Booked Out would like to extend a huge congratulations to the wonderful Glenda Millard, who has just received The Prime Minister’s Literary Award for her gorgeous picture book Pea Pod Lullaby. The book was illustrated by Stephen Michael King.

From over 500 entries to 30 shortlisted books, 6 titles were recognised as some of Australia’s greatest literature of the year.

Chair of the Young Adult and Children’s Literature Judging Panel Margot Hillel said that the winning books dealt with “issues that profoundly affect humanity… there’s a variety of ideas, of narrative techniques, of illustration techniques, which makes them very, very different, but all equally interesting.”

Congratulations, Glenda, on this incredible achievement!

Read more about Pea Pod Lullaby here.

Read more about the winners here.

We are so lucky at Booked Out. Although most of our liaison with authors is by phone or email, occasionally we get to catch up with authors and illustrators in person. The extremely talented Lucinda Gifford and Ailsa Wild popped into Booked Out for a quick show and tell of their latest lovely books and projects. We saw Zobi and the Zoox – a very timely picture book about coral beaching and the latest Squishy Taylor. And we were treated to a sneak preview of Lucinda’s upcoming projects.. SHHHH we won’t tell … but we’re EXCITED.

If you’d like to have see what these extremely talented two can do – please have a look at their profile pages. And we are already taking bookings for Book Week 2019….

Every day should be Teachers’ Day for the hard-working mob who nourish and inspire the future generations.

The Booked Out Team and all our wonderful authors and illustrators certainly appreciate the efforts teachers make to connect their children with the wonderful world of books, art and literature.

So although Teachers’ Day was officially last week – we just want to use it as an excuse to say to all the teachers out there – Yay YOU!

Happy Monday, Everyone!

Today, the Booked Out team a took a quick break from emails to catch up with three of our fabulous speakers: Sue DeGennaro, Craig Smith, and Nova Weetman. They came in to share their new books, tell us about what they do in their sessions, and even give us a quick demonstration of their school visit activities!

Sue, Craig and Nova are as busy as ever: screenwriter and novelist Nova has a number of new books up her sleeve for 2019, illustrator Craig is off up North for an outback adventure, and Sue is always busy creating gorgeous characters in her studio.

The Booked Out team takes great pride in keeping up to date with what our authors and illustrators are up to – because we are their biggest fans – but also so that we can ensure that our recommendations are always fresh and up to date.

So do get in touch now if you’re interested in finding out more about these superstar speakers – we’re just a phone call away on 03 9824 0177.

Tristan Bancks is our Skype superstar!

Alongside being an absolutely amazing speaker already, Tristan also offers fantastic online sessions for schools who are located in regional or remote locations, or missed out on a tour spot.

Tristan is lucky enough to reside in cozy northern New South Wales, so if you’re after a visit but covering flights and accommodation is out of budget, Tristan is just a Skype call away.

Tristan is suitable for students from Grade 3 to Year 8, and can speak on The Fall, Two Wolves and general writing tips for younger readers.

If you’re still hankering after an in-person visit, you could be in luck. Tristan still has spots available in his Sydney tour (5 – 9 August) and Melbourne tour (19 – 24 August).

Please feel free to send us an email at bookings@bookedout.com.au to find out more about Tristan’s availability!

Last week, Booked Out helped to send transgender activist and author Nevo Zisin to Cairns State High School, for a Mental Health Week visit.

In a region first, Nevo delivered talks and workshops to staff, students and the school community. Their workshops started conversations about bullying, sexuality, and gender identity, with an overall message of acceptance and compassion.

The school shared some wonderful feedback about the impact of the visit:

“Nevo was amazing. I have had so much positive feedback from students, staff, parents and the community. The various youth services were also very impressed. We will continue to pass on Nevo’s messages, I learnt a lot.

Nevo surpassed the expectations I had for this event and really made a difference to inclusivity and the mental health of many of our young people.”

Watch the video below to see Nevo in action talking about the importance of Mental Health Week. Nevo also touches on what they do to make their sessions fun, educational and inspiring for students.

Booked Out is proud to represent speakers like Nevo who are starting important conversations, sharing their stories and making a difference all over Australia.

If you are interested in hosting Nevo at your school or library, do get in touch on 03 9824 0177 and we would be happy to help.

The Booked Out team have been eagerly anticipating the announcement of the theme for Book Week 2019 (17th – 23rd August 2019), and it is finally here!

We were excited to get the news this week that the theme for 2019 is….(drum roll please):

“READING IS MY SECRET POWER”

We can’t wait to hear more.

If you’re already planning for Book Week 2019, do get in touch. The earlier you are, the better chance of securing your first choice author or illustrator! Of course, if you are unsure what kind of visit you’d like, let us give you some recommendations – we are experts at finding that perfect person for your school.

Keep an eye on the CBCA website for more updates: https://cbca.org.au/news/cbca-book-week-2019

Demet Divaroren’s debut novel Living on Hope Street has been honored once again – shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Literary Award for 2018 in the Young Adult category.

Judges had plenty of praise to dish out, commenting:

“In this powerful debut novel, Demet Divaroren authentically portrays the everyday lives of a number of working class families as they come to terms with a range of challenging contemporary issues in a suburban street. Each of the central characters is richly drawn as they share their individual stories … Living on Hope Street is an honest and thought-provoking celebration of human courage and resilience; the importance of family and friendship; the need to build intercultural understandings; and the hopefulness that can foster new beginnings.”

Go Demet!

Check it out! Primary speakers Anna Walker and Belinda Murrell have both been shortlisted for the 2018 Environment Award for Children’s Literature.

Anna’s award-winning and stunning Florette has been shortlisted for Picture Fiction, accompanying Belinda’s fantastic Pippa’s Island 1: The Beach Shack Cafe under the Fiction category.

Winners will be announced in October 2018 – keep an eye on the EACL website here for updates, and to download a poster with all the titles for a colourful addition to your classroom.

Anna is available to be booked in Melbourne for Book Week 2019, and Belinda can visit schools all year round in Sydney.