I had an enjoyable day at The Kings School on Tuesday 27th May taking
two sessions to two groups of Year 9 boys, presenting my PowerPoint, An
Anzac in the Family, which is about the writing process of my novel, Eventual
Poppy Day (to be released by Harper Collins in March 2015). I also addressed Year 11, with my PowerPoint presentation based on the theme of DISCOVERY by looking at three very different picture storybooks:- Outside (Little Hare) with illustrations by Ritva Voutila (to be launched in October at State Library as part of the inaugural SWW Writers’ Festival) as a child explores a garden and her five senses; A Boy Like Me: a story about peace (ABC Books/Harper Collins)with illustrations by Bruce Whatley, which treats the difficult concept of war and peace and a journey of self-discovery for a young boy; and finally Sangita’s Singing with illustrations by Nepali artist Bandana Tulachan in which a 10 year old village child in Nepal begins her schooling in the large and bewildering city of Kathmandu, with its themes of alienation, bullying, self discovery and transformation for the child.
Judi
Hirst, chief librarian arranged things perfectly and I was accompanied and well
looked after by Marita Thomson. The speakers at this
Literary Festival were well supported by Paul MacDonald at the Children’s Bookshop, Beecroft.
