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# Claire Saxby-Children's Author

Australian author of fiction, non-fiction and poetry for children

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.clairesaxby.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Taking a Deep Dive](https://www.clairesaxby.com/taking-a-deep-dive/) - A whale falls through a darkening ocean, passing many familiar and familiar ocean animals - Through the Darkening Sea - a picture book by Claire Saxby
- [Storm Rises](https://www.clairesaxby.com/storm-rises/) - At the end of a hot summer's day, a storm builds and breaks on a sandy beach. Storm - a picture book written by Claire Saxby
- [The Flower Garden](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-flower-garden/) - A picture book set in Changi Prison in Singapore in WWII featuring children making, in secret, a quilt for their Girl Guide leader’s birthday. The Flower Garden
- [Speed Dating with Librarians](https://www.clairesaxby.com/writers-illustrators-library-conference/) - SCBWI speed-dating presentations at Geelong ASLA (Australian School Librarians Association) conference 2025. Resources for writers, illustrators, and librarians
- [Presentation Skills Workshops + Practice Produce Results](https://www.clairesaxby.com/making-presentations-better/) - Presentation workshops can be scarily interactive. As a writer of Children's books I now embrace keynote presentations, radio interviews and book launches...
- [Dealing with Rejection: author's view of the Rollercoaster](https://www.clairesaxby.com/dealing-with-creative-rejection/) - The rollercoaster of being an author can be a wild ride. Fasten your seatbelt, keep your resilience, chocolate and some essential tools on hand and get a new...
- [A Volcano is born, and the puns begin](https://www.clairesaxby.com/volcano-is-born/) - A picture book about the birth of an underwater volcano and deep underwater animals. Claire Saxby's latest book - Vocano - has arrived.
- [Pretending](https://www.clairesaxby.com/pretending/) - Pretending is fun. Last night at choir, I pretended I understood what those little black dots on lines were..... I sort of know what they mean...
- [On my walk today...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/on-my-walk-today/) - On my walk today is an ongoing diary of the natural world that inspires Claire Saxby,the author of children's books. Do you know your Barks?
- [You Can’t Do That..Sandy Fussell](https://www.clairesaxby.com/you-cant-do-that-sandy-fussell/) - Sandy Fussell, author of the Samurai Kids series. 'Monkey Fist' is newly released. She's here today to talk about what you can and can't do in writing...
- [Puggle- by Catriona Hoy](https://www.clairesaxby.com/puggle-catriona-hoy/) - Claire Saxby speaks with Catriona Hoy, author of the newly released picture book 'Puggle'. 'Puggle' is the story of a young echidna, illustrated by Andrew Plant
- [Playing with my new camera...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/playing-with-my-new-camera/) - Claire Saxby playing with her new camera. Just for fun
- [One Week Later- a poem by Claire Saxby](https://www.clairesaxby.com/one-week-later/) - The smoke has spread now and covers the whole city - all the way from the still-smouldering hills to my seaclose home.
- [pics](https://www.clairesaxby.com/pics/) - Claire Saxby's random pics from Queensland ahead of new book release- Sheep and Goat
- [Book club and bookwriters](https://www.clairesaxby.com/book-club-and-bookwriters/) - Yesterday marked the inaugural meeting of the First Tuesday Children's Book Club. 18 gathered in Mother Superior's Chambers at the wonderful Abbotsford Convent.
- [There Was an Old Sailor-by Claire Saxby](https://www.clairesaxby.com/there-was-an-old-sailor/) - It's out, it's out! Long after the words are written there is even more excitement. There was an Old Sailor is officially launched
- [groovy words](https://www.clairesaxby.com/groovy-words/) - Are you a lexiphane? Perhaps you are more interested in mythlogems? Jobbernowl? Here are some groovy words, that Claire likes and for you to enjoy
- [Whirlwinds and watersheds](https://www.clairesaxby.com/whirlwinds-and-watersheds/) - The blog tour for 'There Was an Old Sailor'. It's great fun and has stretched me to look at why I wrote the story the way I did...
- [Creating Picture Books- an Interview with Claire Saxby](https://www.clairesaxby.com/creating-picture-books/) - Do you pick your illustrator? Do you meet them and talk about the pictures you want for your picturebook? Learn about creating a picture book from Claire Saxby
- [Boats and birds and things](https://www.clairesaxby.com/boats-and-birds-and-things/) - We breakfasted on the verandah, lunched there, even dined there. All the time watching the changing sea, the passing parade of people, dogs, boats, boats, birds
- [On the beach](https://www.clairesaxby.com/on-the-beach/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] On the beach at Altona Yesterday at Altona, kite surfers decorated the beach in spectacular style… At the
- [Snowy's Christmas- by Sally Murphy](https://www.clairesaxby.com/snowys-christmas-sally-murphy/) - Claire talks to the author of the new picture book 'Snowy's Christmas'. The author is Sally Murphy and illustrated by her brother- ...
- [The Launch of Sheep and Goat](https://www.clairesaxby.com/launch-sheep-goat-creaking-gate/) - 'Sheep, Goat and the Creaking Gate' was launched on Sunday at Collingwood Children's Farm. Children, the cake and are they goats?
- [Sheep, Goat and the Creaking Gate](https://www.clairesaxby.com/sheep-goat-and-the-creaking-gate/) - 'Sheep Goat and the Creaking Gate' was launched at a May Gibbs Children's Literature Trust morning tea on Sunday 16 August, 2009. We then went on tour
- [Letters to Leonardo- by Dee White](https://www.clairesaxby.com/letters-to-leonardo/) - Dee White and Claire Saxby talk about why Dee chose Leonardo Da Vinci as a mentor for her main character, Matt. The new book is Letters to Leonardo
- [A new page](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-new-page/) - This is the scariest thing in a writer's life. A blank page. Or is that just me? Claire Saxby's thoughts on the new page.
- [APAD 5: Untitled Poem by Claire Saxby](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-5-untitled/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] APAD 5 – A poem a day by Claire Saxby Untitled Like slices of long-ago nights sliver-moon gum leaves linger on the path incomplete golden [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
- [Claire interviews author Sally Murphy](https://www.clairesaxby.com/sally-murphy-author/) - Sally Murphy is a Western Australian poet and author of children’s and educational books. She is also a teacher, book reviewer and mother of six.
- [Claire interviews Dale Harcombe](https://www.clairesaxby.com/dale-harcombe/) - Dale Harcombe is a writer of fiction and poetry for adults and children...talking to Claire Saxby about her book ‘The Goanna Island Mystery’ ....
- [A Star is born...by Lorraine Marwood](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-star-is-born-lorraine-marwood/) - This gorgeous verse novel, written by Lorraine Marwood is released today by Walker Books. " Ruby lives on a dairy farm and times are tough. But there is....
- [New Zealand through an Author's Camera](https://www.clairesaxby.com/new-zealand/) - What happens when an author takes a camera on a whistlestop trip to New Zealand? This is what Claire Saxby discovered.......inspiration for a new book
- [Eastern Barred Bandicoot- Recovery team](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-eastern-barred-bandicoot/) - Mt Rothwell with the recovery team for the Eastern Barred Bandicoot (EBB), trying to bring it back from the brink of extinction. A tough and ongoing challenge.
- [Tiffany Mandrake on Pitching a Series of Books](https://www.clairesaxby.com/pitching-book-series/) - Tiffany Mandrake has released 'The Little Horrors' series.Claire Saxby asked her to explain the difference between pitching a single title and a series.
- [Where does Inspiration come from?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/inspiration-2/) - Inspiration - One of the questions most frequently asked on a school visit is 'Where do you get your ideas?' Here is a sample of my inspiration..
- [Milestones, Changes and Adventures](https://www.clairesaxby.com/milestones-changes-and-adventures/) - Belonging to a family is filled with Milestones, Changes and Adventures. It surprises and inspires me. Sometimes we just need to rest, like Emmi (our Cavvie).
- [Reading for Kinder kids](https://www.clairesaxby.com/kinder-kids/) - Kinder kids.... my main audience is girls with a couple of boys flitting in and out as their restless legs will take them. Lovely , noisy, joy
- [Alphabet Soup - published by RebeccaNewman](https://www.clairesaxby.com/alphabet-soup/) - Editor Rebecca Newman will be visiting on September 3 to talk about the new issue of Alphabet Soup. She'll share the inspiration and let us know what's new
- [Reading Matters](https://www.clairesaxby.com/reading-matters/) - The Reading Matters Conference, held in Melbourne every two years, is a celebration of youth literature. It's also a wonderful opportunity to meet people, renew acquaintances and generally immerse yourself in books and be with book people. International guests Cassandra Clare and Rebecca Stead shared insights about their research process. Warning: helping Cassandra Clare research
- [Rewrite a Manuscript? The question is like a sore tooth..](https://www.clairesaxby.com/rewrite-manuscript/) - I'm doing a rewrite on a manuscript. Each time I do things, I try to 'think' it right, 'write' it right and 'idea-associate' it right, but nothing works.
- [A good week for Project Ideas- perhaps](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-good-week/) - There are lots of inspirations, distractions, procrastination, good ideas, projects and frustrations for a writer. I will try to be more patient!
- [Writing Children's Books?- Start Networking!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/networking-childrens-book-industry/) - Networking is a nebulous thing. It's intangible and impossible to measure. But for writers of Childrens books it is a must!
- [Conferences for Writers are Fantastic!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/conferences-for-writers/) - Conferences for authors and illustrators are wonderful, not just for the program, but for all the 'stuff', planned and unplanned, that fits in between.
- [Revisions, Redrafting-the Natural Progression of Manuscript](https://www.clairesaxby.com/revisions-redrafting-manuscript/) - I've been doing quite a few revisions and redrafting of manuscripts. There must be another 'r' word that fits.....oh that's it...rave.
- [Perils of Visiting Bookshops and Signing Books](https://www.clairesaxby.com/bookshops-booksigning/) - Visiting bookshops and signing books can be perilous for emerging authors. Claire Saxby shares the ups and down of this time always rewarding endeavour
- [Which book to read next?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/choosing-a-book-to-read/) - Which book will I read next? My bedside table always includes a tower of books. There are old books I want to reread and then new books.
- [Coffee at Williamstown](https://www.clairesaxby.com/coffee-at-williamstown/) - Walk, Photos and Coffee at Williamstown. Today, after a break in the (glorious) rain, I determined that today would be the day. Stunning!
- [Australia Day: 2008 style](https://www.clairesaxby.com/australia-day-2008-style/) - Jan 26 is Australia Day. Around the country big events and small celebrate what it is to be Australian. Here, we were more low key.
- [Hunting and Gathering-Review by Claire Saxby](https://www.clairesaxby.com/hunting-and-gathering-review-by-claire-saxby/) - I want to see Hunting and Gathering, the film again. Perhaps I could appreciate what the film makers have done.... to my mind they did stay close to the book.
- [Feelgood and Flow from Author School Visits](https://www.clairesaxby.com/author-school-visits/) - There's little time for generating new ideas. An author school visit and the preps, Yr 1's and Yr 2's went well and the new ideas flowed.
- [Tourist in my own town - Melbourne](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tourist-in-my-own-town-melbourne/) - We resolved to be tourists in our own town - Melbourne....to seek out new corners and new experiences. With and without visitors.
- [Open Melbourne](https://www.clairesaxby.com/open-melbourne/) - Melbourne City has an annual open day. There are a wide range of buildings open. Claire Saxby visits buildings in and slightly out of the city centre.
- [Chim chimeree](https://www.clairesaxby.com/chim-chimeree/) - I bought some flowers at the market yesterday. The florist had written chimchimcheree..which immediately had me singing the chimney sweep song from Mary Poppins
- [Coming to a train near you?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/coming-to-a-train-near-you/) - Poetry coming to a train near you I've just spent a fairly busy two weeks working with a local electoral commission on a council postal election. But in the middle of that time, I escaped on time to get to the launch of Moving Galleries, which included my poem, Pompeii Dog. The exhibition launch was
- [Me and my poem...Pompeii Dog](https://www.clairesaxby.com/me-and-my-poem/) - Poem, Pompeii Dog. Accepted by Moving Galleries... will appear in a Melbourne train carriage, to be read by commuters. A journey that started on a bus in Italy.
- [Rediscover Poetry: Game Play - a poem by Claire Saxby](https://www.clairesaxby.com/game-play-poem/) - Game play I spy a flat-floor fountain a whale spout a burst pipe throwing water at the sky
- [The Big Blowie](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-big-blowie/) - Sally Murphy, has dropped in talk about her book 'The Big Blowie' and to share a little more about herself.
- [Walking the Same way, seeing different faces](https://www.clairesaxby.com/same-way-different-faces/) - I walk most weekday mornings with Emmi. The route takes me an hour, but this morning it took almost twice that. Who will we meet and what stories will we hear
- [Seven random facts about Claire Saxby- because we can.](https://www.clairesaxby.com/seven-random-facts-about-claire-saxby/) - Seven random facts about Claire Saxby. Shared with you, just for fun
- [Phar Lap is launched](https://www.clairesaxby.com/phar-lap-is-launched/) - Phar Lap, the picture book, is launched. It is in ballad form and is gloriously illustrated by Patricia Mullins using collage.
- [Sheep and Goat](https://www.clairesaxby.com/sheep-and-goat/) - Illustrations are in the early stages for my next picture book, Sheep, Goat and the Creaking Gate. How will I share this book with school groups...
- [Author Talks in Canberra](https://www.clairesaxby.com/canberra/) - I've just returned from Canberra after a week in our capital. I wasn't just a tourist. I had Author talks in several schools.
- [Echoes](https://www.clairesaxby.com/echoes/) - Echoes..... this building is no longer home to makers of eyelets, it's a dance studio. But it took me back to a time....a Claire Saxby blog
- [Squeezy Cuddle Dangly Legs by Jacqui Grantford](https://www.clairesaxby.com/squeezy-cuddle-dangly-legs/) - Claire Saxby Interviews Jacqui Grantford, illustrator of the newly released, ‘Squeezy Cuddle Dangly Legs
- [The Pony Game by Robyn Opie](https://www.clairesaxby.com/blog-tour-day-2-the-pony-game/) - Claire Saxby interviews...... South Australian children's writer, Robyn Opie, on Day 2 of her blog tour.
- [Coming Soon - The Anzac Billy](https://www.clairesaxby.com/coming-soon-the-anzac-billy/) - In 1915, Australians and New Zealanders raised money for the war effort and simultaneously created Christmas gifts - care packages - for their soldiers at war.
- [The Anzac Billy and more ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-anzac-billy-and-more/) - Happy Launch Day to The Anzac Billy! Officially released on 1 April, I launched it at Dromkeen as part of the Dromkeen Literary Festival.
- [The Anzac Billy: Post-book-release research (or ... Should I have known this earlier?)](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-anzac-billy-post-book-release-research-or-should-i-have-known-this-earlier/) - More research about the Anzac Billy. I visited the Alexandra Club and learned more about the club's involvement in the sending of billies to Gallipoli in 1915.
- [Anzac resources](https://www.clairesaxby.com/anzac-resources/) - Anzac Day is fast approaching and there is now a different look, particularly for teachers and students. Claire Saxby writes Anzac related books for children
- [Williamstown at dusk](https://www.clairesaxby.com/williamstown-at-dusk/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] Williamstown at dusk Photos by Claire Saxby – copyright. And towards Melbourne city [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
- [Standby for boarding!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/standby-for-boarding/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”] Standby for Boarding It’s been a little while since I had visitors but in the next little while I’ll be having two. First, I’ll welcome another Clare…Clare Mulley from the UK who will be talking about
- [More reviews](https://www.clairesaxby.com/more-reviews/) - Some more reviews for There was an Old Sailor - by Claire Saxby
- [Buxton and the mobile library](https://www.clairesaxby.com/buxton-and-the-mobile-library/) - Buxton and the Mobile Library. Here's a pic from the recent Lit Fest at Buxton
- [In town and country](https://www.clairesaxby.com/in-town-and-country/) - Claire Saxby, children's author, in town and country, bringing her latest book alive for school childre
- [How do you explain how good a conference is?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/how-do-you-explain-how-good-a-conference-is/) - How do you explain.......
- [Maple leaves](https://www.clairesaxby.com/maple-leaves/) - Maple leaves This year, the cold snap has rendered the leaves a most glorious red. I particularly like the branch that show the progression of leaves from green through red.
- [Book and Paper](https://www.clairesaxby.com/book-and-paper/) - Happy Birthday to you! Book and Paper, bookshop (and cards and stationary) in Williamstown is one this weekend.
- [SCBWI meeting](https://www.clairesaxby.com/scbwi-meeting/) - SCBWI May 2010 meeting. The question this meeting was 'How many times do you submit a manuscript before abandoning it?'
- [Speech Pathology Awards - Book of the Year Shortlist](https://www.clairesaxby.com/speech-pathology-awards-book-of-the-year-shortlist/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] Speech Pathology Awards 2010 – Book of the Year Shortlist Very excited to see There Was an Old Sailor on the list! And wonderful company to be keeping. 🙂 [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
- [Made my day](https://www.clairesaxby.com/made-my-day/) - Yesterday I received this letter and pictures from preps at a local primary school. Kept me smiling all day. There's one for each of my picture books.
- [at Bologna](https://www.clairesaxby.com/at-bologna/) - 'There Was an Old Sailor' appeared at Bologna Book Fair. My friend Corinne took some pics of him, at the SCBWI stand and also at the Walker Books display
- [Willylitfest 2010](https://www.clairesaxby.com/willylitfest-3/) - The theme of the entire Willyflitfest 2010 Festival was 'Imagining the West' and my first session took the imagining back millions of years. Yes really.
- [Haywire shortlisted](https://www.clairesaxby.com/haywire-shortlisted/) - when Victoria was waiting for the daily new infection numbers, the NSW Premier's History Award shortlists were announced.
- [Bits and bobs from a weekend not yet done.](https://www.clairesaxby.com/bits-and-bobs-from-a-weekend-not-yet-done/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] Bits and bobs of a weekend Photos by Claire Saxby on a weekend of discovery and fun, including a David Hockney Exhibition The David Hockney Exhibition Starting with a selfie. So, perhaps we didn’t
- [Wild Pa](https://www.clairesaxby.com/wild-pa/) - This is the face you make when a book you wrote, illustrated by a clever clogs like Connah (Brecon), and published by the wonderful team at Random House Kids is included on the CBCA Notable list for 2017. It feels pretty good
- [Wild Pa](https://www.clairesaxby.com/wild-pa-2/) - This is the face you make when a book you wrote, illustrated by a clever clogs like Connah (Brecon), and published by the wonderful team at Random House Kids is included on the CBCA Notable list for 2017. It feels pretty good.
- [The Bendigo Train](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-bendigo-train/) - I braved the Bendigo train again yesterday despite my previous, signal-failed, snail-paced, capewearing-denying, launch-missing last attempt. And it was delightful. Lovely to sit in leisure with Jude Rossell. We were on our way to Catholic Ladies College in Bendigo for a mini writers' festival. A small festival of writers' you understand, not a festival for
- [Great White Shark](https://www.clairesaxby.com/great-white-shark/) - I can't wait to share this book with readers. Cindy Lane's art is fabulous, beautiful and evocative. Great White Shark by Claire Saxby
- [Christmas Cheer](https://www.clairesaxby.com/christmas-cheer/) - I love surprises (I NEVER peek at wrapped presents under the tree). This week has brought multiple surprises in the post. Three books!
- [A Tree is Born](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-tree-is-born/) - The story of a 350 year old tree, told by Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft.
- [Kookaburra Competition](https://www.clairesaxby.com/kookaburra-competition/) - It’s Kookaburra Competition time! Clear your desks and sharpen your tools. We have a writing competition AND an illustration competition. Submissions are ...
- [Keep them coming!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/keep-them-coming/) - Submitted artwork has been stunning, and I nearly fell off my chair laughing at some of the new 'Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree' verses.
- [Kookaburras, cane toads and more](https://www.clairesaxby.com/kookaburras-cane-toads-and-more/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” header_font_size=”24px” sticky_enabled=”0″] Kookaburras, cane toads and more Kookaburra entries are coming in. Yesterday’s poetry offerings had me rolling about on the floor! Just the perfect thing for a wintry lockdown Wednesday. Keep
- [The countdown is on ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-countdown-is-on/) - Kookaburra teenagers (not really teenagers, really they're young adults) are really keen to help with nesting, but are so clumsy they sometimes break the eggs.
- [A Clean Desk](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-clean-desk/) - A clear desk. I've just submitted a picture book manuscript and now the waiting begins.
- [Time travel](https://www.clairesaxby.com/time-travel/) - Today, I'm visiting Allison Tait's Writing for Kids blog, talking about time travelling to the past. I talk about what it was like to research Haywire, a novel set in 1939 and 1940, and the things that helped me 'inhabit' another world. I don't mention some of the things I got wrong and had to
- [There Was an Old Sailor](https://www.clairesaxby.com/there-was-an-old-sailor-2/) - Last year, 'There Was an Old Sailor' was released with a fresh new cover. The original was published Feb 1 2010. I had planned a birthday celebration, but yano, things happened. As a belated Happy 10th Birthday to my rosy-cheeked sailor, I've attached a make-a-sailor-and-feed-him activity. At its simplest, there's a bit of cutting
- [No Small Shame](https://www.clairesaxby.com/no-small-shame/) - 'From the harshness of a pit village in Scotland to the upheaval of wartime, No Small Shame tells a moving story of love and duty, loyalty and betrayal, and confronting the past before you can seek a future.' In 'No Small Shame' Mary travels from Scotland to Australia as the world moves towards war. She
- [Another visitor! It's Beyond Belief](https://www.clairesaxby.com/another-visitor-its-beyond-belief/) - It may not be ideal to launch a new novel in the middle of a pandemic, but there are worse things. Like being a Jewish child in Nazi-occupied Paris in WWII. Dee White's new middle-grade novel, 'Beyond Belief' introduces us to Ruben, who is living that troubled life. So, I invited Dee to come along
- [Ta-da! Dingo and Kookaburra](https://www.clairesaxby.com/ta-da-dingo-and-kookaburra/) - That sounds like the title of a book, don't you think? Perhaps I need to write it, but in the meantime, it's actually about two books. Dingo will be released in paperback with a gorgeous new cover on June 1 and Kookaburra, also illustrated by Tannya Harricks will be released on 1 August. Because
- [A very coolish draft](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-very-coolish-draft/) - I love taking pictures, particularly of gum flowers and gumnuts. There are so many different shapes, sizes and colours. Even on the same tree there can be different shapes and sizes, like the gumnuts here. I have no idea whether there are male and female, or why the smaller ones have longer stems. But, you
- [Formerly Nee](https://www.clairesaxby.com/formerly-nee/) - A little while ago I was asked to play with clay, an invitation to contribute to an exhibition about female antecedents and how their lives were affected by the roles they were expected to play. There is also a video and a poem. The project is the brainchild of Jacqui Gordon, a local Melbourne visual
- [Portable Magic](https://www.clairesaxby.com/portable-magic/) - A little while ago, I was lucky enough to be interviewed by friend and fellow writer, Sue Lawson. Now, Ms L has had a diverse and varied career in addition to writing, and one of those was as a radio interviewer. And she's really good at it! It's just like having a chat, even when
- [Aussie Stem Stars - TA-DA!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/aussie-stem-stars-ta-da/) - How do you catch a star and pin it down? Or rather, pin HER down. That's been my challenge for this recent project with Wild Dingo Press in a new series called Aussie STEM Stars. Georgia Ward-Fear is a wildlife warrior, a reptile biologist, conservation ecologist, a goanna wrangler, a traveller, a conservationist, an adventurer,
- [Stories are everywhere](https://www.clairesaxby.com/stories-are-everywhere/) - We went to the beach today, for tomorrow we lock down again for six weeks. Point Cook Coastal Reserve has a long shallow beach front that stretches for many kilometres. The sky was blue, the tide was low, the seagulls were dancing in the water margins. Wait, what? Yup, the seagulls were dancing. Advancing to
- [Kookaburra Flies](https://www.clairesaxby.com/kookaburra-flies/) - I wrote the first complete draft of Kookaburra in late 2017, but not before I had delved deep into kookaburra physical, social, environmental information. I learned about their amazing monocular and binocular vision. I learned that females are just a little heavier than males, which is related to the energy required to produce eggs. I
- [Hello Kookaburra!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/hello-kookaburra/) - Welcome! I am joined today by the wonderful Tannya Harricks. August 1 is release day for our new Walker Books Australia Nature Storybook picture book collaboration, Kookaburra. We are thrilled to add this story to the Nature Storybook series, which celebrates Australia’s diverse landscape and wildlife. Kookaburras are well-known to many, or most, Australians by
- [Countdown to Kookaburra Competition](https://www.clairesaxby.com/countdown-to-kookaburra-competition/) - Reminder: Tune in here on Monday 17th for details of our Kookaburra competition. **PRIZES TO BE WON** In the meantime, sharpen those pencils, turn on those imaginations and get ready to have some word and image fun. See you next Monday! Claire and Tannya
- [Treasure! - a reading](https://www.clairesaxby.com/treasure-2/) - After the reading, we made hats and then, using the simple magic of paper folding, turned them into boats. I told two new pirate jokes and ... Sail on Treasure!
- [A new book! Secrets of the Saltmarsh](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-new-book-secrets-of-the-saltmarsh/) - Claire Saxby talks about how books take a long time - and a lot of people - to take from idea to finished book. Secrets of the Saltmarsh. OUT NOW!
- [Illustration Workshop](https://www.clairesaxby.com/illustration-workshop/) - The illustration workshop was for writers to understand how an illustrator works, including basic drawing, water colouring, and storyboarding. It was hands-on..
- [Castlemaine launch](https://www.clairesaxby.com/castlemaine-launch/) - I went to Castlemaine for the launch of 'Isabella's Garden' a new picture book from Glenda Millard. The book is about the seasons of a garden and very poetic
- [Three new books](https://www.clairesaxby.com/three-new-books/) - Three new books are part of a leveled reading series with Oxford University Press. The project was books, non-fiction titles and retellings of traditional tales
- [Airey's Inlet and Seadog's first outing](https://www.clairesaxby.com/aireys-inlet-and-seadogs-first-outing/) - Airey's Inlet Lighthouse ... the inlet ... What a lovely display! This is the front window of Great Escape Books in Airey's Inlet, where Seadog experienced a 'coastal launch'. 'Home' to organiser extraordinaire Nicole, and lovely book people Sue and Jo, who made my visit so much fun. Many of the children shared their Seadog
- [The world is big, and small](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-world-is-big-and-small/) - School visits, filming and conferences- the varied life of a writer - a busy life for children's author and presenter Claire Saxby.
