New book for Jenny Blackford

Congratulations to Jenny Blackford on the publication of

Fil and Harry

a junior fiction book illustrated by Kristin Devine and published by Christmas Press.

Fil always suspected that her cat Harry could talk if he really tried. She even dreamed about it. But it was still a shock when he did start talking, on the worst afternoon of her life–or one of them.

Activities and teachers’ notes are available on the The United Publishers of Armidale website.

FIL AND HARRY will be launched as part of the Maitland Indie Festival, at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery, on Saturday, 29 May 2021 from 11:15 am. Register for a free ticket.

Final book in Nat Amoore trilogy

Congratulations to Nat Amoore on the upcoming publication of

The Right Way to Rock

a junior fiction novel published by Penguin Random House.

When best friends Mac and Flynn discover plans to cut the arts classes at Watterson Primary, they’re NOT gonna let that happen. It’s time to drag their secret Broadway appreciation society into the spotlight.
It's time for Watterson: The Musical! This book is the third and final in Nat's 'Watterson Series', following 'Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire' and 'The Power of Positive Pranking'.

Sydney book launch: Saturday 5 June. Book here.

Melbourne Book launch: Sunday 13 June. Book here.

On with the show! Bravo, Nat!

The Gifts Of Reading - All Royalties for Room To Read

If you didn’t manage to purchase a copy of The Gifts of Reading already, don’t forget that this is an anthology curated by Jennie Orchard, with all royalties donated to Room to Read. Inspired by an essay of the same name by British writer Robert Macfarlane, it includes 23 essays of which 20 were written especially for this collection. One of the remaining two was probably the last piece published by the iconic travel writer Jan Morris before she died late last year. Three were written by Australians: Sisonke Msimang, Alice Pung and Markus Zusak.

WA journalist Bron Sibree wrote this: ‘Books, it is often said, are the gifts that never stop giving. And if ever there were a testament to that epithet, it is this inspired and inspiring anthology. Featuring essays from 23 of the world’s most beloved authors, including Michael Ondaatje, Philip Pullman, Jan Morris, Chigozie Obioma, Salley Vickers and Madeleine Thien, this collection, conceived and nurtured in a spirit of altruism, is freighted with such wonder and generosity it is also a testament to the best that resides in the human soul.’

The Gifts of Reading

Booktopia

Essays on the joys of reading, giving and receiving books

Inspired by Robert Macfarlane, curated by Jennie Orchard