Tag: #australianpublishing

Understanding Australian Readers – ‘Author Take Homes’ from the Report

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Here’s my ‘Author Take Homes’ from the groundbreaking report into understanding Australian readers, which was launched online on Thursday, 13th February, 2025. The findings were the result of the world-first study by Australia Reads  and BehaviourWorks at Monash University, ‘Understanding Australian Readers: Behavioural Insights into Recreational Reading’.

While Australian reading rates are in decline, the cold, hard data in this report clearly shows that a large percentage of people want to read; along with providing guidelines on how to encourage this. I really hope that these findings solidify the need to invest in quality Australian literature – supported by skilled editors and publishers; and promoted by skilled independent booksellers, librarians and the wider book-loving community. The many benefits of reading, to both the individual and society, are well documented. Let’s hope that this report is widely read and acted upon by the powers that be.  

[PS I can only assume that magazines and newspapers were left out of the study, so that it could focus its findings on longer-form recreational reading. I, personally, have cherished keeping a @natgeo magazine on my bedside table for the best part of 40 years, opening my eyes to the world.]

 

Brilliant Book Trailer

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It’s UNESCO #worldbookday !! And I’m so excited to share this adorable picture book trailer for WONDERFUL SHOES – which officially tip-taps into the world on the 1st May.

Picture books, in my mind, are THE most important books in the world, because they are quite literally the stepping-stones to literacy and becoming an engaged citizen in our world.

WONDERFUL SHOES is a joyful celebration of what happens when little feet find big shoes. I could not be more proud of this little book, and wish it well as it click-clacks its way into the hands and hearts of our tiniest citizens and their carers.

This book trailer, created by the super-talented Romi at Books On Tour PR truly is the ‘icing on the cake’ of what has been a wonderful journey with my picture book co-creators Tania McCartney and Cristina Pase at Windy Hollow Books.

This charming little video is also extra special, because it celebrates my very first published picture book – a long-held dream of mine! PLUS, I won the privilege of working with Romi through the Twitter fund-raising auction #AuthorsForFireys back in early 2019. [An astonishing half a million dollars was raised for the CFA, coordinated by authors Nova Weetman and Emily Gale]

If there’s one thing I dare to know for sure in this world good people, it’s that good things do indeed come to those who wait! Happy reading, writing, creating, sharing, dreaming, doing 😘 XX

Some Wonderful News

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‘Wonderful Shoes’ – Picture Book by Emma Bowd and Tania McCartney, published by Windy Hollow Books

COVER REVEAL for my debut children’s picture book, ‘Wonderful Shoes’, illustrated by award-winning kidlit creator Tania McCartney and published by Cristina Pase and her award-winning team at Windy Hollow Books. I know, I REALLY hit the jackpot with this one!

‘Wonderful Shoes’ has been such a joyful collaboration, and will be tip-tapping into bookstores in May 2021. I just can’t wait to share it with all the small children of the world, who think big shoes are just as awesome as I do!

My thanks must go to the organisers of KidLitVic, where I first had the opportunity to present ‘Wonderful Shoes’ to Cristina for a manuscript assessment in 2019. After taking on board Cristina’s feedback, I re-submitted the rhyming text to her and was subsequently offered the contract with Windy Hollow Books, and then teamed-up with the incredibly talented Tania . . . who also happens to be a fellow lover of shoes (and all things fashion).

You’ll hear more from me and Tania and Windy Hollow closer to the publication date. But for now, please excuse me while I happy dance around my kitchen in the sparkliest shoes I own . . . and there are several to choose from!