Marvellous Maps Wrap-Up And Sorry Day Launch

3.bpspot/-ReYpzIyPS8E/Ww4qGIljpaI/AAAAAAABNgg/XkbOBMH9yMQRUqMyRz3AuIAT5_QeiOxFgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

It would easily be thirty years since I've set foot inside the sl.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank">State Library of New South Wales. Sydney was my stomping ground during the '80s, and I still have a deep affection for this city, especially its molten core of culture, the arts and humanities.

The SLNSW is a central hub in this delicious melting pot, and how I've waited this long to revisit, I do not know. The Library has been undergoing some impressive upgrades, and several new galleries (with more to come) have opened, along with a children's learning centre, opening early October.

The current line-up of programmes, events and brain-popping resources is, on its own, worth a Sydney visit (I hope to go later in the year), and I was fortunate to have a wee tour of the SLNSW's hallowed halls ahead of my Marvellous Maps event this past Sunday.

I left Canberra early on a Dash-8. It was a glorious day. I used to be a flight attendant, but taking off and landing still causes an earnest nose pressed-to-window, as though a birds' eye view is something completely new to my eyes. Each and every time.

Leaving Canberra and arriving in Sydney...

4.bpspot/-QWbGN-3gj9A/Ww4qIFTHtAI/AAAAAAABNgk/ujTyMdTvQfka4beQNmY-LiE9X0WF-GsigCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">3.bpspot/-l7jXEd_GDCQ/Ww4qIbgCrtI/AAAAAAABNgo/G2kCYIN64H89Sx6eMReDl9TeqdVrmUMuwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

After a swift cab ride, Pauline Fitzgerald and Megan Perry so warmly welcomed me into the hushed rooms of the Library. The Reading Room... is it not somewhere you need to molecularly transport yourself to immediately? How desperate I was to just sit and stare and then dive headlong into a book at one of those tables. Just beautiful.

2.bpspot/-qo3TQJUNEys/Ww4qK5U0qLI/AAAAAAABNgs/GVaisbJGdoEqVbVfVMNKIiT2HY9tqwVCACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

But I had a map presentation to launch!

Seventy-two families booked in for the event, held in a beautiful, window-lit room. We, kids and adults alike, travelled through time, all the way back to Pangea, to discover how our planet's land was formed, and how maps have been charted through the ages... from the Ancient Greeks who originally thought Earth was a flat plate surrounded by an oceanic rim, and only comprised three landmasses (Europe, Asia and Libya)... right through to the very first complete map of Australia by Matthew Flinders (published 1814), and of course, how modern technology allows us to view entire continents (or even our own house) from space--via satellite.

The children were so engaged and curious--and every single question I asked was answered (even the curly ones!). Kids never fail to astound and delight me, and what a thrill it was to meet so many avid map lovers.

A big thank you to Megan for these great pics.

1.bpspot/-HTlLJNDR1a8/Ww4qQ4O4KMI/AAAAAAABNgw/ZxJDeWsy6c4fK0M0X8brpCgmYkg3Te6mgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

4.bpspot/-KC9-H_AAAXk/Ww4qRDbcRxI/AAAAAAABNg0/HA_YZNhUB-4jHWBuISF-HnAoa-RRggb_gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

3.bpspot/-kgMyEs2LcR8/Ww4qRIFQFpI/AAAAAAABNg4/zw79NO4CZ0oKPr3L89Dkv3iY70xg2vUHgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

4.bpspot/-lBOkO03m65U/Ww4qUg3ufDI/AAAAAAABNg8/SAJkuPtSXk478bJEhqWzg9DBIMXnBP9uACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

1.bpspot/-Gu_pWqIAK3Q/Ww4qVKjLf5I/AAAAAAABNhE/YagKU5hJL1sun5ePx6qN0wcEHtDw5DG2QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

2.bpspot/-N6uyDrWhthw/Ww4qUtUejgI/AAAAAAABNhA/oz8ND2N-NXIW-ApyQO1hhLKp2UEeVrTxQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

When my presi was over, the kids got busy with creating their own Australia map, then were taken on mini tours of the impressive objects relating to maps, including Matthew Flinders' own hat, sash, map-making tools, and even his shaving brush!

