the people of Perth read Merry Everything!

As a creator of kids' books, there could be nothing more thrilling than this--people enjoying your work. Add the joy of diversity in age and race (some of those accents!), the sparkle of tinsel, the squeal of a baby and the smiles and the laughter - there are no words.

Thank you, Carillon City Perth, for this memorable, touching and utterly beautiful festive experience. Jess and I are thrilled.

#carillonchristmas #merryeverything #kidsbooksareeverything 

Merry Everything stars in Carillon City Christmas promo!

This stunning little film, organised by Carillon City shopping centre in Perth, has absolutely knocked our socks off! If you're in or near Perth, head to Carillon City (deets below) Christmas Room for the opportunity to read Merry Everything, and star in the final film edit!

Beyond the fact that Merry is featured, this is such a brilliant idea that encourages and fosters a sense of community, and of course, the importance of story and sharing. It's also a thrill to see businesses support children's books. So very special.

Gather your little ones, girl gang or your bae and star in the making of a 'Carillon Christmas Tale' by reading aloud Australian author Tania McCartney and WA born illustrator Jess Racklyeft’s children’s book, Merry Everything! Your very own professional camera crew will film whilst you read with your children, a friend or solo. Rummage through the props box to dress up in tinsel, Santa hats, reindeer ears and more!

You can join in the fun and film anytime between 11am - 2pm tomorrow, Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th November.

Location: The Carillon Christmas Room next to RM Williams, entry from the Hay Street Mall.

#carillonchristmas

February deadlines and new books and bullet journalling and awards and bears - oh my!

You could have bowled over with a lightly-fragrant glass of bubbles when a friend pointed out Merry Everything on the CBCA Notables table last night at Harry Hartog bookstore. You see, the lovely people at CBCA ACT organised a Notables Announcement event (complete with lightly-fragrant bubbles and other treats) and I went along because I have a severe children's book addiction... totally UNsuspecting any kind of Notable.

Yet--there it is. A Notable! Friend and Merry Illustrator Jess Racklyeft and me... we are humbled and absolutely thrilled (as is our gorgeous publisher, Windy Hollow Books) for our little book with its esteemed sticker. Thank you, CBCA. It will be a very smiley week, this one!

You can see all Notables here--congrats to my many friends and colleagues who have also been stickered. It's such an honour to sit alongside you. The shortlist for 2018 Book of the Year will be announced in one month--on 27 March, and the winners will be revealed as Book Week kicks off on 17 August.

from Mamie, HCP, Dec 2018

Typical of the author life, I've kicked up my heels last night and now back to my desk this morning.

Tomorrow is deadline day for Mamie, my picture book about the life of May Gibbs, and methinks there might be tears upon completion. I still can't believe this is happening. After many, many years wanting to write about May--it's literally a dream come true, and I'm pinching myself black and blue. Lisa Berryman and Eve Tonelli at HarperCollins have been divine to work with, and I can't wait to show you some peeks as we head towards publication date this December. I'm hoping to have a launch in Adelaide late November, so watch my Events page for more on this.

1 April is the release of See Hear, a sequel to Smile Cry--illustrated by the amazing Jess Racklyeft. I ADORE this book trailer Jess put together. Wait till you hear the original music concocted by Jess's husband and kids--it's utterly adorable! It brings tears to my eyes (in a good way!!).

 
Stay tuned for more on See Hear as the pub date approaches. There'll be peeks and peeps and giveaways.

Speaking of giveaways ... tomorrow I'm having my first random print giveaway on Instagram (@taniamccartney). This darling (from Australia Illustrated) is the first ...

... and all you have to do is follow my Insta account and leave a comment. Winners will be chosen at random. Good luck!

And now ... what you've been waiting for ... drum roll please ... recent book purchases!

Merry Everything window reveal!

What a gorgeous morning we had at Harry Hartog Westfield Woden, at the unveiling of my Merry Everything! window. We enjoyed a countdown and reveal (thanks to little helpers Ayla and Zoe) and then bubbles, gingerbread and candy canes. An impromptu book signing saw almost all book copies evaporate, and it was fantastic to catch up with some lovely people.

Merry Everything! window unveiling

Merry Everything! Window Unveiling

9am

Monday 13 November

Harry Hartog, Westfield Woden, Canberra

It's a Merry Everything Christmas at Harry Hartog Bookstore, Woden, with the unveiling of a festive book window featuring adorable animals from the book! Come along for the big reveal--candy canes and gingerbread for the kids, a glass of bubbles for the big kids!

RSVP essential: woden@harryhartog.com.au

Merry Everything book launch is coming up!

Merry Everything is in da house at The Little Bookroom!

If you're in Melbourne, come along to our book launch (that's Jess Racklyeft and me) on Saturday 30 September at 10.30am.

OMG, that's soon! If you come along, you may score a Santa hat and a candy cane (just saying...)

merry everything launch!

Click on the poster to head to The Little Bookroom's events page to RSVP.