Happy Birthday to 'Big Red Kangaroo' US version

Big Red was released in the US this week. Whooohoooo!

Queensland Literary Awards

I have been on holiday in Byron Bay (bliss) and was thrilled while there to receive news that Big Red Kangaroo has been shortlisted in the Queensland Literary Awards.
























Big Red is keeping fine company in the Griffith University Children's Book Award category.

For the full list of award categories and shortlists see here

Big Red Kangaroo at Melbourne Clayton's Night

Last night with two fellow authors I attended the Melbourne Clayton's Night where five speakers talk about their predictions for the upcoming CBCA Awards. It's always interesting to hear others talk passionately about books in general and specifically. The speakers last night were Anna Burkey from the State Library, Emma Baker also from the State Library, Sarah Mayor Cox from La Trobe Uni in Bendigo. A couple of other scheduled speakers were unable to be there but their presentations were 'channeled' by CBCA members. 

This photo shows Big Red Kangaroo being presented to the room of teachers and librarians by Sarah Mayor Cox. Thanks Sarah! (It was tricky - nay - impossible to get a good screen shot but it IS Big Red up there )

We were introduced to a closer look at many books that I've seen and/or read over the past 12 months, and some I'll be searching out. Most presenters were unable to stick to the six titles they were supposed to present. I think all snuck extras in, not that anyone in the room was complaining.

The dinners at the Clayton's night are always fabulous and this one was no exception. Moroccan-themed and delicious. 

Big Red Kangaroo

There's a lovely review of Big Red Kangaroo here :

The Next Big Thing - I've been tagged

I've been tagged to take part in an ongoing blog tour about upcoming books. I was tagged by Lorraine Marwood. You can visit Lorraine's blog and learn about her new book here

But enough about that, and to the questions:

1. What is the working title of your next book?

Big Red Kangaroo. With stunning illustrations from new illustrator, Graham Byrne. Here's a sneak peek at the cover.

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?

Big Red Kangaroo is part of a Walker series called Nature Story Books. The series originated at Walker UK (under another series name), but Walker Books Australia is making it their own,  producing titles about iconic Australian animals. 

3. What genre does your book come under?

It's a bit of a crossover really. The main narrative is fiction, about a day in the life of a male red kangaroo, and on each opening there is also non-fiction. Narrative non-fiction? It's a picture book for 5 +

4. What actors would you choose to play the parts of the characters in the movie rendition?

 Hmm, I'd have to go inland to audition. I'll get back to you on that one. 

5. What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?

 A night in the life of Big Red and his family in central Australia. 

6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Big Red Kangaroo will be published by Walker Books Australia in August this year. 

7. How long did it take to write the first draft of the manuscript?

It took a while. It was tricky working with the dual texts, constructing a story about a single kangaroo and his family, while keeping in mind the need for species general information.

8. What other books would you compare your book to in this genre?

There are other wonderful books in this series. 'Bilby Secrets' by Edel Wignell and Mark Jackson is one. 'Python' by Chris Cheng and Mark Jackson is another. 

9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?

 I loved the poetic language in the Walker UK titles and was inspired by the dual narrative idea. They are all beautifully illustrated and are just lovely books. Here was a chance to blend poetry and non-fiction. What an opportunity!

10. What else might pique a reader's interest?

Spend a night with Big Red Kangaroo and his family in their Australian home.

If you would like to post about your next big thing, please contact me and I'll add the link here.