ABC Playschool Highlights

Earlier this year, The Heartbeat of the Land appeared on ABC TV’s Playschool

A few days later, The Forgotten Song - Saving the Regent Honeyeater also appeared on Playschool

The Forgotten Song- Saving the Regent Honeyeater shortlisted

The Forgotten Song- Saving the Regent Honeyeater was in this year’s Children’s Book Council of Australia Eve Pownall Notable list and has also been shortlisted for the Wilderness Society Environmental Award for Children’s Literature.

The Sydney Opera House Selfie Competition - WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Thank you to everyone who entered our Sydney Opera House Selfie Competition. Nicky Johnston and I were overwhelmed by all the incredibly creative entries.

And now.....drum roll please....

We are thrilled to announce our 6 winners, who each win a signed copy of Jørn's Magnificent Imagination.

WINNER - The Year 1 class at Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College

WINNER - Milly

WINNER - Xavier

WINNER - Ashton

WINNER - Ivy

WINNER - Hugo

Book Tour of Sydney to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Sydney Opera House and the release of Jørn's Magnificent Imagination

Coral Vass and Nicky Johnston are launching/celebrating their new book Jørn's Magnificent Imagination (2023 CBCA Notable Book and 2023 Speech Pathology Shortlisted Book) in Sydney as part of the Sydney Opera House 50th Anniversary Celebrations.

Wednesday September 27

10.30am Sydney Opera House Event and Bookshop signing - public

Thursday September 28

11am – 12noon Book Event State Library of NSW – public

Thursday September 28

1.30pm - 4:30pm – Celebration drinks Sydney Opera Bar – friends/colleagues

Friday 29th September

11am-12noon Harry Harthog Bondi Book event – public

We are also running a Sydney Opera House Selfie competition, where you have a chance to win a signed copy of the book.

THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE SELFIE COMPETITION - win a signed copy of Jørn's Magnificent Imagination

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Sydney Opera House and the release of Jørn's Magnificent Imagination, you have a chance to win a signed copy of the book!

Simply send us a ‘selfie’ with the Sydney Opera House

It can be a photo...a drawing/artwork....or something creative!

SUBMITTING YOUR ENTRY

To submit your entry, please take a photo or scan your completed artwork.

Then email a copy to: sohselfiecompetition@gmail.com

Opening date: 21st August 2023

Closing date: 2nd October 2023

Winners will be announced - Tuesday 3rd October 2023

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

When you submit your entry, please include the following:

  1. Your name and age

  2. Your state of residence (Aust only)

  3. Email address (this is how we notify winners)

  4. Parent/guardian’s signature as consent to enter competition and use photo/images online

Please note:

*PRIZES: a copy of Jørn's Magnificent Imagination signed by author & Illustrator. This cannot be exchangeable and cannot be taken as cash.

*This competition is open to AUSTRALIA only.

*Decisions are FINAL: No correspondence will be entered into regarding selected winners.


There will be one winner in each age category:

0-4yrs, 5-10yrs, 11-15yrs, 15-18yrs, 18yrs+

Winners will be judged on creativity and effort

2023 CBCA NOTABLE BOOKS

I am absolutely thrilled to see not one, but two of my books in this year’s CBCA Notable List.

Please Handle with Care and Jørn's Magnificent Imagination

New Release - The Forgotten Song: Saving the Regent Honeyeater

In Stores - 3rd April 2023

A moving story of a Regent Honeyeater who forgets his song, and how he learns it again.

The song of the regent honeyeater has been heard in the bush for many generations – but could it soon be lost forever?

Regent’s father had learnt the song from his father, who learnt it from his father too. But with Regent’s species now facing extinction, there is no one around to teach him. Regent tries to mimic the sounds of different birds but without success.

Will Regent learn his mating call before it’s too late? Or will his ancient song be forgotten forever?

Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.

Grandma's Treasured Shoes on display at the State Library of NSW

I am absolutely thrilled Grandma's Treasured Shoes has been included in the State Library of NSW’s Imagine... the Wonder of Picture Books Exhibition on until May 2023. If you get a chance to check out this stunning exhibition, you’ll see several of Christina Huynh's illustrations along with the little shoe that Christina used for inspiration to illustrate Grandma’s Treasured Shoes, as well as other brilliant Australian children’s book illustrations.

I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at Grandma's Treasured Shoes on display in the exhibition, where stories and characters from much-loved Australian picture books come to life.

“Come and see some of the most beautiful picture books and artworks in the State Library’s collection and beyond. You’ll find original illustrations and preliminary sketches from your favourite books and discover new favourites like Christina Huynh (Grandma’s Treasured Shoes)." - State Library of NSW

AMANDA COMMANDER - a new Chapter Books series just released!

Combatting Unfairness with Kindness

Book 1 in stores March 2022!

Everyone in Year 3 gets an invitation to Eve’s birthday. Everyone except Amanda.

Despite this, Amanda and the Dolphin Squad set off on a mission to win her an invitation.

It’s OPERATION INVITATION!

But, when it looks like Amanda isn’t going to get an invitation in time, and the stress of rejection begins to sink in, she wonders if her acts of kindness were really acts of kindness at all.

Book 2 in stores June 2022!

When Amanda and her friends make a pinky-promise to run together in the Cross-Country race at school, Amanda needs to make a choice. Should she keep her promise or win the race.

It’s OPERATION CROSS COUNTRY!

Even though she is competitive, Amanda learns it is more important to show kindness to others than win.

Book 3 in stores September 2022

When Amanda and her friends find out Eve has the exact same yellow dress as Amanda and is planning to wear it to the School Disco, Amanda needs to find a way to change Eve’s mind

It’s OPERATION DISCO DRESS!

Even though Amanda wants to stand out, she learns encouraging others and standing by your friends is more important.