- [Bollard bods](https://www.clairesaxby.com/bollard-bods/) - Before the Old Sailor, there was the Old Lady. These photos of Bollard Bods are courtesy Jackie Kerin, author and storyteller.
- [Newport Substation Art Market](https://www.clairesaxby.com/newport-substation-art-market/) - Yesterday was storytelling, bookreading and singing at the Newport Substation monthly Art Market. Was great fun. We had quite an audience too which was fabulous
- [Old Sailor in Woodend](https://www.clairesaxby.com/old-sailor-in-woodend/) - I had a lovely time in Woodend at New Leaves bookshop, reading 'Old Sailor'. It's a lovely bookshop with a great range of local and international titles..
- [Hanging Rock and driving lessons](https://www.clairesaxby.com/hanging-rock-and-driving-lessons/) - ...he needs three hours of driving per week to reach the target ...we have been heading into the country for a drive once a week. Last week it was Hanging Rock
- [Newport Substation Arts Centre](https://www.clairesaxby.com/newport-substation-arts-centre/) - A day out at the Newport Substation Arts Centre. Children of all ages stopped by to chat and listen. Adults visited too. Bliss.
- [Go girl, go go go...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/go-girl-go-go-go/) - The Hardie Grant Egmont 'Go Girl' series has topped 1,000,000 copies sold in Australia. My title, Snow Play, is No 22 in this series for middle primary readers.
- [It's been a BIG book week](https://www.clairesaxby.com/its-been-a-big-book-week-2022/) - On the Book Week Trail with CBCA Picture Book of the Year 2022. Claire Saxby.
- [Tasmanian Devil Poetry and Illustration Competition](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tasmanian-devil-competition-results/) - Showcase of winning and shortlisted poetry and illustration entries for Tasmanian Devil competition Claire Saxby Max Hamilton
- [It's Tasmanian Devil Competition Time](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tasmanian-devil-competition/) - A writing and/or illustration competition for school-aged students based on Tasmanian Devil by Claire Saxby, illustrated by Max Hamilton, Walker Books Australia
- [Happy World Oceans Day!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/happy-world-oceans-day/) - This is the day that another ocean-connected book advance copy arrived in my letterbox. Happy World Oceans Day and Great White Shark illustrated by Cindy Lane
- [Update June 2021](https://www.clairesaxby.com/update-june-2021/) - Treasure, illustrated by Tull Suwannakit and published by Scholastic, released on April 1. Iceberg, illustrated by Jess Racklyeft and published by Allen & Unwin
- [Mina and the Whole Wide World](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mina-and-the-whole-wide-world/) - A wonderfully warm and empathetic story about family and refugees. 'Mina and the Whole Wide World' is perfect for newly independent readers.
- [Tibbidy](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tibbidy/) - Tibbidy - a review by Claire Saxby Tibbidy is a lovely looking magazine. It feels good to hold for read alone or for sharing..... a wonderful package.
- [The Wearing of the Green - A launch](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-wearing-of-the-green-a-launch/) - The Wearing of the Green - a launch. Ten-years-in-the-making middle grade novel. And so we partied. The Wearing of the Green by Claire Saxby
- [Whispers and Wearing Green](https://www.clairesaxby.com/whispers-and-wearing-green/) - The release of a new book is always exciting. The release of TWO What are the chances of two being ready at the same time? Whisper... and Wearing of the Green
- [Filling the Well](https://www.clairesaxby.com/filling-the-well/) - Filling the well. I take pictures sometimes only discovering afterwards just how marvellous things are. Look at these ants! I didn't even see them when I ...
- [Out of town](https://www.clairesaxby.com/out-of-town/) - Out of town... there were bursts of intense colour with paddocks of corn and sunflowers alongside grain stubble. A house melted back to the ground as if ...
- [Books in Homes](https://www.clairesaxby.com/books-in-homes/) - A few weeks ago, I was at an inner Melbourne school presenting books as part of the Books in Homes program. The program gives books to children who may have ..
- [Kookaburra Competition Update](https://www.clairesaxby.com/kookaburra-competition-update/) - ***Competition deadline extended to September 25***
- [Kookaburra competition results are in!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/kookaburra-competition-results-are-in/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.4″ quote_line_height=”1.7em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”] Kookaburra competition results Thank you so much to everyone who entered our Kookaburra competition, for your imagination and skill. We were overwhelmed by the quality and number of entries in both categories. Thank you to
- [Back from the Brink](https://www.clairesaxby.com/back-from-the-brink/) - You may never see an eastern barred bandicoot in the wild, but it's fabulous to know that they are out there, thanks to science and scientists. Bravo!
- [Day One ... ah ... Two of A Poem a Day 2019 (aka APAD2019)](https://www.clairesaxby.com/day-one-ah-two-of-a-poem-a-day-2019-aka-apad2019/) - A Poem a Day 2019 Happy New Year! I was all geared up to start this yesterday but instead we had a grand lunch feast yesterday which morphed into Plan B when our new granddaughter decided she would arrive ahead of schedule! (yes, she's beautiful :) ) So Day One becomes Day Two. Or something.
- [Think it's going to be one of those months ... aka APAD2](https://www.clairesaxby.com/think-its-going-to-be-one-of-those-months-aka-apad2/) - A Poem a Day - Day 2 Perhaps it is unrealistic to think that this particular January is going to see a poem every day here. Who knows? I've been taking lots of photos when I walk for the past while, and I'm going to use some of them as poem prompts. We'll see how
- [APAD the next one](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-the-next-one/) - The next one snap-dried fuchsia blooms scorched by single heatwave day maintain their colour More
- [What day is it? APAD5](https://www.clairesaxby.com/what-day-is-it-apad5/) - What day is it? underneath your feet cloverly cloverly bloom unnoticed in the grass Another
- [APAD6 - Feijoa](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad6/) - Feijoa Feijoa firework petals and gold light tips you are un-flamed matchsticks brighting up the green More
- [APAD Same sound, different light](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-same-sound-different-light/) - Same sound, different light silent in the day each footstep and every breath shouts in the darkness More
- [APAD2019 Sweet feed](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad2019-sweet-feed/) - Sweet feed hungry bees burrow deep into blossom collar seek buried treasure More
- [APAD2019 these red threads](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad2019-these-red-threads/) - These red threads these red threads once shouted bright called to bees we hide the treasure you seek come search come find come feast go carry our load these red threads no longer needed soften and curl release fall fall fall into the day and night shape themselves to cracks in the bitumen like
- [APAD2019 Stars](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad2019/) - Stars tiny star clusters soft-nested on broad green sky silent starburst blooms More
- [APAD2019 Precision](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad2019-precision/) - Precision row after row petals open in prescribed sequence frills and flounces as ordered as any parade ground march More
- [APAD2019 Scotch Thistle](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad2019-scotch-thistle/) - Scotch thistle green pineapple spikes barricade against invaders until you flower More
- [APAD2019 Garden mathematics](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad2019-garden-mathematics/) - Garden mathematics succulent layers petals or red-edged leaves spiral from the core More Poetry
- [APAD2019 Dandelion](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad2019-dandelion/) - Dandelion after the yellow bright petals wither powder fluff seeds wait for wind set seeds adrift adrift adrift float where the wind wills softly land begin again More Poetry
- [Footprints on the Moon](https://www.clairesaxby.com/footprints-on-the-moon/) - A new verse novel from Lorraine Marwood is something to be savoured. Devoured and then reflected upon. Revisited. Footprints on the Moon.
- [The March of the Ants](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-march-of-the-ants/) - Every part of this book, from the golden sunshiney cover, to the marching ant textured endpapers is wonderful. Like all the best picture books..
- [Heroes of the Secret Underground](https://www.clairesaxby.com/heroes-of-the-secret-underground/) - 'Heroes of the Secret Underground' by Susanne Gervay, takes history on a wild time-slipping ride and explores a lesser-known story of resistance in .....
- [What makes a scientist?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/what-makes-a-scientist/) - How is a scientist made? If you click on this link, you can read the first three chapters of Aussie Stem Stars: Georgia Ward-Fear.
- [On the RRRadio ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/on-the-rrradio/) - Georgia Ward-Fear and Claire Saxby have been chatting on the radio with Shane Huntington. Link to the recording here.
- [Out and about](https://www.clairesaxby.com/out-and-about-4/) - It was so lovely to be out and about, walk through familiar doors and chat to familiar booksellers..I overheard snippets..... I love that the world lives here
- [Haywire - a taster](https://www.clairesaxby.com/haywire-a-taster/) - Haywire is a novel for 10+ and travels from Germany, via England to outback town Hay, Shortlisted , here is a Taster
- [Did you know?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/did-you-know/) - I've been back working on my wip today and I desperately wanted to include 'swash', but no matter how many times I rework the lines, it just won't fit.
- [Iceberg: From Idea to Book](https://www.clairesaxby.com/iceberg/) - I knew the 'shape' I wanted it to have, but I wanted to add the changing light (including the Aurora Australis),- Claire Saxby talks about Iceberg the Book
- [Iceberg: the story of a real, live, in-the-flesh book launch.](https://www.clairesaxby.com/iceberg-the-story-of-a-real-live-in-the-flesh-book-launch/) - Iceberg: The Launch And there were people! Real people, in the same room, able to chat with each other. Safely distanced, waving-not-hugging people.
- [Treasure! The beginnings...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/treasure/) - I imagined the trouble that could fill the house if pirates roamed unchecked. Clearly, someone had to take charge. The beginnings of a new book. Pirates!
- [Window to another world](https://www.clairesaxby.com/window-to-another-world/) - The diary is mostly written with a dip pen, although there are later sections in pencil - Claire talks about her Great Uncle's 1918 diary
- [Historical Fiction Award Shortlist](https://www.clairesaxby.com/historical-fiction-award-shortlist/) - Well, this is exciting! Haywire is on the shortlist for Book Links Queensland's inaugural historical fiction award.
- [Great White Shark is in the house ... ahem ... ocean](https://www.clairesaxby.com/great-white-shark-is-in-the-house-ahem-ocean/) - It's not ideal to release a new book into lockdown, but books are not just for a minute, and sharks have been in our oceans for millions of years - Claire Saxby
- [Update October 2019](https://www.clairesaxby.com/update-october-2019/) - SHORTLISTED! Koala has just been shortlisted for the CBCA Eve Pownall Award. Winners are announced in August.
- [Update March 2020](https://www.clairesaxby.com/update-march-2020/) - Haywire, my first novel! Haywire is based on the true story of the Dunera voyage and the internees who travelled to Australia from London to Hay, NSW, in 1940.
- [Update July 2020](https://www.clairesaxby.com/update-july-2020/) - Kookaburra, illustrated by Tannya Harricks and published in Walker Books Australia's Nature Storybooks series follows a mother kookaburra
- [Update September 2020](https://www.clairesaxby.com/update-september-2020/) - An inspiring story of an adventurous spirit whose love of the natural world has made her a STEM superstar.
- [When one Christmas is not enough ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/when-one-christmas-is-not-enough/) - A Forest of Christmas Trees and Decorations ... the only thing to do is to celebrate Christmas in July.
- [3 Christmas books that you can Sing](https://www.clairesaxby.com/christmas-books-songs/) - Three Christmas books for parents with young children. Or for any family who likes to have fun. Each book can be sung to a different well-known Christmas tune.
- [Shorebirds Competition](https://www.clairesaxby.com/shorebirds-competition/) - Where I live, in Hobsons Bay, we have birds! Some stay around all year, others visit on their way north and south. Some live in the big park behind us, while others prefer the shoreline of river and sea and where the two mingle. ANSTO is hosting a competition for primary students (yr3-6). Draw a
- [Rainbows](https://www.clairesaxby.com/rainbows/) - How stunning is Melbourne's autumn weather? It's just about perfect (unless you're trying to record a story reading in the back yard - then there's just a bit too much sun for the glossed pages, and a few too many birds!) Today on my walk, there were birds, flowers, chalked footpaths, bike riders, families and
- [Look closely](https://www.clairesaxby.com/look-closely/) - Every year, about this time of year, I remember that I want to plant sunflowers because ... well ... they are just fabulous aren't they? They grow so tall, so quickly. They follow the sun across the sky. They brighten up any garden. AND when fully grown, they nod, heavy with seeds. Look at the
- [What's in your birdbath?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/whats-in-your-birdbath/) - I love Autumn in Melbourne. The days are mild, the nights are cool. Blue skies are everywhere! I have several routes for my daily walk and all are familiar. Yet, when I think about it, I notice different things each day. Sometimes there's more walking and not-noticing, and sometimes there's more noticing. It's my thinking
- [Be Curious](https://www.clairesaxby.com/be-curious/) - Yesterday, on my walk, I took a turn down a lane. We have a few lanes remaining in our suburb, although most have been closed/bought/built over. But a few have been maintained and are well used. They also have fruit trees with accessible branches, and the figs are ripening ... I digress. There I was,
- [On my walk today](https://www.clairesaxby.com/on-my-walk-today-2/) - It's very easy to get caught in your own head, particularly as everything changes outside it. Walking is my way of putting my world into perspective and reminds me that wonder surrounds me. It's a wonderful writer's tool also, reminding me to look closely, to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. To find the story
- [Marysville and beyond](https://www.clairesaxby.com/marysville-and-beyond/) - I wasn't quick enough to get photos before two of the three attending schools for our MARC Literature Festival had to board buses to return to Buxton and Eildon. So this cohort is Marysvile PS students. As always, this is a wonderful festival, supported by Merrijig MARC, Marysville PS and the indomitable Libby and Lyn.
- [Literature Festival](https://www.clairesaxby.com/literature-festival/) - I'm very much looking forward to this annual MARC Literature Festival, this year hosted by Marysville Primary School. MARC = Mobile Area Resource Centre = mobile library. This MARC service is now operated out of Merrijig and covers about 16 schools (don't quote me on that, but there are a few). Eildon and Buxton students
- [Peaking](https://www.clairesaxby.com/peaking/) - Bookweek is peak school-visit time for writers and illustrators and over recent years, the 'week' has (fortunately) extended to a much longer time. This year has been a doozy! It began for me in early August with Papua New Guinea, where Tina Clark and I spent just over a week working with students and teachers.
- [A coupla pics](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-coupla-pics-2/) - Thank you Robinsons Bookshop (Werribee) for supporting my visit to Tarneit Library. The wonderful Tarneit (Wyndham) Library. Thanks for such a warm welcome.
- [From here to there](https://www.clairesaxby.com/from-here-to-there/) - I am halfway through a schedule of four events in less than 7 days. Not that I'm thinking this is necessarily a heavy speaking load, but it is taking some planning. You might think I can use a single talk for all of them, but of course life isn't like that. And that's okay, but
- [Paperback Writer](https://www.clairesaxby.com/paperback-writer/) - It's been a week or so of parcels. I love parcels. Who doesn't? Each one of the parcels has contained books. There were paperback editions of Koala (Australian) Dingo (US) and a new-cover Old Sailor (Australia). There have also been emails confirming: 1. Seadog will be back in paperback soon 2. Wild Pa will soon
- [Oh, what a night!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/oh-what-a-night/) - It started with a - no, not a kiss, although it's possible that my header suggested a song. It started with a 'The Anzac Billy' event at my wonderful local Hobsons Bay library, Altona Meadows branch, with attendees from Queen of Peace primary school. We talked all things 1915, WWI, children missing absent parents, Christmas
- [A Big Week](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-big-week/) - I take a lot of photos. Taking photos makes me slow down and focus on tiny things and in many ways, it's a meditation. But there's not been a lot of time for photos this week. This is it from the conference! On Sunday I joined 250 other delegates for the SCBWI Sydney Conference. The
- [Overlooked](https://www.clairesaxby.com/overlooked/) - he lumbers up behind me to where I sit silent watching his lava breath singes my hair flames my ear he peers over my shoulder as if he will see what I see as if he can I wait body solid gaze fixed breath shallow and wait for him to leave
- [PLAYSCHOOL!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/playschool/) - What a thrill to hear Hunter Page-Lochard read Dingo on Playschool this morning!
- [A couple more pictures from MARC Lit Fest at Eildon](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-couple-more-pictures-from-marc-lit-fest-at-eildon/) - There Was an Old Sailor is always great fun to share with young students. It lends itself to a whole range of language games, sung and spoken. The book has been unavailable for some time, but is to be rereleased next year. Old Macdonald gets a nautical makeover to become Old Man Sailor and to
- [Dam fine](https://www.clairesaxby.com/dam-fine/) - Annually since the horrific bushfires in 2009, with a group of writers and illustrators I have been part of a Literary Festival in the region covered by the Merrijig MARC Van (formerly centred in Yea). It was the brainchild of MARC librarian, Libby Ahern and author/illustrator Mark Wilson and included Corinne Fenton, Diana Lawrenson (until
- [Summer is coming](https://www.clairesaxby.com/summer-is-coming/) - Summer is approaching. Apparently. Yesterday it felt closer than it does today, but that's always the case in Melbourne, where I live. Variety. That's what Melbournians love. Which is fortunate, because that's what our weather offers. This week, I received my author copies of 'The Puffin Book of Summer Stories'. It's a compilation of 8
- [Feedback](https://www.clairesaxby.com/feedback/) - As an author doing school visits, it's difficult sometimes to judge how a session has been received. So it's always lovely to receive feedback from the students. I love all these responses, but I'm particularly fond of this first one: 'We sang and danced with Claire Saxby'. It's true. We did. Sing and dance that
- [Book Week: before, during and after](https://www.clairesaxby.com/book-week-before-during-and-after/) - 'Koala' was an Honour Book in this year's CBCA Awards, in the Eve Pownell category. What a thrill to be in Brisbane with illustrator Julie Vivas for the Award announcements, along with Linsay Knight and Steve Spargo from Walker Books Aus. The CBCA, both state and national, work so hard to champion books and their
- [Ballarat and Willylitfest](https://www.clairesaxby.com/ballarat-and-willylitfest/) - I headed up the Western Highway this week for two days working in Ballarat. The first day was 3 sessions with the Young Writers, selected upper primary students from 6 Ballarat and regional schools. Sue Lawson and I conducted writing workshops and local teachers conducted sessions on technology and writing. It was a very rewarding
- [Bird to Bird and Bird](https://www.clairesaxby.com/bird-to-bird-and-bird/) - On Saturday 'Bird to Bird' visited Newport Libraries for a launch/welcome event. Michael Lang, librarian was on hand to host. It was Michael who first seeded the idea for this book and it was great to be able to share it with him and his lovely family. I talked a little about how this story
- [CBCA Vic Conference Geelong](https://www.clairesaxby.com/cbca-vic-conference-geelong/) - I'm becoming familiar with the freeway to Geelong, travelling there at least weekly these days. So although it was early, my car knew the way on Saturday as we travelled to the CBCA Vic Conference, held at Deakin Uni on the bay. It's a great venue, rebuilt to incorporate old woolstores. It's modern and industrial
- [May Day](https://www.clairesaxby.com/may-day/) - No Maypoles in sight, but plenty of running around. Okay, so that may have been in my gym class in ever diminishing circles, but running was done, around and on the spot. Bit like life really (she said waxing philosophical) ... nah that's it. There have been circles, and sprints, and slow downs. We lost
- [I haven't been idle ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/i-havent-been-idle/) - I thought the start of the year was supposed to be a gentle slope, building slowly and calmly to the middle ... you know what I mean. Bird to Bird, illustrated by Wayne Harris (Black Dog Books) was released on 1 March and there were a few early sightings even before that. After a glitch
- [New Releases](https://www.clairesaxby.com/new-releases/) - Bird to Bird hit the shelfs March 1 2018. Dingo released 1 April 2018 300 years of history in 170 words, it is the story of one bird, one seed, one tree. Themes include history, convicts, recycling, sustainability, migration. (Black Dog Books) Dingo, illustrated by first time illustrator (but long time painter) Tannya Harricks, journeys
- [APAD 31: Patterns](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-31-patterns/) - Patterns shadows on the bathroom wall in triplicate three tall orchids knit one slip knit one pass slipped stitch over jumper weft and warp over under under over change colours weaving bricks laid this way and that lead to the back yard pathway stippled heads stripey emu chicks camouflage 1
- [APAD 30: What You Need in a Storm](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-30-what-you-need-in-a-storm/) - What You Need in a Storm A friend or two big windows, curtains drawn back chairs facing the windows lights out icecream (or popcorn) time to watch it come and to go.
- [APAD 29: A Somonka](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-29-a-somonka/) - Note: The somonka is a Japanese form - basically two tankas written as two love letters to each other (one tanka per love letter). This form usually demands two authors, but it is possible to have a poet take on two personas. A Somonka The sun is too bright too close to my skin and
- [APAD 28: At the Triennial](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-28-at-the-triennial/) - At the Triennial In a dimmed room, headphoned patrons move together standsitwavelean as if linked on a single Christmas light circuit standsitwaveleanpoint The final instruction apparently bids them lie on the floor and feign sleep. Observers then note the reactions as a new audience enters the room and see the prone bodies.
- [APAD 27: Somewhere Between Here and There](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-27-somewhere-between-here-and-there/) - Somewhere Between Here and There She was ever so polite her English clipped and clear as she interrupted my journey-directing to say: ‘Incomplete information – so guidance suspended. Please use direction arrows and remaining kilometre information to complete your trip.’
- [APAD 26: The Drover's Wife](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-26-the-drovers-wife/) - The Drover’s Wife as viewed by 5 and 8 yo It’s a woman with a small head, big feet and a shaggy brown dress. I wouldn’t buy it because her feet are too big for her head and she doesn’t look happy. She looks like she’s going to the supermarket.
- [APAD 24: Haunted House](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-24-haunted-house/) - Haunted house Stone walls and chimneys doorways and window openings linger longest stand inside eyes open slide window panes aside set the slots for the roof beams frame the tiles listen for hinge-squeal and door-slam footsteps on a rough-hewn floor what do you call that colour listen to the crackle of the fire the black
- [APAD 23: Only in Fiction](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-23-only-in-fiction/) - Only in Fiction found poem Tax deductions: vet fees for a rabbit alien sightings birthday drinks at a nightclub 250 days worth of sausage and dips.
- [APAD 22: Yucca](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-22-yucca/) - Yucca - most dangerous of house plants In shielding eyes while moving pots, beware turning your head. The spear-shaped leaves are like a fencing sword - narrow enough to reach and pierce an ear drum.
- [APAD20: Leafing](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad20-leafing/) - Leafing Gum leaf falls grey-green consumed by dead-leaf red star leaf unfurls green tips stretch from beet-red heart Leaf furl leaf fall begin and end leaves in red and green
- [APAD 19: Transition](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-19-transition/) - Transition He left the keys on the kitchen bench next to the jar of jam and yesterday’s mail. His room is empty and the bathroom shelves too but there is stuff in the lounge the spare room the op shop pile it’s a good thing for a child to leave to find their
- [Dingo](https://www.clairesaxby.com/dingo/) - I hereby interupt A Poem a Day for an announcement. Dingo is in the house. And she's gorgeous. Thank you so much to Walker Books, Sue Whiting, Donna Rawlins and the awesomely talented Tannya Harricks (look her up!) The only sad thing ... have to wait until April 1 for official release.
- [APAD 18: In the weather](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-18-in-the-weather/) - In the weather He stood on the corner shivered, cool in the growing city shadows. He relented, covered his Tshirt with a tailored jacket, pulled up the sleeves beyond his elbows. Still cool.
- [APAD 17: Bodleian](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-17-bodleian/) - Bodleian Library The Bodleian library first opened to scholars in 1602 librarians were not permitted to marry lest it distract from their vocation publishers sent a copy of every new book until that became a burden too heavy and the library developed discretion
- [APAD 16: Story](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-16-story/) - Story the first libraries had no books storytellers were our libraries our librarians
- [APAD 15: The Chair Farmer](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-15-the-chair-farmer/) - The Chair Farmer (Gavin Munro) Gavin used to make chairs in the city: big chairs medium chairs and teeny-tiny chairs He crafted them in a shed behind his house It took a long time for the tree to grow it took a long time for the wood to season it took a long
- [APAD 13: Look Here](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-13-look-here/) - Look Here I see owls, eyes closed to the sun I see fuzz, whether prickly or furry I see buttons clustered to count I see green stars, neither heavenly or submarine I see flower buds Wonder
- [APAD 12: Tree](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-12-tree/) - Tree I am a frame, outstretched, reaching high In my year, in turn I’ll carry spring buds full-blown flowers transparent green leaves autumn colour and at Christmas I’ll carry them all.
- [APAD 11: End of Day](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-11-end-of-day/) - End of Day look this way with your camera I mean the light is fading the sun is oranging and the rocks and trees are silhouettes Turn the other way and, okay, the grass is more than day-dark but light lingers in the sky as if it has no intention of leaving anytime soon
- [APAD 10: Two at the Dog Beach](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-10-two-at-the-dog-beach/) - Two at the Dog Beach At the evening beach (formerly known as the dog beach) two black-suited snorkelers thrash about in the dog pool before finning off into deeper water No dogs are in the pool today although two frolic in the shallows leap from rock to rock It’s as if someone changed the
- [APAD 9: Photography](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-9-photography/) - Photography something happens between the click and the look of every snap what’s seen in the viewfinder is only part of the picture only part of the plan a fragment of the magic
- [APAD 8: Patched](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-8-patched/) - Patched The Band-Aid was invented by a man for his whirlwind wife and her frequent minor injuries. His invention was adopted, adapted and released into a not-very-interested market. The uptake was so slow that Band-Aids were given free to fellow whirlwinds – the Boy Scouts.
- [APAD 7: Oliver Cromwell's Head](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-7-oliver-cromwells-head/) - Oliver Cromwell’s Head Fact After Restoration Charles II dug up Cromwell’s body from the Resting Place of Kings in Westminster Abbey. Cromwell was charged, trialled, convicted, sentenced, hung, drawn and quartered, although he was long dead of ‘natural causes’. Alternative facts: His head was: displayed for money in London held in the Oxford
- [APAD 6: Tell Me a Story](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-6-tell-me-a-story/) - Tell Me a Story Tell me a story of early mornings of yawns and stretches and cuddles in bed Tell me a story of breakfasts of porridge and honey and banana coins Tell me a story of being dressed one hand, two, head one foot, two feet, pop! Tell me a story
- [APAD 5: History](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-5-history/) - History Freycinet smuggled his wife aboard ship disguised as his cabin boy until they were far enough for shore that she could not be offloaded. Only then did she dress as women did. Only then did she live as women seldom did. They travelled far to places beyond known maps camped on new-found
- [APAD 4: Stumped](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-4-stumped/) - Stumped The ancient tree butt shouts angry sprouts nothing can replace all the felled years but it’s not dead yet
- [APAD 3: Pomegranate](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-3-pomegranate/) - Pomegranate Tight, tight in red then white pomegranate seeds cling, resist release. They fingerstain and juice puff, in fragrant protest leaving behind only exploded white case crumbs and a red shell more cracked than any Humpty Dumpty.
