When books make their way into the world, it is wonderful to hear a few years down the track that they are still bubbling along. Today I heard that Little Cat and the Big Red Bus, (written by Jane Godwin) has been put on the ‘Curriculum into the Classroom’ list for Queensland schools for the second semester along with I Don't Believe in Dragons!

Yesterday I opened a package with great trepidation, knowing 'Peggy' the printed book was inside. Peeping carefully under the tissue paper I checked the colours of the cover, taking my time before I gently opened the book. After scouring each page like a hawk, I smiled. I am delighted with it. There is still the wait until September to see 'Peggy' in book shops but I feel very relieved to know that the risks I took with collage and colours were worth it! I know it seems like ages away but we are planning an event at 'The Little Bookroom' (North Carlton) on Saturday 1st September. More details closer to the date! Very exciting!

Look what arrived yesterday! Today We Have No Plans, written by Jane Godwin, illustrated by me, and published by Penguin is coming out in October this year. Finally I have my mittens on the printed thing! It is very exciting when the actual book arrives, if not a bit nerve wracking but I am delighted with it. When I hold the book with it's companion 'All Through the Year', they look so happy together.

Here is a sneak preview of 'Peggy' and her cover, (out in September). It's getting closer!

Published by Scholastic Australia.

Last night I had a lovely evening at Books Illustrated, meeting Davide Cali, chatting with other picture book enthusiasts and poring over a beautiful collection of books from the Bologna Book Fair collected by Ann James and Ann Haddon. In my excitement of taking photos of some of the images I forgot to take photos of all the covers, so I am sorry to say I have not been able to credit all the wonderful illustrators. Most of them were in different languages, which was a bit tricky for me to be able to read too! The books were amazing, the brave illustrations, layout, the thick gorgeous paper they were printed on, the ink, the textures of the covers. Heaven!

This book above was enormous and luxurious!

These little monsters were printed on transclucent paper, so as you turned the pages you could see hints of scenes to come. Clever and entertaining.

We were fortunate to share in admiring this treasure trove!