I was thrilled to be asked to take part in a spectacular day celebrating books at the CBCA Northern Sydney Region’s annual “Lunch with the Stars” 2026!
200 children from 20 schools, with 20 authors and illustrators each assigned to a school table. They shared stories, took part in a drawing demos and competion, were quizzed on all bookish things and of course learnt from the stars on the stage.
I had the pleasure of sitting with children from a high-support-needs school and their wonderful carers. Although the children were non-verbal, they participated in their own special ways and it was such a privilege to spend time with them. One of the carers commented that it was not only really good to get the children out and about, but also important for all the other kids to see disability and diversity included. Well done to CBCA NSW for making everyone feel so welcome.
My most precious moment of the day was reading HOWL-O-WEEN by Emma Bowd to one little girl who is apparently obsessed with her school dog. So she loved me pointing out all the dogs in dress-up as I read the story to her. She communicates through an eye-tracking device, choosing words on a screen. Seeing her focus intently on the illustrations as I read was incredibly special.
I wrote a message to their school library in my “Running with Wings” picture book by Sam Squiers, which features a little girl with cerebral palsy. Sam is a brilliant advocate of normalising difference and showing representation in picture books.
The children were all so sweet, and their carers were just phenomenal. What a day! I also loved chatting to the other schools in our area and watching their creative, clever kids run around collecting autographs at the end.
I had the pleasure of sitting with children from a high-support-needs school and their wonderful carers. Although the children were non-verbal, they participated in their own special ways and it was such a privilege to spend time with them. One of the carers commented that it was not only really good to get the children out and about, but also important for all the other kids to see disability and diversity included. Well done to CBCA NSW for making everyone feel so welcome.
My most precious moment of the day was reading HOWL-O-WEEN by Emma Bowd to one little girl who is apparently obsessed with her school dog. So she loved me pointing out all the dogs in dress-up as I read the story to her. She communicates through an eye-tracking device, choosing words on a screen. Seeing her focus intently on the illustrations as I read was incredibly special.
I wrote a message to their school library in my “Running with Wings” picture book by Sam Squiers, which features a little girl with cerebral palsy. Sam is a brilliant advocate of normalising difference and showing representation in picture books.
The children were all so sweet, and their carers were just phenomenal. What a day! I also loved chatting to the other schools in our area and watching their creative, clever kids run around collecting autographs at the end.
