In this issue:

2017 Touring Speakers

The Spotlight

 is on Gus Gordon  

"Gus Gordon was fabulous today! The children and teachers are still talking about his visit!" St John Vianney school 

Gus Gordon is an internationally acclaimed illustrator and author. He has illustrated and written over 70 books for children. His illustrations are known for their loose and energetic line work, mixed media (notably collage) and humour. His writing is always anthropomorphic – where animals take the place of humans in the narrative.

Gus says "I’m really looking forward to visiting schools in Queensland in 2017. I’ll be bringing my new book Somewhere Else and chatting to students about its evolution; from the initial idea to storyboarding, writing and editing, through to the completion of the final illustrations. It’s a weird, organic process but it works for me. Along the way I’ll also discuss where my ideas come from (I’ll do my best!) and why my imagined characters are always animals. I’ll likely draw while I talk about story-telling, visual literacy and what makes a good picture book character. My talks are highly interactive – I love a good challenging question, and if we get the chance we can do some drawing together too. I hope to see you soon! GG

Gus’ picture book Herman and Rosie, a musical love story set in New York, was sold at auction in New York to US publisher Neal Porter Books (Macmillan) and has since been sold into twelve countries. It has been adapted for the stage by several theatre companies around the world, was chosen as the ‘Read for Australia’ book and won the 2013 CBCA 'Honour Award' for best picture book. It has also been shortlisted for the German Youth Literature Award, the Sakura Medal in Japan, the Kirico book awards in Spain, the Les Incorruptibles prize in France and the Premio Anderson Children's Book awards in Italy.

Virtual Visits

Congratulations to...

	Gaye Chapman, whose book Incredibilia was shortlisted for the Griffith University Children's Book Award in the Queensland Literary Awards for 2016. The story for Incredibilia was written by Libby Hathorn
	Deborah Abela whose book Teresa about Maltese immigration is being launched by the President of Malta in the palace.
	Nick Earls whose book New Boy won in the 8 - 10 yr category at the 2016 Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards.
	Chris Collin whose book Funky Chicken: Chooks in Space won in the 5 - 9 yr category at the 2016 Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards.

What's On

	The Somerset Celebration of Literature is once again being held in March 2017 and in preparation the National Poetry Prize is now open for applications.  What a great way to encourage young aspiring poets... read more.
	From Tuesday 4 October to Saturday 29 October, there will be an exhibition of original illustrations from Australian children's books on display at the Carindale Library, including on weekends and admission is free. The exhibition will be called: reCollections: Original Illustrations from Australian Children's Literature.  Four private collectors from South-East Queensland have lent some of their works for this exhibition.  There will be 30 artworks on display.
	Applications for the Ian Wilson Memorial Fellowship close on 31 October.  For more information, click here
	Celebrate 60 books 60 Years at the Coral Tulloch exhibition: Openny Contemporary,  at 5pm on Saturday November 19, at 187 Liverpool Street Hobart.
	Book Links is holding an end of Year party for the Kids Lit community with a literature quiz based on children's literature. More info here