I held an adult session for Beijing Tai Tai, and had a wonderful discussion with some local ladies on China and expat life and the contrast of living in Australia. I loved it.

My warmest thanks to the lovely Susan McIlroy for organising these sessions. I had a lot of fun and it's always fantastic to meet people from other towns.

After the library, we had some lunch and then visited the war memorial and museum on the hill overlooking Goulburn. Such beautiful views and such a moving tribute to those we have lost in war.

four rejuvenating days in Sydney

a weekend in Sydney

on the road again

We love zipping over to Sydney whenever we can. It's never often enough, but seeing War Horse at the Lyric Theater and popping into IKEA were - naturally - great excuses. We stayed at the Swissotel right in the heart of the city, on Market Street {Myer and Top Shop across the street!} - a heavenly spot. Only 20 mins walk to The Rocks, which I love to haunt.

Here is a little glimpse of our weekend which included a must-do breakfast at Sonoma at Bondi Beach. We also spent a considerable amount of time in the mega Dymocks on George Street and I can't wait show you my picture book finds.

Soon, my pretties!

torrential rain upon arrival

sunshine on the coast

Such a gorgeous day yesterday at Bateman's Bay and surrounds - soaking up some sun {me a little too much!} and splashing in the ocean.

We stopped off at Braidwood briefly and wandered through the weekend market. We bought a tonne of delectable cherries from Young, and the kids nibbled some sour straps, but the find of the day was a delightfully retro 70s coffee table - in near perfection condition - for the mega price of $5. Don't you love those finds!?

I hope you enjoy this little peek at a gorgeous day on the coast. Have a lovely Sunday!

And that delightfully retro coffee table . . .