While I signed maps and books outside the bookshop...

3.bpspot/-iLPHFatuPnM/Ww4qWxeBWHI/AAAAAAABNhM/4xgAiIIhJccNWH9uAyJhc1UNh4_fNILOACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">2.bpspot/-Z5AzAdKDMyI/Ww4qW2O43HI/AAAAAAABNhQ/brP9gZ9kn6UqBeJqIwK4TNZehKmDBOAIQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

...kids enjoyed an absolutely beautiful selection of activities, from dress-ups to captain hat-making and putting together a massive wooden floor puzzle of the world. They were also able to make little houses to put on a map of Sydney, among other wonderful ideas (thanks to Megan, Pauline and their hugely creative team). I tell you what, this was some brilliant production--these kids had a ball.

1.bpspot/-5LTKRMflV6k/Ww4qXMoUJKI/AAAAAAABNhU/MRqptAl29CQCzqNt_TNbyWcvpqy50H0bACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

Thank you, SLNSW! Loved every minute of this special day.

Speaking of special days, Monday 28 May was Reconciliation Day, and we are, of course, in Reconciliation Week. It was the perfect time, then, to launch a new children's book--bookshopa.gov.au/book/sorry-day.do" target="_blank">Sorry Day--at the National Library of Australia last Saturday.

bookshopa.gov.au/book/sorry-day.do" target="_blank">

The book's author, my talented friend Coral Vass, and incredible illustrator Dub Leffler, came to Canberra for the event, and I felt so spoiled to have Coral and my dear friend Nicky Johnston in town. We may or may not have drank coffee, perused books, sipped soup and laughed our heads off at several points over the Friday/Saturday!

And it was with much pride to experience what turned out to be the most emotional book launch I've ever witnessed, yet one filled with much love and hope. It was an honour to hear NLA Director-General Dr Marie-Louise Ayres, Brother Tyrone, Sister Rebecca (the NLA's first Indigenous Curator) Anita Heiss, and both Coral and Dub speak on the importance of this beautiful book, and the need to heal the pain of the Stolen Generation. You can read Coral's rundown of the event right coralvass/coral-vass/2018/5/27/school-visits-book-launch-national-sorry-day-celebrated-in-our-nations-capital" target="_blank">here.

Below - NLA publisher Susan Hall, Dub Leffler, Coral Vass.

4.bpspot/-6W1bopZYWlY/Ww4qjgr7III/AAAAAAABNhg/w-0Vt_5Hzc8V29ps9qxQ1DlGCm2du2q8wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

Below--Dub drawing a beautiful tree in my book copy. Dub, Susan and Coral.

4.bpspot/-yaOtVDEbAGM/Ww4qpAYF1sI/AAAAAAABNh8/RRz1FXFAd98P3ZoK2rAURAoa6oVMeIHpQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">3.bpspot/-FLMpeKwP-3M/Ww4qpdmWtII/AAAAAAABNiA/pYNgrqlDtvwUe3b1yst5sRldnBnd4bjpgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

Below--me, Susan Hall, Christina Huynh and Coral Vass. Christina is illustrating Coral's next book. and had travelled all the way from Sydney for this launch, and to meet Susan and Coral. It was such a surprise to meet her after all these years, as I had 'discovered' her for this book. Another example of the book creation process and how it takes a village, with many and varied moving parts! Just wait to see Christina's artwork, rounding out another divine, important creation by Coral, and publishing with the NLA.

1.bpspot/-_iRr_-iPJgo/Ww4qqxy3vhI/AAAAAAABNiI/Z2UunTcuAoU9cFlAYOoL8rTlpFIbYDwUgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

World Map Giveaway

To celebrate the release of my new World Map (Hardie Grant Travel, more deets importantnutrientsspot/search?q=worldmap" target="_blank">here), I have two copies to give away to a lucky travel lover--yes, you there, reading this, it could be you!

