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Summertime Stories Family Event at Blacktown Arts Centre
The annual Summertime Stories project, an annual family celebration of books and stories presented by WestWords, is on at the Blacktown Arts Centre on Saturday 10 December from 1pm.
"We are thrilled to welcome the annual Summertime Stories back to Blacktown Arts Centre, showcasing some of Australia's favourite writers and illustrators for young readers in an afternoon of storytelling, book-related activities and workshops," Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Alan Pendleton said.
This year's line-up features Anna Fienberg, author of the beloved Tashi series of books of daring adventures and tall tales of magic, courage and the triumph of brains over brawn. The Tashi books are ideal for young readers, for reading aloud, and are loved all over the world.
The program will also feature local storyteller and librarian Lee Castledine. Lee was a smash hit success at this year's Winter Tales event in the Blue Mountains (also presented by WestWords).
While the younger children are enjoying stories with Anna and Lee, kids 9+ will be learning the about illustration and cartooning from Tohby Riddle. Tohby is the award winning author/illustrator of picture books such as The Great Escape from City Zoo and My Uncle's Donkey. (Mums and dads might remember his quirky single frame cartoons which featured for several years in The Good Weekend.) Places in this illustration workshop are strictly limited, so book now!
Guests will be treated to a delicious afternoon tea, shortly followed by a session with author Elizabeth Honey and her son, actor Gig Clarke. Elizabeth is the author and illustrator of books including 45 and 47 Stella Street and I'm Still Awake, Still! Elizabeth and Gig will present a celebration of 15 years of her enduringly popular children's novel Don't Pat the Wombat (Gig was ten when he drew the crazy drawings that illustrate his mother's novel).
Elizabeth will also present her new picture books, That's Not a Daffodil! and Ten Little Wrens, an Australian counting book.
Summertime Stories is a free event presented by WestWords, the Western Sydney Young People's Literature Development Project. WestWords is a project of ArtsNSW and is supported by Blacktown City Council.
Books by the presenting authors will be available for sale on the day.
Free event, BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
Date: Saturday 10 December 2011
Time: 1:00pm - 4.30 pm
Place: Blacktown Arts Centre, Flushcombe Rd Blacktown.
Bookings: literature@blacktown.nsw.gov.au or call on 9839 6329.
For artist interviews, enquiries and images contact Blacktown City Council on (02) 9839 6000.