- [APAD 2: Pegs](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-2-pegs/) - Pegs Before there were pegs, sheets draped bushes lounged on rocks or sagged over tent ropes until there was a wind and they kissed the dirt slips of wood made the first pegs bound by rope, then metal Gypsy carvers like willow so much that farmers downed trees to keep them away dolly
- [A poem a day: 1 Boxing Day](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-poem-a-day-1-boxing-day/) - Boxing Day The house is quiet, neat, empty everywhere, except the fridge and the rubbish bins. The furniture is all back in familiar places. Everything is tidy, dusted, straight. The gingerbread house is as beautiful - untouched and still in cellophane - as when it arrived but there’s not much more pudding.
- [Just one more reason we need librarians](https://www.clairesaxby.com/just-one-more-reason-we-need-librarians/) - A few years ago, somewhere between three and four, I think, I was sourcing answers (just one answer would do) to a question asked by the illustrator of a picture book text I'd written. Hm. No photos around at the time. I searched many, many library books and online with no success. My local librarian
- [It's official: I'm a Goose!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/its-official-im-a-goose/) - I've just finished two days of training as a facilitator for Parent-Child Mother Goose Australia, a program of rhymes, songs and stories for parents and children. Jenny and Halina led us in designing and running programs tailored to individual groups. I learned so much from both facilitators and from the other participants. Look out next
- [All sights grand and small](https://www.clairesaxby.com/all-sights-grand-and-small/) - We spent the first half of October wandering around Western Australia. We landed and drove east looking for rocks. Wave Rock specifically, but we also found rocks on rocks; rocks on their own and in clusters. Big ones. We'd not aimed for wildflower season but what a treat to see so many flowers, every everywhere.
- [In the Advocate](https://www.clairesaxby.com/in-the-advocate/) - I've been to Skipton this week, visiting Skipton Primary School and their delightful students and teachers. Despite the slightly-less-than-wonderful weather, it was a wonderful day.
- [More koalas](https://www.clairesaxby.com/more-koalas/) - I was lucky enough to spend four days in a wonderful local school (fab teachers), spending time with all grade levels and talking about books, writing, illustration, environments, habitats, ecosystems etc as they connected with my books. We also talked about enriching language and choosing strong words for our stories. Freewriting was a hit, known
- [Koalas and books](https://www.clairesaxby.com/koalas-and-books/) - Last week I visited a local kinder to share Koala with the Koala kinder group in the sunshine of the park. Weather was perfect and the children had made gumleaf crowns and were generally totally immersed in the outdoors. They regularly visit the park which abuts their kinder - how brilliant is that? I've been
- [Book Week ... ah ... month?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/book-week-ah-month/) - I love Book Week. I love it even more when it's extended over more than a week. This year my 'Book Week' began in late July and continues until mid-September. Fantastic. First port of call was PNG, Oro Province where four writers and illustrators were lucky enough to be able to visit a range of
- [Ballarat and back](https://www.clairesaxby.com/ballarat-and-back/) - I've spent two days this week in Ballarat. The first day I talked about books and writing with all primary levels at Sebastopol Primary School. We covered everything from drafting, editing, publishing and the challenges in getting the words right. I showed students why I don't illustrate my own books and they were very encouraging.
- [Bitta dis, bitta dat ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/bitta-dis-bitta-dat/) - It's winter here in Melbourne, which means I'm typing while wearing very fetching fingerless mittens, multiple layers of woolies and a big scarf. My office gets a bit coolish. But it's so beautiful. Much as I hate getting up in the dark, that's dog walk time and it's always worth the effort for the sunrises,
- [Willy Lit Fest](https://www.clairesaxby.com/willy-lit-fest/) - There's nothing like a festival to refill the well. And there's nothing like Willy Lit Fest. This local lit fest is now in its fourteenth year and going strong. A small team of mostly volunteers put together a program that has something for everyone from young children to the most literary of readers. From the
- [Suffering Succotash!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/suffering-succotash/) - When I was small, I really loved Sylvester, despite him always been bested by a grinning yellow canary. I particularly loved his 'Suffering Succotash!' cry. I thought it was a made up word, but I liked how it tasted. On this weekend just gone, I discovered that it's real! It's a combo of corn and
- [There was a tunnel](https://www.clairesaxby.com/there-was-a-tunnel/) - I feel like I've been absent for a while - much of this year really. Mostly to do with study. But I've submitted my final project, completed the feedback form and what happens next is beyond my ability to predict/affect. I've culled my books and there's a little room on my shelves. I've partially cleared
- [Absent in Action](https://www.clairesaxby.com/absent-in-action/) - I know I've just flagged this new website and blog, but I feel like I've been absent for some time. Partly this is due to study, but that's nearing its end and hopefully I'll soon be fully present again. On Friday I was part of the Queenscliffe Literary Festival school program. It was a lovely
- [Moving On](https://www.clairesaxby.com/moving-on/) - After 25500 views, I've just closed my old blog at Let's Have Words. I'm really excited to have my blog and website together here, but I was surprised to feel sad at leaving my old blog behind. Silly perhaps, but there you are. I am looking forward to posting here though. There will be the
- [Koala](https://www.clairesaxby.com/koala/) - I'm very excited to reveal the cover of 'Koala', to be released by Walker Books Australia on August 1. It will also be released in the US and UK in September. Stay tuned also for the Danish version. How beautiful is this cover. Thank you Julie Vivas!
- [Dromkeen](https://www.clairesaxby.com/dromkeen/) - Dromkeen, at Riddells Creek, just north of Melbourne Airport, is a wonderful homestead and owners Bernadatte and Tony are children's literature champions. Last Saturday, Dromkeen held a Children's Literature Festival and I was fortunate to be one of the speakers. Others included Gabi Wang, Mark Wilson, Glenda Millard, Marc McBride and Bret Cardwell. There were
- [In Footscray](https://www.clairesaxby.com/in-footscray/) - I cross the bridgepull to a stopwait for the left turn arrownext to the international painted wallsof St Monica's a woman stops, props nearly drops a box- it's half her sizeadjusted, she takes a couple of stepsthen props againand again I think of offering her a liftpause to risk assess it.the passenger in the car
- [Jaunt to Barwon Park Mansion](https://www.clairesaxby.com/jaunt-to-barwon-park-mansion/) - What a glorious day for a trip to the south west! A group of us ventured west to Barwon Park Mansion at Winchelsea to see a fabulous exhibition of frocks! The mansion is well worth a visit whether or not there are frocks to be seen, but having visited to see the Dressmaker Exhibition, we
- [A Melbourne outing](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-melbourne-outing/) - So, I got the day right.And the show Perhaps, I got the time wrong ...So there we were in town, with a few hours up our sleeves.We had a leisurely lunch ... ... then we crashed a choir festival. Well, a collection of choirs really, as part of an annual celebration of St David's Day
- [APAD 31: The End](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-31-the-end/) - The End Of the day the music the snacks the cuppa the challenge the list the month the poem
- [APAD 30: Leaving Home](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-30-leaving-home/) - Leaving Home garden gnomes and paintings heating unit and air con dishwasher and stove gone her parents built this house she was born here grew up here nursed her mum here time for a fresh, fresh start in a new house with hilly views and a small garden she’ll miss the park the knowing it
- [APAD 29: Going Bush](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-29-going-bush/) - Going Bush Heading out west with my Akubra hat where no highrisers lean on the road no buses, no trains, no bikes just me a-wandering on I’m taking the emptiest highway past the spit-spat of houses and cossets of trees at the end of frayed ribbon tracks golden-stubbled emptiness sheep-dotted, cow-pocked bound by sad-sagging fences
- [APAD 28 : How Not to Fall off a Cloud](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-28-how-not-to-fall-off-a-cloud/) - How Not to Fall off a Cloud Choose your cloud wisely. some will fight with any other who wanders close enough. It may be electric. Tread lightly. Clouds are fragile and heavy boots may break them. Pace your stargazing. Watching stars move across the sky may make you dizzy. Keep your parties gentle. Wild dancing
- [APAD 27: Maritime](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-27-maritime/) - Maritime After you kick off from shore swim into deep water don your mask and snorkel adjust it if your mask fogs - spit in it, rinse adjust then relax float The in-air world is gone the undersea waits to share treasures some shout for your attention others take time focus luck If you listen
- [APAD 26: Ghost Signs](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-26-ghost-signs/) - Ghost Signs On side walls and above awnings they entice you to share a pot of tea offer outwear and underwear spruik their fresh cuts boast the best beer promise to paint and decorate your home They are letters from long ago fading whispers from yesterday
- [Sky Diver](https://www.clairesaxby.com/sky-diver/) - About a year ago, I made a mistake. I mentioned that I'd considered doing a sky dive. There was another part to that sentence that went something along the lines of ... but I'm not sure I'm game ... yano ... it was a passing thought, not a commitment. The mistake? Opening my mouth
- [APAD 24: Diving](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-24-diving/) - Diving Yesterday Clip harness here here and here practice take-off and landing reverse sardine into plane belly up, up and away lift the rolladoor one two three divers vanish shuffle to the edge of the cabin tuck feet outside under the plane fall face down fast then float this way and that slowly to runway
- [APAD 23: Progress](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-23-progress/) - Progress They built canals dug through fields and stone peat and grassland inland, inland to carry lumber in to carry food crops out so the ships that brought the lumber might carry produce aplenty years it took, years dig, dig, dig Elsewhere others dug dug dug laying steel across cut logs so that chug
- [APAD 22: Oops!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-22-oops/) - Oops! When I run Up to 90 kph my wings might keep me grounded too small for flying great for stability my black feathers may fly I'm a fully-grown male but still my petticoat slips
- [APAD 21: Camel](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-21-camel/) - Camel My winter coat lingers despite summer’s sun I’m ragged and moth-eaten but cooler each day
- [APAD 20: Blackbuck](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-20-blackbuck/) - Blackbuck A herd of pale fawn females melt into the banks of the dam light and lithe they are discarded grass, breeze-lifted skittish lighter than the black-backed un-barley-twist-horned males they are vulnerable at the first breath of danger they flee into the shallows where crocodiles wallow
- [APAD 19: Migration](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-19-migration/) - Migration Load up the ship boys load her to the top she’ll roll away the miles boys across the wide blue sea Jeannie Johnston leaves Quebec lumbered to the gills her sails are set a-flapping her deck it is a-creaking Mind you watch the sails boys keep them trim and tied she’ll roll away the
- [APAD 18: On the Savannah](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-18-on-the-savannah/) - On the Savannah In our three-carriage, open-sided, camouflage-painted safari bus we speculate that it must seem to the rhinoceros that is feeding time at the zoo cartloads of fresh meat, still warm home-delivered he spots us conversation stills until someone remembers that rhinos big and strong and horned as they are are herbivores cameras snap
- [APAD 17: A Lesson](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-17-a-lesson/) - A Lesson In the wallowing of hippopotamus a sunshine-y soak is such a plus when sunk in the water this mother tells daughter keep your head in line with your bottomus
- [APAD 16: Holiday](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-16-holiday/) - Holiday phones surrendered we took a walk in the park down cliffs and across stepping stones paused at the lookout watched the sun slowly drop and when we were home we played ‘Pig’ ‘Take Two’ ate chocolate
- [APAD 15: Pelican Landing](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-15-pelican-landing/) - Pelican Landing Like a plane you glide (really … it’s the plane that’s like you) impossible sights – both too big to stay airborne broad wings stretch wide apparently still you bank steeply over the shallows clear your swimway check wind direction speed adjust your approach lower landing gear gentle onto the sea
- [APAD 14: Change](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-14-change/) - Change Listen to the wind it whispers pauses prevaricates then unexpectedly roars it pushes and pulls at curtains slams and opens doors tumbles and tosses and is gone
- [APAD 13: Balloons](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-13-balloons/) - Balloons Once, we blew up, tied, stringed and hung hundreds for a party. Once, we wished a big bunch would lift and carry us away. Once, a helium parrot hovered on our ceiling until it deflated and took to following us around the room and sitting on our shoulders. Once, backyard warfare exploded from
- [APAD 12: One (Or More) For The Birds](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-12-one-or-more-for-the-birds/) - One (Or More) For The Birds There’s an apricot tree in a front yard better be quick there are only a few fruit left and they will be gone tomorrow It’s rubbish day and up and down the street all the bins are out some display their contents for sharp-beaked dumpster-divers In the vegie garden
- [APAD 11: I'm Watching You](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-11-im-watching-you/) - I’m Watching You I am a kewpie doll with lashes long and full I am a hiding cat and you can’t see me still I am a tiny robot with vision set to kill I am a gum tree flower call me what you will
- [APAD 10: Gorn swimmin'](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-10-gorn-swimmin/) - Gorn swimmin’ i At the end of me workin’ day I stops at the beach ditches me boots and the rest of me clobber 'cause the sea is me joy ii When he was younger before he was too old he’d take us to the beach not that he’d ever swim he’d rest on his
- [At the Dog Beach](https://www.clairesaxby.com/at-the-dog-beach/) - At the Dog Beach On the broad ankle-to-knee shallow women tuck skirts into knickers men clasp thongs behind their backs children skip and splash dogs stop and go twist and splash greet and flee On the far edge beyond the wreck where the sea floor drops away and the setting sun golds the distant
- [APAD 8: On the Train](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-8-on-the-train/) - On the Train Three teen boys open the door from inside, then loudly call for gratitude from the gorgeous girl who enters. At her non-response, they swagger in body and voice past where she sits, then on to the next carriage One frequent traveller calls each station, pre-empts the voice-over instructions to remember to touch
- [APAD 7: Before](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-7-before/) - Before In the fold of the hills where we lived shadows moved but never disappeared. On the ridge behind the house was a rock sharpness worn by sea winds. We sat there most Sunday afternoons after Mass, after Sunday Lunch and dreamt of the wonders the sea would one day bring. Look at what you
- [APAD 6: What Nonsense!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-6-what-nonsense/) - What nonsense! Look in the puddle, what do you see? I see a crocodile looking at me. Her teeth are sharp, her tail curves long. Oh, no! Look in the puddle, what do you see? I see a hippo looking at me. His mouth is wide, his teeth are huge Oh, no! Look in the
- [APAD 4: That Feeling](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-4-that-feeling/) - That Feeling when there are less pages ahead than you’ve read when you can’t read on but you can’t stop when you are unaware of the words only of how they make you feel when the story lifts the window-shades on so much ugliness shines barely a salt-pinch of hope when the ending is too
- [APAD 3: Garden Olympics](https://www.clairesaxby.com/apad-3-garden-olympics/) - Summer Tomato trees and pumpkin vines stretch beyond guidance Basil bush and spinach clumps run almost visibly Out back and out the front the lawn bolts
- [A Poem a Day: 2 On the Christmas Bench](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-poem-a-day-2-on-the-christmas-bench/) - On the Christmas Bench Amongst the jars of gingerbread, almond bread and biscotti, two bananas duel. One blacker, the other softer. Both are cake-perfect.
- [Happy New Year!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/happy-new-year/) - Some years ago, Kat Apel started what became an annual January event, A Poem A Day, where poets posted their work daily. There were myriad styles and the poems covered a broad range of topics. Comments were welcomed, and poems tweaked. Although the event has changed, it endures in different forms. Some post in a
- [Moving in](https://www.clairesaxby.com/first-blog-post/) - This is the excerpt for your very first post.
- [Merry Happy Jolly to you and yours!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/merry-happy-jolly-to-you-and-yours/) - 2016 has been a wonderful year, full of joy and wonder. I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a 2017 full of love and laughter.
- [A week it was.](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-week-it-was/) - It's taken a little while to get my head around Spring (and now Summer) after being in Ireland for Autumn. But joys like this one help. Everyday gorgeousness of geranimums. On Wednesday last, I visited Hillcrest CC for 'Read to Me' Club to share (read and sing) my Christmas stories. Michelle Nye is always so
- [What does your Pa look like?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/what-does-your-pa-look-like/) - Today I visited Monash Medical Centre as a visitor (via Koala Kids Foundation) to the Children's Cancer ward's outpatient clinic.I read 'Wild Pa' several times and we made many wild Pas. What personalities! We also sang songs and created some superheros including Superman, Superwoman and my personal favourite SuperSanta to begin decorating the empty Christmas
- [So, it's been a little while ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/so-its-been-a-little-while/) - ... since I posted. It's been a busy while. The biggest part of that while was spent in Ireland. And what a time was had! There was research and relaxation. There were theatre shows and music sessions. There were hill climbs and seaside discoveries. There were poorhouses and cathedrals. And there were wonderful, funny, musical,
- [Wild Pa is in the ... um ... wild](https://www.clairesaxby.com/wild-pa-is-in-the-um-wild/) - Saturday 3 pm at Little Bookroom and I finally got to meet Connah Brecon, illustrator of Wild Pa, and also coincidentally illustrator of 'Barking Barnacles' a first picture book project for us both. Due to circumstances, this book made it as far as final proofs but not to print. Spin the clock forward and here
- [Book Week - all things large and small](https://www.clairesaxby.com/book-week-all-things-large-and-small/) - Hillcrest Christian College certainly know how to make an author feel welcome! And a tiny bit overwhelmed - not used to seeing photos this big! So many questions, mostly related to books and writing Introducing Wild Pa and My Name is Lizzie Flynn A warning to those who volunteer without knowing what for. A Lizzie
- [Papua New Guinea Book Week 2016](https://www.clairesaxby.com/papua-new-guinea-book-week-2016/) - I was lucky recently to have an opportunity to visit Papua New Guinea with Tina Clark, Judy Horacek and Phil Kettle. There were some restrictions on our luggage allowance as we transitioned from our international flight to a smaller local plane. But as you can see, we managed. We nearly lost Phil before we even
- [Historic Australian Quilts](https://www.clairesaxby.com/historic-australian-quilts/) - NGV (National Gallery Victoria) opened an exhibition of historic Australian quilts this past weekend.There are many glorious quilts on display and sometimes what hides on the back is as fascinating as the front. The above is the reverse of a hexagon quilt, showing the paper that held the fabric 'square' (hexagonal?) while the pieces were
- [I have a visitor!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/i-have-a-visitor/)
- [I love libraries](https://www.clairesaxby.com/i-love-libraries/) - I was at my *next-to-local library a few days ago, reading my book, waiting for my son. I'd been there a while when I became aware of a mother and two daughters standing just a few metres away looking at me. The younger of the two girls was carrying two of my books. Their mother
- [Spotted in the wild ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/spotted-in-the-wild/) - Extra points awarded for Joni's red jumper! Book Parade here she comes.
- [Speech Pathology Awards Shortlist](https://www.clairesaxby.com/speech-pathology-awards-shortlist/) - Very excited to see that Lizzie is on the shortlist for the 2016 Speech Pathology Awards! go here for the full shortlist
- [Winter walking](https://www.clairesaxby.com/winter-walking/) - Challenge: Keeping warm while sitting at desk in unheated room Win for the dog: more walks Win for me: winter gums are out Win: run into a friend and decide that we need to support the local cafe Win for dog: She meets a big new friend. (she is normally quite shy, particularly with large
- [Willylitfest](https://www.clairesaxby.com/willylitfest/) - The Hub, for meeting and greeting and lunching and resting. This past weekend was the 13th Williamstown Literary Festival. The festival was started by Catherine Ryan (at the time restaurateur, now librarian) and Angela Altair (Hobsons Bay councillor), and a group of volunteers. Initial challenges in the early years included building renovations, funding challenges.It would
- [The train, the train, the train](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-train-the-train-the-train/) - Back in November, I found the perfect present for my husband. A trip on a 1930 diesel train to Ballarat, followed by a paddle steamer dinner on Lake Wendouree, before returning to Melbourne on the same train. Unfortunately, the November trip was booked out. We decided to book for January. Great idea. Except that after
- [The Serious and the Silly](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-serious-and-the-silly/) - Just in case there is a perception that a conference is all serious and no fun ... This is the serious bit (well sort of ), having a photo taken at The Five Mile Press trade table. And this is my very good friend Sally wanting to hog all the limelight. Or me photo bombing
- [12th National CBCA Conference Sydney](https://www.clairesaxby.com/12th-national-cbca-conference-sydney/) - First stop, Walker Books Australia in Newtown to talk about illustrations for 'Bird to Bird', an upcoming picture book. Loving the work of Wayne Harris. Welcome Reception at Customs House, we walked all over Sydney, then climbed stairs to watch Friday night Sydney go about its business. In the bookshop ... and the trade hall.
- [Life is a mosaic, and then you dance](https://www.clairesaxby.com/life-is-a-mosaic-and-then-you-dance/) - Can you spot the bird? I spent the weekend (well the days of) here at the home of Deborah Halpern, fabulous sculptor and ceramicist, and leader of our two day workshop on mosaics. I was familiar with some of her work before I knew her name. This is her (and our) workshop. (the yellow
- [Culturally speaking ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/culturally-speaking/) - ... it's been a big week. Last night we were in the audience for 'Little Shop of Horrors', a show I'd not seen, although it was much talked about at the time. I'm not sure why, but perhaps it was because I was so taken with the film of 'Rocky Horror', which I saw first
- [Sweet and Sour](https://www.clairesaxby.com/sweet-and-sour/) - My dad is currently on a restricted diet which precludes many of the foods he loves. My contribution to yesterday's lunch was fruit, preferably some that he could eat. But when I spoke to him to clarify, he'd just stocked up on what he could eat, so there wasn't much point in adding to those. So
- [Grey Sky Blues aka The Sea Works its Magic](https://www.clairesaxby.com/grey-sky-blues-aka-the-sea-works-its-magic/) - the beach today is grey grey sky grey sea grey glass and empty empty empty rain spits at us just a little the seat is wet wet wet in spit spots but the sea, the endless sea pulls us along the seawall look closely the reef is there, just under the grey glass the
- [Out and About](https://www.clairesaxby.com/out-and-about/) - We took off today, into the sunshine of a perfect autumn day. I'd had a thought that there might be colour if we went to the right places. And there was. There was so much colour. Glorious, glorious colour. Not sure how to describe this, but for two bob (or even less) my fellow traveller
- [Night of the Notables](https://www.clairesaxby.com/night-of-the-notables/) - This is one of the views from the Docklands Library. It was also the venue for the inaugural 'Night of the Notables', hosted by CBCA Vic at the library. The room was full to bursting with Children's Book people. I caught the train and tram in, and had a vague idea where the library was.
- [Australasian Quilt Show](https://www.clairesaxby.com/australasian-quilt-show/) - The coloured pieces in this quilt are one-inch squares. (yes, quilting still speaks the language of inches)For scale, refer the conveniently visible thonged foot behind the quilt.It's hard to fathom the hours spent planning, cutting, sewing and quilting this piece. I liked the stained glass/linocut sensibility of these. This was an award winner, best of
- [Wild Pa](https://www.clairesaxby.com/wild-pa-3/) - So, I was about to go out the back door when the front doorbell rang. How exciting to 'meet' Wild Pa for real! Is he not beautiful?So many stories beyond the story here ...
- [Artfully so](https://www.clairesaxby.com/artfully-so/) - We are members of the NGV but somehow we seem to wait until the final weeks of most exhibitions before we get to see them.There are two more weeks to see this amazing exhibition with Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei.It was as huge as it was gobsmacking. Some of the images were familiar, but it
- [Nightlife](https://www.clairesaxby.com/nightlife/) - Every year we meet twice with a group of friends - for nearly 30 years now. The first gathering is a weekend away with our families. When we began there were two children. Now they are all adults, all 14 of them and these days there are always extras. It's a big wild, messy weekend
- [Up Warburton way](https://www.clairesaxby.com/up-warburton-way/) - We spent the weekend in and around Warburton, east of Melbourne. Friday night continued the rain of Friday day and brought with it power outage. The power outage took not only our electricity but also our water (electric pump for water from tanks) - a minor concern given there were multiple people staying in this
- [School Magazine centenary, World Poetry Day](https://www.clairesaxby.com/school-magazine-centenary-world-poetry-day/) - It's World Poetry Day! Let's celebrate! 2016 marks 100 years since School Magazine began publishing poetry, fiction and non fiction into schools and beyond. What a wonderful achievement by so many wonderful people. What a great magazine! Over the years, many of my poems have appeared in the pages of School Magazine, and the
- [The benefits of early rising](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-benefits-of-early-rising/) - This morning I headed off before the sun was up. The sun was tipping and the world was yawning and stretching as I turned along the Geelong waterfront. I got a car park, had time for coffee before meeting Sue Lawson and Scot Gardner for a day of workshopping on the far side of Geelong.
- [Tucker Rd Literature Festival](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tucker-rd-literature-festival/) - Today I was part of Tucker Rd Primary School's Literature Festival. Together with a host of authors and illustrators we delivered workshops to Gr 3-6 students. My groups drafted poems on Australian animals. There was also a book launch, a quiz, book sales and book signings. It was huge. It's organised by resident wonderkind Robyn
- [Obsolete words](https://www.clairesaxby.com/obsolete-words/) - Can you reintroduce any of these fabulous words into your everyday conversation? Snoutfair: A person with a handsome countenance Pussyvan: A flurry, temper Wonder-wench: A sweetheart Lunting: Walking while smoking a pipe California widow: A married woman whose husband is away from her for any extended period (locally and historically 'Bendigo or Ballarat widow would
- [Indian summer](https://www.clairesaxby.com/indian-summer/) - We of Melbourne Town are less accustomed to consecutive warm days than those who reside elsewhere. Particularly at this time of year. Well, anytime really. But the warmth combined with the time of year is certainly giving us some spectacular sunsets. Which is something I'm happy to celebrate. And then there's the wonderful Sun Theatre
- [Getaway](https://www.clairesaxby.com/getaway/) - This past weekend, I went to the beach. Can you see it? there is water just between the gaps in the far trees. There would have been pics of the beach too except I was at the whim of a rambunctious young terrier and there'd have been no flat horizon in any image I tried
- [The NEW Younger Sun](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-new-younger-sun/) - Today, I shared Seadog with young readers at the official opening of the relocated, bigger and brighter Younger Sun Bookshop in Yarraville. After we read about my rapscallion but very lovable dog, it was time to decorate their own Seadogs. Loved the different versions. Most added seaweed, but others preferred their Seadogs just coloured.
