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I love February. It's sunshiny and warm (though a four-week+ heatwave here in Canberra is getting kind of ridiculous) and there's always extra chocolate involved, even if it means melted chocolate--a February phenomenon exclusive to the Southern Hemisphere.

Some very special friends and colleagues have birthdays this month. Then the 14th is International Book Giving Day (#IBGD), Library Lovers Day and Valentine's Day all in one--could it possibly be a more heart-thumping date??

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On the 17th, I have my beautiful son's birthday and mine is two days later, meaning a weekend of cake and quite possibly champagne, if I have my way.

February doesn't muck around. It gets down to business after the long hot summer holidays. The inbox starts flooding again, and all the publishers get back to work. It feels like I've done a year's work already and we're only at the month's midpoint!

It seems to have a creative energy about it, February. I'm always refreshed, renewed and ready for merk new projects and shiny new directions. Here's what's going down for Feb.

This month, Tina and Snerling and I have just sent off the next two books in the ekbooks/product-category/a-kids-year/" target="_blank">A Kids' Year series off to print (EK Books). We always 'appear' on the dedication page, and here we are, below. Any guesses where these books might be set? Wherever that first one is, I want to be there right now!

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This is Banjo Paterson was just launched yesterday (illustrated by my February Friend importantnutrientsspot/search?q=" target="_blank">here).

I'm now working through the text for a new book book with the National Library, discussing illustration format. It's going to be a whopper of a book--stacks of pages and some incredible content compiled by a prominent Australian; very exciting. This is my first official illustration commission and I'm both nervous and breathtaken. I have lots of wonderful ideas for the illos which will be digitally rendered, and I'm going to feature a range of textures that I hope to achieve with some mono-printing. Will post some pics of my mono-printing setup.

On the National Library, my 2012 book importantnutrientsspot/search?q=" target="_blank">Australian Story was reissued this month--and BigW are stocking it--my very first experience with the BigW phenomenon. So happy for this quiet little book that tends to slide under the radar and pop up all over schools and libraries, who rely heavily on its content. Fantastic to see it achieve some more commercial attention.

importantnutrientsspot/search?q=" target="_blank">Smile Cry, featuring Piglet, Bunny and Cat (EK Books). It's going to be adorable--the roughs are too cute for words. Hope to have some sneak peeks for you later in the year.

Smile Cry is actually coming out in paperback this March, too. Two copies arrived this week (below). Can you even believe this succulent plant I found at IKEA? If anyone knows what it is, please tell me. It's like peas on stalks. Obsessed.

You can see the paperbacks again at the top of this post, with my newest flamingo family member--a surprise from my gorgeous friend coralvass/" target="_blank">Coral Vass. More too cute for words.

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Another recent arrival--my very first illustrator postcards. I'm showing my very first portfolio at kidlitvic/" target="_blank">KidLitVic in Melbourne this coming May, and these will sit alongside, along with my business cards. Scary! but beside myself for this conference ... will get to catch up with treasured friends and fabulous industry folk; some I'll be meeting for the very first time.

2017 is certainly shaping up to be a year of very firsts.

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It was pretty special to be accepted for the Australian Society of Author's thestylefile/illustrator/tania-mccartney" target="_blank">The Style File this month, too--alongside some wonderful established talent. Quite surreal. Just goes to show how things unfold when you dedicate yourself and practice fiercely!

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An interesting thing has occurred since the start of the year. I've been working on some secret squirrel business--a picture book I've long dreamed of creating, about a well-known Australian. The format for this book is unusual in terms of its narrative structure (not typically biographical), and I've been having the time of my life creating it without deadlines--just full creative expression with no limits or constraints. I've never been so focused and happy.

I don't even know if I'll have this book contracted, but it doesn't even matter, I'm loving it that much!

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What else?

Oh--it's often the little things that mean a lot, yes? When I lived in Melbourne, I developed quite the obsession with readings.au/carlton" target="_blank">Readings in Carlton (est. 1969). Over time, the store has expanded, and--if you didn't already know--they recently opened a children's store. Gasp.

I could only dream of having one of my books on face-out display in this beautiful store ... and look! importantnutrientsspot/search?q=" target="_blank">Australia Illustrated in the publicity shots! I not only did a double-take, I did a quadruple-take, AND it's sitting right next to Iggy Peck Architect which is one of my favourite books of all time. Too too much. It was a sit-down-before-I-fall-down kind of reaction, that one.

Yes, it's the little things.

