New PB for Susanne Gervay and Carolyn Daly

Congratulations to author Susanne Gervay and illustrator Carolyn Daly on the publication of

Guess How I Was Born?

a hardback picture book for ages 3-8 published by Larrikin House

June 2025

Meet Violet who is having the best day ever at a dress-up party with all her friends. But it wouldn’t be a party without a few hiccups…

Guess How I Was Born? explores diverse families and all the way a child may come into the world, including IVF, adoption and your family.

Delightful, honest and fun, this book creates opportunities for children to celebrate their uniqueness.

Direct link to purchase book CLICK HERE.

‘A book of joy, wonder and science, and endless love as well.’ —Jackie French AM

A Fond Farewell to Our Inspiring QLD ARA, Ali Stegert

In June, SCBWI Queensland bid a heartfelt farewell to our beloved ARA, Ali Stegert, who stepped down from her leadership role after five and a half years of dedicated service. Ali took over the leadership of SCBWI Queensland towards the end of 2019, and from day one, she infused the position with passion and purpose.

Through the uncertain and often challenging times of the pandemic, Ali led with courage, determination, and remarkable ingenuity. Despite lockdowns and shifting protocols, she continued to deliver high-quality events, enriching workshops and networking opportunities ensuring our members remained supported, inspired, and connected.

She conceived and organised a series of imaginative and impressive events, including the Bibliotherapy Symposium and the Audio and Animation evening. Ali was always looking out for new opportunities that would benefit our members, and her events consistently inspired, educated, and empowered.

As a former school counsellor and trained psychologist, Ali brought to her role not only a deep love for children's literature, but also a warm and caring spirit. She was supportive and encouraging of creators at every stage of their creative journey, and in every region of our vast state, always seeking new and meaningful ways to help them thrive. In her farewell speech, Ali reflected that one of the most rewarding parts of the role was seeing SCBWI Queensland members blossom in their careers as creators.

During her leadership, Ali experienced some amazing achievements of her own. In 2021, she won the prestigious Chicken House IET 150 (Institute of Engineering and Technology) Children’s Fiction Prize, leading to the publication of her first middle grade novel, Her Majesty’s League of Remarkable Young Ladies, in 2023. Her debut picture book, Boogie Woogie Bird, illustrated by Sandra Severgnini, was published by Redback Publishing in 2022.

Ali Stegert, Jacqui Halpin and new ARA Betty Loveridge

Under Ali’s guidance, connections within the local kidlit community flourished, as did collaborations with other literary organisations. She leaves behind a legacy of creativity, compassion, and community. On behalf of all SCBWI Queensland members, we offer our deepest thanks for her extraordinary dedication, visionary leadership, and generous heart. We wish her continued success in all her writing and creative endeavours.

Thank you, Ali!

Jacqui Halpen

New PB for Deborah Abela and Marina Verola

Congratulations to author Deborah Abela and illustrator Marina Verola on the publication of

No More Room in the Bed

a hardback picture book for ages 4+ published by Larrikin House

June 2025

When a thunderstorm strikes, all sorts of creatures, including a school of piranhas and a space ship of lost aliens, convince Dad to let them come inside. But what happens when there is no more room in the bed?

With wildly funny illustrations by Marina Verola, this wonderful read aloud book will be loved by young readers and educators for its characters, its increasing hilarity and sparkling word play!

CLICK HERE to purchase the book.

Huge Congratulations!