This week, as a lead up to Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week later this month, the Primary students have participated into Step into Stories, a celebration of children’s literature that is organized by the Toowoomba branch of Queensland School Library Association and Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office. It has offered students the fantastic opportunity to listen to, learn from and question inspiring Australian authors and illustrators.

On Monday morning, Prep and Year 1 students enjoyed a very engaging virtual visit by Sue DeGennaro. Year 2 and 3 students joined students from St Maria Goretti School, Inglewood in another virtual session with Sue on Monday afternoon. Sue is an author illustrator who has illustrated over 20 picture books, as well as writing and illustrating 11 books of her own. Her illustrations are quirky and infectiously funny. Sue spoke to students about how she develops her book ideas and then helped students to recreate some of the characters from her books.

On Tuesday, Year 4-6 students joined students from St Patrick’s School, St George in a virtual visit with writer and illustrator Mark Wilson. He is one of Australia’s best-known author/illustrators, with numerous awards to his credit. Mark spoke to students about how he finds inspiration for his books and his illustration techniques. He also discussed endangered species and Australian history, the main themes that run through his books. Mark concluded the session with some drawing activities with the students.

Author Talk – Prep-1

On Monday 1^st August, the Prep class and Year 1 attended the Author Talk via Teams video link which was organised by Mrs Stanford.

We were lucky to have Author – Sue De Gennaro link up and speak to the classes live.

Sue spoke about a book she has both written and illustrated – “We’re  Stuck.” It was shortlisted as an Early Childhood Book back in 2020.

All the students enjoyed the session immensely and were very engaged and interested in the step-by-step drawings of the characters from the book. All the students were very proud of their drawings and how they too were able to draw the characters so easily.

Sue spoke and told the students about how she comes up with characters for her books and how she gets ideas to write about her stories. Lots of practise and never giving up.

She also encouraged the students to do the same and keep trying.

Thank you, Mrs Stanford for organising this great event.

Prep and Year 1 classes