Ali Stegert, SCBWI-QLD ARA, is a 2021 honour recipient of the SCBWI Regional Advisor Marketing Grant (RAM) for her debut picture book Boogie Woogie Bird, illustrated by Sandra Severgnini and to be published by Redback Publishing in early 2022.
The RAM grant is designed to assist RAs, ARAs, and other volunteer SCBWI leaders implement a marketing plan to increase the visibility of a new book. Money from the grant can be used in any way to promote a new book.
Ali said, “I’m incredibly grateful for SCBWI’s support shown through the RAM grant. The funds will help me share my first book baby in a fun and memorable way. This grant will allow me to enhance the book’s marketing reach and provide a fun and unique avenue for sales.”
Boogie Woogie Bird is a story about a lonely, crooning Curlew who longs for company. When his screechy, all-night balladeering upsets his birdy neighbours, they insist fancy dancing is the way to find a mate. Curlew soon learns he has two left legs. No matter which fancy-dancing bird teaches Curlew, his boogies bobble and his woogies wobble. Bruised and dejected, he belts out the blues—and his sad song wins someone’s heart!
Goofy dancers and hopeless romantics alike will rejoice at Curlew's tale of embracing his inner klutz to find both his groove and his soulmate. Boogie Woogie Bird can be described as Love Monster (Rachel Bright) meets Leonard Doesn’t Dance (Frances Watts & Judy Watson).
The beautiful artwork by Sandra Severgnini captures Curlew’s wonky gait and huge heart, bringing him to life in all his goofy glory. Sandra is the co-winner of the 2021 Wilderness Society’s Environment Award for Children’s Literature for her illustrations in Tree Beings (written by Raymond Huber, published by Exisle).
Ali’s application for the RAM Grant included an in-depth marketing strategy featuring plans for purchasing custom-made dancing bird marionettes for performances in day care centres, markets, and schools.
Her planned launch of Boogie Woogie Bird will incorporate a reading & marionette performance followed by a bird-watching expedition at Brisbane’s New Farm Park to spot curlews and other birds in their habitat. She’ll demonstrate the importance of keeping a respectful distance and encourage conservation of urban birdlife. Each book purchase will include a kid-sized novelty pith helmet and a colour-in bookmark featuring Curlew and friends.
Ali encourages members to stay abreast of opportunities. “Keep an eye on SCBWI’s upcoming awards and grants and enter everything you’re eligible for. SCBWI community is special, but its opportunities and awards are world-class. The old saying is true! ‘You gotta be in it to win it.’”