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This coming Friday, 17 Feb (which is Banjo Paterson's birthday), I'll be chatting with Genevieve Jacobs on 666ABC Radio Canberra, all about Banjo. You can listen live abc.au/radio/canberra/live/" target="_blank">here (just after 9.30am). Then at 1pm, I'll be chatting with NLA publicist Candice Cappe in a live Periscope video (another very-first). We'll be showcasing the actual original manuscript of Waltzing Matilda, which I've never seen, can you believe it? View the Library's Periscope channel right periscope/nlagovau/1jMKgYNkjMjJL" target="_blank">here.

Right--I think that's it for Feb! I'll be head-down, paintbrush up these coming weeks, trying to resist the temptation to check in on the train-wreck that is US politics right now (horrifying but unable to look away). I know 2017 will be a hugely productive year for me, and I'll be online a lot less as a result. Since commencing my illustration journey, it's more important than ever to trade off sitting time with movement time--so this year will be all about physical and mental balance.

Uncontracted Works In Progress

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There are two things about being a children's author that sit at polar opposite ends of the Happiness Spectrum.

At the unhappy end is the waiting to have work accepted for publication. The uncertainty. The not-knowing. The agony. The at-times-sheer-desperation. The working your guts out only to have someone else (or several someone elses) hold your creative future in their hands.

It can be intense and it can be utterly happy-sapping. When you're passionate about something and dedicate such gargantuan blocks of time and energy to your work, deflation and even derailment become sad companions.

At the other end of the spectrum, however, is the When You Finally Get Published roll. Things DO shift once your work hits the shelves. Your publisher will always be happy to view more of your work, and the chances of being taken on by a different publisher are also higher, because they can see what you've already produced, and your name in the market is starting to catch hold.

Well over 90% of my book contracts have been through established publisher relationships and connections, and have been works that are pre-contracted. I'm published by 6 or 7 companies now, and I'm also able to submit directly to other Australian publishers, but it's taken a LOT of dedication and work to get to this stage.

And it's a happy-making stage. Hugely happy-making. Creating pre-contracted books is wonderful. There's no angst. There's no worrying if all your hard work will be for nought. It's a good place to be.

It's been interesting, then, to have spent much of these past 12 - 18 months on uncontracted works. Normally, that would unnerve and worry me, but, curiously, it hasn't. I have contracted books in production this year, so I guess that gives me something of a safety net, but my lack of worry goes deeper than that. I think I'm not worried because I'm pushing myself beyond boundaries and trying something new. New things, stretching personal limits... these things are inherently happy-making.

The first new thing I've been doing is writing anabawang fiction. That was a leap-over-a-canyon thing for me, and gosh, it was a good decision. I've loved every carriage return, and am keen to write (and re-write) more. I'm submitting these now.

The second thing I'm stretching myself with is this little girl:

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She's someone dear to my heart, and I've longed to write about her for--well--a very long time. There have been several barriers around her journey (long story!) but I last year made a commitment to myself to write about (and illustrate) her. And what did Goethe say? That at the moment of commitment, the universe conspires to assist you?

I met someone wonderful via someone else wonderful and I now have the support and contacts to write about this girl. It all happened in a supremely serendipitous way that still has my head reeling. Then I was introduced to someone else who can help me even further. Things have just fallen into place... and this girl has just fallen from my paintbrush and from the magical tapping of my keyboard.

It's been quite miraculous, and I have to say, it's been the most joyful, fulfilling, blissful experience of my career to date. I have not submitted her, I have no contract, I have no deadline, I have no restrictions or expectations. And it doesn't matter. I'm just creating totally from the heart, and with no boundaries. I have pushed so far beyond those boundaries, I feel like I'm floating in mid air.

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I guess, especially for those just starting on this author journey, this is a good way to think about the endless hours and heartbreak you endure while waiting to be published. Being an author is not really about the book--the end result--even though we tend to place so much importance on that. The REAL guts of being an author is in the creating. That's where the joy lies. The journey. A shelf full of books with your name on it means nothing if the journey hasn't been one of creative happiness.

It's true that our best work always comes in an altered state of bliss, when we are HAPPY, in the flow, and  pouring our heart and soul into our work. Not worrying where it will end up. Just having faith that you'll produce something amazing. And even if it isn't contracted in the end, the skills building and learning you've achieved... the happiness you've experienced along the way... absolutely priceless.

