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">

July - A Snugglefest Of Writing And Illustrating

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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?

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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 . . .

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Joel Becker, ABA CEO, welcomes delegates

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

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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

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My Latest Cards With Nuovo Group

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My new card range, out with Nuovo Group now. The last of my importantnutrientsspot/search?q=australia-illustrated-map-december-2017" target="_blank">Australia Map.

You can find these Australia-wide at bookstores and gift shops--and if they aren't available, you can ask your store to get them in! Just mention my name and Nuovo Group.

A Wintry August Update ... With Loads Of Sunshine

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Just as we thought winter might be pressing on the brake pedal, a dusting of snow, the likes I've which I've not seen since living in Canberra, coated the mountains surrounding our quiet little basin here in the bush. How I wanted to grab a toboggan and make a dash for it, but simply too much to get through these coming months!

Above is my latest window, this time for the National Library bookshop--it was so much fun to put together. In celebration of the release of importantnutrientsspot/search?q=the-gum-family-finds-home-august-2018" target="_blank">The Gum Family Finds Home, the koalas are chilling out in the bookshop storefront for the next week or so.

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I think it looks so much better IRL ... here's a little vid so you can see it in greater detail. My voice is a little husky, so hopefully you can hear me.

It was great timing to have the display on show during the NLA's 50th Birthday Open Day celebrations on 12 August, too...

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The NLA know how to put on a party--what a spectacular day it was. So much to see and do, experience and explore, and yes, there was cake! It was wonderful to catch up with the lovely Leanne Barrett, below...

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And to meet the illustrious Ron Brooks, fellow Taswegian and all-round lovely man. He was in town for the day, teaching illustration workshops. How I wish I'd been able to gatecrash! His new book, with the inimitable Ursula Dubosarsky, will soon be released with the NLA ... Midnight at the Library.

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I read The Gum Family Finds Home for the very first time at the event--below, with these gorgeous children. My goodness, kids are so bright. And there were four or five of them who've grown so much since I last saw them, I literally didn't recognise them!

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On the Gum Family, here is publishinga.gov.au/pages/blog.do?newsId=435" target="_blank">a blog post I did for the National Library, all about the book's creation.

As I'm buried under a snowdrift of work right now, I've scaled back on event commitments, including Book Week. But one recent event I really enjoyed was a magical evening, opening the May Gibbs Touring Exhibition (from the State Library of New South Wales). It was held at Queanbeyan Library and was just the most beautiful night.

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The Library staff had gone to so much effort, with endless May Gibbs books and ephemera displays, a series of thematic costumes and the most divine Snugglepot and Cuddlepie cookies. There was a wonderful turnout, and I loved showing the assembled May-aficionados a peek at some internal pages from Mamie (and the cover!).

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these divine friends shared in this really special evening. L - R top: Cate Whittle, moi, Catherine Morgans, Maura Pierlot, Leanne Barrett, Stephanie Owen Reeder. L - R bottom: Shaye Wardrop and daughter, Shelly Unwin and daughter

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my gorgeous non-industry friend Sylvia, who took many of these fab pics, Leanne Barrett,
moi, Stephanie Owen Reeder

My beautiful girl turned 18 this month. I can hardly even get my head around it, even now. She had a party here at home (was v nervous about that!) but it turned out to be the most sparkling, gorgeous evening. Millennial kids are so divine; we loved having them here. And I'm so proud of my beautiful, stylish, driven and dedicated girl. Love you, Ella Bella.

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It's been so lovely to be spending time In Real Life of late, rather than online. It's been something I've wanted to do for years, and I must admit I'm now addicted. IRL rocks. I've been much calmer, more focused, more productive and just so much happier, all round--in too many ways to mention.

Getting into nature, exercising, eating better, creating stuff, spending time with friends. I've been working on our house, decluttering a little more, streamlining, re-decorating, treating stains, fixing clothing, all those things we never seem to do. I've been having fun with updating my wardrobe, too, which has been long overdue.

I'll be doing less and less on social media, as I really want to hold onto this lovely life balance. I feel more like 'me' without SM, you know?

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As for work ... I'm gearing up for the release of Mamie this November, and I hope to reveal the cover soon. I'm also heading to Adelaide on a May Gibbs Children's Literature Trust Fellowship for the month of November, so there's lots to prep and plan before I leave. I'm having a launch for Mamie on Sunday 25 November, at the most incredible Adelaide venue--more info on that soon, and I'll need to get everything prepped well before I go, as well as artwork for the Mamie window I'll be doing at Harry Hartog bookstore in Canberra when I get back in early December.

I've been in near-end-production with several books, and am about to sign for two new exciting projects, which I'll reveal soon. They relate to my maps. I also have several books in with acquisitions, including one with another local author and friend. It's no matter where you are in your career, there's always loads of nervous waiting. Hoping to reveal more soon.

More greeting cards for Nuovo Group have been calling, and I hope to get into new illustrations as soon as I get through some book outlines. A long overdue picture book, residing in my head, is clamouring for attention, too. Can I have another 8 hours in my day, please? Unlike even a year ago, I'm no longer interested in compromising my health and sanity for my work, but I really would like another 8 hours!

So, alas, I don't have too many visuals I can share right now. This little peek, below, is from another project I've been working on for some time, and is really dear to my heart. I think I'll make like that cow and jump over the moon with this project. I might even run away with the spoon.

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I've been tempted by quite a few books this past month. Maybe it's Love Your Bookshop Day, the rapid approach of Book Week or, just ... loving books in general? Here is a peek at my latest great loves. The first three books are by my favourite illustrator, David Roberts. I am utterly OBSESSED with the first one, and you simply must get a copy immediately; you will love it to bits. The next two, I must admit, I bought for the illustrations, but there is nothing wrong with that, right?

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A bit of an Isabelle Arsenault obsession...

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And this divine adult title that I cannot wait to dive into...

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I nearly fell off my chair when I somehow, miraculously, found these long-coveted tomes on eBay recently. In mint condition and they went for a song! So happy. Thank you, Marcie Muir and Kerry White. Thank you.

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And I'm dipping into these three magical novels. I have been going to bed so early and don't last long before dropping off to sleep (so annoying), but not due to the book content, which is fabulous! Look out for them, two by my gorgeous friends sherylgwyther/" target="_blank">Sheryl Gwyther and catewhittlewrites/" target="_blank">Cate Whittle.

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On the topic of book covers, stay tuned this week for a cover reveal for the second edition of Australia Illustrated!

Okay, it's now InstaCrush time. Here is a peek at the amazing instagram/gemmakoomen/" target="_blank">Gemma Koomen, illustrator, paint and peace-lover. I absolutely adore her style, colour palette, eye for contrast, nature-inspired works and overall cool vibe...

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I hope you have a glorious Book Week planned. I'm sad to miss out on school sessions this year, so I'll be living them vicariously through friends. If you're a teacher/librarian, head to Children's Books Daily for this childrensbooksdaily/book-week-costumes-for-teachers/" target="_blank">fab post on costume ideas for adults. I look forward to seeing all the bookish ensembles online!

Spring is just around the corner--I hope daffies are already poking green fingers through your soil, as they are at my house. Like a squirrel storing treats, I feel like this winter has been all about production and prepping, and very soon I'll be stepping out into the sunshine again, and sharing some of my most favourite book projects ever.

Happy reading, everyone!

Love,

Tx