There is always something new to discover at the National Library of Australia's (NLA) Story Time exhibition.
Today Stephanie Owen Reeder, author of Story Time Stars, guided members of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) though the exhibition. She picked a selection of exhibits that would give writers and illustrators insights into the process in creating books.
To being the tour Stephanie showed us the first Australian children's book, A Mother's Offering to her Children, written by Charlotte Waring Atkinson.
Charlotte is the 4th-great grandmother of authors Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell. At a recent book talk Kate revealed that even family members cannot handle this book due to its fragility. However it can be viewed as an online version.
Last night's opening exhibition crowd deemed the new National Library of Australia exhibition, Story Time: Australian Children's Literature, presented in association with the National Centre for Australian Children's Literature, a huge success.
They were a buzz with excitement and even squealed with delight as each new story was discovered on the walls and in the display cases.
I guarantee that book lovers of all ages will adore this new exhibition, as it takes you on a journey down memory lane.
Remember your childhood favourites; Seven Little Australians, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, Mary Poppins and Blinky Bill.
Rediscover books from your children's childhood: Possum Magic, Koala Lou, Animalia, Max, The Hidden Forrest and The Arrival.
Or discover some newer childhood favourites: Where is the Green Sheep?, Dinosaurs Love Cheese and The 65-Story Treehouse.
Today in Canberra we celebrated the 2019 CBCA Book of the Year Award at the National Library of Australia.
What I love about this event is the opportunity to celebrate children's literature and to catch up with my tribe.
Before the announcement of the winners, the audience was entertained by two talented group of students.
Students from St Bede's Primary School, Braidwood, performed a voice and action montage showing how Reading is Our Secret Power. The students had the powers of strength, flexibility, speed but most importantly reading. With the secret power of reading they said, 'We can do anything with the power of reading.'
The second performance was by students from Canberra Girls Grammar School, who retold the story of Noni The Pony Rescues a Joey by Alison Lester, using a great set of face masks.