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So, dear reader, whether you are established or emerging, contracted or uncontracted, are worried or unworried, are clear with your direction or fumbling about aimlessly in the dark, trying to make sense of this crazy career, remember this: the journey is everything and heart is everything. Passion and drive and commitment and that sense of bliss should be in EVERY work you do--no matter its publication status. That's how you create works that attract magic. You'd better believe that.

If you are serious about creating great books, then this will be a long and convoluted journey of major ups and downs. Might as well point the bow of your ship towards the Happy end of the creative spectrum whenever you can.

Create that masterpiece without worrying where it will end up or who will love it. Immerse in the journey, commit love and focus to your projects and watch miracles unfold.

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Sbcwi Act Event: Excellence In Children's Books

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Canberra and region peeps, you simply cannot miss this amazing event, featuring National Library creators and visiting talent Susanne Gervay and Deborah Abela. This is your chance to meet National Library publisher Susan Hall and come away with some phenomenal insights and resources.

Here are the deets; hope to see you there!

Program
5.00pm
Register, greet and meet. Tea, coffee and light refreshments.

5.30pm
Opening welcome with Susanne Gervay, Regional Advisor, Australia East/NZ and Deborah Abela ARA.

5.40pm ΓÇô 6.30pm
Susan Hall, Publisher, National Library Publishing, talks about NLPΓÇÖs publishing criteria and process, submissions, and what they are publishing. Followed by Q & A.
MC: Tania McCartney

6.30pm ΓÇô 7.00pm
Gina Newton presents on how to create successful non-fiction childrenΓÇÖs books.
MC: Tracey Hawkins

7.00pm ΓÇô 7.30pm
Tania McCartney talks illustration ΓÇô working with text, creating your own style, mediums and more.
MC: Nicole Godwin

7.30pm ΓÇô 8.00pm
Inside publication and creating a successful writing community with Susanne Gervay and Deborah Abela.

$20 SCBWI members; $30 non-members.
Bookings essential and places are limited:

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Thank you for the generous support of our official bookseller, Harry Hartog

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Interview, Hercanberra Magazine

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HerCanberra is a local website founded by the inimitable Amanda Whitley--and is one of the most stylish, informative and dedicated sites you'll come across. The HerCanberra merk expanded to a quarterly magazine and issue 8--Back to Basics--has just been released.

It's the most beautiful creation--matte pages and exquisite photography--with rich, stylish and fascinating content, testament to the merk Amanda has built.

I met with editor and all-round gorgeous soul Emma Macdonald end of last year for this piece on local writers, and the importance of books as a life basic for children. It was a true joy. And Martin Ollman's photography--wow. Stunning.

Also featured are local creators Ingrid Jonach and Carlie Gibson. 

Do look up the magazine. It's so beautiful. You can find stockists (it's free) on the HerCanberra website hercanberra.au/magazine/#stockist" target="_blank">here. You can also view online issuu/amandawhitley/docs/hc_02020_magazine_8_issuu_fa" target="_blank">here.

Thank you, Emma and Martin!

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Ask Tania: How Do I Make The Most Out Of Writing Festivals And Conferences?

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Dear Tania, 
I'm so excited to be going to the KidLit Conference in Melbourne this May, but I'm also nervous. I'm having a manuscript assessment with a publisher, too. How can I make the most out of the conference, and do you have any tips when dealing with the publisher?
Stace

Hi, Stace,

So exciting you're off to KidLit this year; I'll be there, too! It's going to be wonderful, and can I just say what a brilliant decision it was for you to book in for this. Attending conferences and festivals will really fast-track any creator's career, so this is great news.

Festivals and conferences can be overwhelming. Combine stacks of passionate people with creative ideas and passion on tap, bundle it up with a barrel full of nerves, especially when it comes to meeting publishers, and it can all become a little fraught.

Thankfully, kids' book industry folk are warm, inclusive, fabulous people (and if you meet the rare braggart who is not, smile politely and find someone else to talk to!) and you'll have the most gorgeous time chatting with people you've either met online, know of or meet for the first time.

Here are my tips for a really productive and successful time as a pameran or conference delegate. I'll follow this up with tips on meeting publishers.

Have a great time, and see you there!

Tx

1. TALK TO PEOPLE. DonΓÇÖt stick with who you knowΓÇöstretch yourself and meet new people. You never know where it will lead professionallyΓÇöand you might just make a new friend or begin an exciting collaboration.

