Last week I went to the 9th Annual A Night With Our Stars held at Westbooks in Victoria Park. The event, organised by the WA branch of the Children's Book Council of Australia, showcases the work of West Australian authors and illustrators (Kids and YA books) that were published throughout the past year (2011). With over 20 authors/illustrators, each had 3-5mins to talk about their books and then the audience were able to mingle with Our Stars and get books signed.
Brigid Lowry and Deb Fitzpatrick
Zoe Thurner (author of Dress Rehearsal) and JB Thomas
It was great to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. I met the lovely JB Thomas, author of Mammon, and got to tell Deb Fitzpatrick just how much I loved her book 90 Packets of Instant Noodles (which I discovered at last years event).
Myself and Deb Fitzpatrick
A highlight for me was meeting Brigid Lowry whose 1997 book Guitar Highway Rose is one of my all-time favourites. I was so angry with myself because I completely forgot to bring my first edition copy to get signed. But there was no way I was going to miss out on getting one of my fave books signed, so I bought another copy =D
Brigid Lowry signing my book!
Being a YA blog (and of course reader), my interest was primarily for the YA authors that were speaking. There are however two illustrators that I want to mention.
James Foley illustrated The Last Viking (written by Norman Jorgensen) and allowed us to witness his talent first hand as he quickly drew a picture to be won on the night, while Norman was speaking. Publisher Fremantle Press states the story is "about a boy who outwits local bullies by channelling his inner Viking." The whole book is fantastic and is one I always highlight while I'm working.
Sam, Grace and the Shipwreck was written by Michelle Gillespie and is the story of sixteen year-old Grace, and Sam, an Aboriginal stock-man, who helped rescue the passengers and crew of the sinking SS Georgette. It is based on the true events that occurred off the south-west coast of WA in 1876. The vibrant illustrations by Sonia Martinez brings this story to life and completely captures you.
Overall it was another great night (I attended last year) and it was so great to see so much local talent on display. Bring on the 10th anniversary next year!
GIVE-AWAY!
I am hosting a special give-away of a signed copy of Mammon by JB Thomas over on the Facebook page. This is a Facebook only give-away so pop on over to the page and leave a comment to enter!
Brigid Lowry and Deb Fitzpatrick
Zoe Thurner (author of Dress Rehearsal) and JB Thomas
It was great to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. I met the lovely JB Thomas, author of Mammon, and got to tell Deb Fitzpatrick just how much I loved her book 90 Packets of Instant Noodles (which I discovered at last years event).
Myself and Deb FitzpatrickA highlight for me was meeting Brigid Lowry whose 1997 book Guitar Highway Rose is one of my all-time favourites. I was so angry with myself because I completely forgot to bring my first edition copy to get signed. But there was no way I was going to miss out on getting one of my fave books signed, so I bought another copy =D
Brigid Lowry signing my book!
Being a YA blog (and of course reader), my interest was primarily for the YA authors that were speaking. There are however two illustrators that I want to mention.
James Foley illustrated The Last Viking (written by Norman Jorgensen) and allowed us to witness his talent first hand as he quickly drew a picture to be won on the night, while Norman was speaking. Publisher Fremantle Press states the story is "about a boy who outwits local bullies by channelling his inner Viking." The whole book is fantastic and is one I always highlight while I'm working.
Sam, Grace and the Shipwreck was written by Michelle Gillespie and is the story of sixteen year-old Grace, and Sam, an Aboriginal stock-man, who helped rescue the passengers and crew of the sinking SS Georgette. It is based on the true events that occurred off the south-west coast of WA in 1876. The vibrant illustrations by Sonia Martinez brings this story to life and completely captures you.
Overall it was another great night (I attended last year) and it was so great to see so much local talent on display. Bring on the 10th anniversary next year!
GIVE-AWAY!
I am hosting a special give-away of a signed copy of Mammon by JB Thomas over on the Facebook page. This is a Facebook only give-away so pop on over to the page and leave a comment to enter!