All you have to do is head to my instagram/taniamccartney/" target="_blank">Instagram page, follow me and tag a friend. I'll then pick a random winner on Saturday 9 June at 5pm, and the winner and their tagged friend will win a map each!

I will announce the winner over on Instagram and I'll also message the winner, so be sure to check your messages Saturday evening. Please note that maps can only be sent to Australian addresses. This comp is in no way linked to Instagram.

If you don't win, Kids' Book Review will also be giving away a map soon, too, so keep an eye on the kids-bookreview/" target="_blank">website. Good luck!

instagram/taniamccartney/" target="_blank">

Chief Minister's Reading Challenge Visit

3.bpspot/-o9A-L1U9vHM/WxTOzvC_GlI/AAAAAAABNp4/Ok8Tlq8NAM0ieD6qXeub7qTjZruocTa0ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

I had the great pleasure of visiting Rosary PS here in Canberra today, as part of my role as an Ambassador for the educationt.gov.au/teaching_and_learning/chief_ministers_reading_challenge" target="_blank">Chief Minister's Reading Challenge. What could be more fun than talking books, showing how books are made, celebrating books, sharing books, laughing about books, and reminding children how much fun they are (not to mention how they make their brains and hearts grow super huge).

They were such a gorgeous bunch of kids, and have a clear and deep love of books and reading. Our teachers and teacher librarians are absolutely vital when it comes to harnessing and developing a love of story. As humans, story is part of our genetic makeup, and at its core, of course, is literacy--a vital skill in our increasingly text-based world.

4.bpspot/-21elGeJBA8s/WxTO0iC25wI/AAAAAAABNqA/fAvGWo05XSQtjTS-IesQd38uzyBjYIxbACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

I keep forgetting that kids find this image very funny!

3.bpspot/-gULx5MHbkTo/WxTO1FbkaLI/AAAAAAABNqE/k94W28fIkDImN3fnz5-QzyiI-klkTVYMwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

exploring the many and varied types of book--this one showcasing ONE MILLION JELLYBEANS!

1.bpspot/-WNM8Cygioaw/WxTO1WR1jEI/AAAAAAABNqI/3OlMzjNwu1kC6Ml2WZjiiQZYNjU9EGRBACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

chatting about the illustration process for Australia Illustrated

Thanks to the Chief Minister's Reading Challenge, children all over Canberra and surrounds have the opportunity to engage with story and literacy in ways they may not otherwise enjoy.

2.bpspot/--zXsq-OnE8w/WxTPAIL0oFI/AAAAAAABNqU/DVPU6LTqhR4toM8snCMuWB_5ISF0nr-PACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

Rosary PS suffered terrible flood damage to their library earlier in the year, and today marked the day of its re-opening. I was honoured and excited (I've never cut a ribbon before!) to open the library with these delightful students. The only thing missing was a tiara! I know the kids will so enjoy having their beautiful book space back.

1.bpspot/-jf1V6ggipZo/WxTO2Ja3-LI/AAAAAAABNqM/yvZYqjrVrkw4UZciiO4R2MkH-RhJamAkgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

1.bpspot/-gdSoqp8i8c0/WxTO2dgHKpI/AAAAAAABNqQ/rHnQlhrZrg8r7RUCgbTUixPkN60dd5TbgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

SNIP!

A resounding thank you to the ACT Education Directorate, to Kathy Griffiths and Jo Andersen and the team, and to Sandy Vincent and the staff of Rosary PS for making me so very welcome (that lemon cake... and you have Earl Grey tea!), and most of all to the kids for making me laugh and impressing me so very much with their bright minds and their love of books.

Permission has been given for the children to appear online.

July - A Snugglefest Of Writing And Illustrating

1.bpspot/-DAiQ0CG09_4/WzrdniialaI/AAAAAAABOHE/c0m-Ze6q-_o0myImawJ-GfO8kZGavwPEACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

watercolour/paper-cutting experiments

Finally, finally winter is in full force here in Canberra, and I am enjoying every frosty beanie/boot/mitten-wearing moment! Endless cups of hot tea, toasty soups, faux fur blankets . . . my feels are quite Icelandic. And of course, other than a quick dash to the shops and a brisk walk in the glorious winter sun, it's lovely to have every excuse to shut myself away in my light-filled studio, and create create create.