2. CARRY COLLATERAL. Festivals are a priceless opportunity to make contacts. Take everyoneΓÇÖs business card and offer your own (I keep mine in the back of the pameran pass which hangs around your neck). Take your books or works with you but only haul them out if appropriate. Show and tell is fun, is it not?

3. STALKING + ENGAGING. DonΓÇÖt stalk or pester people, and be really wary of monopolising their time or making demands, especially when it comes to publishers or other people you feel might provide opportunity for you. Everyone likes to be asked about their role or work, so do that instead. If you form an easy conversation, you may then have the opportunity to talk of your work, or even submit it, but never openly pursue the latter--allow it to unfold. More on this (in regard to publishers) below.

Whatever you do, donΓÇÖt offer someone a copy of your book or ask them to read your manuscript or assess artwork. This comes with too great an expectation and a conference is not an appropriate platform for this. All it does is make people uncomfortable. Instead, engage people briefly about your work if the opportunity arises, then let go. If they find you or your ideas engaging, they may ask to see something.

4. ASK QUESTIONS. There is no greater bore than someone who makes an entire conversation about themselves and doesnΓÇÖt ask a single question of others. Ask people about their work and let them speak. You might just learn something interesting or make a new connection.

5. DURING SESSIONS. Take notes. Take photos of screens with great points on them. Think about questions you could ask and don't be afraid to ask them. If you miss out on asking a question, ask the person/publisher during breaks, if the opportunity arises. This could be a great ice-breaker, too.

6. MULTI-SESSIONS. If there is more than one session youΓÇÖd love to attend at one time, ask others if theyΓÇÖre taking notes (that you can later snaffle a copy of). Or just chat with them about it afterwards, to glean any interesting points.

7. BE INCLUSIVE. A lot of pameran delegates are either on their own or know few people. Whether this person is you or not, look out for that ΓÇÿlost soulΓÇÖ who knows no one and chat with them or invite them to join you for breakfast. Step back and give them a place in your circle. Introduce them to others. Ask them about themselves. Be kind, not excluding.

8. SUPPORT OTHERS. If you can, drop into the sessions of friends or colleagues. Not only is it supportive, itΓÇÖs important to remember that your greatest industry ally is your colleague.

9. TAKE BREAKS. Festivals can be and exhausting, as you're constantly listening, constantly chatting and constantly ΓÇÿonΓÇÖ. Take breaks away from it all when you can. Go back to your hotel or find a quiet corner or go for a walk. If someone is cornering you or taking up too much of your time (to the point where you may miss a session), be forceful. If theyΓÇÖre incapable of reading your cues, politely interrupt and excuse yourself. DonΓÇÖt miss anything for anyone!

10. RELAX AND HAVE FUN. Try not to ΓÇÿexpectΓÇÖ too much at festivals and conferences. They are nonstop busy, and many people are operating way outside their comfort zones. Relax and take it easy, absorb as much as you can, mingle and take notes. Be sure to do a blog post afterwards or post on social media about your experience. It will bring you a lot of hits.

11. SHARE. Share your knowledge, experience and contacts. There is absolutely enough to go around and no one is going to 'steal your idea' if you talk openly and enthusiastically about your work, or pass on resources or tips or opportunities. When we share in this way, it does come back to us, and it makes our community a wonderfully inclusive place to be. Don't operate on 'lack' because it will attract lack. Operate on generosity, because guess what it will attract...

12. GIVE THE CONFERENCE FEEDBACK. They do appreciate it.

Tips for Dealing with Publishers 

1. First and foremost, remember that publishers are people, too. While many creators view them high up in the clouds on a shiny pedestal surrounded by choral angels, their work (and workload) is as earthy as it comes, and ergo, most publishers are down-to-earth, fun, gorgeous, passionate people, who adore the creative process as much as you do. In fact, publishers ARE creators (and indeed, many also write books) so you actually have a lot in common with them!

2. While the book industry is a creative one, publishers are first and foremost a business. They want their authors and books to do well, to sell well, and to take a market slice that allows them to create more books, and keep their company afloat. Yes, they look for great concepts and excellent writing and illustrating, but they also look for what sells, and this is why even brilliant concepts and writing and illustrating may not be contracted. When it comes down to it, books need to sell, they need to have market appeal, and this is yet another reason we can't take rejection personally.

3. At conferences and festivals, publishers are always vastly outnumbered. This means the demand on their time and energy is enormous. Commonly, they're required to present, speak and do assessments, so their time is cut even shorter. This is why it's strongly advised to invest in an assessment session so you can have quality, unbroken time with one. If you miss out on an assessment, you can absolutely approach and chat to publishers if the opportunity arises, but make it brief and social and watch for cues if they need to move on.