- [On writing Nature Storybooks](https://www.clairesaxby.com/on-writing-nature-storybooks/) - I've been visiting Northern Queensland (sigh, but only electronically) to talk about writing 'Big Red Kangaroo' and 'Emu'. Go here to visit.
- [Waiting](https://www.clairesaxby.com/waiting/) - VLine, Victoria's regional rail network has been having some challenges lately, with wheels and boomgates and schedules, so they offered free travel for first a week, then another. We thought we'd avail ourselves and planned a trip to Clarkefield to meet family for dinner. We had an unexpected wait for our train (see previous challenges)
- [MoP 31: Learner](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-31-learner/) - Learner Like a flop-foot puppy exploring the world a new bicyclist wobbles wobbles flies
- [MoP 30: Australia Day Festival](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-30-australia-day-festival/) - Australia Day Festival a Snuff Puppet snail consumes child after child as their parents snap
- [MoP 29: Waiting at the Station](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-29-waiting-at-the-station/) - Waiting at the station The last train from Clarkefield is thirty minutes late but the night is mild and clear we are alone in the empty carpark we watch a wild cat as it watches us this pub-two-houses-and-an-auto-wrecker hamlet must be holding its breath as land is released to developers and the ghosts of populations
- [MoP 28: Storm Warnings](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-28-storm-warnings/) - Storm Warnings The barometer tells it so does BOM in colour charts and temperatures but the best, most reliable forecast is from the dog who sits under my desk and will not move unless I do down comes the rain flash the lightning blinds boom the thunder cracks I can tell when it’s done because
- [MoP 27: On the Road](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-27-on-the-road/) - On the Road As I was going to market upon a sunshine day, I met a horse as fine as any was fed on hay. This horse was wide in front. This horse was wide in rear. This horse was o-so very tall I could couldn’t see her ears Her mane was black, her tail
- [MoP 26: Melbourne](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-26-melbourne/) - Melbourne I love Melbourne, but the water in the bay varies only by 4 degrees winter to summer. (14- 18 C I think) Beach feet Hop. Ouch! Hop. Hot! Why is it quite so far from the towel to the water’s lap? Ah! Cool toes Beach feet shiver, br-r bursting from the ocean race from water’s
- [MoP 25: Somehow I have never imagined. A Found Poem](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-25-somehow-i-have-never-imagined-a-found-poem/) - Somehow I Have Never Imagined: A Found Poem I'm ranting ahead of time. I am already becoming annoyed about the drivers who are going to blind me because they didn't feel the need to clean off their cars. (And, I haven't even driven anywhere this storm!) Three options: clean off your car prior to driving,
- [Dressmaker Costume Exhibition at Barwon Park Mansion](https://www.clairesaxby.com/dressmaker-costume-exhibition-at-barwon-park-mansion/) - Sue L and I took ourselves on an excursion last fine Wednesday. Knowing it was going to be taxing, we began with lunch. Fortunately, none of the occupants rang the bells while we were there. They must have already lunched. First stop, a cuddle with a footballer. Why wouldn't you choose to snuggle by the
- [MoP 24: Wanted](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-24-wanted/) - Wanted Full time foster parents for Husbun and Lettice, indoor rabbits. Contact The Runaway Rabbit Orphanage
- [MoP 22: From Before](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-22-from-before/)
- [MoP 23: Frontage](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-23-frontage/) - Frontage In the early morning they are close-eyed, close-mouthed internal industry masked by external stillness Sometimes yesterday can be seen sometimes today idles impatiently sometimes expression bursts out running late for school late for train ready for work Next lap, calm has returned the façade again composed as if control had never slipped.
- [MoP 21: Skeleton](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-21-skeleton/) - Skeleton It is a hard-edged morning with a bone-grey bone dry-sky the air radiates danger the dog paces disturbed by what we cannot see or hear in the uncertainty of the stripped-bare day bones rattle and we wait for the body of the storm
- [MoP 20: Delicious love](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-20-delicious-love/) - Delicious love The shop window entices a layered mountain of lamingtons, fresh-made and lumpy oozing with strawberry jam or cuddle-close shelves of long-furred, brownish heart-carrying, baby, mama and papa Valentine bears Note: I'm not convinced this makes sense without the picture which I didn't think to take. This is the closest I could find, but
- [MoP 19: Sashiko](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-19-sashiko/) - Sashiko sah-shee-ko a form of Japanese folk embroidery a basic running stitch in curves or straight lines white thread on blue fabric traditionally used to repair fishermen’s pants or quilt fabric layers together Sashiko means ‘little stabs’ for the even stitches each stitch is grain-of-rice each interval is half grain-of-rice easy to learn look at
- [MoP 18: Street Music](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-18-street-music/) - Street Music song floats from corner to corner past a pug and a peke a dalmation, a beagle escalates at a tabby, quiets at a black reaches a crescendo at Number 23 where three hens and a rooster take a break from snail watch to watch the walkers by
- [MoP 17: Gain](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-17-gain/) - Gain In the post-Christmas days it’s time to tackle the desk the piles, the pools of thoughts maybes and possibilities Throw it out give it away shred it wipe away last year’s dust and going-nowhere ideas Wade through the ‘what if?’ minutes the ‘what was that?’ seconds pause at the ‘that could work’ corners It’s
- [MoP 16: Icons](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-16-icons/) - Icons In a unexpected week two public-faced men left us in very private ways. We, who knew them so well, grew up with them took them to our parties and into our homes, sat with them in darkened rooms, carried them everywhere thrilled to them, with them, by them are shattered.
- [MoP 15: State Library](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-15-state-library/) - Apologies for the blip in transmission. I spent yesterday doing many things other than writing, including that which inspired the below. State Library research is done title recorded call number noted city train journeyed library stairs climbed Dewey navigated stack, shelf, gap but if the book is not there even when the librarian checks
- [MoP 14 Fishing](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-14-fishing/) - On the river mouth pier a fisherman pulls in his line. On the hook flaps a small fish pectoral fins aflutter The fisherman thrills. His mate snaps the moment - his first catch. Everyone else waits hoping the flattie gets to swim again
- [MoP 13: Summer town](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-13-summer-town/) - this early morning there are leaning boards flagged towels front door thongs but the town is eerie quiet It is a held breath not an emptiness quiet Like an anthill not yet disturbed all it takes is a minute a second to commence the hullabaloo of this perfect beach day
- [MoP 12: A haiku](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-12-a-haiku/) - antenna-tree birds spatter confetti droppings across a red roof Poems, like stories, appear most when I'm looking elsewhere. This one arrived as we drove through Geelong on Sunday on our way home from a delightful day by the sea. A house, spied across the roof of the road-facing shops, had this amazing pattern of white
- [Look! A paper Kangaroo!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/look-a-paper-kangaroo/) - Surprise delivery this morning: a paperback copy of 'Big Red Kangaroo'. Gosh, he's a handsome chap.
- [The Rajah Quilt - for the quilters](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-rajah-quilt-for-the-quilters/) - In a break from poetry transmission, here's a link to a cable tv quilting program featuring Australian quilter Lessa Siegele and her version of the Rajah quilt. Take a look - but don't wait too long, it's only available for a couple of weeks. Lessa is part of the Quilt Show 'BOM' for 2016. That
- [MoP 11: Untitled](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-11-untitled/) - Czech proverb, translated variously as: As many languages you know, as many times you are a human being. or For every language you speak, you live a new life. For every face you see You see a new world For every voice you hear You hear another way For every food you taste You
- [MoP 10: After](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-10-after/) - After So long the waters carry you along follow-paths and new-cut ones You stay afloat navigate where you can when you can when the waters finally stop so suddenly (as you knew they would) you drift somehow bereft in the longed-for reprieve A slightly delayed post today after a trip to the beach to spend
- [MoP 9: A passing tune](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-9-a-passing-tune/) - A Passing Tune The song is slow heavy. It oozes like honey from the window of the passing car and drips from the air after the car is gone.
- [MoP 8: One. Caramel. Dance.](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-8-one-caramel-dance/) - … I’ve borrowed a friend’s poetry challenge to use all three words (thanks Sally and Rebecca) One. Caramel. Dance. The next day the sky was less caramel and more fairy floss We set out again to picnic Will carried the basket Ali the rugs Marni had one umbrella and I the other We tripped down
- [MoP 7: Not Quite Flat](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-7-not-quite-flat/) - Not Quite Today the sea is crumpled fine-creased, almost flat like a rescued note from last year’s school bag. It tells a tale no longer new of storms that raged away, away-o.
- [MoP 6: Untitled](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-6-untitled/) - Morning moon sits lightly on the rising dawn Once bright shadow fading towards another night
- [MoP 5: Shadow](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-5-shadow/) - Shadow The dog follows so very closely that there is ever danger of tumbling us both
- [MoP 4: Subject: Rod's 50th Birthday](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-4-subject-rods-50th-birthday/) - Subject: Rod’s 50th birthday Come, please reads the email invitation. There’s a photo of the boy and a cartoon of the man both astride bikes too big. There will be drinks and nibbles, says Jean, and we’d love to see you there rsvp here, she says though I have no idea who she is. Nor
- [MoP 3: The House on the Corner](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mop-3-the-house-on-the-corner/) - The House on the Corner Across from a park next to a tram stop on a north-west corner of a city nestles a small house, a quiet house, a home. In this busy everchanging grid it goes quietly about its business whether or not you notice it. Inside, beyond the open door history waits for
- [Month of Poetry 2: The Commute](https://www.clairesaxby.com/month-of-poetry-2-the-commute/) - The Commute Morning train is full of half-wakers day-planners on-travellers stair-climbers presenter-practisers Off-peak train is scattered With movie-goers Picnickers, grandparents Engineers in the making Window-watchers Snack-nibblers Job-chasers exam-crammers Evening train is full Of dozers and leaners and cleaners New-daters be home-by-eighters Phone plan callers, overdue bill-stallers Cricket bag luggers and shopping bag huggers There is
- [A Poem a Day 2016 - From the Train](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-poem-a-day-2016-from-the-train/) - For the past several years I've been part of a poetry initiative begun by poet and storymaker Kat Apel. The initiative has changed each year until this year, we are cast into the world to make our poetry where we will, if we will. My aim is to write a poem a day, but we'll
- [Christmas at Grandma's Beach House ... at the beach](https://www.clairesaxby.com/christmas-at-grandmas-beach-house-at-the-beach/) - Today, I was at Torquay Books ... um ... Torquay Toys which is part of Torquay Books but across the road, yano? It was my final book gig for 2015, and it was great to share both these Christmas books with young readers. And as luck would have it, these two spend Christmas by the
- [Taking it to the streets](https://www.clairesaxby.com/taking-it-to-the-streets/) - Friday night and it was Williamstown Christmas Street Fair. All the shops stayed open and there were balloons and giveaways and sticky treats.So I set up my story mat outside Book and Paper. I started right at 'I'm starving' hour and most of the small people and strollers marched right on by in search of
- [Christmas at Grandma's Beach House AND Christmas at Grandad's Farm](https://www.clairesaxby.com/christmas-at-grandmas-beach-house-and-christmas-at-grandads-farm/) - This is the wonderful Red Door Books in Lancefield where I shared both my Christmas books this morning. We sang and read, then read and sang again. A fine activity for a sunny Saturday morning. On the way home we took the short cut. Except for the bit where the bitumen ran out. That bit
- [My Name is Lizzie Flynn builds a new quilt](https://www.clairesaxby.com/my-name-is-lizzie-flynn-builds-a-new-quilt/) - Today I was in a wonderful primary school in the west of Melbourne, visiting Yr 2 and Yr 3 children.As well as talking about the writing of the book, a student dressed in apron and bonnet and we talked about the things that were different in 1841. And then they made their own 'patches' for
- [Sunshine-y day](https://www.clairesaxby.com/sunshine-y-day/) - First stop, Dymocks where I read books to a small but enthusiastic group of children, happy to sing along with me (and not comment on whether or not I was in tune!) Then I ran into my parents who didn't know I was going to be in the area. Mum told me that both Christmas
- [It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas](https://www.clairesaxby.com/its-beginning-to-feel-a-lot-like-christmas/) - I've been launching 'Christmas at Grandma's Beach House', firstly at Wedderburn College, with Yr 2 and their wonderful teacher, Mrs Mac , who prepared the setting for the launch. She also prepared her students for the first student-sung rendition of 'Christmas at Grandma's Beach House', complete with actions. Stay tuned for the Youtube link! And
- [A wonderful review for 'Meet the Anzacs'](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-wonderful-review-for-meet-the-anzacs/) - here :)
- [](https://www.clairesaxby.com/364-2/) - Yesterday was the thirtieth YABBA Awards ceremony, this year held at Sacre Coeur in Glen Iris. (follow the link for the winners). These children's choice awards are always fun. Students are bussed in from schools all around the place and authors and illustrators (whether or not their books are in consideration) are feted. After the
- [Keilor Downs Kinder and 'Carrum Sailing Club'](https://www.clairesaxby.com/keilor-downs-kinder-and-carrum-sailing-club/) - My daugher-in-law is currently doing a placement at Keilor Downs kinder. She has based one of her projects around 'Carrum Sailing Club' and asked me to come and read the book. She'd prepared 'stations' outside based on each opening (eg scrunching on sand, hiding behind bathing boxes) At each 'station', I'd read a page
- [Cockatoos, seagulls and Emu](https://www.clairesaxby.com/cockatoos-seagulls-and-emu/) - Sydney turned on brilliant weather for our half work/half play weekend. We arrived early Friday and caught a ferry to Cockatoo Island. Why? Why not? Neither of us had been there and knew little about it. There were convicts there (well ... not when we visited, but in earlier times) and they had to hew
- [Notes on a weekend](https://www.clairesaxby.com/notes-on-a-weekend/) - 1. If you leave the road to find the signmarked lookout, that carpark just off the main road, is probably connected to the lookout. But look what you can find if you keep on driving. And driving. 2. Old trees can make the most law-abiding person ignore the fence. (It was down, the fence was
- ['My Name is Lizzie Flynn' is in the papers!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/my-name-is-lizzie-flynn-is-in-the-papers/) - here And how beautiful does Williamstown and Gem Pier look? I'm on page 9
- [Final Book Week school visit](https://www.clairesaxby.com/final-book-week-school-visit/) - My last Book Week school visit was today: two sessions each with Yr1&2 students. Both sessions were fabulous. A late minute change meant the regular teachers were at a planning meeting, but because they'd been reading my books to their classes and using me for their author study, the students were super-excited and super-prepared.
- [Ah, the beach](https://www.clairesaxby.com/ah-the-beach/) - Torquay's White's Beach and an odd cloud break Just back from a lovely 10 day break by the sea. Managed to read a book or three, walk along the beach in all weathers, and visit the odd bookshop. Actually, none of the bookshops were odd at all.Torquay Books, Great Escape Books and Lorne Beach Books
- [Newcastle](https://www.clairesaxby.com/newcastle/) - I was lucky enough to spend part of Book Week in Newcastle, arranged by Carol and Lynne of Newcastle Libraries. Carol collected me from the airport and showed me around town before dropping me at my apartment. My first priority was a walk by the river. I think every ship coming in to this river
- [Parks and libraries, stories and more](https://www.clairesaxby.com/parks-and-libraries-stories-and-more/) - About two years ago, the choir I sing with performed at the then fenced off Madigan Reserve near us. The park was contaminated and there were sink holes opening. But the time of our sining, it was nine years later and still the fences, still no plan for remediation. One of our members heard of
- ['My Name is Lizzie Flynn' launch](https://www.clairesaxby.com/my-name-is-lizzie-flynn-launch/) - Last night, in conjunction with the Loom Room (a local craft group) and the Hobsons Bay Libraries, 'My Name is Lizzie Flynn' was officially launched. Local councillor and WillyLitFest cofounder, Angela Altair created a patchwork (do see what I did there?) of history - mine, Williamstown's and Lizzie's - to share with us all. There
- [Buxton](https://www.clairesaxby.com/buxton/) - For the sixth year in a row, Mark Wilson, Marjory Gardner (above right), Corinne Fenton, Diana Lawrenson and I travelled beyond the Black Spur to a literature festival organised by the indefatigable Libby Ahern. Libby (above left) is librarian to a number of small schools throughout the region that extends out from Yea. Although based
- [Lancefield](https://www.clairesaxby.com/lancefield/) - Ah, for a day away! We had dinner and an overnight stay at Lancefield. We arrived just as the sun was dipping and went for a 'constitutional' before dinner. Actually, before wine-tasting. The winery/restaurant/accommodation sits high and has grand views on almost all sides. It's set in the midst of paddocks and vineyards. Alpacas decorate
- [Willy morning](https://www.clairesaxby.com/willy-morning/) - It was a tad cool this morning, for Melbourne, close to 0 deg C where I live. Of course this is the morning I had to have my car at the mechanics at opening, before any cafes had set out their welcome signs. I went for a walk. I'm not sure who tilted the horizon,
- [Road Trip](https://www.clairesaxby.com/road-trip/) - I've been on the road this past week, travelling through Victoria, NSW and ACT. This gorgeous roofline shows just how things were done in the 19 C. Very stylish. The Hay station now houses a museum and some council departments and the tracks only hold stationary carriages. But they do it well. River road, Hay.
- [The Rajah Quilt](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-rajah-quilt/) - Yesterday, I had a cup of tea with Eva Abbinga, an artist who is creating a sculpture and quilts, inspired by the Rajah quilt. She showed me some of the quilts that will form part of her installation and talked about stories that are 'written' into the quilts. The quilters, like those on the Rajah,
- [And now for your Friday meerkat.](https://www.clairesaxby.com/and-now-for-your-friday-meerkat/) - Just because.
- [Lizzie in the classroom](https://www.clairesaxby.com/lizzie-in-the-classroom/) - A wonderful Yr4 teacher just sent me this. Thrilled I am.
- [Bursting!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/bursting/) - It's been a big week! Emu has been shortlisted for the Environment Award. Then there was lunch with Walker and Black Dog peoples from both sides of book-making. I received my copies of the US version of 'Emu'. It has a dust jacket and looks very swish. That evening I was lucky enough to attend
- [I love autumn](https://www.clairesaxby.com/i-love-autumn/)
- [Oh the places you'll go!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/oh-the-places-youll-go/) - ABC Melbourne had an outdoor broadcast from Fed Sq today. Well, actually it was an inside outside broadcast but it was very different to being in a studio. I was invited in to talk about 'Meet the Anzacs' and I don't mind saying I was a little nervous. But we went in early enough to
- [Leading up to Anzac Day](https://www.clairesaxby.com/leading-up-to-anzac-day/) - On Tuesday, I drove from Melbourne to Avoca to visit their primary school to talk about 'Meet the Anzacs'. Over Tuesday and Wednesday, I presented to all grades and finished up with a presentation to adults at the local library. As always, there are questions that make me laugh (Can I have some more of
- [Connections and stories, quilts and war](https://www.clairesaxby.com/connections-and-stories-quilts-and-war/) - When I was working on edits for 'My Name is Lizzie Flynn' I discovered that there was a quilting award called the 'RAJAH'. This had to be more than a coincidence, and of course it was. The Rajah award is given to a quilter who has contributed to the industry over many years. One of
- [CBCA Book Awards](https://www.clairesaxby.com/cbca-book-awards/) - I am very excited that 'Emu' has been shortlisted in the CBCA Eve Pownall Award for non fiction. Winners are announced in August. The Notable list and the Short List can be viewed here. I will be 'appearing' on ABC Northern Territory on Monday at 3.35 pm to talk about 'Emu' and the shortlist.
- [Spotted in downtown Auckland](https://www.clairesaxby.com/spotted-in-downtown-auckland/) - And after we'd just been 'visiting' each other - a nice coincidence!
- [Emu](https://www.clairesaxby.com/emu/) - A wonderful review for 'Emu' here :)
- [Good Friday](https://www.clairesaxby.com/good-friday/) - Friday was a beautiful day and we took ourselves off to Black Rock for a look at the Cerberus. It was still there, now too fragile to be explored from up close. (Hah! Who am I kidding? As if I was going in Melbourne's water at this time of the year! And my husband even
- [A visitor!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-visitor/) - In this centenary year of Anzac Day, it's not such a surprise that there are a few books on both sides of the Tasman about the Anzacs, but it was curious that the illustrators of these books (Max Berry and Bob Kerr) independently portrayed mateship in this same way. Today, I welcome NZ author Philippa
- [Clayton's and tripping across the Tasman](https://www.clairesaxby.com/claytons-and-tripping-across-the-tasman/) - Last night, I attended the CBCA Vic Clayton's night where speakers talk about the current titles that they love, and that they think are worthy of consideration for the annual CBCA Book of the Year Awards. It's always inspiring to hear people talk about the books that move, entertain, inform and engage them. I was
- [Meet the Anzacs Book Trailer](https://www.clairesaxby.com/meet-the-anzacs-book-trailer/) - Before Christmas, I visited the Penguin Random House offices to record an interview about the writing of 'Meet the Anzacs'. This week, following amazing work by the RH team, there's a book trailer! If you would like to see it, click here This poster went out this week inside the book industry magazine 'Magpies' to
- [Let's Celebrate Australia!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/lets-celebrate-australia/) - Today, I welcome my friend, Lorraine Marwood, to my blog to talk about her new poetry collection for children. Her visit is part of a blog tour to celebrate the release of 'Celebrating Australia' and other blog-stops are listed at the bottom of this post. Lorraine writes and teaches poetry for both children and
- [On my walk today I saw:](https://www.clairesaxby.com/on-my-walk-today-i-saw/) - two ships sailing away from me old St Kilda pier pylons being unloaded from a barge at Williamstown dancing light beneath the darkest pier the Sea Shepherd, but my photos of it have mysteriously vanished from my phone two young men fishing.'Caught anything yet?''Not yet''How long does your patience last ... how long have you
- [Celebrating Australia: A Year in Poetry](https://www.clairesaxby.com/celebrating-australia-a-year-in-poetry/) - My friend, Lorraine Marwood, has just released a new collection of poetry for children with Walker Books Australia. She'll be appearing here shortly (within the next couple of weeks) but being also a teacher, Lorraine has set me (and other bloggers on her 'tour') a challenge. We are each to write a poem using one
- [Dromkeen Open Day and the John Barrow Collection](https://www.clairesaxby.com/dromkeen-open-day-and-the-john-barrow-collection/) - Dromkeen lives! The wonderful Bernadette and Tony have brought Dromkeen back to life after it was sold 18 months ago. It's looking grand. The first exhibition is this one - The John Barrow Collection - curated by Books Illustrated (Ann and Ann). John Barrow was a teacher and principal and picture book art collector and
- [Happy Birthday to 'Big Red Kangaroo' US version](https://www.clairesaxby.com/happy-birthday-to-big-red-kangaroo-us-version/) - Big Red was released in the US this week. Whooohoooo!
- [What did you do on New Year's Eve eve?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/what-did-you-do-on-new-years-eve-eve/) - I made sausages! It is said that the proof is in the pudding, but in this case the proof is in the sausages. Garlic, sage and rose; bratwurst; Jeanma Special; spicy. Guess what's for tea? The clueless leading the clueless. But we're learning. Don't look too closely at these early extrusions Getting the hang of
- [Farewell First Tuesday Children's Book Club](https://www.clairesaxby.com/farewell-first-tuesday-childrens-book-club/) - About five years ago, I was one of the founding members of the First Tuesday Children's Book Club Since then, we've met in various rooms in the Abbotsford Convent. Sometimes in the yellow room, sometimes in other spaces, but mostly in the room we knew as Mother Superior's Chamber. (Recently it's been renamed but I'm
- [Once upon a beach holiday](https://www.clairesaxby.com/once-upon-a-beach-holiday/) - To the sea, perchance to see Still life with lizard A room with a view The walk to town Late afternoon selfie Upon a little hill Here's leaf litter to you Held together with slogans and paint Too hot to seek asylum here And finally ... does he look like a half-transformed Frog Prince? I
- [Queensland Literary Awards](https://www.clairesaxby.com/queensland-literary-awards/) - I have been on holiday in Byron Bay (bliss) and was thrilled while there to receive news that Big Red Kangaroo has been shortlisted in the Queensland Literary Awards. Big Red is keeping fine company in the Griffith University Children's Book Award category. For the full list of award categories and shortlists see here
- [Herring Island](https://www.clairesaxby.com/herring-island/) - Yesterday, we took the punt to Herring Island. As you do. Actually, as I've not done. Ever. But have been keen to do for some years. It's a man-made island in the middle of the Yarra around Richmond/Toorak (depending on which bank of the Yarra you're on). I knew little about it beyond that it
- [Clunes Kids Booktown and SpringFest with Itty Bitty Book Van](https://www.clairesaxby.com/clunes-kids-booktown-and-springfest-with-itty-bitty-book-van/) - I'd planned my preparation down to the minute. Two days in Clunes at Booktown for Kids (with fellow authors and illustrators Andrew Plant, Marks x3 (Wilson, Greenwood and Carthew), Sherryl Clark, Judith Rossell, Krista Bell, Frane Lessac, Hazel Edwards, Ann James, Craig Smith and Jackie Kerin) and then a day by Lake Wendouree at SpringFest
- [I do love a wedding](https://www.clairesaxby.com/i-do-love-a-wedding/) - And this one was a ripper! Go you two! Live a long and happy life together.
- [Sydney, Narana and Torquay](https://www.clairesaxby.com/sydney-narana-and-torquay/) - This week I've been to Sydney, Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Torquay, all to do with emus and my picture book 'Emu'. I don't have photos yet from Sydney, but here are some from Narana and Torquay. This is Mama Emu. Yes, Mama. She was mighty curious about me, pecking at my watch, camera
- [Flowerdale in Spring](https://www.clairesaxby.com/flowerdale-in-spring/) - Last Christmas, our boys gave us a getaway in the country. This past weekend, we finally connected our calendars and were able to take it. This was the view from our room's front door. We were at Flowerdale Estate, between Strath Creek and Flowerdale. Victoria turned on them most amazing weather,firstly for travelling about the
- [Knead the dough](https://www.clairesaxby.com/knead-the-dough/) - On Saturday, courtesy of my lovely family, I attended a breadmaking workshop at the Convent in Abbotsford.There were 12 in the class, led by baker Ian.We made scones, pizza base, sourdough bread and bread rolls. We ate some of our produce for morning tea and lunch and took the rest home to feed the starving
- [Big Red shines](https://www.clairesaxby.com/big-red-shines/) - Happy to tell the world that 'Big Red Kangaroo' received a Certificate of Commendation in the 2014 Whitley Awards. The Whitley Awards are given each year by the Royal Zoological Society of NSW for outstanding publications relating to the fauna of Australia.
