Zanni Louise's Blog
January 28, 2019
First Day of School Books + Wisdom
All kids (and parents) have different thoughts and feelings about starting school. Lucky for us parents, we can access our online forums for advice. We also have access to some wonderful children’s books.
Check out some suggestions here.
To help those parents and kiddies starting school for the first time, I tapped into the wisdom pot of my Facebook community.
Here's what parents suggest.
December 13, 2018
Zanni Louise available for school & library bookings in 2019
Hello!
It's nearly the end of the year - can you believe that? We are still being cold and cosy in Europe. Lots of time to write! Hope your year is wrapping up nicely too!
With 2019 around the corner, I thought I'd put out the word that I'm currently taking school and library bookings for next year. I can visit your students for one session, a whole day, or even for a few days as a Writer In Residence, so your students get the chance to really develop their writing skills. I can also swing by the class online! (How great is technology?)
One of my greatest joys as an author is getting to visit primary school kids, and public libraries, to share the magic of making books, and inspire a love of writing. Through my years teaching writing to kids and adults, via the Australian Writers Centre, and Byron Writers Festival, I have had the chance to develop really effective writing programs I know help even the most reluctant writers.
Why inspire creative writing?
As researchers Fleur Diamond and Edwin Creely write: “Students’ willingness to write can be promoted by making writing more enjoyable and meaningful to young people, with authentic connections to their lives." There is also a clear link made between engaged writers, and better literacy outcomes.
My presentations and workshops help kids and adults of all abilities and ages experience writing as joyful, fun, and potentially easy. When you write what you want to write, in the way you want to write, and know some handy skills, the story flows. Creating a good story not only feels amazing, it also helps you connect with other people, express yourself and may lead to a published book one day.
What can Zanni offer you?
Presentation
I present to your whole school, library, or selected grades, reaching as many people as possible. As well as being fun, interactive and entertaining, this presentation gives listeners the chance to hear how books are made, learn how stories are constructed, and also understand the value of creativity.
Workshops
I run in-class workshops for kids of any age. Depending on how long you have, I can work with kids for one session, to develop characters and learn story writing techniques. Primary Stage 2 & 3, and high schoolers may benefit from longer sessions, where Zanni teaches more in depth techniques. Zanni also runs writing workshops for adults who want to learn how to write for children.
How to book
I charge Australian Society of Author rates for visits. In NSW, please contact Beth from the Children’s Bookshop Speakers’ Agency on (02) 9481 8811 or email staff@thechildrensbookshop.com.au.
To make a booking anywhere in QLD, please email admin@greenleafpress.net.
Find out more
To learn more about my writing workshops, and my books, please visit: www.zannilouise.com
What others have said about Zanni's visits
Zanni's warmth and passion for quality literature for children is inspiring. ~ St Agatha's School, Brisbane
Our students were so enthralled, they would have sat there all day listening. Zanni has changed their lives forever! ~ Westall Primary, Melbourne
Zanni Louise has an uncanny ability to connect with children of all ages. She delights and surprises with her warmth and humour. Her visit to our school and the readings and workshops she conducted will be remembered and treasured for years to come.. ~ Marin Primary and Middle School, San Francisco
Let me know if you have questions!
Happy festive season!
Zanni x
November 7, 2018
ERROL! in Italy!
Crack open the vino! Looks like ERROL! has a publishing deal in Italia. So exciting!
I think Mum may need to repack her shopping trolley ...
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Archie and the Bear selected for White Ravens
Good news! Archie and the Bear has been selected for the "White Ravens" catalogue 2018, to be launched at Bologna Book Fair next year.
This means it has been selected by the International Youth Library to be included in their annual catalogue of book recommendations in the field of international children’s and youth literature. This year’s catalogue contains 200 titles in 38 languages from 59 countries.
Each year the language specialists at the International Youth Library in Germany, select newly published books from around the world that they consider to be especially noteworthy. This list of books is compiled into the annual White Ravens Catalogue, which is introduced each year at the Bologna (Italy) Children's Book Fair. The White Raven label is given to books that deserve worldwide attention because of their universal themes and/or their exceptional and often innovative artistic and literary style and design.
And this is a snippet of what they said about Archie and the Bear: "Without even the slightest hint of preachy-ness, “Archie and the Bear” challenges readers to ponder the importance of being open-minded, of carefully listening to others, and of accepting people – and other creatures – for what they (say they) are. In his vigorous illustrations, renowned artist David Mackintosh plays with different media, contrasting sizes, and varying perspectives to highlight the story’s peculiar rhythm. Pictures, text, and overall design create a seamless unity that easily draws readers into the tale."
New Tiggy and the Magic Paintbrush books released!
This month, two new Tiggy and the Magic Paintbrush books hit the shelves.
