I believe strongly in the educational, social and developmental value of children’s literature and story. A lot of my working life is spent on activities that build and promote children’s literature and story.
Literacy is essential, though something that many children lack, and I’m not just talking about the ability to read. Children’s literature and story allow children to develop cultural, multicultural, information, media, visual, digital and global literacy.
Below are some of the organisations that I work with. If you are interested in working with, or participating in, these organisations, just click on the links provided. There is always room for more people who are dedicated to children’s literature and literacy in these, and other, organisations.
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- StoryArts Festival Ipswich
Book Links – The Centre for Children’s Literature
Our goal is to establish a Children’s Literature Centre in Queensland where young people can interact with authors, illustrators and storytellers. We aim to engender a love of literature in Queensland children and young people through our projects and events. We also aim to increase the number of literate children and young people who appreciate all forms of story and how story is created. Linking people and groups throughout the community with stories and experiences to build literacy and learning; to enrich lives; is a guiding principle for all of our activities.
I joined Book Links (QLD) Inc. in June of 2012. I manage all the social media accounts, as well as the blog and website. I assist with events management, as well as assisting with the management of our various resources such as the Travelling Suitcases. These suitcases are filled with interesting and curious keepsakes from five of Queensland’s top children’s book authors and illustrators including their books; edited manuscripts and a DVD of the artists at works. Find out more about them HERE.
I thoroughly enjoy working with the Book Links Committee and can not possibly express how grateful I am to work with, and learn from, some of the leaders in the QLD, and national, Children’s Literature Scene.
To find out more about Book Links (QLD) Inc, click HERE.
Children’s Book Council of Australia
The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) is a volunteer run, not for profit, organisation that was established in 1945 and is comprised of branches of individual members who are passionate about children’s and young adult literature.
I have only recently joined the CBCA – QLD Branch Committee. I help with social media, and have joined the Community Projects Sub-Committee. I look forward to blogging about what happens in the next 6 months.
I must say that the CBCA – QLD Branch Committee is comprised of amazingly qualified and beyond-super dedicated people. I am greatly inspired by them, and look forward to years of learning from people who have years, and in some cases, decades more experience than me.
To find out more about the Children’s Book Council of Australia, click HERE.
Write Links – a critique and professional development group for aspiring and emerging authors
Write Links was formed in 2013 by Book Links (QLD) Inc. and SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) QLD in response to a need to encourage and assist writers and illustrators embarking on writing and illustrating for children. It is administered by Book Links (QLD) Inc.
I present Professional Development Sessions, predominantly on using Social Media as an author and/or illustrator. I assist with management of the group, and am an active participant in our Facebook group in which we openly share information regarding writing, illustrating, competitions, publishing opportunities and more.
To find out more about Write Links, click HERE.
StoryArts Festival Ipswich
