Still cold! Bring on Spring... please.

I'm sure someone just got hold of the big hand on the world's time clock and spun it as fast as they could. It's been a crazy few months while I finish the artwork for the Wren book and prepare for Book Week, but more on that later. To the really exciting stuff first!

Oh, and hello everyone :)

I am absolutely delighted to share the news that The Last Dragon has won the Children's Book 2021 (big press) category in the ACT Notable Awards. This is what the judges had to say.

The Last Dragon is a lovely narrative centred on a tiny earless dragon and his spider friend as they journey on their quest to find other earless dragon lizards. The story includes other Australian species and habitats - and their connectivity within the environment. The unity of the narrative and delicate illustrations is strong and draws the reader in to follow the journey of the endangered dragon lizard. It is a compelling story that positively contributes to a better understanding of this endangered species and the grassland ecosystems in the Monaro, Canberra and surrounding regions.

To say I am thrilled is an understatement! I hope to work with Charles again in the future to bring awareness to more of our endangered species, of which unfortunately, there are many. This is a great book for children who are looking for a bit more of a challenge as it's 3,000 + words, or even the big kids who want to learn more about these little dragons, told in a story format.

If you would like to get your hands on a copy, you can do via the link below.

And another! Thrilled and honoured to share Warna Manda Baby Earth Walk has been shortlisted for the new Karajia Award by the Wilderness Society, celebrating this continent's First Nations authors and/or illustrated children’s books.

This was such a special collaboration and the finished book is just beautiful. We won't know the outcome of this award nomination until early September but I'll be sure to let everyone know as soon as I do! Regardless of the outcome, I'm proud to be on the shortlist.

Have dropped a link below in case anyone would like to get their hands on a copy. I'm also always happy to sign and personalise copies so feel free email me.

Book Week is finally here! The best time of the year and definately the busiest for authors and illustrators getting out and about into schools - sharing stories, writing tips and drawing. Most importantly, to be able to inspire and build self belief in the students is such a rewarding and privileged thing to be able to do.
I have a very full calendar with nine days straight and I've already been out into schools last week.
Above is a photo of a Reception student colouring in an activity sheet I created for them and adding her own ideas as to what Allurru could be dreaming about - which other friends have helped her on her travels along the beach? How amazing is her little sea turtle!
I'll put the link below if you are a teacher or have kids who would like to create their own. Also, if your child or school is participating in the Children's University, this activity counts in their passport, as my website is an official learning destination. Feel free to download and print it out and please send me a copy or tag me on Instagram or Facebook if you do, I would love to see it.
Teachers and Librarians - if you would like to book me for a school visit for next years Book Week or anytime of the year, simply contact my Booking Agent, Becky Lucas, at becky@beckysliterary.com.au
Heads up, my Book Week books up very quickly. Bookings for next year have already started coming in.
Have a wonderful Book Week everyone and I'll be sure to share more of mine in a few weeks. Now I need to go and paint some elephants on a green t-shirt for Joshy's Book Week costume!

Amongst painting wrens and planning Book Week activities, I've created and added new Ponyfoot greeting cards to my website. These will be available in all Horseland stores real soon, but for now you can grab them via my Store page (postage is free in Australia for a minimum of three cards) or if you are local to the Adelaide Hills, they are available from Ateliers Cafe in Crafers, Storision in Hahndorf, Pony in Charleston and the Farm Shop in Echunga.

I have been working on numerous new book concepts - five to be exact. All of these are with publishers, waiting for responses and hopefully there will be a new contract soon. It's a long waiting game in this business! You definately wouldn't want to be sitting by your computer, waiting for an email reply to come through, it's a very long wait. But that's thing with being a creative - you work up one book concept, send it off and then get started on the next. You can never put all your hopes on one concept or you are bound to be disappointed.
I also have some very exciting news to share in a couple of weeks time in regards to my illustrations being used on some amazing local, iconic products, which I have been absolutely busting to let out, but alas, I'm under strict confidentiality until release day on Wednesday 6 September. So I'm afraid you'll just have to wait till then. What I can say, is that you may want to drop into that mouth watering chocolate store on Greenhill Road in Adelaide, on this day ;)

In the meantime, when Book Week is over, I'll be taking a leaf out of Arty's book.

Till next time, happy drawing :)