Aussie Heroes series is now available from Readings in eBook format

The first two books in our non-fiction Aussie Heroes series are now available from Readings in eBook format.

We are excited! You can now purchase Dame Nellie Melba and Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop from Readings. All the internal illustrations are in colour and look fabulous on an eReader device.

The next book in the series, Fred Hollows, will be released in both print and eBook format later this year.

Little Treasures are a hit in Bologna

The first news is in from Bologna and it seems this gorgeous Little Treasures collection of Peter Carnavas’ work is ever so popular.

Our creative designer Nick has given Peter’s books a clever new look. Each book has a logo to reflect its simple but important message – Love, Environment, Family and Self Worth. Peter’s fifth book, The Great Expedition, is about resilience. Nick is still working on a logo for this one!

The Great Expedition will be released on the 1^st May.

The Bologna Book Fair 2011

We have been frantically busy over the last few weeks in preparation for the Bologna Book Fair.

Posters, bookmarks and dummy books have all been created in anticipation of the next four days. After ten years in the business we can confidently say we are experts at cutting and pasting!
The boys have now arrived in Bologna after their gruelling flights and have just completed putting the finishing touches on our fabulous stand. They are now asleep, but this is what they did before they slept.
Rod Hare is cheerily looking forward to the prospect of creating the ALC stand!

Peter Whitfield adds a poster to get in his wife’s good books after leaving her behind!

Applause! They are doing a good job.

As always we are in good company. A sneak peek at our neighbours:

There stand is a tiny bit bigger than ours. Sigh!

If you are in Bologna pay a visit to the Australian Licensing Corporation stand. We are next door to Bloomsbury. Rod and Peter will delight you with a mass of brilliant Australian books.

Kids Book Swap is on tomorrow - Meet fabulous illustrator Serena Geddes

The last Friday of the month is tomorrow and we have our book swapping shoes on.
The talented illustrator Serena Geddes will be our guest tomorrow afternoon.
Serena began her career as an animator for Disney, but in 2009 she followed her dream, determined to become a children's book illustrator.
Since then she has illustrated  this:

and this:

and this:

I am sure you will agree that Serena is a fabulous illustrator.
She is currently working on Lily's Wish, a delightful book for Christmas.
Here are some of her roughs:

Do come along to meet Serena. She will be showing off her brilliant skills at 3.30pm tomorrow afternoon at Forestville library.

A True Person - a valuable insight for children today

There has been a great deal of visual footage in the press recently and many questions have been asked in our home regarding the Christmas Island Detention Centre.

I reached for a book we published back in 2007 to give our children more insight into the lives of refugees.

A True Person is written by Gabiann Marin and illustrated by Jacqui Grantford. It took a couple of years to complete this project and during this time the ending of the book was changed to reflect the current situation at the time. After much public outcry, in late 2005, child refugees were moved into more suitable community detention.

Initially Mwalo (an African man) left the detention centre, but by the time the book was almost ready for press the ending was changed and Zallah (a young girl) and her mother left the detention centre for community detention. Mwalo stayed behind.

A True Person is a moving story which highlights the bond between Mother and Daughter in times of adversity.

Zallah and her mother have escaped their war torn country and are looking for safety in Australia. Instead of freedom they find themselves in a detention centre. Zallah struggles with the reason for this punishment. For Zallah there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

This is a gentle tale that gives children a glimpse of life as a refugee.
The book has also just been made available on CD through Gecko Educational.

Cartoons, kooky characters and plot driven mysteries just for the kids!

School holidays will soon be upon us.


The kids will be under your feet or locked away playing the Xbox. But, you would much rather they were having the time of their lives being inspired by stories, kooky characters and cartoon creations. We know you would. So we have made it easy for you. Three brilliant author/illustrators will be sharing their magic with kids during the Easter break.

The workshops will be help at a fabulous bookshop – The Children's Bookshop in Beecroft. They are celebrating 40 years this year so wish them a Happy 40th Birthday as you walk through the door.

Illustrating Picture Books with Peter Carnavas

In this hands-on workshop, students will be sharing drawing tips and ideas for creating picture books with well-known Australian illustrator Peter Carnavas. Peter will share his knowledge and expertise and children will develop illustrating techniques to bring characters to life!
When: Monday April 11th, 9-12-30pm
For: Students Aged 8-12
Cost: $50 per student
All materials are provided. Book early
Peter Carnavas will be releasing his fifth picture book in May this year. You may even get a sneak peek of The Great Expedition before it is released. Peter is the author and illustrator.

Draw Dream Write Delight

… A creative writing workshop for younger kids ...
Imaginations will run wild in this writing and illustrating super-session with children’s author, Aleesah Darlison. Create and draw cool, kooky characters and get started on a story about them.
This workshop promotes creativity and sharing of ideas. Free goody bag included.
When: Wednesday 13 April, 9-12-30pm
For: Ages 7-9
Cost: $50 per student. All materials are provided. Book early
Aleesah Darlison is the author of the sparkling new series, Totally Twins. The third book in the series will be released in August.

Calling all Future Writers!

Author Sue Whiting will be leading a writing workshop for students aged 9-12 years.
Participants in this workshop will be exploring the writing process, focusing on writing skills and gaining tips on developing plot, character and setting! Activities will be hands-on and students will particularly gain insight into ways to improve writing skills.
When: Thursday April 14th, 9-12-30pm
For: Students Aged 9-12
Cost: $50 per student
All materials are provided. Book early!

Sue is the author of Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and A Britt Brady Mystery:The Hairy Legs Heist.

RSVP for all workshops:

02 9481 1881
staff@childrensbookshop.com.au

Celebrating Australian Women on International Women's Day

Today we are celebrating International Women’s Day.


As we look back over the history of Australia there are many women who have shaped and contributed to our society.

Last year we released the Aussie Heroes series, a new series of junior non-fiction books which reflects the heroes of Australia.

The books are for primary school aged children and are written as a narrative, complemented by colour illustrations throughout.

Our first female hero is Dame Nellie Melba. She was the first great Australian diva, but she also worked tirelessly for the war effort, staging numerous fundraising concerts in support of the Red Cross and other charities.

Our next female hero, the manuscript has just dropped into my inbox, will be Mary MacKillop.

Perhaps you have a particular hero whose life has had an impact on your own?