The Meet...Don Bradman Book Launch Wrap-up

A large crowd of young cricketing fans gathered in the MCC Library at the mighty MCG on a classic rainy Melbourne’s day, being the perfect backdrop for the official launch of the new children’s picture book, Meet…Don Bradman.

Channel Nine’s Livinia Nixon warmly welcomed everyone, giving a brief history of Don’s sporting achievements and his relationship to this great stadium; where he scored more Test centuries than anywhere else in the world.

I donned a Baggy Green and gave everyone a first look at Meet…Don Bradman, with a cricket stump and golf ball in hand (you’ve got to read the story to know why).

The children had a sporting time creating their own ‘paper’ cricket balls, ‘balloon’ Baggy Greens and cricket bats.

And as we sat, surrounded by such amazing cricket history, everyone cheered as Meet…Don Bradman scored a six and was officially launched.

Meet…Don Bradman is available in stores from 18 April 2016.

The Hairy Maclary & Friends Waterfront Sculpture Project

On a recent trip to New Zealand, I was thrilled to visit the new Hairy Maclary & Friends Waterfront Sculpture Project in Tauranga.  The Sculpture Park is a tribute to local Tauranga resident of over 20 years and author to the world renowned Hairy Maclary series, Lynley Dodd.

The project is a "storybook scene" of permanent bronze sculptures of Hairy Maclary and some of his friends – Scarface Claw, Slinky Malinki, Hercules Morse, Muffin McLay, Bottomley Potts, Schnitzel von Krumm, Bitzer Maloney and Zachary Quack.

It was a joy to watch as children recognised the characters, called them each by name (as a beloved family pet), touched, hugged and climbed them with delight. Against a stunning waterfront setting and adjacent to the children’s playground, the larger-than-life public art truly brings the loved children's book characters to life and leaves a legacy for generations to come.

If you are a Lynley Dodd fan (like me), Tauranga Waterfront NZ is a must see!

YABBA 2014

I had a great day at this year's YABBA ceremony hosted so superbly by Hillcrest Christian College; celebrated with 25 other authors and illustrators and with over 400 students from 17 different schools. Congratulations to all the winners!

With the wonderfully talented Andy Griffiths, Terry Denton, Bob Graham, Nicky Johnston, Serena Geddes and Kayleen West!

Book Week 2014

Having the most wonderful Book Week; visiting schools, story-telling, dress ups, meeting students, writing workshops, hearing their stories and encouraging everyone to connect 2 reading! #bookweek2014 A big shout out to - Our Lady of Lourdes School, Karoo Primary School, Bayside Christian College, Christian College Drysdale, Strathaird Primary School, Kardinia International School and Wandin Yallock Primary School and many more!

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