National Year of Reading Community Launch

On Thursday, 16th Feb, I attended the National Year of Reading community launch at Dickson Library, ACT. Settled in with Mum's, bubs, toddlers and even a surprising number of Dad's, I enjoyed a book reading by local author Tania McCartney.
Tania kept the audience enthralled with her latest in the Riley series, Riley and the Grumpy Wombat. Although surrounded by wriggly, crying, laughing and on-the-move mini dudes, Tania never batted an eye. Like a true author- she enganged her audience, read her beautiful book and sang beautifully above the din.

After the reading, Senator Kate Lundy performed official duties and cut the fabulous book shaped cake.

I took some time out to chat with Tania and the Library's guest speaker the wonderful, Jackie French.
We were very lucky to get a sneak preview of Jackie's soon to be released picture book, A Day to Remember, illustrated by Mark Wilson and due out- March 1st.

Tracey Hawkins, Jackie French, Tania McCartney

After coffee and cake, it was time to sit back and enjoy Jackie's talk.

As always Jackie is fascinating and above all, well informed on her topic. Jackie covered a wide spectrum within the topic, fascinating facts and snippets, and peppered with her good sense of humour.  Covering the early beginnings of reading with oral story, to ancient hieroglyphics, travelling to modern day technology and Ipads. Jackie had us laughing at her new and innovative methods of getting kids to read by suggesting edible words made into sandwiches.

It was a fabulous day, filled with lots of kids and library patrons, lovers of books, and a lovely, local event for the community.