Speaking of beanies, can you believe how gorgeous my gumnut beanie is, below? I found it on Etsy--the store is etsy/au/shop/FibreDelights" target="_blank">Fibre Delights--and how could I resist? I'm hoping to wear it to my launch for Mamie--my picture book on May Gibbs, out this December. And how good would this beanie be for Book Week dress-ups?

3.bpspot/-LX_w9M33_x4/WzrXAPMpdpI/AAAAAAABOEc/_OP5QwB2MDID8Usip0birtB2yMT7LnVpACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

In my importantnutrientsspot/search?q=marvellous-may-maps-mammals-microbiomes" target="_blank">May blog post, I talked about my need (and YOUR need) to find more Real Life balance, and I've been doing really well. I've developed bursitis in my left shoulder this year, and of course, being busier than ever with illustrating, this was pretty devastating. A good physio, exercises and more movement have helped so much, and I'm ever mindful of how I hold my shoulders when I'm illustrating now. Digital artwork is particularly hard on the body, and we have to be so careful with the way our bones and muscles interact.

I've been cooking again, going out more, and have even done a wee spot of house redecorating, taking advantage of the end-of-fiscal year sales. My husband has been overseas a lot, so it was the perfect time to upend the family room. I've also done a wee bit in our master bedroom, though I still have pictures to hang.

1.bpspot/-T1pxOXJut8Q/WzrXECUajrI/AAAAAAABOFA/b7s8wz-qdyon1bj-fz5UO7GwhDdfOXx8QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1479%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

Above is a new rug--shagpile is back, baby! and a new leather butterfly chair and leather pouffe--all from Temple and Webster. The TV cabinet is from IKEA and I LOVE it! Inside are little white tubs with all our DVDs in them. It was some process putting the unit together on my own, but it was so worth it.

And nothing too exciting . . . but here is our ugly old wardrobe covered in leaf decals from ebay. This entire decoration only cost about $20, and the decals are really great quality--they come off easily. I might have to change it up each season!

3.bpspot/-ZPnjCki4dJw/WzrXVUoOH0I/AAAAAAABOGg/M-IR1Z0mT9sOKv2MIMRm56lgpDU4cqDPgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

As part of my getting-out-more, I tripped off to the Cartier Exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia last month. Oh my. It was very sparkly.

4.bpspot/-Re0DT5wgsrw/WzrW_uZIfjI/AAAAAAABOEU/xiea90NpbSwm-ckYCcq0WPGJYrxq3kthwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

2.bpspot/-FgOlieCLDR0/WzrW_yiRGoI/AAAAAAABOEY/WbOpS6ToM8M2AUFcL9-fqG31USTYlOJXQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

1.bpspot/-DhoLQKbn75Y/WzrXBDBzbQI/AAAAAAABOEg/t5LNt2JYe-43j3OoAeSS7GOhUD8jecp7QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

3.bpspot/-ij4Vi8HOBTk/WzrXBuWg0TI/AAAAAAABOEk/-kjitRngi0sQpn04sMYwYqeXZxkagioGACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

1.bpspot/-yON6XMzVaB4/WzrXBmyMRZI/AAAAAAABOEo/yMrX6lap5Asl8OcLHlKrJMqeOS09B1RqgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

3.bpspot/-QhmIZdlvvus/WzrXCVknvJI/AAAAAAABOEs/5KwSmIgF4jcAyec5JE6ILm-E6GQJmBExgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

2.bpspot/-9crcSlJcadM/WzrXCh03qTI/AAAAAAABOEw/1bObK5UbNSYaeH3-OPS6-gkxx0nfWy0KACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

4.bpspot/-4DmNvGDA66s/WzrjRT_iTjI/AAAAAAABOHQ/7oUzNMu2T9sRkc7A4o1UERiSKXK-s0IIgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

I was gasping over this clock set gifted to Queen Elizabeth back in the day. There's something wonderful about clocks.