4. If you have the opportunity to chat to a publisher socially, relax. Be yourself. Laugh. Ask about them, talk about their books, their list. Try not to use this opportunity for a spiel. You're not a used car salesperson. You're a creator. Talk books. If they ask about you and/or your work, say something light and succinct that you've prepared beforehand, but don't make it formulaic or 'pitchy'. Practice how you would introduce yourself as a creator and then follow it with one or two lines about your latest work (only if appropriate).

5. When rehearsing your mini bio and work-in-progress pitch, be clear and focused. If you say 'I'm a children's author' or 'I write picture books', then join the club of millions. This is not enough to attract anyone's attention, let alone an overworked publisher. You need to stand out and you can do this by focusing. Instead say something like 'I write picture books... about inspiring women from Australian history... featuring multicultural children working and living together inclusively... on STEM topics but with infographic illustrations to make comprehension easier for those struggling at school'. When mentioning your WIP, again, bring clarity and focus, and make sure you speak succinctly. When nervous, many of us chatter away, so just stop yourself short. There's nothing wrong with an awkward silence (why are we so afraid of them??) and your new publisher friend may just fill it with a wonderful question.

6. Like wild animals, publishers can smell desperation a mile away. Don't panic, don't be pushy. Be open, warm and confident in your ability as a fine creator. Because you are. Although it often doesn't seem like it, there is enough space in this industry to go around. It's those who stick with it and endlessly hone their craft who end up earning a spot. Ditto meeting and interacting with publishers--stick with it, go to many conferences and festivals, not just one. If you miss out chatting directly to a publisher this time, try again another time.

7. If you are having an assessment, fabulous! If you're nervous, remember the publisher is the expert here, and they will take the lead. Take lots of lovely deep breaths and respond honestly and openly to questions and feedback. If there is something you are confused by, don't understand or need to clarify, don't hesitate to speak out. Ask lots of questions, too. It's a grand opportunity. You could absolutely prepare those questions, but remember not to take away too much time from the actual work you've presented.

8. What you absolutely CANNOT do when having an assessment is take criticism personally, argue or become defensive. Publishing is a full-on, stressful business, and unless you're mega famous and have a billion dollar book deal, you will need to be easy to work with. Publishers don't want to work with divas or whiners or complicators, and you simply cannot be difficult or demanding. On top of that, you cannot be indignant or offended by feedback. Publishers are subjective, too, and three publishers could well say something completely different about your work. I've had feedback on a middle grade manuscript from four publishers (via email, not at a conference) and each one said something vastly different. Four subjective opinions. So remember this.

Also, feedback is designed to get you thinking, not to tell you what to do, or--God forbid--intimate you are talentless. Remember, all the praise in the world is useless when it comes to improving your work, and this is often why feedback focuses on what's going wrong and how you can improve it, not on what's already working well (though good feedback will mention that, too). We are all sensitive about our work, but you need to step back and look at things objectively, take what works for you, and then let the rest go.

9. Be sure you've covered all you want to during your assessment (which is why prepared notes are good... and take notes during the assessment, too). Taking notes shows you are tenacious and willing to work hard and improve, which publishers love. This business is all about tenacity! At the end, ask if it's okay to be in touch to ask another question or two by email (be sure to get their business card and hand them yours, too) or if it's okay to submit revisions to them down the track.

10. Be courageous. If you feel a social publisher interaction is going really well and she's clearly interested in you or your work, ask if you could submit directly to her at some stage. Just do it. What have you got to lose!?

11. Be patient. You'll come home on a high after a conference and/or assessment, and will be desperate for news or progression of the relationship. I know it's said over and over but it's true--publishers are chronically overworked and swamped. You need to practice the patience of a saint post-event. Hang in there, and give it a decent amount of time before making contact again. If it's been months, you should absolutely send a gentle reminder or query email.

12. BE YOU!!

importantnutrientsspot/search?q=" target="_blank">See all the questions so far

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Serving Your Industry - Thank You, Laurie Copping

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I'm a big believer in sharing, supporting and giving back. It's an essential thread in human nature, stemming from our need to survive, but evolving into so much more as WE evolve. Benefits include a sense of belonging, safety, community and of course, warmth that begins in the toes and courses upwards to the eyebrows.

