Some of Australia’s best known and loved children’s authors will descend on
Abbotsleigh in August for our Literary Festival. Jackie French, James Roy, Miles Merrill, Deb Abela, Leigh Hobbs and Lisa Shanahan, as well as other leading authors and illustrators, will hold presentations and workshops with students from across the district from 16-20 August.
Abbotsleigh’s own author in residence (and Director of Development), Jacqueline Harvey will also be there to talk about the latest adventures of Alice Miranda.
‘Alice Miranda At School, the first book in this series published by Random House Australia, was launched earlier this year at a wonderful afternoon tea party at Abbotsleigh,’ Mrs Harvey said. ‘I’m really excited that the second story, Alice-Miranda On Holiday will be out in September.’
‘For me writing and working with children go hand in hand. I love talking about writing, sharing ideas and strategies and getting feedback from the kids. I really value the opinions of the girls I work with here at Abbotsleigh.’
Libraries, community groups and other schools are invited to attend the sessions where students can get to know their favourite authors and learn more about books and literature.
‘The main aim of the Abbotsleigh Literary Festival is to foster a love of and interest in, literature. Students will be able to meet with and talk to authors, poets and illustrators,’ Mrs Bronwyn Foxall, Head of Abbotsleigh’s Betty Archdale Library, said.
‘They will have opportunities to participate in writing and drawing workshops and hopefully be inspired to read and write themselves. Several performances relating to literature will also be a feature.’
Several of the authors have new books out, including Jackie French’s The Tomorrow Book, which presents a positive prognosis for the future of our planet and promises to inspire audiences to think more about how to care for the world around them.