More gadding about, I spotted this yarn-bombing in Queanbeyan recently. So hard to get a good shot as the trees are all in a row, but how spectacular do they look?

1.bpspot/-C3VKCSG_Ggw/WzrXDOdPRSI/AAAAAAABOE0/ZZyH9PgbpK8EEjGwAdTSlqllTsZLm7XlQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

1.bpspot/-pv04l7hEQfg/WzrXDaW-awI/AAAAAAABOE4/0d_p2hOkchU-Xs1uhUw2P57x9mkLKPaUQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

My daughter has a casual job at a boutique hotel in Canberra, and my husband and I actually went out AT NIGHT (gasp!) for a drink and to see her in action. We ordered these incredible flavoured gin/tonics. Talk about utterly delicious. Of course, I was under the table after one sip.

4.bpspot/-YhZCp1TnLj0/WzrXDmrweoI/AAAAAAABOE8/n5Yn95a9tl0d3UgZDWjHYuPfeG-zKxHKgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

The Australian Bookseller's Association was in town recently for its 2018 conference and trade fair. One of my publishers, ekbooks/" target="_blank">EK Books, invited me to come along to their stall and it was so much fun. It was so great to meet my lovely publicist Alison, and wondergirl Siobhan. Alison sorted the delicious cupcakes, which I did not eat!

This event was aimed at booksellers, of course, and it was interesting to be on the other side of the coin, so to speak. I ran into a slew of booksellers I know--both local and interstate--and my publisher from the National Library was there, too. That's where I got to see the first copies of The Gum Family Finds Home (out this August, NLA Publishing).

EK were showcasing the merk new cover for importantnutrientsspot/search?q=marvellous-may-maps-mammals-microbiomes" target="_blank">Australia Illustrated's Second Edition (out this October with EK Books). I hope to reveal the new cover soon!

Here I am with a spiny leaf insect brought to Canberra from Cairns by author and uber bug man, Alan Henderson. I also met another type of leaf insect and a giant burrowing cockroach, which I only just the week before finished researching for a book of my own for the National Library! They are just the most superb creatures. If you're into bugs, like I am, check out Alan's beautiful book, exislepublishing/product/minibeasts/" target="_blank">Minibeasts.

2.bpspot/-sMvxjrEMuKI/WzrXNQE9jLI/AAAAAAABOFE/C-CX4XbRn3wxjd8-4yLT1lxsWym4DmtIwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

3.bpspot/-Y68NDGCafqQ/WzroEvcywlI/AAAAAAABOHc/j6wQ_T4DfTsOmEWsJ_C3oNm2erEtPd-3ACLcBGAs/s1600/35861412_10155608445054562_5502040276555792384_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

3.bpspot/-GZ2X6mmkxw8/WzrXNf5-jqI/AAAAAAABOFI/mxBuy-vdWBcnAK7ekacl7lzxxAUdjykwQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

2.bpspot/-8_5osK9Av7o/WzrXOm1y19I/AAAAAAABOFQ/JxjH2ewviXwdfngZwxjHDZ7BGagRVaR2QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

I was so fortunate to receive an invitation to gatecrash the Conference proper the next day. I only stayed for the first two sessions because they were, of course, about children's books . . .

1.bpspot/-ckBABxkREQw/WzrXOmRpVtI/AAAAAAABOFU/eKQRULHs73EeHkTAT6MurwTMLKdKu0xVwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

Joel Becker, ABA CEO, welcomes delegates

2.bpspot/-0o2bxMJiGyQ/WzrXOzovDzI/AAAAAAABOFY/AOS9fPwJTD4XpFE0gZi2o00XdE8Lp3oUgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

a keynote by the amazing Morris Gleitzman both enchanted
and uplifted us with its message of hope