- [SCBWI Flinders](https://www.clairesaxby.com/scbwi-flinders/) - Today, the Vic SCBWI quarterly meeting was in Flinders, on the Mornington Peninsula. The weather was glorious and I was there early enough to take a few photos. The meeting was held in an old church hall and was well attended, particularly given how tricky it can be to get city bods to travel beyond
- [Spotted in Korea](https://www.clairesaxby.com/spotted-in-korea/) - on Nami Island, a picture book display. Thanks Ann for letting me know.
- [Book Week unexpected surprises](https://www.clairesaxby.com/book-week-unexpected-surprises/) - Surprise 1: Beautiful boats 'constructed' by preps after being read 'Ebi's Boat' Surprise 2: This beautiful emu jumper, knitted by this young emu-fan's grandmother!
- [I've been to Canberra](https://www.clairesaxby.com/ive-been-to-canberra/) - I was at the airport in time to see the sun rise. The CBCA Book of the Year Award Ceremony was held at the National Library of Australia. Graham Byrne and I were thrilled to see in the bookshop multiple copies of both Crichton-winner Big Red Kangaroo and Emu. It was a bit tricky
- [Emu is OUT THERE!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/emu-is-out-there/) - Yesterday, at Book & Paper Williamstown, Marjory Gardner officially launched Emu. The talented Danny Walsh, musician and singer with tooo many bands to mention, sang and played Old Man Emu (with audience participation of course!) Wall projections by my husband, Kerry. Marjory and Danny spruiking Sue and Hannah, wonderful bookshop people Danny demonstrating the mouth
- [Flowerdale and Emu](https://www.clairesaxby.com/flowerdale-and-emu/) - On Thursday, I travelled to Flowerdale with Diana Lawrenson and Marjory Gardner for our fifth annual Literature Festival. Mark Wilson and Corinne Fenton were also there. Each year we visit either Flowerdale or Buxton to present this festival. Schools are bussed in from other schools. This year, I introduced 'Emu' to three groups: Prep/1/2; Gr
- [Monash KOALA Kids Book Club](https://www.clairesaxby.com/monash-koala-kids-book-club/) - Last Wednesday I was invited to share 'Seadog' and 'There Was an Old Sailor' with young children at the Monash KOALA Kids Book Club at Monash Medical Centre.The bookclub aims to provide a spot of normal in the middle of medical treatment. We read 'Seadog' then provided individual Seadogs with personalised coats. Then we read
- [Emu is flying!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/emu-is-flying/) - Getting ready to launch Emu next Saturday at 2.30 pm at Book & Paper in Williamstown (36 Douglas Pde) I've got a window! And inside the shop ... look at the company I'm keeping. Feeling good
- [Thanks for Seadog](https://www.clairesaxby.com/thanks-for-seadog/) - THIS is why I do what I do ... an email from a fan of Seadog. "Dear Claire, Just wanted to say a big "Thanks!" for "Seadog". We have a 3 1/2 year old who borrows it from the library every time it's there. I just asked Oscar what he likes best about the book
- [To the country, perchance to see an emu. We did! We did!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/to-the-country-perchance-to-see-an-emu-we-did-we-did/) - We also found family gravestones. What stories they tell. And then there was this Heritage Listed Maritime Pine. How cool is the bark??? And one final emu. This one is the cover of my new book, to be launched at 2.30 pm Saturday 9 August at the wonderful Book & Paper Bookshop in our new
- [Conferences](https://www.clairesaxby.com/conferences/) - I've just been in Sydney for the Walker Conference followed sharply by the SCBWI International Conference. The Walker Conference was for authors and illustrators who work with Walker Books and was a great way to meet all the Walker team and learn more about how they work together with us to make and sell books.
- [Making sourdough bread](https://www.clairesaxby.com/making-sourdough-bread/) - Last year, Julia, Kate and I ran a 2 hour workshop on making sourdough bread (as part of the Newport Folk Festival). This year, we did it again. Part of the magic of copresenting this workshop is that the audience get to see how differently we make the bread, despite having the same starting
- [I've been a-beaching!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/ive-been-a-beaching/) - We've been to the beach for a bit. Don't let anyone tell you there's no fun to be had on a winter beach. It was fabulous. This beach was awash in giant kelp, only freshly shared with the shore. Tough as leather, heavy as wet rope. A tiny plover, one of many
- [Pics from a school visit](https://www.clairesaxby.com/pics-from-a-school-visit/) - Just after ANZAC Day I visited a school in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. Man, were these kids sorted! They knew all about Gallipoli and WWI. I took some WWI supplies including: tinned jam, hard tack biscuits and tinned corn beef. The latter can still be purchased today ... probably little changed. I'm
- [Inspiration](https://www.clairesaxby.com/inspiration/) - If only it were possible to bottle inspiration! Actually, I suspect bottled inspiration would only be a pale imitation of the wild stuff. I love that it's impossible to know when inspiration will strike. Randomly, yesterday, I had an encounter with inspiration that I'm struggling to contain. I was chatting about books and war and
- [What did you do last night?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/what-did-you-do-last-night/) - We went outatown to film a fire. As you do. Well, as you do if your husband works in theatre. Over the years, our family has contributed to many sound and visual effects. If done well these are often not 'noticed' by theatre-goers but are intended to effect their experience nonetheless. So while the
- [A quick trip to Hobart](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-quick-trip-to-hobart/) - Since writing about the Rajah quilt (My Name is Lizzie Flynn, due out early 2015) I have been keen to revisit Hobart, to visit Cascades Female Factory (and I also had some vague story ideas centred around Pt Arthur). This past week I had my chance. My folks were staying in Hobart for a week
- [A cold and wet Melbourne day](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-cold-and-wet-melbourne-day/) - I had a lovely time on Tuesday, visiting schools to share Meet the Anzacs. The day was organised by Book Bonding Bookshop and co-owner Mark had organised the visits to two schools, three groups of students from grade two to grade four. The students had been looking at Anzac Day and its significance
- [RN Drive - In the Drawing Room](https://www.clairesaxby.com/rn-drive-in-the-drawing-room/) - Today I'll be talking with Jonathan Green and John Schumann on RN Drive, 'In the Drawing Room' about our new picture books and about writing war for young people. John is author and singer of the classic Vietnam song 'I was Only Nineteen' which is now a picture book, illustrated by Craig Smith. My book,
- [Seadog on Playschool!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/seadog-on-playschool/) - Seadog was read on Playschool today. What a thrill! Alex Papps did a great job sharing Seadog with the world. Go Alex! Go Playschool! Go Seadog, go! Here's the link if you'd like to watch/listen http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/play-school#playing
- ['Meet the Anzacs' is launched!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/meet-the-anzacs-is-launched/) - Yesterday, Mark Wilson, talented Melbourne author and illustrator (and musician and conservationist ... ) travelled the breadth of Melbourne to launch my new picture book. He talked about writing war for children and included some amazing diary entries and photos. A young audience member read his copy of 'Meet the Anzacs' as I did, making
- [CBCA Award Notables and shortlist](https://www.clairesaxby.com/cbca-award-notables-and-shortlist/) - Today is a big day in the world of Australian children's literature. It's the day the CBCA announces the Notable books and the Shortlist for 2013 books. Here is the full list of Notables and the Shortlist. Congratulations to all the creators. I am thrilled that 'Big Red Kangaroo' is a Notable Book in the
- [Kids Can Press](https://www.clairesaxby.com/kids-can-press/) - Loving this page on Kids Can Press. :)
- [Thirteen Red Shoes](https://www.clairesaxby.com/thirteen-red-shoes/) - Recently I was asked to contribute answers to some questions about writing for another blog. Not much very unusual about that. What was unusual was that the request was that these answers be hand-written. hmm. I have one friend who lives interstate and we do have a hand-written correspondence, in addition to our email and
- [This is just to say ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/this-is-just-to-say/) - ... that I am mastering my fear of the carwash with its moving machines that challenge my sense of place and with its slappy slappy wash bits. This pic was taken from inside my car where I was sitting alone. This is the second time I have gone through alone. I had to do it
- [Big Red Kangaroo at Melbourne Clayton's Night](https://www.clairesaxby.com/big-red-kangaroo-at-melbourne-claytons-night/) - Last night with two fellow authors I attended the Melbourne Clayton's Night where five speakers talk about their predictions for the upcoming CBCA Awards. It's always interesting to hear others talk passionately about books in general and specifically. The speakers last night were Anna Burkey from the State Library, Emma Baker also from the State
- [OOPS! Perhaps this is why I never won at games of tag ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/oops-perhaps-this-is-why-i-never-won-at-games-of-tag/) - I've been tagged! This is part of an 'Author Process' blog tour where authors answer four questions. I was tagged by Chris Bell who was tagged by ... visit Chris at the address below to see who's been tagged and what they have to share about their writing process. It's fascinating reading. Alright, I'll confess
- [A-visiting I will go ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-visiting-i-will-go/) - Today, I'm a guest on fellow-author and friend, Dee White's blog about writing tips, for my five tips on writing picture books in general, and 'Meet the Anzacs' in particular. Pop over and say hello. :)
- [First day of autumn, Torquay-style](https://www.clairesaxby.com/first-day-of-autumn-torquay-style/) - shadow-time catching the wind and taking it for a ride staying bright as afternoon fled dogs and people and fairy wrens Sundial, story-style
- [There he sails, over the sea - over the sea to Canada and the US](https://www.clairesaxby.com/there-he-sails-over-the-sea-over-the-sea-to-canada-and-the-us/) - It's true! 'There Was an Old Sailor' has arrived in Canada and the US, due for official release on Monday 3 March. Isn't he looking swell? He has a dust jacket and a kirkus review and all ... “An aptly silly narrative and offbeat illustrations make this a successful new spin on an old classic.”
- [A weekend at the beach](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-weekend-at-the-beach/) - The beach teemed with seaweed, as varied in colour and texture as any garden. The sand painted the tide flow, in minute patterns. Seaweed disguised as a skeleton, complete with seafoam and sandtracks. The beach collapsed, one crack at a time. Meanwhile, at home, the basil took over the garden. And the first cherries blushed.
- [Making stories](https://www.clairesaxby.com/making-stories/) - I led a workshop on the other side of town on Monday, at Glen Waverley library (thanks Lisa). There were 20 well-prepared young writers/illustrators there, raring to go. Together we created characters, wrote them and drew them. Then we developed plot outlines. An hour isn't very long to construct a story and do illustrations, so
- [Magnetic Island](https://www.clairesaxby.com/magnetic-island/) - We had an unexpected trip to Townsville this past weekend and also a day trip to Magnetic Island, scene of several holidays in the past. This was our first trip since the ferry terminal was moved from Picnic Bay to Nelly Bay and we were keen to see the impact on the Picnic Bay village.
- [Getting Away From It All ... or should that be ... Getting Back To It?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/getting-away-from-it-all-or-should-that-be-getting-back-to-it/) - Two kookaburras sitting in an old gum tree ...We think it was an almost-grown child and a parent. They were certainly having an animated conversation. These leaves were huge, the longest probably 50 cm or more. This was the view just behind our hotel room. Almost poetic in its apparent perfection. Then there was an
- [A final review for the year](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-final-review-for-the-year/) - Christmas at Grandad's Farm featured on Mornings with Fiona Parker today. Thanks to Fiona and to Sarah Mayor Cox who is the other half of this regular chat about children's books. They reviewed 'Seadog' earlier in the year, and recently 'Big Red Kangaroo'. Apart from my obvious appreciation of them reviewing my books, I've enjoyed
- [Christmas at Grandad's Farm: the song](https://www.clairesaxby.com/christmas-at-grandads-farm-the-song/) - Last night, our choir was part of the local Christmas carols night. And guess which book-song was part of our performance? If you'd like to hear us, click here Thank you to Catherine for this recording.
- [Tea?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tea/) - I mentioned I'd recently enjoyed an al fresco lunch in the country, but I may not have mentioned that there was a dress code. I raided our dress up collection and found this set of quick change 'tails', complete with pockets in the tails of the jacket. (quick change coz it's from a stage play
- [In the last few days ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/in-the-last-few-days/) - I've spotted this enormous magnolia flower ... travelled to Gippsland in the rain ... shared an al fresco luncheon in Central Victoria ... inhabited a renovation-in-progress that was also 'home' to a wet-plaster scotty dog ... enjoyed lace and leaves ... marvelled at the durability of old words ... and played with ruin. That is all.
- [Big Red Kangaroo](https://www.clairesaxby.com/big-red-kangaroo/) - There's a lovely review of Big Red Kangaroo here :
- [I love my job!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/i-love-my-job/) - I was out of town for a couple of days last week and came home to some lovely mail. These postcards were from children who attended the Speech Pathology Awards presentation. These children sat patiently through the awards ceremony, then waited some more for the official photographer. Thank you to the children and to the
- [Some more pics from SCBWI](https://www.clairesaxby.com/some-more-pics-from-scbwi/) - Corinne sharing the sugar-hit Corinne and I easing our way out of frame Apparently I talk with my hands ... a lot ... hence this action-hands shot! We've had a grand old time, and Corinne has become a very good friend. Wonder what we'll do next?
- [A final SCBWI adventure](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-final-scbwi-adventure/) - On Saturday, Corinne King and I presented at our final SCBWI meeting in our respective roles as ARA (Assistant Regional Adviser) and helper. We've been doing this for eight years and we've handed over to the 'new guard'. Corinne talked about Serendipity - those delightful coincidences that guide our careers. My topic was 'Highs and
- [I'm impressed](https://www.clairesaxby.com/im-impressed/) - This is what my dad just made for my mum.
- [Brickwork](https://www.clairesaxby.com/brickwork/) - Brickwork in the rain Generational change, layer by layer Tiled floor
- [Mr Pip and Bougainville](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mr-pip-and-bougainville/) - Last night, we, and about 140 others sat in a cinema in Carlton and watched 'Mr Pip'. 'Mr Pip' is based on a book by New Zealander Lloyd Jones about how literature can take you away from the world you live in, to a world only you can know and see. It's not a new
- [YABBA](https://www.clairesaxby.com/yabba/) - ... and the winners are ... Congratulations to all the winners! The YABBA Awards are children's choice book awards for Victoria. Other states have their own versions - WAYBRA, KOALA (go on, work out what the acronym spells) and more. Local and interstate authors are invited to attend, and share the fun of meeting students
- [Get the Inside Story](https://www.clairesaxby.com/get-the-inside-story/) - Today featured the inaugural SCBWI Inside Story event at The Little Bookroom Fourteen authors and illustrators had three minutes each to talk about the story behind the story of a recent book. What a treat to discover how these books began! So many talented people in one place - one fabulous bookshop Goldie Alexander and
- [A possible sighting ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-possible-sighting/) - of Seadog here What do you think?
- [Daytime fireworks](https://www.clairesaxby.com/daytime-fireworks/) - I'd love to say these were from my garden.I do have two young plants of the orange-flowering variety, but this year, they've produced a single flower between them. In the meantime, I am grateful for the flower stall outside Torquay.
- [Just hanging out](https://www.clairesaxby.com/just-hanging-out/) - Thanks to Sam for this photo. I love the solid of the bricks and the delicacy of dragonfly's wings.
- [Speech Pathology Award for Seadog](https://www.clairesaxby.com/speech-pathology-award-for-seadog/) - Lookee here! Very exciting. Keeping fine company Receiving my beautiful trophy from MC Tennille Burns I stood and stared like this at the audience the whole time I was at the lectern. Didn't say a word. Hah! Who doesn't love a sticker?
- [After the show](https://www.clairesaxby.com/after-the-show/) - Last night we took visitors to see a show and afterwards went back stage. This is the view from the stage. There is an eerie afterglow when you've been sitting in the audience and then can see what the performers see. Almost echoes of their responses. A mechanical calf, resting between shows. A dreadful
- [Christmas at Grandad's Farm](https://www.clairesaxby.com/christmas-at-grandads-farm/) - Very happy to see that my new Aussie Christmas book is being well received. For the review, clickhere. For more information about it, click here
- [Away, Away-O](https://www.clairesaxby.com/away-away-o/) - I've been away this weekend and it's been lovely. A writing retreat by the beach. I've written 2/3 of a 0 draft of a new picture book (a 0 draft isn't even good enough to be called a first draft but it's a start) and a preliminary edit of a non-fiction title. There was workshopping
- [Christmas at Grandad's Farm](https://www.clairesaxby.com/christmas-at-grandads-farm-2/) - Look what I found yesterday! Very excited to unpack book box yesterday and discover my new picture book, illustrated by Janine Dawson and published by Five Mile Press. Officially published 1 October. Think Jingle Bells in the Australian countryside.
- [Happy Fifth Birthday Newport Community Choir!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/happy-fifth-birthday-newport-community-choir/) - Our local choir celebrated today. It's five years since the first group gathered to sing. Why join a choir? Many reasons really. My primary reason was because it's fun and my boys weren't supportive of me singing at home. I also hoped to improve my breathing when speaking in public and perhaps to feel a
- [I've been a-visiting ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/ive-been-a-visiting/) - Last week I visited Dee White's blog for a bit of a chat about picture books. Fun it was. Thanks Dee :)
- [SCBWI Creative Retreat Maldon](https://www.clairesaxby.com/scbwi-creative-retreat-maldon/) - The conference begins. The SCBWI Maldon Creative Retreat aimed to provide stimulus and support to Childrens' writers and illustrators. Attendees ranged from newcomers to well-published Australian creators. While mostly Victorians, we also welcomed two Tasmanians. The first day program was designed to offer stimulus via workshops on poetry and illustration, emotion and form.
- [It's a circular thing ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/its-a-circular-thing/) - I was having some new pics taken when I needed to check my hair (as you do). No mirrors being handy, I used the 'selfie' camera on the phone. That's when I noticed the photographer was taking a photo of me. So I took a photo of her taking a picture of me checking my
- [Out and about](https://www.clairesaxby.com/out-and-about-2/) - These next photos are all taken from approximately the same place. But they are endlessly changeable. Hence the many photos ... City has vanished Morning ... ... and evening of the same day. National Gallery water wall captivates all love the shadows Gum blossum
- [Why I love preps and their teachers](https://www.clairesaxby.com/why-i-love-preps-and-their-teachers/)
- [In our local park](https://www.clairesaxby.com/in-our-local-park/) - Sunday was a wild one here in Melbourne, and that was just the lunch for my mother's birthday! After eating way too much, we ventured into the windy outdoors to walk off some of the excess ... so there'd be room for afternoon tea! All the native trees and shrubs were in flower. Whoever said
- [National Booksellers' Day](https://www.clairesaxby.com/national-booksellers-day/) - Today I did a trip to the coast to visit two bookshops as part of National Booksellers' Day. First was Torquay Books, where visitors included witches and flying monkeys, and a transforming very hungry caterpillar. Butterflies Then it was off to Ocean Grove and Bookgrove. Today was a family affair at Bookgrove with Shelley's two
- [By the seaside](https://www.clairesaxby.com/by-the-seaside/) - Sunrise Moon set still waters cardiac stairs Sea monster driftwood More driftwood Into the forest ... A photographer needs an assistant
- [Fabulous Seadogs](https://www.clairesaxby.com/fabulous-seadogs/) - courtesy of Mack and his classmates
- [Spotted at Brisbane Airport](https://www.clairesaxby.com/spotted-at-brisbane-airport/) - Seadog on the bottom shelf Still there Not any more!
- [Brisbane](https://www.clairesaxby.com/brisbane/) - I was in Brisbane last week, mainly to see the Rajah Quilt which was visiting from Canberra and keeping company with some very fine quilts from V&A and elsewhere. I had a spare day and courtesy of a writing friend was introduced to Sandgate on a day when the beach was showing its best sides.
- [He's nearly here and he's back](https://www.clairesaxby.com/hes-nearly-here-and-hes-back/) - Big Red has been sighted in bookshops. Very exciting. And Seadog is back in stock. Fresh from his shortlisting in the Speech Pathology Award.
- [This is what our sourdough workshop looked like](https://www.clairesaxby.com/this-is-what-our-sourdough-workshop-looked-like/) - ... but not for very much of it. It wasn't long before we had everyone crowding around, mixing, peering at bubbles in the mixture etc.And then we cut our loaves and there was a bit of tasting ...
- [History](https://www.clairesaxby.com/history/) - What were you doing on this wintery-type day in Melbourne? I spent the day with my cousin's daughter (so ... my second cousin?) revisiting our shared history. She was keen to see where my aunt - her grandmother - had worked. We did that, but we also looked specifically and more generally at history.
- [Brisk](https://www.clairesaxby.com/brisk/) - It's been cold in Melbourne. Yes, I know there are many colder places, and our weather is mild in comparison. It hasn't been cold enough for it to snow on Victorian mountains, which was very disappointing for our recent visitors from North Queensland. But it's been cold enough to put frost on the grass,
- [Google alert](https://www.clairesaxby.com/google-alert/) - It's always fascinating to hear someone else read your work. Here's There Was an Old Sailor being read by Tetera Faulkner from Emirates Western Force. :)
- [Seadog is short-listed](https://www.clairesaxby.com/seadog-is-short-listed/) - Very excited to see Seadog on the Speech Pathology shortlist. :)
- [Toddlers, Tweens and Teens Festival](https://www.clairesaxby.com/toddlers-tweens-and-teens-festival/) - I'll be here on Sunday, courtesy of the wonderful Book and Paper Bookshop, as part of a day of activities for the younger set. :) If you're nearby, or have small people, come on down!
- [Beginnings](https://www.clairesaxby.com/beginnings/) - I'm not sure whether I love or loathe this part of the writing process. When an idea breaks away from the clamour of my brain and insists on attention. What seems brilliant in concept form can falter spectacularly in the transition from idea to fully formed story. At any stage. Or at several stages. This
- [They see him here, they see him there ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/they-see-him-here-they-see-him-there/) - My friend Jackie K writes about Seadog and the launch hereThanks Jackie.
- [The weekend that was](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-weekend-that-was/) - Saturday morning saw the official opening of the 10th Williamstown Literary Festival and the presentation of the Ada Cambridge Prose and Poetry Awards. My poem, Accidental Historians, was a Commended Poem. All short listed stories and poems are included in a book, which is lovely. Fascinating to read other entries. Here are some of the
- [This weekend](https://www.clairesaxby.com/this-weekend/) - Melbourne is the place to be at the moment. Emerging Writers Festival, Reading Matters, Williamstown Literary Festival. It's all happening. The launch of the Willy Lit Fest is 10 am Saturday and that's also when the announcement will be made of the winners for the Ada Cambridge Short Story and the Poetry Prize. I've a
- [Weekend Walking](https://www.clairesaxby.com/weekend-walking/) - Last weekend, we took our dog to Brimbank Park - surely one of Melbourne's secret fabulous places. From the park entrance, it looks almost industrial, but wind your way down the entry road and you're in a riverside oasis. You could be in the country in another time rather than contemporary outer suburbia. There are
- [Holidays 2](https://www.clairesaxby.com/holidays-2/) - A North Stradbroke Island inhabitant, worn out by the island's pace No filters (except for polarising). How's this blue? Another worn out inhabitant Brown Lake. Clear as weak black tea. Stained by ti tree leaves. Smelt fabulous. Medicinal swimming encouraged. This fellow sang his approval of our dipping At the beach near Ayr North
- [Brisbane](https://www.clairesaxby.com/brisbane-2/) - Public art near Southbank. It seems to be made of lino bits and a map. The preparations for the three day celebration of Buddha's birth day festival were extensive A peacock on the run down?A coat hook?A candle holder? It's a bird! In the art gallery Nice light. Reflections Up up and away
- [Seadog](https://www.clairesaxby.com/seadog/) - A lovely review here :) Less than a week until Seadog hits the shops. Yay!
- [Graduate Union Family Day](https://www.clairesaxby.com/graduate-union-family-day/) - Renee Treml and I were part of today's Graduate Union Family Day in Melbourne Warren from Embiggen Books in Little Lonsdale St (opposite Wheeler Centre) was the able bookseller. Monty, daughter of Warren was happy to have a pic taken, as long as she could keep feeding animals into her paper sailor. Here Monty
- [Williamstown](https://www.clairesaxby.com/williamstown/) - Okay, so it was raining and a little chilly. But how cool is the light? Love the panorama feature of my phone
- [Oliv-eee-aaa!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/oliv-eee-aaa/) - My across-the-road neighbour has olive trees. A few years ago, I asked if I could join her next time she was picking/pickling. I was curious to see how the magic happened, and happy to help pick the fruit. The last couple of years had produced very poor crops and it wasn't until this year that
- [Guinea Pig Town](https://www.clairesaxby.com/guinea-pig-town/) - Yesterday, I caught the train to Woodend for the launch of Lorraine Marwood's new poetry collection, Guinea Pig Town and other animal poems (Walker Books). The launch was organised by the Goldfields Library and was held in Bendigo and then Woodend.The weather was just about perfect. Actually, scratch that. It WAS perfect, a
- [Twig Lizard](https://www.clairesaxby.com/twig-lizard/) - Twig lizard Dish lizard Tree lizard
- [Last week ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/last-week/) - Last week was a busy one. Delightfully so, but busy. Monday, was a Literature Festival in Carlton. I was there early and went for a walk. I like to have a look around where I'll be working, it grounds me somehow. I took my brolly, on the off chance that the grey clouds opened. It
- [Clayton's Night](https://www.clairesaxby.com/claytons-night/) - Last night Catriona Hoy and I joined Pam McIntyre, Susanne Thwaites and Pam Horsey (channelling her inner Bec Kavanagh) presented our Clayton's shortlist titles to a gathering of bookpeople at the CBCA Vic Clayton's Night. I was presenting the Early Childhood section and Catriona, the non fiction. Knowing that it's almost impossible to catch a
- [The Next Big Thing - I've been tagged](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-next-big-thing-ive-been-tagged/) - I've been tagged to take part in an ongoing blog tour about upcoming books. I was tagged by Lorraine Marwood. You can visit Lorraine's blog and learn about her new book here But enough about that, and to the questions: 1. What is the working title of your next book? Big Red Kangaroo. With stunning
- [Travelling to Fiji](https://www.clairesaxby.com/travelling-to-fiji/) - I wish!But the second-best thing did happen. Some of my books are now living in Fiji in a school library. A local uni student had the opportunity to spend a week in this school this summer. And she took some of my books with her (thanks G). So now my stories of chickens and children,
- [Adelaide](https://www.clairesaxby.com/adelaide/) - Roma Mitchell was a judge, QC, chancellor of a university and a state governor. Not all at the same time, but she was the first women in several of these positions. So she deserves a rest, and here, outside Government House, under leafy trees, she gets it. Playing with the cartoon app again ... this
- [A Day in the Country](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-day-in-the-country/) - A friend was in town for a medical appointment so I met her and drove her home to the country. She and her family moved here about 15 years ago and have transformed a fairly ordinary home and garden into a welcoming family home. And I do mean welcoming. At any given time, there will
- [Interested in my secrets?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/interested-in-my-secrets/) - A few were revealed here recently. :)
- [Carrum sighting](https://www.clairesaxby.com/carrum-sighting/) - Lovely to hear (thanks MCG) that Carrum Sailing Club was seen out and about this week in uptown Melbourne, in the hands of a child. The child was in a stroller and 'reading' intently. :)
- [Derm-pav](https://www.clairesaxby.com/derm-pav/) - Any idea what derm-pav is? Nor had I, until today. We went on a train trip. A Diesel Electric Rail Motor - Preservation Association Victoria train trip. It began in Newport and travelled through the western suburbs freight lines, returning us to Newport about an hour later. The engine/carriage was built in 1925 and had
- [In the garden](https://www.clairesaxby.com/in-the-garden/) - Minibeast Found objects Promises What the sunshine did
- [Maranoa Gardens](https://www.clairesaxby.com/maranoa-gardens/) - Rather than cram it into the pre-Christmas crowdedness, a few friends and I met today for our annual picnic. When 36 deg was forecast, we revised our meeting time earlier. We met at Maranoa Gardens in Balwyn, a lovely oasis in the midst of suburbia. It was delightful, and cool under the trees, although we
- [An early Christmas present](https://www.clairesaxby.com/an-early-christmas-present/) - French Canadian editions of Snow Play! Yay!
