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Book Launch: The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness by Matt Ottley

8/3/2022

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I was privileged to be at the launch in Sydney of the humble and uber talented Matt Ottley's new book 'The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness'. There were many people there to help him celebrate including his partner and fellow author/illustrator Tina Wilson, longtime friend and Room to Read advocate Jennie Orchard, and another longtime friend and publisher Margrete Lamond. This was a true experience of story with Matt’s excruciatingly beautiful text and illustrations, his partner Tina’s quietly haunting, absorbing narration, and accompanying music composed by Matt that pierced the heart - one moment plunging you to the depths of despair, the next filling you with beauty and bliss. This is not a story for the faint hearted as it deals with the subject of mental health and psychosis, but it is one that should be read and experienced in all its multi modal glory as it is so painfully honest, uplifting and inspiring. This is a much needed story to help young adults navigate difficult conversations about mental health. This is a ground breaking, must have book for secondary libraries. 
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With Matt at the book launch
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Matt in conversation with publisher Margrete Lamond
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Too Many Books, Not Enough Space!

21/9/2021

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It seems spring is the time for new releases here in Australia and there have been so many wonderful books come onto the market. All of the books below are stunningly illustrated and beautifully written and my favourites so far from this year and 2020.  Whether you are a parent, a teacher or a librarian, they are all must haves for your collection. I think I'm going to have to have my bookcase extended. . . There are also a few writer competitions and publisher openings both here and overseas to dive into some of which I've listed here. Happy reading and writing wherever you are! 

Twitter: Fall Writing Frenzy #fallwritingfrenzy Follow @LydiaLukidis and @KaitlynLeann17 for more details
Pitch It! Competition 2021 from Just Write For Kids. More information here 
Cardinal Rule Press are open for picture book submissions from now until November 1st. More information here.

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  • Trick Number Two by Nick Bland & Stephen Michael King. Scholastic Press. ISBN 978-1760971076 Ages 3 - 7
  • Seal Child by Robert Vescio & Anna Pignataro. New Frontier Publishing. ISBN 978-1922326294 Ages 3 - 5 years
  • How To Make A Bird by Meg McKinlay & Matt Ottley. Walker Books Australia. ISBN 978-1406397451 Ages 3 - 7 years
  • Monkey's Great Adventures: Afloat In Venice by Tina Wilson. One Tentacle Publishing. ISBN 978-0648511960 Ages 3 - 7
  • Great White Shark by Claire Saxby & Cindy Lane. Walker Books Australia. ISBN 978-1760651848 Ages 5 - 8
  • Noni The Pony Counts to a Million by Alison Lester. Allen & Unwin Children. ISBN 978-1760524395 Ages 2 - 5
  • Milo's Little Secret by Rebecca Ralfe & Gabriella Petruso. Larrikin House. ISBN 978-1922503145 Ages 3 - 7
  • Daisy and Bear and the Very Ordinary Day by Haylee Hackenburg & Bianca Pozzi. Red Paper Kite. Ages 3 - 7
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It's Been A While. . .

25/12/2020

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It's been a long time in between blog posts! World Language and Literature Week, Virtual Author visits, a bout of illness and end of year school craziness have gotten in the way. But thankfully now we're on holidays there's more time to write, reflect and relax! 
In terms of reflection, I wanted to share my favourite books for 2020. They are all by Australian authors and illustrators and I'm really proud of the fact that each one of them are absolute standouts in their respective literary genres and have already won numerous awards. I've reviewed some here under Book Reviews and now that time permits, will get around to reviewing the rest. 
I really think our Aussie authors and illustrators are much undervalued and overlooked in favour of American and/or British writers by a lot of international school libraries and I hope that you will look at these and add them to your #musthaves list for 2021. 
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story scoop is here!

1/8/2020

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A fantastic new initiative by CBCA NSW and SCBWI Australia and New Zealand. Each month our fabulous Aussie and Kiwi authors and illustrators will give us an insight into the inspiration behind their books and creative choices. A great resource for any who loves books! Click here to access Episode 1 with Deb Abela and Marjorie Crosby-Fairall, Victoria Mackinlay and Katrina McKelvey. Follow CBCA NSW on their Facebook page for the next episodes.
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