4.bpspot/-mlH8XBL5It0/WzrYqzBxV3I/AAAAAAABOGw/ICLExS2HaBs2KtsO6t6b81nHO0pDroeGQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

Jane Godwin, Anna Walker and Leesa Lambert of The Little Bookroom, talking picture books

3.bpspot/-Kou3dT2SvsY/WzrXPnLc57I/AAAAAAABOFc/PIu6S_G7sZoZMSmUyKc0zUmy-dyrzrEhACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">

a breathtaking peek at Anna's superb studio

My workload is so heavy, I've been unable to do many events this year (and this will likely extend into next year), but it was a joy to attend a literary breakfast with students at St Francis Xavier College in Canberra, during their Writers Festival. They had a stunning line-up of guests and fascinating opportunities for the kids, and I could not think of anything more perfect than enjoying a beautiful breakfast, and talking shop with these dedicated students. Below are just some of the talent I met. Kudos to Rachael Hind and her team for creating this brilliant literary week--your students are so lucky.

4.bpspot/-dNKOJNhdZ7o/WzrXQdWYqcI/AAAAAAABOFk/qfQIyzkSLMUMHBMtV1OKYlx06I-_4ugIQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

3.bpspot/-ZEAnQRWiNts/WzrXRYruPGI/AAAAAAABOFs/D6P6jnbfARUTai97oSnbAqfGBn0mEYnTACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

One kind of events I can do more easily are those held online, like this Twitter chat with importantnutrientsspot/search?q=marvellous-may-maps-mammals-microbiomes" target="_blank">See Hear. Hope you can join in, this Thursday 5 July at 8pm AEST. Use the hashtag #picbookbc

3.bpspot/--s3CVkgZNhc/WzrXRvgCa6I/AAAAAAABOFw/CpFlDvnmiVEG4STA1YILdW91y1bOarMSQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

1.bpspot/-b1BvZ8Eaz4w/Wzru1-PCs2I/AAAAAAABOHo/T8rUagvyjhE6ltkw4abTTmY8dL0n49a2wCLcBGAs/s1600/See%2BHear%2Bcovers%2BFINAL%2Bportrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

Because we can never get enough picture books, below is my stash from the past month or so. It's a little light-on, but that's due to deadlines. You'll absolutely love these books, photographed in the Icelandic fur tradition. Look out for them.

1.bpspot/-seiAseRGctk/WzrXS7VjcfI/AAAAAAABOF4/fv1t3ISDbEMkSlQ18Vh-u8D4oSuFF_dYACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

2.bpspot/-Cf1R2-TwtXo/WzrXS_2f06I/AAAAAAABOF0/lXGe1-2L5EU_7fbgvBQyJdwfpgD4DzuCACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

2.bpspot/-Vp-XLQ-FDUk/WzrXUMTYqLI/AAAAAAABOGE/b7DLvjZnzz0-otjOsW2nSYO5ZNHD8UdvACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

4.bpspot/-mVnfvzx9b-M/WzrXUADGyFI/AAAAAAABOF8/jsELcipJJNsbsmcXH_ZsX95cECv5mOBNQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

4.bpspot/-pxKEradPQus/WzrXVKGFBEI/AAAAAAABOGI/jt_JSfFS9x4LLjFcuzVNjTHilttH4OmqgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

My importantnutrientsspot/search?q=marvellous-may-maps-mammals-microbiomes" target="_blank">Australia Map has been doing the rounds again, with fabulous teachers, teacher/librarians, book lovers and kids enjoying its combined educational/aesthetic qualities! The importantnutrientsspot/search?q=marvellous-may-maps-mammals-microbiomes" target="_blank">World Map is also doing well, though I'm yet to see it in the wild. Let me know if you see it! Thanks to the amazing Sue Warren for these first two pics. I also have some VERY exciting news in relation to the maps which I'll share with you towards the end of the year.