- [The Next Big Thing](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-next-big-thing/) - The Next Big Thing is a bit like blog-tag, with authors answering questions about their latest project and linking forward to others doing the same thing. I wasn't sure who around/interested in blogging at this time of year so I've done it a bit differently.I've answered the questions and linked back to Sandy Fussell who
- [Some people are clever ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/some-people-are-clever/) - ... like the people who made this app, so I can play, and turn photos into cartoons.
- [Lyrebird launch](https://www.clairesaxby.com/lyrebird-launch/) - Sunday was a busy day. We shot down to Ocean Grove to visit some new parents and their gorgeous son, then back to Melbourne, hopefully to be in time for the launch of Jackie Kerin's new picture book, 'Lyrebird: A True Story'. We had two reasons to be there. The first was to help
- [Hey Baby! Launch at RCH](https://www.clairesaxby.com/hey-baby-launch-at-rch/) - Yesterday, Corinne Fenton launched her new picture book, Hey Baby! at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne. The hospital had organised a class from the local primary school to attend, and after the launch, Corinne went upstairs to read her book to some children unwell enough to attend the launch. I snapped Sue Lawson as
- [Even in the drain ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/even-in-the-drain/) - Walking to my car the other day, I glanced into this stormwater drain. There, in what must be a fairly inhospitable environment, maiden hair ferns thrived.Amazing.
- [I haven't aged a bit!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/i-havent-aged-a-bit/) - Yesterday we lunched with my cousin's three daughters. We've decided to dispense with the details of that cousin-hood (first, second, first-once-removed and all that) and just be cousins. Anyhoo, during the course of lunch (courses really) I pulled out some photos of the girls as youngsters, elbow and knee deep in muddiness after a fantastic
- [Best laid plans and all that](https://www.clairesaxby.com/best-laid-plans-and-all-that/) - I sing in a local community choir. It's great fun and it's been a fun way to meet more locals (and to learn new things like making sour dough bread, but that's another story). This past week we had the opportunity to record our work in a professional studio. Very exciting. We travelled in convoy
- [Gooney Bird over Melbourne](https://www.clairesaxby.com/gooney-bird-over-melbourne/) - Last night, we took the Gooney Bird flight over Melbourne. It was a dinner flight and we began with champagne, and finished with port and chocolates.The Gooney Bird (aka DC3) first began flying in the 1930s, only thirty years after Wilbur and Orville did their thing. This particular Gooney Bird was one of the last production models, and was owned
- [Truly Tan](https://www.clairesaxby.com/truly-tan/) - On Saturday, at the Abbotsford Convent, Jen Storer launched Truly Tan, the first in what will be a series for middle primary readers. Tan, the main character, is the oldest of four girls in a family who have just moved from the city to the country. Although you can only see the front few of
- [Willow House](https://www.clairesaxby.com/willow-house/) - In the city centre a new house grows It gazes happily at earlier houses And like them, it reaches skyward This Fed Square installation is the work of Patrick Dougherty. See more of his work here
- [New beginnings](https://www.clairesaxby.com/new-beginnings/) - What's the connection between these two images?The first is Grandma Poss from Possum Magic.The second is Queen's Hall, part of the original building of the State Library of Victoria. Grandma Poss has most recently been resident in the gardens of Dromkeen, a wonderful place for immersion in children's literature, particularly the art of children's literature.
- [Seadogs](https://www.clairesaxby.com/seadogs/) - My next picture book, Seadog, is due for March 2013 release. Here is our dog, Emmi, who inspired the story. At Torquay on Sunday, we saw myriad other seadogs. There's nothing like watching a dog race along the beach to show pure joy.
- [Squish rides again](https://www.clairesaxby.com/squish-rides-again/) - Today at the wonderful Little Bookroom in Carlton North, Andy Griffiths launched Katherine Battersby's Brave Squish Rabbit, sequel to Squish Rabbit. Like Squish's first outing, this is a lovely gentle story about overcoming fear for friendship. Beautifully told and illustrated. Go Katherine! Andy however, couldn't keep his hands to himself. There he was, not content
- [Tassie SCBWI Meeting](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tassie-scbwi-meeting/) - On a coolish Saturday afternoon, SCBWI held their first Tasmanian gathering at the wonderful Fuller's Bookshop in Launceston. All up, we were 25. Julie Hunt shared the process behind the creation of a graphic novel. Kidglovz will be released in late 2013. Corinne and I gave brief overviews of our journey into writing,
- [In the Euroa Gazette!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/in-the-euroa-gazette/)
- [Final random holiday pics](https://www.clairesaxby.com/final-random-holiday-pics/) - Waiting for tucker The local gossips Pelican frenzy They have no teeth so they just swallow as much as they can. That's what that expanding beak sack thingo is for. Get it, get it down fast Cape Willoughby Lighthouse keepers' cottages
- [Out of order holiday snaps 5](https://www.clairesaxby.com/out-of-order-holiday-snaps-5/) - View from Cape Coeudic supply hut The supply ship, which arrived every three months (yay!) would anchor in the bay, load supplies onto a smaller boat which rowed to the bottom here. All goods had to be hauled 90 m up this almost vertical cliff. Where the river meets the sea. On the walk from Snake's
- [Play School](https://www.clairesaxby.com/play-school/) - What a thrill to have my picture book 'The Carrum Sailing Club' (illustrated by Christina Booth, published by Windy Hollow Books) featured on Play School this morning. My friend Jackie Kerin came to watch it with me so there was someone to share the smiles with. Thanks Jackie. Here are some more of the photos
- [Out of order holiday snaps 4](https://www.clairesaxby.com/out-of-order-holiday-snaps-4/) - This must have been one volatile place back when these rocks were cooling. Second Valley, undiscovered gem. Shh. Imagine wandering these caves by candle-light. Imagine when the candle went out. Admiral's Arch. Bonus: New Zealand fur seals.
- [It's Playschool. It's PLAYSCHOOL!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/its-playschool-its-playschool/) - Very excited to report that 'The Carrum Sailing Club' will appear on Playschool, ABC2 at 9.30 am, Wednesday 26 September. Very.
- [Out of order holiday snaps 3](https://www.clairesaxby.com/out-of-order-holiday-snaps-3/) - Remarkable Rocks Extraordinary ocean swells Erosion made glorious Cape du Couedic lighthouse New Zealand fur seals can be seen on the beach and rocks. How do they manage to navigate the huge seas, and the rocks?
- [Out of order holiday snaps 2](https://www.clairesaxby.com/out-of-order-holiday-snaps-2/) - When you're tired of your wallpaper choice, just cover it with another. And another ... The spots have it. Robe and the last of a wild, wild afternoon. Wild and cold. Brisk and beautiful. Here it comes, another skiff. We beat it though and retired to a quiet, warm, windfree dinner.
- [Out of order holiday snaps 1](https://www.clairesaxby.com/out-of-order-holiday-snaps-1/) - Look closely and you'll notice that only a few of the pylons actually reach the water. Virtual support. Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island, where sealions frolic and cavort. Except when tourists are watching, then mainly they bask and allow adoration and the odd photo. This baby is sheltering in the foreshore, until his mother returns
- [Buxton](https://www.clairesaxby.com/buxton-2/) - At the end of a day's writing and illustrating with students from Buxton, Strathbogie, Jamieson and Merrijig, brought together by their teachers and Libby from Yea MARC (legend!), we were presented with goodie bags full of regional produce, and these gorgeous daffodils. This is our third year of this regional festival, and Libby is lining
- [Attention: Poets at work](https://www.clairesaxby.com/attention-poets-at-work/) - Setting the scene - time-wise and language-wise Preparing tools to create Hard at work, producing some stunning images of WWI Silence.
- [Book Week](https://www.clairesaxby.com/book-week/) - I love Book Week. A chance to share all the things I love about books and writing. And at Firbank Grammar on Wednesday last, I was able to share with the whole school. And more. The gorgeous preps wrote me some illustrated letters complete with custom-made envelopes. And in a bonus bonus, I met up
- [Feeling seasick?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/feeling-seasick/) - This is the fancy end of the Endeavour replica. Unfortunately it's impossible to stand tall here, as the clearance is only for small people. No reflection on her crew, only on the refit. But with the angled windows, low ceiling, it made for a slightly surreal experience crouching around to see where Banks collected his
- [Warning: Cliche ahead](https://www.clairesaxby.com/warning-cliche-ahead/) - Man, LIFE is busy! Good busy though. Two manuscripts submitted, another almost ready to go. And then there's the 'after' of busy. When the motor has been cut and the boat is drifting. When the wind stops. When the sails have been furled. Drifting. Hate the drifting. But it always seems to happen after a
- [Ooh, hot!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/ooh-hot/) - How's this for capturing the moment?
- [Crystal Kite presentation](https://www.clairesaxby.com/crystal-kite-presentation/) - Another highlight of the SCBWI Conference this year was receiving the 2011 Crystal Kite Award for There Was an Old Sailor. I'd known about the award, but since it's to be presented at the National Conference, I had to wait until this year to receive it. That meant I was able to share the stage
- [Here are the pictures ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/here-are-the-pictures/) - The barque James Craig. Research for a project. The volunteer aboard couldn't have been more helpful, although even he eventually abandoned us to have his lunch. Launching Catriona Hoy's 'The Little Dinosaur', her gorgeous new picture book. Catriona talking about the genesis of her dinosaur story. Callan Park, which once was a psychiatric hospital, but
- [Home again, home again jiggedy jig](https://www.clairesaxby.com/home-again-home-again-jiggedy-jig/) - I started the new financial year at a run. Actually I started a couple of days early, but who's counting? First there was the SCBWI conference in Sydney, then Newcastle for a few days. Back home for three nights then Catriona Hoy and I were off to Tasmania to present at two conferences and University
- [Books in homes](https://www.clairesaxby.com/books-in-homes-2/) - Last week I went to St Brendan's School to read There Was an Old Sailor as a preface to presenting bags of books to Grade 1 & 2 students. It was all part of the wonderful Books in Homes project, in this instance supported by funds from a Melbourne legal firm. The children were so
- [Launch of The Little Dinosaur](https://www.clairesaxby.com/launch-of-the-little-dinosaur/) - Sunday was the Melbourne launch of The Little Dinosaur, written by Catriona Hoy, illustrated by Andrew Plant, published by Working Title Press. This cake was made by one of Catriona's chemistry teacher mates. Wish they taught me how to do this in my chemistry classes! The Little Dinosaur is based on a discovery at Dinosaur
- [Time and time out](https://www.clairesaxby.com/time-and-time-out/) - This gum and blossom was in the main street of Rainbow. The leaves are more than 30 cm long and the gum nut is about the size of a 50 cent piece. It's been a productive few weeks, but very busy. But there was a reminder for me today to take time out and smell
- [Okay, so it's another view of Willy foreshore, but ain't it peaceful?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/okay-so-its-another-view-of-willy-foreshore-but-aint-it-peaceful/)
- [Williamstown in the morning](https://www.clairesaxby.com/williamstown-in-the-morning/) - One day, I'm going to have a house with a view of the ocean. One day. Any guesses on what this is?
- [Canterbury Tales at Willy Lit Fest](https://www.clairesaxby.com/canterbury-tales-at-willy-lit-fest/) - This was such a fun event to be part of. Two and a half hours exploring the Canterbury Tales.Jackie Kerin, gender-shifted and time slipped 'The Pardoners Tale' Danny O'Connelllived 'The Miller's Tale' and Bernard Caleo took 'The Nun's Priest's Tale' to Japan via the Kamishibai. Catherine Ryan delved into the history of the stories and
- [Rainbow](https://www.clairesaxby.com/rainbow/) - Our trip to Rainbow was fabulous. Four women in one car, the kilometres flew by effortlessly. The weather was wet as we left Melbourne, but progressively cleared as we passed through (or bypassed) towns along the way. By the time we reached Rainbow, late afternoon, the sky was clear. Even the farmers were happy with
- [Road trip to Rainbow](https://www.clairesaxby.com/road-trip-to-rainbow/) - What to do on a rainy ANZAC Day? Head into the north west of Victoria, into the Mallee, that's what. For the next two days, it will be all things Rainbow for me, Corinne King, Diana Lawrenson and Marjory Gardner. I'm looking forward to meeting and working with the students and staff of Rainbow Primary
- [Here's the proper poster ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/heres-the-proper-poster/) - ... for our Canterbury Tales gig. Isn't it a corker?
- [Have you read the Canterbury Tales?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/have-you-read-the-canterbury-tales/) - I hadn't, until a group of locals, many of whom were also new to the Tales, decided it was time to bring Chaucer to the Williamstown Literary Festival. Well, clearly not Chaucer, he's in no state to travel. 'Canterbury Tales Book Club Project' will appear on Sunday, 6 May 2.15 - 5.00 pm in the
- [Sailor heads west](https://www.clairesaxby.com/sailor-heads-west/) - Old Sailor is helping with literacy in WA. See here for details.
- [](https://www.clairesaxby.com/1563-2/) - Come Williamstown Way on Sunday and help Sue Lawson celebrate the release of her new book 'Forget Me Not'. 'Forget Me Not' is the story of two children who sailed on the Titanic, one looking forward, one wanting to stay home. Remember also the one and only voyage of the Titanic, which sailed 100 years
- [Photos from the Children's Book Festival](https://www.clairesaxby.com/photos-from-the-childrens-book-festival/) - Yesterday, the State Library and the Wheeler Centre put together a Children's Book Festival in Melbourne. Part of Little Lonsdale Street between Swanston St and Russell St was closed. Tents, children, parents, entertainers, educators, publishers, Children's Lit organisations filled the street, lawn and library and yest they were spilling beyond. It was great fun. I
- [Connections](https://www.clairesaxby.com/connections/) - In my previous work life, I was a podiatrist. Now, as is probably clear from the header, I play with words. Mostly I write for children. Many people have suggested that becoming a children's writer is a big leap from being a podiatrist. And mostly, I've agreed with them. But thinking about it recently, I'm
- [View from my couch, post lunch...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/view-from-my-couch-post-lunch/) - We had a lovely lunch on a deck to the right of here, then retired to recline on the couches afterwards. Bliss!
- [More pics from Cranbourne Botanic Gardens](https://www.clairesaxby.com/more-pics-from-cranbourne-botanic-gardens/) - Hiding, but unable to resist a show Industrial art Glorious everlasting Grass waterfall
- [SCBWI Crystal Kite Award Finalist](https://www.clairesaxby.com/scbwi-crystal-kite-award-finalist/) - Very excited this morning to see that my picture book 'Carrum Sailing Club', illustrated by Christina Booth and published by Windy Hollow Books has been shortlisted for the current SCBWI Crystal Kite Awards. In very fine company too. Big smiles. Congratulations to all the shortlist.
- [Sally Murphy: Friendship Matters](https://www.clairesaxby.com/sally-murphy-friendship-matters/) - It’s always a pleasure to visit other people’s blogs, but I’m especially delighted to be visiting your blog today, Claire, because the topic I’m going to be talking about today is the importance of friends in a writer’s life. And you, Claire, are one of the most wonderful friends a fellow author could have. Now,
- [Look who's living in my lemon tree!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/look-whos-living-in-my-lemon-tree/) - Caterpillar, caterpillar onesitting still in the sundon't eat too muchof the leaves and suchof my lovely lemon tree Caterpillar, caterpillar twoI know the damage you doJust contain your eatingto this branch you're creepingon my lovely lemon tree Caterpillar, caterpillar threeI'm not sure you belong on my treeIt might be a treatthe tasty meal you eatget
- [A lovely review for Old Sailor](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-lovely-review-for-old-sailor/) - here
- [Australian Garden](https://www.clairesaxby.com/australian-garden/) - Yes, it was hot today. We could have hibernated in the cool house, but instead we headed out to the Botanical Gardens at Cranbourne, the Australian Gardens. I'm not sure what I expected, but certainly not this. More wild bush I think. But this was lovely. The gardens are only 6 years old, but I
- [Gum blossum](https://www.clairesaxby.com/gum-blossum/) - Yeah, I know they're all of the same tree, but aren't they gorgeous? The flowers begin pink, then fade to white.
- [Corinne, Queenie and the Zoo](https://www.clairesaxby.com/corinne-queenie-and-the-zoo/) - Corinne Fenton launched the paperback edition of her gorgeous book, Queenie One Elephant's Story, today at the zoo. In the audience were people who'd been part of Queenie's story, those who helped Corinne bring this story to a new generation, family and friends. And more than a few passersby. Corinne spoke about Queenie, and many
- [Heide](https://www.clairesaxby.com/heide/) - We went to Heide yesterday, the erstwhile home of John and Sunday Reed, and now an art gallery complex. There are three buildings, Heide I, II and III, and yesterday they were showing an exhibition to celebrate their 30th birthday. There were paintings and sculptures from many of the 'Angry Penguins', artists who were supported
- [Out and About](https://www.clairesaxby.com/out-and-about-3/) - Poplars and alpacas and highland cattle and vines. Lancefield bale-weighing scales gardens and cages. Clunes view from the road. Creswick Sorrento Queenscliff The Artists' Walk Clifftops Sorrento Clifftop trees Sorrento
- [A visitin' I have been](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-visitin-i-have-been/) - I've been here today to talk about books and writing. Pop by and say hello!
- [Picnic in the Botanic Gardens](https://www.clairesaxby.com/picnic-in-the-botanic-gardens/)
- [Welcome to Sue Lawson](https://www.clairesaxby.com/welcome-to-sue-lawson/) - I'm thrilled to have a visitor. The kettle has boiled and the cuppas are poured. A little treat, Sue? Right. Let's go. Welcome to my blog Sue. Thank you so much for inviting me to visit Let’s Have Words. I love reading your blog and seeing your gorgeous photos, so I’m rapt to be here,
- [There Was an Old Sailor for summer reading](https://www.clairesaxby.com/there-was-an-old-sailor-for-summer-reading/) - here :)
- [Cassandra's exhibition](https://www.clairesaxby.com/cassandras-exhibition/) - The exhibition, which includes some of the original art work from There Was an Old Sailor, is open! Sail on over to her blog to see some pics from opening night. Can also see some of the art. :)
- [Emmi Greenfeet](https://www.clairesaxby.com/emmi-greenfeet/) - This is what happens when you let the dog help mow the lawn ... . Check out her feet!
- [Requested books](https://www.clairesaxby.com/requested-books/) - I work part-time in a bookshop and it's always interesting to see what people read, and how they buy books. It's also interesting to hear about what picture books they'd like. So this is the first of what I hope might be an occasional post about the books people want. Today it was: TrainsSlugs And
- [A lovely review for 'The Carrum Sailing Club'](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-lovely-review-for-the-carrum-sailing-club/) - here :)
- [Photos from the Pirates Tavern](https://www.clairesaxby.com/photos-from-the-pirates-tavern/) - Last Thursday I moderated a panel of crime writers at the Pirates Tavern in Williamstown. The event was a copresentation of the Big West Festival and the Williamstown Literary Festival. Speakers were Kerry Greenwood, Nick Gadd, Dr Angus Curry and Carolyn Morwood (not visible here...hidden by the redhead!) Carolyn Morwood is second from the right. Dr
- [Sigh. If only ...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/sigh-if-only/) - I wish, I wish, I wish I could go. But congratulations to Cassandra and best wishes for a successful exhibition.
- [](https://www.clairesaxby.com/1716-2/) - Our choir sometimes performs in The Substation Art Centre, a converted ...ah... substation just by the Newport Railway Station. They're having a fundraiser to continue to transform this amazing building into a living, breathing, singing, (and yes, dancing) arts hub. They asked us to provide a song/video. And here it is!
- [Rail and Sail](https://www.clairesaxby.com/rail-and-sail/) - Sounds a bit like a meal, like Surf and Turf etc. But not this time. It was my husband's birthday and he's a fan of all things steam. Generally he's also exceptionally difficult to buy presents for. But again, not this time. Steamrail run a number of trips through the year, and this one just
- [A-launching we will go...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-launching-we-will-go/) - Today was the Melbourne launch of 'Squish Rabbit', a gorgeous picture book from first time writer/illustrator, Katherine Battersby. It's a story of discovering friendship, told and shown with powderpuff gentleness, in a mixture of paint and collage. Wendy Orr launches Squish. The Squish Rabbit Wall On the other hand... And this is the
- [Waiting for my boy...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/waiting-for-my-boy/) - I'd been faffing around at home, not knowing what to do with a suddenly empty house and some hours to fill. So when my son needed to go to a meeting, I thought I'd take him and wait and work. And although I played with camera, I did also have my laptop and got the
- [Joining the Jet-Set](https://www.clairesaxby.com/joining-the-jet-set/) - Yesterday I flew to Launceston for the day for the Tasmanian launch of 'The Carrum Sailing Club'. Christina Booth, illustrator of Carrum, picked me up from the airport and we drove (well, she drove, I nursed the cake) straight to Fullers Bookshop. The whole day was a hoot, from the paper hats we asked everyone
- [For my friend and her family](https://www.clairesaxby.com/for-my-friend-and-her-family/) - Autograph Yesterday I signed the books of rambunctious boys and skittish girls spilling with life happy in their today secure in their tomorrow Today I signed a guest book at a water-washed funeral saw a face that smiles no moretried not to see a flower-laden coffin said goodbye for the last time The Funeral The
- [I am sailing...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/i-am-sailing/) - Yesterday I went to Carrum, to the real Carrum Sailing Club to be part of the official launch of the new sailing season. There was no sailing yesterday, a tad windy, and as the sky shows, rain was expected. So we made inside boats. And hats. And read books. Helen is the current
- [I'm off to the beach...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/im-off-to-the-beach/) - I'm taking my new book back to the source. :)
- [A new story sets sail](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-new-story-sets-sail/) - We launched 'The Carrum Sailing Club' at the Sun Bookshop today. What a hoot! Thank you everyone who came and those who sent their wishes. It was lovely that illustrator Christina Booth could fly in from Launceston. Dee White launched Carrum Sailing Club for me, saying lovely things. Christina talked about the illustration process.
- [The very time you need a cape...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-very-time-you-need-a-cape/) - I had it all planned. Catch the local train, swap to Bendigo train. Arrive in time for Lorraine to pick me up on the way to the Library for the launch of her new book, 'Chantelle's Cloak'. Good plan. Didn't plan on the rain though. Wiped out the signals alllll along the track and turned
- [Under construction](https://www.clairesaxby.com/under-construction/) - This fence is made from stripped coconut leaf-fronds. Not sure what it was keeping in - or out - there were only two sides... This construction was on a tiny island which appeared to only have vertical cliff faces for 'shores'. Apparently the 'birds-nest collectors' only come after the birds have nested and moved on,
- [Patterns](https://www.clairesaxby.com/patterns/) - While in Thailand recently, it was easy to be overawed by the size and splendour of royal buildings and temples. And sometimes it is in looking closely that the majesty of the constructions can be appreciated. For me anyway. Here are three close looks. Ceramics on a stupa, I think A window shutter This on
- [A poem for National Poetry Week](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-poem-for-national-poetry-week/) - storm the earth holds her breath and the air hangs heavy as a sleeping child far away thunder rumbles a warning and the wind puffs tiny cool-breath promises clouds boil and bubble darken and double and light drops sudden as a lightbolt it arrives stormbreath stormlight stormroar sky empties angry fistful after fistful rainballs bouncing
- [Flowers and fruit](https://www.clairesaxby.com/flowers-and-fruit/) - When we arrived in Bangkok airport recently, we had to wait some hours for our connecting flight in an almost empty airport. It was easy to see the beautiful flower pots that were liberally scattered through the terminals. And once we arrived at our destination, the fruit and flower offerings weren't much less spectacular.
- [Welcome J. E. Fison](https://www.clairesaxby.com/welcome-j-e-fison/) - Books! Books! Everywhere there are books and stories. Today, welcome to J. E. Fison, author of the Hazard River series from Ford St Publishing. These two new titles, 'Toads' Revenge' and 'Blood Money' are the fifth and sixth in the Hazard River series. Welcome Julie! Why children's books? How did you begin? The idea of
- [Phuket sunsets](https://www.clairesaxby.com/phuket-sunsets/) - Our first night sunset. Second night sunset. Ahh, bliss
- [Carrum Sailing Club is here!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/carrum-sailing-club-is-here/) - My new picture book, 'Carrum Sailing Club' was released on 1 September. Published by Windy Hollow Books and illustrated by Christina Booth. I'm looking forward to sharing this book with the world. Available at a good bookshop near you!
