Look who's coming to the Festival!

With over 40 presenters at this Festival, it looks like it's going to be a humdinger! 

Over the next few weeks, we'll check out the list of who's who - so who are your favourite Australian authors and illustrators? 

Are you a fan of the Ishmael stories? Michael Gerard Bauer, who's celebrating the launch of the final book in the series, Ishmael and the Hoops of Steel will be there. Michael's books sell in over 20 countries so it's not just Aussie kids who enjoy his stories. He's also a very entertaining speaker! 

It will be great to catch up again with Gabrielle Wang too. Her latest four books are in the series, Our Australian Girl - her Aussie girl, Poppy is of Indigenous and Chinese heritage, and lives in 1864 on a mission. There are adventures galore when Poppy runs away to look for her brother. Meet Poppy, Poppy at Summerhill, Poppy and the Thief and Poppy Comes Home. A great read! Here's Gabrielle's Author Page on Facebook.

You're in for a treat if you've booked in to see author, Christine Bongers. Chris's novel, Henry Hoey Hobson has been shortlisted for both the CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers and the Western Australia Premier's Award for Children's Fiction. Henry is 'a hero to cheer for till your tonsils hang out on strings!' Read it and find out for yourself!! Here's a great review and interview with Christine about Henry Hoey Hobson. 

Newcomer to the 2011 Festival is Gold Coast author and illustrator, Angela Sunde. Her book, Pond Magic is a hit in schools across Australia. It's one of the popular Aussie Chomps series of books from Penguin. Angela will present a workshop for adults, Writing for the Tweens.  

More authors and illustrators coming soon to this blog! :)