Supporting and promoting the children's book industry has always been a no-brainer for me. Supporting publishers and creators, promoting juvenile literacy, speaking to kids, sharing books, being involved in bookish events and initiatives is not only a joy, it's vital to the expansion and presence of our industry. Operating from the concept of lack and scarcity, hiding and squirrelling away information and aid, is counter intuitive to the creative soul. Sharing, supporting and harnessing talent is part of our core--and its sum rewards are incalculable.

Also, it's a lot of fun. It's a hoot meeting new people, learning about their work and helping, in even the smallest of ways, tout it to the world. Our Australian children's book industry (most especially per capita) is one of the strongest in the world. We produce an eye-popping book contribution to the world's bookshelves, and are a close-knit and supportive community--which absolutely forms the backbone of our success.

It's been so rewarding to be a mere fragment of a vertebrae on that backbone. kids-bookreview/" target="_blank">Kids' Book Review, the facebook/groups/illo52weeks/" target="_blank">52-Week Illustration Challenge, mentoring emerging creators, visiting schools and participating in juvenile literacy programs have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

So, I was humbled and honoured to receive the cbcaact.au/laurie-copping-award/" target="_blank">Laurie Copping Award for Distinguished Service to Children's Literature (CBCA ACT) last night. This means so much to me because it highlights the need to be there for each other and to operate in an inclusive and openhearted way. That is, after all, the core of creativity.

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I've heard endless glowing reports and stories about Laurie Copping and what a huge supporter he was of the industry. I feel so honoured to receive this award in this name. If you don't know much about this amazing man, principal of Hall Primary School, CBCA mover and shaker, and champion of children's literature, learn more about him importantnutrientsspot/search?q=">Hall School Museum and Heritage Centre, dedicated to Laurie

It was so fabulous to share the evening with a farewell presentation to my friend Leanne Barrett, who served for quite a few years as CBCA ACT branch president and has been an incredible and tireless addition to the chapter. Below, current branch president Julie Long, presenting Leanne with some thank you gifts. Leanne is one of these selfless people who gives so very much to others, and her impact was remarkable. She is leaving her current role as Vice-President and Events Chair, to focus on her own creative journey. She will be so very missed (though still very much industry involved!).

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When children's book creators first start out, it's ALL about the book. The finished product. The cardboard-bound clutch of pages crammed with story you can hold in your hands and pose for photos with. That real life manifestation of your work that sits proudly on a shelf with your name on it. It's the biggest thrill in the world!

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the merk new author obligatory pose-with-book photo, November 2008, Beijing

As you immerse in the industry and fall deeply into your creative journey, however, you soon realise it's not about the book at all. Not in the least little bit.

It's really about two things.

First, it's about what your book DOES rather than what it is. It's how it affects its readers--how it enchants, enlightens or educates (oftentimes all three). Make no mistake, that's really where creative fulfillment lies.

Second, it's about the journey. As with life itself, being a children's book creator is about the happy-making creative process--doing what you love day after day, and taking delight in the actual path of creation. It's not where it will take you but where it IS.

Immersing in industry, promoting and aiding peers, donating time to kids and organisations, is a rock solid and vital part of this journey. I so urge you to get involved and give back. Not only will it fast-track your career and bring untold benefits to your knowledge and skillset and prospects, it will bring immense personal reward.

In fact, you may just find it priceless.

Thank you, CBCA.

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Introducing A Canadian Year And A Kiwi Year

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I'm delighted to reveal the next two books in the A Kids' Year series with EK Books! Tina and I always feel our latest in the series are our favourite--and we truly love these!

Both books are out this June 2017, and will be released in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK and the US. 

Click the covers for more info, and to meet the kids who will take readers on a journey through the life of kids in Canada and New Zealand!

The A Kids' Year series look so purdy, all together ...

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Autumn Creeps Into Canberra

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Autumn in Canberra is finally creeping in--a month late, but nonetheless beautiful. Autumn and Spring in Canberra are so utterly breathtaking. I feel so lucky to live here and be so close to nature--both in the surrounding countryside but also in town.

Tomorrow, husband and I are heading to the National Gallery and Portrait Gallery to douse ourselves in art, then enjoy a brilliant coffee at the many and sensational cafes we have here (seriously--the cafes here at that good, only rivalled by Melbourne in my humble opinion).

I hope you've had a lovely Easter and have enjoyed the breaking of chocolate and spiced buns with loved ones. It's a magical time of year.

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