4.bpspot/-1zRaWuz0xM0/WzrXWoLu3yI/AAAAAAABOGQ/obLzn6ftllkWZj10nzIWK2i6Ob1xkQ7DQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

3.bpspot/-Yb_Yb1fXvcg/WzrXWtYN8pI/AAAAAAABOGU/yzLqOGxLgvY4rZ0nqsxCShiAFGsq4EeVgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

The lovely Sian of instagram/teachvestigate.play/" target="_blank">Teach Investigate Play on Instagram, has used my map in her kids' play area--a space she cleverly changes around to inspire her little ones.

2.bpspot/-W5kWeZC5aqQ/WzrwoNOLp0I/AAAAAAABOH0/fn7KuUiSj7gM4W9pbur0HIIb7lc1PkX6gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1580%2Bcopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

Now, as for book news . . .

My book about May Gibbs, Mamie, is going off to print any moment now and it's looking incredible, thanks to the HarperCollins team. I'm gagging to show you the cover but that's under wraps for now (out December). I'll be launching the book in Adelaide, so if you're a South Australian, I'd love you to come along. More info in a few months.

While you wait . . . here is a scotty dog from the book!

3.bpspot/-hm2M5UL6gzw/WzrzBJbyfCI/AAAAAAABOIE/aUFdtU1WJz8qZadbvIrePm6-gxdnIFB8wCEwYBhgL/s1600/p17%2Bscotty.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

I will have a few things coming up for the launch of The Gum Family Finds Home, including giveaways, so watch my taniamccartneywebspot/p/events.html" target="_blank">EVENTS page for that. I'll also have some fun happening for the relaunch of Australia Illustrated in October.

I haven't been illustrating for leisure very much these past two months, but here is a peek at a book I'm doing for the National Library of Australia. It's been the most incredible journey, creating this book, from the research to the illustration and layout. Again, beside myself to show you more! This one is at least 18 months away, alas.

1.bpspot/-njCRGFokiu8/Wzrz8OlxPYI/AAAAAAABOIY/jbXjV2vsYT81fmr9CB64SPOW8DoXD5PVACLcBGAs/s1600/FAUNA%2Bp22%2Bp23%2Bsugar%2Bglider-01%2Bcopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

2.bpspot/-Mm_ANrFKNhc/Wzrz8ce8-MI/AAAAAAABOIg/Kpwp84sSbr4gRP5PDB3SDhiZszB9ry66QCLcBGAs/s1600/FAUNA%2Bp26%2Bp27%2Bechidna-01%2Bcopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

4.bpspot/-I2oxVwhofYM/Wzrz8bhUsxI/AAAAAAABOIc/-u_gyuwhm6caf67K9gVDeroBwoTU-dFkwCLcBGAs/s1600/FAUNA%2Bp28%2Bp29%2Bleafy%2Bseadragon-01%2Bcopy%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

1.bpspot/-8F8a4w0a9HA/Wzrz8-GoLuI/AAAAAAABOIk/0zgqApdUhuoouv0JUPzPiJT-FAsq3aCGgCLcBGAs/s1600/FAUNA%2Bp32%2Bp33%2Btassie%2Bdevil-01%2Bcopy%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

I'm hoping to sign for two enormous projects shortly--one is certain, one almost certain--and it's going to mean no sleep for four or five months, but it will be well worth it. Will reveal more when I can, but needless to say they are DREAM projects.

So, a huge production period ahead, but I'll try to post again with updates and peeks. You can see my taniamccartneywebspot/p/events.html" target="_blank">EVENTS page for what I have coming up, and I'd love to see you if you can come along to any of these.

To finish this post, I wanted to share the most exquisite gift--sent to me from London by my niece. This amazing tree has just touched my heart, most especially the words she wrote on the back. To be told I'm a woman who lives and works from her soul . . . well, what could be a greater compliment? My niece is the most remarkable young lady and this tree will soon be framed and will take pride of place on my desk.

What gifts have you received this past month? Something simple? Something huge? Or something both simple and huge, like this one?

I hope you have a blissful July. Thank you for wading through my post!

Tx

3.bpspot/-_V277mph7qM/Wzrc426JOWI/AAAAAAABOG8/NxOcnqAjBG81fKTnHr8SbdCTKT1JqI79wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">