For her services to children’s literature she received The CBCA Lady Cutler Award, CBCA Nan Chauncy Award, ABPA Pixie O’Harris Award, The Dromkeen Medal, and an Order of Australia. She now runs Pinerolo, her children’s book cottage at Blackheath in the Blue Mountains and presents regular radio programs featuring prominent identities in children's literature on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM every Monday evening.
Which children’s book are you currently reading?
Can you tell
us in two sentences what the book is about?
This is a
moving and thrilling novel about the experiences of Australians on the Western
Front, particularly the Battle of Villers-Bretonneaux.
How much did
you enjoy/are enjoying this title?
I enjoy
anything written by Libby Gleeson. She went to France to research this book.
It’s an excellent read and I thoroughly recommend it.
I chose
this because it was the latest Libby Gleeson novel. I mentioned it on my Radio
Program on Blue Mountains FM prior to Anzac Day.
What other
titles are on your bedside table /To Read Pile?
The Shepard's Hut by Tim Winton. Speak Memory by Vladimir Nabakov.
How did you
come by these titles: personal choice/request, publisher’s review copy, or
other?
I’m a fan
of Tim Winton and was looking forward to this. I borrowed it from a friend. Speak Memory is the latest book chosen by our Book Group. I bought this book.
Do you have
a favourite genre? If so, what is it, and why do you prefer it?
Picture
books of course. My publishing company specialised in picture books. Pinerolo,
the Children’s Book Cottage has a permanent exhibition of wonderful original
artwork from picture books. I run courses on how to create picture books and
have illustrators in residence.
Do you read
from printed books or some other medium? Please expand a little on the why of
your choice.
I’ve tried,
but cannot read on a tablet. I prefer the feel of a ‘real book’, especially the
tactile experience of a beautiful picture book.
