After almost three years of working with the wonderful Ana Vivas and Niki Bern of Snappy Ant the I Love My Dad App is here! I am thrilled with the result. I know the 'App' word is a bit controversial in the world of stories and books, but as much as I am passionate about picture books beautifully printed on paper, I think it is exciting to see stories translated in new media with care and attention to detail. Seeing little Ollie riding his bike, swinging on a roundabout and being piggybacked is a delight. There is a lot more involved than I anticipated, with the music, the voice and other sound effects let alone how the characters move and interact with one another. It has been a steep learning curve but worth it for the result. I hope you think so too!

The month of April has been brought some lovely news. The CBCA shortlist was announced recently and to my surprise and delight, Peggy is in it! I can hardly believe she is there, but very happy to see her quietly sitting in the bunch.

This is my studio. A place to think, explore, reflect and draw. There is no washing staring at me here, or clothes to pick up. I have always worked in a studio, except when the children were tiny babies. I must admit I love having a studio. I know some illustrators work from home and are very happy, but for me being able to go to a studio and paint is wonderful. I thought you may like to see the view!

Speaking of illustrators and authors, this weekend there is a fabulous event on at the State Library! There are so many exciting people to see there. Its all happening on Sunday from 10am - 4pm and its free! 

In the heat of the evening I am finally writing some of the things that have been happening over the last month or so. Last week I received some excited messages from friends telling me that one of my books (written by Jane Godwin) was on The Block! Beautifully placed on the bedside table in the Children's bedroom that won that evening. The second time in the space of two weeks that I have had a book on television. There was a children's show reading 'I Don't Believe in Dragons' in the morning recently. It is great fun to see the books out on their adventures!

In other news the wonderful illustrator Sonia Kretschmar has painted a portrait of me for The Archibald Prize. The painting is called 'Basement Bird'. I was honoured and a bit overwhelmed when Sonia asked if I would sit for the painting. It has been an amazing and strange experience being the subject of an image but I am delighted with the result. Looking at the painting is like stepping into part of my imagination. Over here you can see the fascinating way Sonia creates the layers of the painting. Fingers crossed the painting makes it into the final exhibition!

Today was spent giving the studio an end of summer clean. I painted the floor again and it looks so clean and white, all ready for a busy day in the studio on Monday. My Frankie calendar is hanging up to remind me of some of my new year's resolutions. I have begun a course in Adobe Illustrator (improving my computer skills was one of my resolutions!). It has been a good start to the year and I am looking forward to the weather cooling down a little and beginning some new projects.

Introducing Bat Boy! A friendly little character who features in a new Australian online bookshop. During the year I created a range of illustrations for The Kid's Bookshop, one of my favourites was this one. For a short time only, when you buy some books you receive one of these special bags below. I am taking mine Christmas shopping! I love seeing my illustrations translated on to different applications, bags, stickers, digital - all sooooo exciting.

I hope your Christmas preparations are going well. We have made our pudding, decorated the Christmas tree and in between painting illustrations for a book that needs to be finished very soon I am running around the shops and hunting online for pressies.