‘Tiggy and the Magic Paintbrush is a wonderful celebration of the power of children’s imagination,’ says book reviewer, Better Reading. ‘Tiggy is the lucky owner of a magical paintbrush, one that allows her to make real her fantastical imagination.’
Tiggy faces a new set of problems in the upcoming releases. In A Musical Show, Tiggy feels nervous before going on stage in front of an audience, and retreats to the bathroom. There, she magically paints creatures to sing in her place. With practice, persistence, and imagination, Tiggy realises she has the ability, and even the courage to perform.
In A Birthday Party Trick, Tiggy faces disappointment when the magician can’t come to her party. Tiggy’s humorous attempts to fix the problem with magic lead to Tiggy discovering she can have a magical party, by creating her own magic games.
These books for 4-7 year-olds are published by Hardie Grant Egmont, and beautifully illustrated by Gillian Flint. Books are available from all good bookstores.
'I LOVE reading Tiggy. She helps me see that with just a pencil or paintbrush you can make a whole new world in your imagination.' - Tahli, 6.5
'Tiggy has ignited Olive's imagination in so many ways. The magic paintbrush gives her a new outlook on solving problems and each time we re-read the books, she tucks a real paintbrush into her sock for the day!' - Penny Harrison.
"Felix and I like to imagine what we would paint with our magic paintbrush. From green tree frogs to highly engineered town water systems." - Shelly Brown
"Ruby reads and rereads Tiggy, and even uses the books as inspiration for her own creative play! They’re gorgeous books and we can’t wait for the next ones!" - Kate Laura
September 19, 2018
Opportunity for Young Writers
One of the most common questions I get on school visits is:
'How can I get my story published?'
There are a few options, and I will explore these in another blog post. But my daughter and I had a thought that we could make our own magazine, called Smiley Times, to publish stories by young writers.
Everyone under 18 is invited to send in their story or illustration before the 1 November 2018.
All formats and story themes are welcome. The only restriction is that text is less than 1,000 words. All stories submited will be published. Kids should make their work the best it can be, but their story may be subject to editing.
Published authors and illustrators will receive a free copy of the magazine, and can invite others to purchase copies to help cover costs.
This is a great incentive for kids to finish their stories, polish them, see their names in print, and share with others. It's also cool to be able to read stories other kids have written!
Let me know if you have any questions!
August 16, 2018
Be Tiggy for Book Week!
As many of you know, it's Book Week next week in Australia. This year's theme is Find Your Treasure. Exciting times ahead! 2. Take one regular paintbrush, and give it some magic, if you like: 3. Wear something cute and delightful, like one of Tiggy's outfits.
Is your school doing Book Week? Are they doing a book parade? I love seeing the photos of kids' and teachers' costumes each year.
My friend Megan at Children's Books Daily has a great list of costumes for kids, and also teachers!
I also like this ERROL costume for teachers from Aussie Teacher Fashion instagram account (yes, teachers deserve fashion accounts too!): 
If your kids like Archie from Archie and the Bear, I made a little tutorial last year, which you can see here.
I thought I'd do the same for young Tiggy readers.
Here you go.
1. Take a pink wig, like so:
4. Long socks are essential! That's where Tiggy keeps her paintbrush.
Tag me in your social media pics if you like, or email me your photos. Would love to see little Tiggys in the world!
If you haven't heard the news yet, two new Tiggy books will be released with Hardie Grant Egmont this November, alongside a re-release of the first two. So stay tuned!
Happy Book Week!
May 7, 2018
Winter Writing Retreat: Learn to write stories for children
Whether you want to write stories for children you love, or want to be published, I’ll help you develop and polish a story you are proud of.
The purpose of this weekend is to inspire you, give you practical tools, lots of information and personalised feedback. And also to have fun!
Sometimes, you need to step outside your everyday life, to give your creativity the space it needs to flourish.
Where: Jemima’s Guest House, Brooklet, Byron Bay hinterland
When: 10-4 Sat 30 June & 10-4 1 July
Cost: $250 inc. morning tea & lunch both days
What you will learn:
– Writing tips and creative exercises
– The children’s book publishing industry & standards
– How to write a compelling story, and develop unique characters
– Developing your unique voice and style
– Editing and polishing your manuscript
– How to submit a manuscript for publication
What you will get:
– Space, time and opportunity to develop your own story
– Insight into children’s publishing
– Dynamic workshop experience
– Personalised feedback and manuscript assessment
– Tips for unlocking creativity, and making writing a meaningful part of your life.
A delicious morning tea and lunch each day is included in the cost. Single or couples accommodation is available at Jemima’s.
Limited places available. Go to Zanni's website to book.
February 27, 2018
February 7, 2018
ERROL off to Asia
Wishing I could fit in his suitcase.
ERROL is published by Scholastic, and will be available in June, 2018 in Australia.