- [Second annual Yea MARC Literary Festival](https://www.clairesaxby.com/second-annual-yea-marc-literary-festival/) - Yesterday, I was at Flowerdale for the second Annual Yea MARC Literary Festival with four other author/illustrators (from L: Diana Lawrenson, Libby Ahern, Mark Wilson, moi, Corinne King and Marjory Gardner). Four other schools were bussed in for the day. It's organised by the indefatigable Libby Ahern and enjoyed by us all. For the rest
- [Welcome Tania McCartney!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/welcome-tania-mccartney/) - It's always nice to have visitors (when else would the house be cleaned and the fine china dusted off?) and today my visitor is Tania McCartney. Welcome Tania! Tania's journey to publication took a different path to mine, and is a fascinating story. Today she talks about that process and contrasts it with the publication
- [There are no words for sunset](https://www.clairesaxby.com/there-are-no-words-for-sunset/)
- [Fly on the wall ... or ... back stage at the theatre](https://www.clairesaxby.com/fly-on-the-wall-or-back-stage-at-the-theatre/) - I continued my'behind the scenes' day on Saturday quite literally. I went back stage during a live theatre performance and watched the final section of a drama from there. I've been in rehearsal rooms, on empty stages, in 'the house' and I've watched from 'back of house' (which is in the bio box behind the
- [Open House](https://www.clairesaxby.com/open-house/) - This past weekend was Melbourne Open House in Melbourne city. As one punter put it, it was a weekend of 'fossicking around Melbourne's insides'. Open buildings included Royal Melbourne Hospital, Russell St Substation, bits of Melbourne Uni and Block Arcade and many many more. About 70 in all. And one of them was our State
- [King Valley](https://www.clairesaxby.com/king-valley/) - As promised, here are some photos. These were taken this past weekend at various sites around the King Valley in north-eastern Victoria. We had a convict dinner on the Saturday night and this couple (faces concealed to protect their dignity) won the prize! This waterfall looked like not much more than a trickle from
- [](https://www.clairesaxby.com/1850-2/) - It may seem that I've been very quiet lately and I guess in some ways that's true. But it sure doesn't feel like it! There's been plenty going on. I've just sent back the edits on my next Walker picture book and been contributing to teacher notes for Carrum Sailing Club, ill Christina Booth, pub
- [Welcome Deborah Underwood!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/welcome-deborah-underwood/) - Deborah was the SCBWI Crystal Kite Winner for California/Hawaii. Deborah Underwood worked as a street musician, puzzle writer, jewelry maker, and administrative assistant before embarking upon her career as a children’s author. Her books include The Quiet Book, A Balloon for Isabel, Granny Gomez & Jigsaw, and the easy reader Pirate Mom. She co-writes the
- [Welcome Sean McMullen](https://www.clairesaxby.com/welcome-sean-mcmullen/) - Sean is here today to talk about his new YA novel, Changing Yesterday. Welcome Sean. I found Changing Yesterday hilarious. It brought to mind silent movies and the exaggerated actions of the stars. I kept wanting to describe it as 'swashbuckling' and to exclaim 'egads' and the like. Did you set out to write a
- [Welcome Tammi Sauer!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/welcome-tammi-sauer/) - Tammi won the 2011 SCBWI Crystal Kite for Texas/Oklahoma. Children's book author Tammi Sauer has sold nine picture books to a number of major publishing houses: Bloomsbury, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Simon & Schuster, and Sterling. Bernadette was mostly monsterly. But underneath the fangs and fur she had a deep...dark...secret. She has (gasp!) a sweet side.
- [Welcome Kathryn Erskine!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/welcome-kathryn-erskine/) - Kathryn was the Crystal Kite winner for Pennysylvania/Delaware/New Jersey/Wash DC/Virginia/West Virginia/ Maryland for her novel Mockingbird Kathryn Erskine, a lawyer-turned-author, grew up in six countries, an experience that helps her view life, and her writing, from different perspectives. While covering weighty topics, her books have warmth and humor, making difficult issues approachable. Her novel, MOCKINGBIRD
- [FTCBG July](https://www.clairesaxby.com/ftcbg-july/) - This morning about a dozen of us braved the elements (some better prepared than others) to gather in Mother Superior's Chamber at The Convent in Abbotsford for Book Group. The theme for this month was Happy Endings and the three books were: May Gibbs Snugglepot and Cuddlepie; picture books by Shirley Hughes; and the YA
- [Newport Folk Festival](https://www.clairesaxby.com/newport-folk-festival/) - 'Twas a busy weekend in Newport this last. There were events all over the place. Words, Words, Words was one and featured a mixture of spoken and sung words, poets, prose writers, non-fiction writers and singer-songwriters. I was amongst the spoken word crowd and read a pb ms I've been working on. There were yodelling
- [Welcome Marsha!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/welcome-marsha/) - Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch's novel Stolen Child is the Crystal Kite Winner for the Americas, which encompasses Canada, Mexico, Central and South America. She has received numerous awards and honours for her dozen-plus children's books. In addition to receiving the Crystal Kite, Stolen Child was shortlisted for the Canadian Children's Book of the Year, it is
- [Welcome Ann Angel](https://www.clairesaxby.com/welcome-ann-angel/) - Crystal Kite Winner for Minnesota/Iowa/Nebraska/Wisconsin/Illinois/Michigan/Indiana/Ohio Ann Angel believes it was amazing fortune that brought Janis Joplin’s music and style into her life when, as a teen, she preferred writing bad poetry and drawing to Janis’s songs over following along with the popular girls. It was that same influence that encouraged Ann to live her own
- [Crystal Kiters](https://www.clairesaxby.com/crystal-kiters/) - Over the next few weeks, I'll be hosting fellow-winners of the Crystal Kite Awards. I thought it might be interesting to meet some creators from around the world. Initially, I'll just be posting a jpeg of their winning books and a brief bio with links to websites/blogs etc. I'm looking forward to meeting some new
- [Flowers and Lace](https://www.clairesaxby.com/flowers-and-lace/) - I had lunch with my cousin yesterday, at her house. Delightful as that was, it was not the whole reason for being there. She's sorting out things and one of those 'things' was a suitcase full of lace. Lace that mostly came from our grandmother. There were bits from her mother, my aunt, and her
- [A-touring](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-touring/) - Old Sailor has been touring. This time he went with Jackie Kerin to Barwon Heads. Looks like a lovely day.
- [Crystal Kite sticker](https://www.clairesaxby.com/crystal-kite-sticker/) - The Crystal Kite Award that There Was an Old Sailor won recently has it's own shiny sticker, in silver and blue. Blends beautifully with Cassandra's colour palette! And this is what it looks like in situ.
- [More pics from Froth and Bubble](https://www.clairesaxby.com/more-pics-from-froth-and-bubble/) - A very enthusiastic young writer Discussing a sailor's appetite...
- [Froth and Bubble Literature Festival](https://www.clairesaxby.com/froth-and-bubble-literature-festival/) - Today, Jackie Kerin and I travelled to Torquay to present at the Froth and Bubble Literature Festival (which continues tomorrow without us!). Jackie and I do a combo presentation based around 'There Was an Old Sailor'. We construct a new sailor story and then have the attendees perform it. It's great fun, and is one
- [moonglow](https://www.clairesaxby.com/moonglow/) - The moon was full ... and dare I say luminous? Last night we drove to Seymour for a fundraiser dinner for the Bushrangers Cricket Team who are off to Sri Lanka shortly. At a family house (admittedly a larger-than-average house for a larger-than-average family) we (and about 68 others) were served a five course banquet
- [Welcome to Paul Collins!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/welcome-to-paul-collins/) - Paul is here today to talk about his new book, 'Mole Hunt', the first in his series featuring anti-hero, Maximus Black. Mole Hunt is chock-a-block full of the most amazing gadgets. There are some seriously sneaky weapons, but there are also devices to enhance human senses, expedite healing and provide information. Can you talk a
- [Welcome Ian Irvine!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/welcome-ian-irvine/) - Funny Fantasy Fiction: How it all comes together. Today I welcome Ian Irvine, writer of fantasy series for adults, children and almost anyone in between. He's here to talk about his 'Grim and Grimmer' series for 10- 14 yo children. The final instalment in this four part series is 'The Calamitous Queen'. Fantasy is not
- [Watch out!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/watch-out/) - In the next week or so, I'll host two visitors! Watch this space...
- [Sunshiney](https://www.clairesaxby.com/sunshiney/) - Just the sight of them, brightens the day
- [Tulip](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tulip/) - Even in it's dying days, this tulip is gorgeous.
- [National Simultaneous Storytime](https://www.clairesaxby.com/national-simultaneous-storytime/) - Today I went to Point Cook for National Simultaneous Storytime to - you guessed it - simultaneously read a story! The story was 'Feathers for Phoebe' by Rod Clement. It's a lovely story, very OTT in some ways, but fabulous (or should that be fabulous, fabulous, fabulous Darling?). The same book was being read all
- [Geelong and Femme Fatale](https://www.clairesaxby.com/geelong-and-femme-fatale/) - I went to Geelong yesterday, to see the Femme Fatale exhibition at the Wool Museum. The exhibition was interesting. There were some scary ladies sharing their stories. But also there were several women who seemed to be at worst victims of circumstance. Some very unflattering photographs too. To lighten up, the exhibition included magazine covers
- [Sailor sails on](https://www.clairesaxby.com/sailor-sails-on/) - Lovely review of There Was an Old Sailor here
- [Willy Lit Fest Highlights](https://www.clairesaxby.com/willy-lit-fest-highlights/) - can be found here. If you'd like to know how my session with the wonderful Alison Lester went, mention is made here.
- [Autumn can go on forever as far as I'm concerned!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/autumn-can-go-on-forever-as-far-as-im-concerned/) - Same leaf, different backgrounds.
- [SCBWI Kilmore](https://www.clairesaxby.com/scbwi-kilmore/) - SCBWI Victoria has quarterly meetings and each year one of them is in the country. It's a bit tricky trying to site it somewhere that's not too far away for Melbourne members to attend, while being accessible to as many non-urban members as possible. These meetings are also open to non-member local writers, illustrators, teachers,
- [Crepuscular](https://www.clairesaxby.com/crepuscular/) - What a great word! It's an adjective, describing animals who emerge at twilight. It's also the title of a new exhibition at City Gallery which is part of Melbourne Town Hall. We went to the opening on Thursday night but will go back for a proper look soon. The launch was packed, packed, packed! The
- [I found my butterfly!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/i-found-my-butterfly/) - Thanks to the Melbourne Museum website. And a grand name it is too for such a showy beauty. It's a Red-spotted Jezebel Wood White (aka Pieridae Delias aganippe) Whatever the name, I'm glad it passed my way.
- [Butterfly](https://www.clairesaxby.com/butterfly/) - Today, when I was running late to catch a train to Storytime at the State Library, a butterfly caught my eye. It was in the park near my house, sitting on the grass. It allowed me to pick it up and I took it home. Our dog, usually keen to eat whatever I might have
- [](https://www.clairesaxby.com/2075-2/) - The SCBWI is pleased to announce the winners of the inaugural 2011 Crystal Kite Member Choice Awards. The Crystal Kite Awards are given by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators to recognize great books from the 70 SCBWI regions around the world. Along with the SCBWI Golden Kite Awards, the Crystal Kite Awards
- [Day Two Willy Lit Fest](https://www.clairesaxby.com/day-two-willy-lit-fest/) - I took my camera today, but really it wasn't appropriate for me to take photos in either of the workshops I attended. The first workshop with Sharon Lapkin was about editing and included an insight into the construction of a new edition of a classic Australian cooking teaching text. It's going to have a trade
- [Willy Lit Fest Saturday](https://www.clairesaxby.com/willy-lit-fest-saturday/) - I was lucky enough to be asked to be 'in conversation' with Alison Lester at today's Festival. I'd prepared lots of questions, more than I expected to need. And yesterday I combined giving driving practice with visits to all the libraries in our LGA to collect as many of her books as I could. And
- [This weekend it's all happening in Williamstown](https://www.clairesaxby.com/this-weekend-its-all-happening-in-williamstown/) - I'll be here. Starting on Thursday night I'm (gulp) joining those reading their work for the People's Choice event, then Saturday I'm 'in conversation' with Alison Lester. The rest of the weekend will be easier. I've picked out several sessions to attend and looking forward to it all. Details of events for children and for
- [Shh don't tell](https://www.clairesaxby.com/shh-dont-tell/) - We've found a new park for picnicking in. It's so close to the city that you can walk there, but it seems that no one much knows about it. Well, not today anyway. The car park was empty and we had our pick of tables. Just as well really, as we table-hopped out of and
- [A, C, B. Isn't that how it goes?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-c-b-isnt-that-how-it-goes/) - A is for Autumn colours everywhere now, even in my garden. This is a Maple tree, I'm not sure exactly which one, but it has very small three-point leaves (bit like a bird's footprint) and masses of helicopter seeds. It's slowly turning as red as our moderate climate allows and looks lovely in the late
- [It's Autumn](https://www.clairesaxby.com/its-autumn/) - I had to collect my son from Riddells Creek today . It's colder in Riddells than it is in my part of Melbourne and the reds of the autumn trees are so much more intense. A Nandina, in full red coat.Red, redder, reddest! No red here, but if you click on the photo you'll see
- [Willylitfest](https://www.clairesaxby.com/willylitfest-2/) - The very broad and full program for the Willy Lit Fest is now available. Go here I'll be 'in conversation' with Alison Lester at 11 am on Saturday 30 April. What should we talk about? Happy to channel questions. My friend, Jackie Kerin is MC for a People's Choice event on Thurs 28 April. I
- [How to catch a moon](https://www.clairesaxby.com/how-to-catch-a-moon/) - I wish I knew, but here's last night's attempt.
- [In my garden,](https://www.clairesaxby.com/in-my-garden/) - many things grow. Long grass, weeds, tall, tall trees, short trees and a few flowers. There's an old swing frame that predates our occupancy and is about twice as tall as would be permitted these days. At present it has no swing, but the spiders are happy to use it as a frame for their
- [Bag lady](https://www.clairesaxby.com/bag-lady/) - That's what I've become...and I'm loving it! This is a modern interpretation of a very traditional bag, the Papua New Guinean bilum. This one comes to me directly from near Mt Hagen, in the PNG Highlands. This one hasn't travelled as far but is made using vintage and recycled fabrics. A gorgeous thing. And this
- [Going visiting](https://www.clairesaxby.com/going-visiting/) - Today I'm visiting friend and fellow author, Gabrielle Wang, talking about my first ever book, my writing space and my newest book.
- [Flowers](https://www.clairesaxby.com/flowers/) - Tulips for my birthday. Gorgeous. This is a native hibiscus struck from one my folks have in their garden. It grows really quickly, is pretty, hardy and will soon hide the shed in the neighbour's garden. Good, good, good. Yes, I know this one is out of focus, but with the light through the window,
- [Big moon rising](https://www.clairesaxby.com/big-moon-rising/) - We spent the evening of the big moon riverside trying to capture it's size. I'm not sure we really captured the relative size but it was a lovely evening anyway.
- [For more information...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/for-more-information/) - ...on Friday night's ASA panel discussion on digital rights, go here. Thanks Dee for taking notes and pictures.
- [ASA is coming! So is Willy Lit Fest](https://www.clairesaxby.com/asa-is-coming-so-is-willy-lit-fest/) - Last night I trained into the city for the ASA panel discussion about digital rights, that murky evolving section of our industry (and many others). After a snack and a wee glass of wine, we and the panelists try to define just what digital rights will mean for creators of books and those other things
- [Canada here I come!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/canada-here-i-come/) - Last year I recorded a television episode for a program called 'Tall Ted's Story Time'. I shared the gig with Jackie Kerin and we featured my picture book, 'There Was an Old Sailor'. There's a website too with downloadable activities as well as short excerpts from the shows. Story Time aired all around Australia on
- [Flowerpower](https://www.clairesaxby.com/flowerpower/) - It's no secret I love flowers. Not alone there. This week, flowers made me smile in two ways. The first was a morning tea where we chatted books and their creation. The flower link? Fine china tea cups and plates. And the second. Pure and simple. Bunches of flowers in my house. Made me smile
- [and in a bit of internet magic...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/and-in-a-bit-of-internet-magic/) - ...I'm over at at the same time, talking about the 'Art of Promotion'.
- [Come meet Catriona, George and Ghost](https://www.clairesaxby.com/come-meet-catriona-george-and-ghost/) - I've put on the kettle, and baked a batch of cakes, coz today I have a visitor! Catriona Hoy is a picture book writer, secondary science teacher and much more besides. She recently spent over two years living in the UK, but we're very happy to have her back in Australia. Catriona is the author
- [I'm watching you...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/im-watching-you/) - Having fun with a macro lens Nature is random, but very prettily so. This flower is about 1cm diameter and just wouldn't stay still to be photograped until my niece put her body on the line...in the line of wind that is. This delicate little toadstool about 2 cm across and almost transparent.
- [An excellent week](https://www.clairesaxby.com/an-excellent-week/) - In which... I learnt that I am to be 'in conversation' with Alison Lester at Williamstown Literary Festival on 30 April. It was confirmed that with Jackie Kerin, I will be conducting a workshop at Froth & Bubble Festival at Torquay on 18 June I spent some wonderful hours volunteering at the State Library 'Look!'
- [Sunflower, sunflower bright](https://www.clairesaxby.com/sunflower-sunflower-bright/) - My sunflowers were enormous this year. A good six feet tall and bigger than dinnerplates. But although the seeds looked huge too, they were almost empty. Not sure whether it was to do with sooo much rain, but the birds won't be getting much from these seeds. The patterns are great though. This is what
- [Coming Soon!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/coming-soon/) - This time next week, this space will be overflowing with picture books, none of them mine. I'll be talking to Catriona Hoy, picture book writer. I'm looking forward to hearing about her new book.
- [State Library Look! Exhibition](https://www.clairesaxby.com/state-library-look-exhibition/) - The State Library of Victoria is a wonderful place. For distraction-free studying/reading, try the beautiful La Trobe Reading Room...that's the one with the domed roof. Although I suggest you don't sit near the door if you don't want to be diverted by the reactions of tourists and others seeing the room for the first time.
- [Old Sailor](https://www.clairesaxby.com/old-sailor/) - My picture book, "There Was an Old Sailor" is appearing today on Dee White's Boomerang Books blog, Kids' Book Capers. Pop by and say hello.
- [This weekend](https://www.clairesaxby.com/this-weekend-2/) - This weekend was a busy one. Saturday was SCBWI meeting, sandwiched between our choir performance at the Yarraville Festival and a masked birthday party for my niece and her father, my brother. So I had to carry changes of clothes, and three bags with the bits for each part of the day. Fortunately I got
- [It's our fault](https://www.clairesaxby.com/its-our-fault/) - A friend and I walk weekly with my dog. Sometimes we head to the beach, sometimes to the park, sometimes around the streets. We used to walk around Cherry Lake but every time we arranged to meet there, it rained enough to flood the path around the edge. But last week, the weather was clear
- [Royal Botanic Gardens](https://www.clairesaxby.com/royal-botanic-gardens/) - I met some friends in the gardens for lunch today. It was mild and beautiful and we had a lovely relaxed time together. But I arrived early (intentionally) and took some pics. These are dahlias, but with dark foliage. Almost heart-shaped. The spikes are, I suppose, intended to say "Keep Away". But if the spiders
- [Don't they watch television?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/dont-they-watch-television/) - Son1 and I went for a drive yesterday checking out water levels around our area. Creeks were swirling, paddocks were floating, but it was all a curiosity for us, no danger. Our last stop was the ford nearby. Water flows across this ford regularly, after any substantial rain and locals know when this short cut
- [ten minutes](https://www.clairesaxby.com/ten-minutes/) - The sky outside was doing interesting things with all the clouds and rain around, so I went out to try to catch the changing light before sunset. I was trying to capture the sun behind this tree, and also caught the chimney and the cactus. Yes, this cactus has taken root in the space between
- [In a jam](https://www.clairesaxby.com/in-a-jam/) - I rang a friend today to share a cup of tea. She said she was jamming, to bring my pinny. I did. And this is how it went......or in other words... In a jam a large bowl of apricots a lot of sugar a bit of water a few seed-freed kernels halve the apricots spit
- [Tomato-power](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tomato-power/) - Look! I knew home-grown tomatoes were better. This one has sprouted its own turbo-thrusters.
- [Wetlands beach](https://www.clairesaxby.com/wetlands-beach/) - Took the dog for an off-lead walk yesterday along the wilder part of the beach stretching west from Altona. This is the only remaining part of a train (trolley car?) line that used to extend some distance out to sea. It carried explosives from the Truganina Explosives Reserve (beyond that fence) to waiting ships. The
- [Happy New Year](https://www.clairesaxby.com/happy-new-year-2/) - Last night, we headed into Melbourne town to watch the fireworks. The weather had conveniently settled after a nasty northwind 40 deg day and it was a glorious, still mid-20s. This year the Arts Centre spire was included in the launch sites and we positioned ourselves carefully. I took some photos then fortunately my battery
- [Lunch is dangerous...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/lunch-is-dangerous/) - ...particularly when attended by brother and son1. All I said was, 'I don't think it'll come down that easily, or quickly...' and they disappeared out the front door to prove me wrong. And they did. This took less than ten minutes. And they had way too much fun. And no, I don't know when the
- [](https://www.clairesaxby.com/2200-2/) - I never know where ideas are going to come from. They arrive at opportune and inopportune times. I've learnt to relax and just be ready to harvest them when they do appear. It's a bit the same with photos. It's hard to know where the photo opportunities will be, until they happen. While in North
- [The Story Space](https://www.clairesaxby.com/the-story-space/) - Yesterday was the final Newport Substation Art Market for the year and Jackie, Dharma, Dagmara and I were there telling, singing and reading stories for children. We are all differently involved in story, with many overlaps. Jackie is a storyteller and author; Dharma owns a bookshop and runs storytime for local children and sings beautifully;
- [Bright days](https://www.clairesaxby.com/bright-days/) - Just back from 5 lovely days at Bright. Weather was variable but always mild, no matter the rain. View from a winery. This is a sluice handcut into the rock bank of the Ovens River in Bright. Hand cut! It's about 2 m deep and who knows how long. The sluice allowed goldminers to clean
- [Storytime goes live!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/storytime-goes-live/) - It's happening! In August, my friend Jackie and I trained into Melbourne, to RMIT television studios to record the second episode of a new television series for Channel 31. As the title suggests, each episode features a story.In our episode (Episode Two), I read my story, 'There Was an Old Sailor' and there are songs
- [SCBWI November](https://www.clairesaxby.com/scbwi-november/) - Yesterday was a bumper SCBWI meeting attended by almost 50 members and non-members. We meet four times a year at La Notte Restaurant in Lygon St Carlton in inner Melbourne. Speakers included Wendy Orr who talked about the process from book to film for her story, Nim's Island and Karen Tayleur shared the travelling from
- [Pigeons Project fundraiser at Trades Hall](https://www.clairesaxby.com/pigeons-project-fundraiser-at-trades-hall/) - Thursday night Pigeons Project held a fundraiser at Trades Hall. The Pigeons Project is aimed at improving literacy and brings together authors and young writers in a collaborative story-writing project over 6 months. This year is the second year and we're nearing the finish. Lach and Jenna are hoping to raise enough money to put
- [YABBA](https://www.clairesaxby.com/yabba-2/) - The annual YABBA ceremony was held in Williamstown this year (a lot closer for me than last year's Frankston). YABBA is 25 this year, a great achievement for these children's choice book awards. It's lovely to be part of them, seeing the children and the creators of the books they love.This year, authors and illustrators
- [Just because I liked the colours...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/just-because-i-liked-the-colours/) - Even the reflections are brightly coloured... and the bird, the accidentally caught bird...
- [FTCBG](https://www.clairesaxby.com/ftcbg/) - The First Tuesday Children's Book Group held its final meeting today for this, its first, year. Over the year we've looked at a wide variety of books: current and classic; commercial and literary, popular and obscure. Without fail, the books have generated lively discussion. Some won over the majority, others polarised the group, with no
- [Prime Minister's Literary Awards](https://www.clairesaxby.com/prime-ministers-literary-awards/) - Very excited today as my friend Lorraine Marwood has just won the inaugural Children's Book Award in the Prime Ministers Literary Awards for her wonderful verse novel, Star Jumps. Congratulations Lorraine and to Walker Books too. WHOOO HOOO!
- [Marysville](https://www.clairesaxby.com/marysville/) - Yesterday, Susanne Gervay, Corinne King and I went to Marysville, car loaded with books and original art from the Hope Card. The books were donated by SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) members all over the world. The Black Spur We were delivering the books and art to Marysville Primary School. The children
- [Tea at the Windsor](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tea-at-the-windsor/) - My nephew recently turned 21 and his out-of-state father flew in to help him celebrate with family at the Windsor Hotel in Melbourne. This gorgeous old hotel does a stunning afternoon tea/high tea. A fine time was had by all, including birthday boy. Never fear though that the youth of today are becoming too sophisticated.
- [Welcome Aleesah!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/welcome-aleesah/) - I love visitors! Today, I welcome Sydney author, Aleesah Darlison, who is going to talk about the difference between writing a stand-alone picture book and writing a series. In July 2010, Aleesah released her first picture book, Puggle's Problem (Wombat Books) and in September, the first in her Totally Twins series, Musical Mayhem (New Frontier).
- [Willywalking](https://www.clairesaxby.com/willywalking/) - After the cooking class and sumptuous feast, a walk was a good idea. Sunday morning we took the dog for a walk along the coast at Williamstown. This is the other side of the headland from the city shots I've taken before. Being Spring, there were nesting birds everywhere. These pigface flowers were easily 7
- [What do you get when you assemble writers, editors and publishers?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/what-do-you-get-when-you-assemble-writers-editors-and-publishers/) - That's right...a Chinese cooking class. Thanks Mabel and Gabi for a great learning lunch. dumplings, pre-cooking dumplings cooking. Yum Woodear mushrooms and snow peas, ready for adding to the Rockling. Rock ling with woodear mushrooms and snow peas. Roast Spatchcock.Lion's head. Yes, that's what it's called. Delicious! Ready to eat? You bet we were!
