Clayton's and tripping across the Tasman

Last night, I attended the CBCA Vic Clayton's night where speakers talk about the current titles that they love, and that they think are worthy of consideration for the annual CBCA Book of the Year Awards.

It's always inspiring to hear people talk about the books that move, entertain, inform and engage them.

I was thrilled to see 'Meet the Anzacs' on the Crichton display (for Max Berry's illustrations) and on the Eve Pownall display with 'Emu'.

And this morning, Philippa Werry is hosting me at her 'Children's War Books' blog, reviewing 'Meet the Anzacs' and interviewing me about the writing of.

You can see the review here
 and the interview here  

Shortly, Philippa will be visiting me to talk about the similarity in the covers for our Anzac picture books and other elements of writing about war.

RN Drive - In the Drawing Room

Today I'll be talking with Jonathan Green and John Schumann on RN Drive, 'In the Drawing Room' about our new picture books and about writing war for young people. John is author and singer of the classic Vietnam song 'I was Only Nineteen' which is now a picture book, illustrated by Craig Smith. My book, 'Meet the Anzacs' is illustrated by talented young painter, Max Berry.

Our books both talk about war, but different wars and different perspectives. But so much is the same. No one can ever be prepared for how war will affect them and no one is the same after experiencing war.

Tune in to RN Drive AM 621 between 6pm and 8pm tonight to hear what we talked about. There will be a podcast on the website later.