It has finally happened!
The Book Links Travelling Suitcases project is complete. We are very grateful to Arts Queensland for the initial grant, but it wasn’t until the Queensland branch of the Children’s Book Council of Australia donated $20,000 that this very worthwhile project could get started. THE POSTER
Pamela Rushby as the project manager has been busy viewing localities, interviewing the authors and illustrators and then devising the script and format for the filming. Human Creative has been engaged to film and produce the DVDs. This organization is very interesting and diverse in its outreach. Special thanks must go to Kate Eltham from the Queensland Writers Centre for introducing Book Links to Human.
Launch of the Travelling Suitcases at the Ipswich Festival of Children’s Literature
The literary personnel involved in the project are Narelle Oliver (author and illustrator for all ages), James Moloney (author of YA and JF novels), Michael Gerard Bauer (author of YA novels), Gregory Rogers (illustrator of picture books for all ages) and Kerry Argent (illustrator of picture books for young children). What a line up! And they are all in Queensland! Filming is now complete and the DVDs ready for the suitcases.
These suitcases will contain everything needed for a teacher or teacher librarian to involve students in an in-depth study of a particular author or illustrator. Copies of original manuscripts, published works, suggested teaching units and a DVD will be included.
They will be available on loan to schools and public libraries throughout Queensland thus enabling remote areas to have access to authors and illustrators when an actual author visit is not financially or logistically viable.
The suitcases look great. Are they available to borrow yet and if so how do I go about borrowing one
So sorry for the delay getting back to you Bernadette – we’ve had a change of ‘Blog-sitter’. The suitcases are ready to go, and indeed some are already out and about. I will get the bookings person to contact you directly. Again, apologies for the delay.
Pam
Can you tell me whether we can borrow the suitcases even if we are in Victoria? They look great! What a fabulous idea!
Thanks for the kind words Leanne, but sadly, I’m afraid we can’t send them out of Queensland. The suitcases are such a good idea that demand in Queensland is going to keep them busy for a long time yet. Sorry I can’t be more helpful.
Pam