- [It's true, I took more photos of the water at Williamstown](https://www.clairesaxby.com/its-true-i-took-more-photos-of-the-water-at-williamstown/)
- [Williamstown again](https://www.clairesaxby.com/williamstown-again/) - The restaurant where I've been working will close it's doors on Sunday for the last time. It's a French creperie and has some magnificent furniture. These pics are close ups of a wonderful sideboard thingo. If only there was space in my house... And with the closing, I'll be less likely to be travelling this
- [SCBWI Conference](https://www.clairesaxby.com/scbwi-conference/) - Last weekend was the third SCBWI conference held at the Hughenden Hotel in Woollahra in Sydney. View from our balcony, entrance via the bathroom! We looked over the road to Centennial Park where we walked early Saturday morning and Corinne Fenton convinced me to put my name in the hat for a pitch. The pitch
- [Off again!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/off-again/) - I'm off to the SCBWI conference tomorrow morning with a visit to a publisher on the way from the airport. It sounds like there is quite a contingent from Melbourne, at least 5 on my flight and several others on earlier and later ones. I'm looking forward to being immersed in books all weekend with
- [Lit festival in Buxton in June](https://www.clairesaxby.com/lit-festival-in-buxton-in-june/) - The Yea MARC Literature Festival, arranged by Mark Wilson and Libby Ahern was great fun. Children from four local schools were bussed in to Buxton for the event. We set up in classrooms and the children moved from classroom to classroom in between sessions. This article is from Buxton's local paper.
- [Pics from CYA and Hatchlings](https://www.clairesaxby.com/pics-from-cya-and-hatchlings/) - CYA Conference in Brisbane. We arrived early and took a look at the book shop. Lovely to see Old Sailor posters smiling at me!Tina and Ally, organisers extraordinaire Dee, receiving her first prize certificate for published writer section of the CYA competition.Sheryl Gwyther, talking about how CYA has helped her. Sheryl and Dee Karen Collum,
- [CBCA Book Week Dinner Adelaide](https://www.clairesaxby.com/cbca-book-week-dinner-adelaide/) - Jo Vabolis, Nan Halliday, me, Cath Fenwick
- [Home again, home again, jiggety-jig](https://www.clairesaxby.com/home-again-home-again-jiggety-jig/) - Hundred-year old vines. Kerry and I drove home via Coonawarra and somehow picked two glorious days to do it. Weather was delightful all the way. We did stop overnight in Coonawarra and make the odd purchase or two. It was a lovely way to end my month in Adelaide. Sculptures made from vine prunings at
- [Last night](https://www.clairesaxby.com/last-night/) - Tonight is my last night in the May Gibbs apartment here in Adelaide. I've had a wonderful time, with the mix of writing, visiting and socially. I'm thrilled that I managed to complete the second draft of my novel while I was here . I finished this morning and will now let it sit for
- [A little confidence is a dangerous thing...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/a-little-confidence-is-a-dangerous-thing/) - Note to self: when entering unfamiliar territory (say for example an underground car park) take note of the level you're on and where the exits are. This may help you1. Find your car again2. Leave via an exit that takes you to a familiar road3. Allow you to get home without having to discover all
- [Goodwood](https://www.clairesaxby.com/goodwood/) - Today I was doing sessions at Goodwood Community Centre for Goodwood Library. Great fun. Pity about the weather. Squalls raced through one after another, bringing angled rain, gusty wind and even hail. The last group I had were a little late and I suggested the rain was a bit of a problem. Shiny faces assured
- [Racing to the finish line](https://www.clairesaxby.com/racing-to-the-finish-line/) - Someone was telling me recently about string theory and relativity and all sorts of things and I was struggling with the concepts. We were in a car going somewhere and they said it was like when you are overtaking a car. You catch up with them slowly and the closer you get the faster you
- [Yesterday](https://www.clairesaxby.com/yesterday/) - Yesterday I wrote furiously all morning then caught a bus into town for my appointment at the Migration Museum. Yes, I checked the bus timetable. Yes, I know it only takes minutes to get into town from here. Yes, I know I allowed extra time in case things took longer than planned.But for once, I'd
- [Things I noticed today](https://www.clairesaxby.com/things-i-noticed-today/) - A smooth-barked winter tree looked like an octopus with head buried and tentacles waving in the breeze. A cat hidden (or not so hidden) inside a side drain of a stormwater drain. A creek running through a house block. I want one.
- [Mary Martin's](https://www.clairesaxby.com/mary-martins/) - I had a small but enthusiastic crowd this morning at Mary Martin's bookshop in Norwood for my book reading. This was my little helper, feeding Old Sailor a jelly, then a shark. A Sailor went to foot, foot, foot...There were two more children but they were more shy initially. However once the camera went away
- [Blue, bloke, birds and bun](https://www.clairesaxby.com/blue-bloke-birds-and-bun/) - Things I notice today: Blue feathers are not always blueThe bloke in the very discreet new black Mercedes. I wouldn't have noticed car or man except for the bright yellow sign inside windscreen blaring out 'NOT FOR HIRE' The parrots are nesting. Noisily so, in almost every tree along Osmond Terrace. It must be THE
- [Pics from Norwood](https://www.clairesaxby.com/pics-from-norwood/) - It's amazing just how noisy these pretty birds can be. And even more amazing how difficult they are to see, even set against the greys of the empty trees. It looked to me like the gum flowers had fallen from the dandelion...
- [Storylines 2](https://www.clairesaxby.com/storylines-2/) - Last night I was lucky enough to be invited to the opening of the Storylines 2 exhibition of original picture book art. The exhibition explored the illlustration process from concept sketches to final publication.There were also contributions from Janeen Brian (poems) and Marianne Musgrove (bwirds!) It was fun to meet and remeet some more clever
- [Welcome to Lorraine and her new book, A Ute Picnic](https://www.clairesaxby.com/welcome-to-lorraine-and-her-new-book-a-ute-picnic/) - Today my visitor is good friend Lorraine Marwood, who has just released her first collection of poetry with Walker Books. She has two verse novels with Walker Books too: Ratwhiskers and Me and Star Jumps. Star Jumps has been short-listed for a Prime Minister's Literature Award. But to Lorraine's new book, A Ute Picnic. This
- [Birthday parties and book launches](https://www.clairesaxby.com/birthday-parties-and-book-launches/) - I've come to Adelaide with a bucketload of projects. My worst fear is being here and running out of things to do. At present my focus is my historical novel, but I've also brought a non-fiction project, a contemporary novel and three picture books that need reworking. But in between all that working and planning
- [Ute Picnic](https://www.clairesaxby.com/ute-picnic/) - My good friend Lorraine Marwood will be here on Friday to talk a bit about her new poetry collection, Ute Picnic (Walker Books). I love Lorraine's poetry and she has been a wonderful mentor for my poetry, so it was a thrill to have this beautiful collection dedicated to Janeen Brian and me.
- [Adelaide here I come!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/adelaide-here-i-come/) - Note to self: Plans are not always the best way to proceed. My plans to prepare for my May Gibbs Children's Literature Trust Fellowship were upset by a tiny virus which sent me to bed for a few days. Those were the same days that I'd planned to stock up the pantry and fridge, clean
- [Tall Ted's Storytime](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tall-teds-storytime/) - Last night, Jackie Kerin and I caught the train into town. Destination: Tall Ted's Storytime set. We carried change of clothes, props, lipstick and more. And it was pouring. But the studio was warm and dry. Tall Ted was very welcoming as were the crew. There were puppeteers (Nick Spunde, Steve Rossiter and Tessa Irwin)
- [To Adelaide](https://www.clairesaxby.com/to-adelaide/) - I'm off to Adelaide and this time next week should be there. I'm thrilled to have a May Gibbs Children's Literature Trust Fellowship for a month, staying in their wonderful Norwood burrow. I am looking forward to solid writing time but also to visiting schools, libraries and more. I'm driving over and hope to see
- [What to wear?](https://www.clairesaxby.com/what-to-wear/) - Apparently jangly jewellery messes with the sound, and fancy patterns can make the image strobe. With friend Jackie Kerin, next week I'm going to be filmed for a Storytime program for community television Channel 31. The session is built about my picture book There Was an Old Sailor and will include a reading, some songs
- [Congratulations...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/congratulations/) - ...to all Prime Minister's Literary Awards shortlisted people and their books, but 'specially to Lorraine Marwood (Star Jumps), Jen Storer (Tensy Farlow) and Kate Constable (Cicada Summer). Very cool.
- [Welcome to Sheryl Gwyther](https://www.clairesaxby.com/welcome-to-sheryl-gwyther/) - Today my visitor is Sheryl Gwyther, author of the newly-released Princess Clown. Sheryl is also author of the outback adventure 'Secrets of Eromanga' and the soon-to-be-released 'Charlie and the Red Hot Chilli Pepper. This visit is part of her blog tour and I wanted to ask Sheryl a bit more about her and what's behind
- [Welcome Clare!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/welcome-clare/) - Clare Mulley is an English writer and last year she released her biography of the founder of 'Save the Children', Eglantine Jebb. It was released in hardback in April 2009, paperback early in 2010 and is now available in Australia both online and in good bookshops. All Clare's royalties go to Save the Children Clare
- [and...](https://www.clairesaxby.com/and/) - ...there was a very interesting panel discussion on E books and the future. Panellists Dyan Blacklock, Leonie Tyle, Laura Harris and Linsay Knight all agree that the future is not yet clear about the impact that ebooks will have...on print books, on publishers, on creators, on prices. All are thinking about them, several are already

## Pages

- [Welcome](https://www.clairesaxby.com/) - Australian author of fiction, non-fiction and poetry for children
- [Contacts](https://www.clairesaxby.com/contacts/) - Here are lots of ways to connect with Claire Saxby - Children's Author. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or by email.
- [Links](https://www.clairesaxby.com/links/) - Resource links to the organisations that promote and support children's literature, authors and illustrators CBC, ASA, SCBWI, Writers Victoria and Creative Net
- [About](https://www.clairesaxby.com/about/) - The Long, Short and 10 word Bio of Claire Saxby....I love writing, even when I am gnashing and wailing.....Claire writes non-fiction and poetry for young people
- [Books](https://www.clairesaxby.com/books/) - What books has Claire Saxby written? Here they are. Titles, Book Cover and a short description are included for most books
- [Poetry](https://www.clairesaxby.com/poetry/) - Claire Saxby writes poetry and conducts poetry workshops for all ages. For more about my poetry workshops visit.....
- [Blog](https://www.clairesaxby.com/blog/) - Claire Saxby has been adding to her Blog for over 15 years. It offers an insight into her world of words, writing, curiosity and adventure
- [FAQs](https://www.clairesaxby.com/faqs/) - Claire Saxby answers FAQs. What were you like as a kid? Where do you get your ideas? Do you find writing hard? How do you feel about snakes? These and many more
- [News/Events](https://www.clairesaxby.com/newsevents/) - News and Events as they happen in the life of Claire Saxby, Australian author.

## Legal Pages

- [Terms and Conditions](https://www.clairesaxby.com/wpautoterms/terms-and-conditions/) - Last updated: October 7, 2021 Please read these Terms of Use ("Terms", "Terms of Use") carefully before using the https://www.clairesaxby.com website (the "Service") operated by Claire Saxby-Children's Author ("us", "we", or "our"). Your access to and use of the Service is conditioned on your acceptance of and compliance with these Terms. These Terms apply to
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.clairesaxby.com/wpautoterms/privacy-policy/) - Last updated: October 7, 2021 Claire Saxby-Children's Author ("us", "we", or "our") operates the Claire Saxby-Children's Author website (the "Service"). This page informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use and disclosure of Personal Information when you use our Service. We will not use or share your information with anyone except as described in

## Projects

- [The Flower Garden, A Changi Secret](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/the-flower-garden-a-changi-secret/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https://www.clairesaxby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pencil-on-paper.jpg” background_position=”bottom_right” custom_padding=”|||30px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title date_format=”M Y” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” text_color=”light” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”left” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” meta_text_align=”left” meta_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://www.clairesaxby.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Flower-Garden-A-Changi-Secret__Book-Cover-600.jpg” alt=”Flower Garden A Changi Secret – Book Cover” title_text=”Flower Garden – A Changi Secret__Book Cover
- [Through the Darkening Sea](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/through-the-darkening-sea/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https://www.clairesaxby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pencil-on-paper.jpg” background_position=”bottom_right” custom_padding=”|||30px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title date_format=”M Y” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” text_color=”light” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”left” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” meta_text_align=”left” meta_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://www.clairesaxby.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ThroughTheDarkeningSea-Book-Cover-600.jpg” alt=”Through the Darkening Sea – Book Cover – Author Claire Saxby” title_text=”ThroughTheDarkeningSea Book Cover 600″
- [Volcano](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/volcano/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https://www.clairesaxby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pencil-on-paper.jpg” background_position=”bottom_right” custom_padding=”|||30px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title date_format=”M Y” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” text_color=”light” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”left” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” meta_text_align=”left” meta_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://www.clairesaxby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Volcano-book-cover-M.jpg” alt=”Volcano book cover – Author Claire Saxby” title_text=”Volcano book cover M” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″
- [Storm](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/storm/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https://www.clairesaxby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pencil-on-paper.jpg” background_position=”bottom_right” custom_padding=”|||30px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title date_format=”M Y” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” text_color=”light” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”left” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” meta_text_align=”left” meta_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://www.clairesaxby.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Storm_Book-cover-600.jpg” alt=”Storm – Book Cover – Author Claire Saxby” title_text=”Storm_Book cover – 600″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column
- [Tree](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/tree/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https://www.clairesaxby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pencil-on-paper.jpg” background_position=”bottom_right” custom_padding=”|||30px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title date_format=”M Y” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” text_color=”light” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”left” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” meta_text_align=”left” meta_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://www.clairesaxby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Tree-bookcover.jpg” alt=”Tree by Claire Saxby bookcover” title_text=”Tree bookcover” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||”
- [There Was an Old Sailor](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/there-was-an-old-sailor/) - A new version of an old classic. The Old Sailor swallows a krill and all manner of fishy snacks. Great for reading out loud.
- [Emu](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/emu/) - Emu gathers granite-green eggs under soft feathers. Emu will care for the eggs and protect the ...There are many hazards in the forest for this unusual family.
- [Koala](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/koala/) - In a high tree fork, a grey ball unfurls. It's time for young Koala to leave his mother. Good luck, little Koala, you'll have many adventures finding a new home
- [Bird To Bird](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/bird-to-bird/) - A bird drops a seed.... The seed grows into a sapling, then a tree. The tree is felled and taken to a busy city. The story of one bird, one seed, one tree.
- [Dingo](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/dingo/) - Written by Claire Saxby, Illustrated by Tannya Harricks. Published by Walker Books Australia. Whitley Award 2019. NSW Premier's Literary Award 2019
- [Haywire](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/haywire/) - Tome and Max form a fast friendship, findiing they share hopes and dreams. Both long to escape. .....everything has gone haywire. Shortlisted ..... 2020
- [Tasmanian Devil](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/tasmanian-devil/) - A whiskered snout appears in the mouth of a wombat burrow, but it is not a wombat. It is a Tasmanian Devil in a borrowed den. A naturebook by Claire Saxby
- [Secrets of the Saltmarsh](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/secrets-of-the-saltmarsh/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https://www.clairesaxby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/pencil-on-paper.jpg” background_position=”bottom_right” custom_padding=”|||30px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title date_format=”M Y” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” text_color=”light” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”left” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” meta_text_align=”left” meta_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_video src=”https://www.clairesaxby.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Secrets-of-the-Saltmarsh-Book-Trailer.mp4″ image_src=”https://www.clairesaxby.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Secrets-of-the-Saltmarsh-bookcover-400×398-1.jpg” play_icon_color=”#EDF000″ use_icon_font_size=”on” admin_label=”Saltmarsh MP4 Video” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#999999″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}”
- [The Wearing of the Green](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/the-wearing-of-the-green/) - A powerful historical novel from award-winning author Claire Saxby which explores themes of racism, classism and gender expectations present in a growing nation
- [Iceberg](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/iceberg/) - An iceberg is born into spring and travels through the seasons before dying in a new spring. A stunning, lyrical story for our times.....
- [Great White Shark](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/great-white-shark/) - Great White Shark
- [Whisper on the Wind](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/whisper-on-the-wind/) - A celebration of the wonders of the ocean and the power of love to find us – wherever we are. Whisper on the Wind written by Claire Saxby
- [Ebi's Boat](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/ebis-boat/) - Ebi's Boat. Ebi loves everything about boats. If only he could find someone who shares his passion.
- [A Nest for Kora](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/a-nest-for-kora/) - A Nest for Nora. Kora is searching for the best place to lay her first egg. Will she ever find the perfect nest?
- [Snow Play](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/snow-play/) - Snow Play - a Chapter Book written by Claire Saxby, published by Hardie Grant Egmont
- [Sheep, Goat and the Creaking Gate](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/sheep-goat-and-the-creaking-gate/) - Sheep is perfectly happy in her paddock until she notices the Jellagong tree in Goat's paddock. All that stands between her and the tree is Goat and the ...
- [Freaky Fact or Fiction - Human Body](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/freaky-fact-or-fiction-human-body/) - Freaky Fact or Fiction contains over 200 weird and wonderful stories about the human body. Quiz your family and astound your friends with hours of freaky fun!
- [Carrum Sailing Club](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/carrum-sailing-club/) - Carrum Sailing Club. Sometimes it's not the destination that counts, but the journey. Join this family on their walk along the beach to the Carrum Sailing Club.
- [Big Red Kangaroo](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/big-red-kangaroo/) - Big Red and his mob of kangaroos wait for night-time when they can search for food. Young male kangaroos wait too. Winner CBCA Crichton Award 2014 and...
- [Seadog](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/seadog/) - Seadog. Teachers looking for texts for the Australian Curriculum English Literature strand will love the rhyme and rhythm of this book. It’s perfect for Preps
- [Christmas at Grandad's Farm](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/christmas-at-grandads-farm/) - Christmas at Grandad's Farm. A family spend a Christmas on a farm. Text can be sung to "Jingle Bells" tune
- [Meet the Anzacs](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/meet-the-anzacs/) - ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. It is the name given to the Australian and New Zealand troops who landed at Gallipoli in World War 1
- [My Name is Lizzie Flynn](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/my-name-is-lizzie-flynn-3/) - A story of the Rajah quilt. When convict Lizzie Flynn is escorted aboard the Rajah, bound for Australia, she has no idea what to expect. Will it be the end ....
- [Meet Weary Dunlop](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/meet-weary-dunlop/) - Sir Edward ‘Weary' Dunlop..... the story of how Weary's bravery and compassion helped to save the lives and bolster the spirits of fellow prisoners of war..
- [Christmas at Grandma's Beach House](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/christmas-at-grandmas-beach-house/) - Christmas at Grandma's Beach House. A family spend Christmas at the seaside. Text can be sung to "The Twelve Days of Christmas"
- [Wild Pa](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/wild-pa/) - Saxby’s acclaimed rhythmic storytelling makes this a great read aloud text about the relationship between a child and his Pa. (Liz Anelli, Reading Time)
- [Christmas At Home](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/christmas-at-home/) - Christmas at Home. A family celebrate Christmas in their urban home. Text can be sung to "O Christmas Tree"
- [The Anzac Billy](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/the-anzac-billy/) - I'm filling our Anzac billy. It's full of Dad's favourite things. A billy can't be posted, delivered on a bike, or sent in a car, truck or train.
- [Kookaburra](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/kookaburra/) - In the crinkled shadows night dwellers yawn, day creatures stretch and Kookaburra laugh. Kook-kook-kook. Kak-kak-kak. Narrative non fiction.
- [Aussie Stem Stars: Georgia Ward-Fear](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/aussie-stem-stars-georgia-ward-fear/) - An inspiring story of an adventurous spirit whose love of the natural world has made her a STEM superstar. Story told by Claire Saxby
- [Treasure!](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project/treasure/) - Charlie finds a bag of pirates, half-hidden in the green. They smell a bit, fight a lot, and are very less-than-clean!" Can Charlie find a way to stop pirates..

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- [poetry](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/poetry/)
- [Sherryl Clark](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/sherryl-clark/)
- [verse novels](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/verse-novels/)
- [nature storybooks](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/nature-storybooks/)
- [belgium](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/belgium/)
- [diary](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/diary/)
- [england](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/england/)
- [family](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/family/)
- [WWI](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/wwi/)
- [childrens author](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/childrens-author/)
- [sharks](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/sharks/)
- [blank page](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/blank-page/)
- [ideas](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/ideas/)
- [notebooks](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/notebooks/)
- [eastern barred bandicoot](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/eastern-barred-bandicoot/)
- [research](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/research/)
- [science](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/science/)
- [volunteering](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/volunteering/)
- [Christmas in July](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/christmas-in-july/)
- [aussie stars](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/aussie-stars/)
- [Georgia Ward-Fear](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/georgia-ward-fear/)
- [Koala](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/koala/)
- [Naturebooks](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/naturebooks/)
- [Bookshops](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/bookshops/)
- [Readings Kids](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/readings-kids/)
- [Pictures and Pages](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/pictures-and-pages/)
- [The Little Bookroom](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/the-little-bookroom/)
- [Scientist](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/scientist/)
- [Aussie Stem Stars](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/aussie-stem-stars/)
- [Stem stars](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/stem-stars/)
- [children's poetry](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/childrens-poetry/)
- [chim chimeree](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/chim-chimeree/)
- [Dandelion](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/dandelion/)
- [Claire Saxby Poetry](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/claire-saxby-poetry/)
- [Succulent](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/succulent/)
- [Scotch thistle](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/scotch-thistle/)
- [star flowers](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/star-flowers/)
- [callistemon flower](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/callistemon-flower/)
- [bees](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/bees/)
- [fuschia flowers](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/fuschia-flowers/)
- [feijoa](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/feijoa/)
- [clover flower](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/clover-flower/)
- [clover](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/clover/)
- [cyclamen](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/cyclamen/)
- [A poem a day](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/a-poem-a-day/)
- [dreams](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/dreams/)
- [novel](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/novel/)
- [middle grade](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/middle-grade/)
- [fiction](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/fiction/)
- [Anzacs](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/anzacs/)
- [war at home](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/war-at-home/)
- [Books in homes](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/books-in-homes/)
- [filling the well](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/filling-the-well/)
- [eucalypts](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/eucalypts/)
- [sunflowers](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/sunflowers/)
- [cockatoos](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/cockatoos/)
- [Murray River](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/murray-river/)
- [wedding](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/wedding/)
- [Newport Community Choir](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/newport-community-choir/)
- [Walker Books](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/walker-books/)
- [Claire Saxby childrens author](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/claire-saxby-childrens-author/)
- [Claire Saby](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/claire-saby/)
- [lexiphanes](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/lexiphanes/)
- [Inspiration](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/inspiration/)
- [Children Books](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/children-books/)
- [Childrens Book review](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/childrens-book-review/)
- [Claire Saxby blog](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/claire-saxby-blog/)
- [Kinder](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/kinder/)
- [presentation skills](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/presentation-skills/)
- [Wriring competition](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/wriring-competition/)
- [Illustration competition](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/illustration-competition/)
- [Tasmanian Devil](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/tasmanian-devil/)
- [Tasmanian Devil Illustrations](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/tasmanian-devil-illustrations/)
- [Tasmanian Devil poetry](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/tasmanian-devil-poetry/)
- [Book Week](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/book-week/)
- [CBCA Picture Book of the Year](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/cbca-picture-book-of-the-year/)
- [school visits](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/school-visits/)
- [schools](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/schools/)
- [teachers](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/teachers/)
- [librarians](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/librarians/)
- [authors](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/authors/)
- [Snow Play](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/snow-play/)
- [author talks](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/author-talks/)
- [Sheep](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/sheep/)
- [williamstown](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/williamstown/)
- [Sally Murphy children's author](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/sally-murphy-childrens-author/)
- [kite surfing](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/kite-surfing/)
- [Newport Substation](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/newport-substation/)
- [there was an old sailor](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/there-was-an-old-sailor/)
- [bollard bods](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/bollard-bods/)
- [Phar Lap](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/phar-lap/)
- [migration](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/migration/)
- [kids with disability](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/kids-with-disability/)
- [Alphabet Soup Magazine](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/alphabet-soup-magazine/)
- [Castlemaine garden](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/castlemaine-garden/)
- [puggle](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/puggle/)
- [saltmarsh](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/saltmarsh/)
- [wetlands](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/wetlands/)
- [old tree](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/old-tree/)
- [War stories for children](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/war-stories-for-children/)
- [Buxton Library](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/buxton-library/)
- [conferences for authors](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/conferences-for-authors/)
- [new zealand](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/new-zealand/)
- [verse novel](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/verse-novel/)
- [APAD](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/apad/)
- [creative rejection](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/creative-rejection/)
- [volcano](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/volcano/)
- [underwater volcano](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/underwater-volcano/)
- [continental plates](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/continental-plates/)
- [hydrothermal vents](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/hydrothermal-vents/)
- [chemosynthesis](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/chemosynthesis/)
- [Conferences](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/conferences/)
- [historical novels](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/historical-novels/)
- [picture book](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/picture-book/)
- [WW2](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/ww2/)
- [quilts](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/quilts/)
- [Girl Guides](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/girl-guides/)
- [Changi Prison](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/changi-prison/)
- [storm](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/storm/)
- [clouds](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/clouds/)
- [reef](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/reef/)
- [rockpools](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/rockpools/)
- [beach](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/beach/)
- [sea](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/sea/)
- [birds](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/birds/)
- [fish](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/fish/)
- [marine animals](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/marine-animals/)
- [seaweeds](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/seaweeds/)
- [whalefall](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/whalefall/)
- [deep ocean](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/deep-ocean/)
- [Peter Cheong](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/peter-cheong/)
- [life cycle](https://www.clairesaxby.com/tag/life-cycle/)

## Project Categories

- [Nature Storybook](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_category/nature-storybook/)
- [Picture Book](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_category/picture-book/)
- [Chapter Book](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_category/chapter-book/)
- [Non-fiction](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_category/non-fiction/)
- [Narrative non-fiction](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_category/narrative-non-fiction/)
- [Middle-grade](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_category/middle-grade/)
- [Other](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_category/other/)

## Project Tags

- [Children's Books](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/childrens-books/)
- [Non-Fiction Books](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/non-fiction-books/)
- [Children's Book](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/childrens-book/)
- [Nature Storybooks](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/nature-storybooks/)
- [Nature Storybook](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/nature-storybook/)
- [The Rajah quilt](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/the-rajah-quilt/)
- [ANZAC](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/anzac/)
- [ANZACS](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/anzacs/)
- [The Sea](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/the-sea/)
- [Christmas Songs](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/christmas-songs/)
- [Human Body](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/human-body/)
- [Chickens](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/chickens/)
- [Icebergs](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/icebergs/)
- [white shark](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/white-shark/)
- [Walker Books Australia](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/walker-books-australia/)
- [Cindy Lane](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/cindy-lane/)
- [Claire Saxby](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/claire-saxby/)
- [Picture Book](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/picture-book/)
- [Chapter Book](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/chapter-book/)
- [Saltmarsh](https://www.clairesaxby.com/project_tag/saltmarsh/)