ON THE FRONT LINES WITH SAM SCHRAAG
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Hello Sam! Tell us a little about your Library Service!
Kia ora koutou! I am the Librarian (Children’s and Young Adult Services) at Arrowtown Library, one of fifteen branches in the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes library network in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Kā Muriwai Arrowtown is a historic gold-mining village and popular tourist destination on the South Island, Te Waipounamu. Its goldrush began in 1862 when Māori shearer Jack Tewa found gold in the Arrow River, drawing Pākehā (European) and Chinese settlers in their thousands.
The library building – te whare pukapuka – sits opposite an avenue of nineteenth-century miners’ cottages and English trees, and serves a vibrant community of around 3000 locals.
How did you end up being a Librarian?
I began my library career in 2012 at the Mount Isa City Council Library on Kalkatungu Country in North West Queensland, Australia. I worked there for four years before joining the Queensland Writers Centre at the State Library of Queensland in Meanjin Brisbane, and later, working across several metropolitan branches with Brisbane City Council Libraries.
My background is in literary studies, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts and first-class Honours in English Literature and a Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing from the University of Queensland. Here, I worked with AustLit to create an illustrated exhibition and bibliographic dataset about thylacines and extinction themes in Australian literature.
It would be easy to say that a love of stories is what drew me to working in libraries. Perhaps growing up in small, regional libraries – like Jabiru and Mount Isa – is precisely what enlivened my love of stories in the first place; both those that we celebrate as literature, and those smaller stories, of peoples and places, that we share with each other.
What is one of the most awesome parts of your job?
One of the best parts of my job is helping people to participate in their communities. Sometimes, this might look like showing someone how to access a form online or scan their passport for their job application. At others, this might be delivering an emergent literacy programme for young tamariki (children) and their whānau (families).
Libraries have a wonderfully democratising effect on their communities, flattening access and building inclusion, and I love being a small part of that.
Share some of your upcoming or past programming
In Mount Isa, I partnered with Disability Services on a fantastic after school programme mentoring young people with autism on semester-long creative projects. Each project included a digital component and ended with a celebration event for the young people and their supporters; the library hosted a LEGO brick-film ‘opening night’, a manga art gallery exhibition, and a documentary screening supported by ABC Open.
I’m currently working with the District Children’s Librarian to develop a Games Hour programme for Arrowtown rakatahi (young people), aimed at fostering collaborative play and digital inclusion. I’m also really excited about a new monthly Te Reo Māori Storytime sessions, with support from the Community Engagement library team and Ngā Manu Hou.
What are you reading?
I am loving Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa and the Tea Dragon Society graphic novels by Kiwi legend, Kay O’Neill.
If you had to choose one children’s or YA book to take to a desert island what it be and why?
It would be a hard choice between Big Rain Coming by Katrina Germein and illustrated by Bronwyn Bancroft, which reminds me so much of home, and the ever delightful We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. Perfect for swish-swashing through the long grass!
Libraries are awesome because?....
… everyone is welcome to read, learn, and play.
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BETWEEN THE PAGES WITH ANDREA ROWE
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Hello Andrea! Tell us about yourself!
Hi there I’m Andrea Rowe
How did you decide to become a writer, and who or what are major influences on your work?
I’ve been a writer since I graduated from University in Radio / Media Studies. My professional life called for daily copywriting and media skills developing campaign communications, interviews and information material. I’ve been fortunate to write alongside experts in the environment, outdoor adventures and regional and remote communities in coastal and alpine settings. Much of what I’ve experienced has helped shape my curiosity and creativity as a writer, and as a children’s author too.
It really was a natural step for me to write children’s picture books. Much for what I write professionally is geared towards family focussed literature in national parks, for government communications and charity campaigns.
Writing and story gathering has been a part of my life forever.
When I was a child, I grew up in an adventurous and curious family. We always had strangers at our table, who fast became friends, and my parents were always interested in the stories of other people.
We also moved several towns, and interstate, and were always camping, bushwalking and trying out new adventures. I have such nostalgic recollections of the freedom of being a kid, and the inventive ways we created memories in the outdoors. I can see this firmly tiptoeing its way into my writing.
I also remember what it was like to be a newcomer, an outsider, and a small person unsure of themselves when trying new things or entering new environment. When I was in primary school we moved a few times, and when my parents built our mud brick home in the suburbs, we were an oddity in the community in some ways. I was aware that we were a story within ourselves and I was growing up in a house inspired by imagination.
Our house was also a refuge to so many exchange students and I was motivated to be one myself as a teenager – of course I hightailed it to Anne of Green Gables country in Canada!
I think it’s wide eyed curiosity that has informed much of what I write, and I’m always exite4d to see what other people do to express themselves and solve problems.
I’d probably say my folks were both influences as a young child as they encourage creative pursuits - my mum was a potter growing up, and dad was always supporting me with entering writing competitions and following pathways towards self-expression. And my family were big readers.
Becoming a parent myself gave me front row seat to the memory of childhood moments, and the inquisitive and adventurous nature of kids. My ranger husband and I have had endless adventures with our kids – travelling Australia twice in our camper trailer (remote long before it was a lockdown ting), we regularly camp and head off grid, and also spend a lot of time on water in our trailable yacht. I’m also very nostalgic about those moments as my children have grown and become teens and young adults.
The natural world and human energy continue to be the motivators for what I write.
I’m endlessly fascinated by how we move through the natural world, and how we interact with it, as well as our internal dialogues for resilience and adaption. I spend a lot of time back in the head of ‘Little Me’ too pondering complex problems.
What was your favourite book as a child?
Goodness, this is a hard question as I was the sort of kid who would bounce from book to book, declaring the latest read the best, and always hungry for the next favourite book. I would say the early impression books were Dr Seuss and Richard Scarry picture books – I loved the rhymes and ridiculousness of DR Seuss but adored the narrative of the images of these Richard Scarry’s characters like Lowly Worm and the Rabbit and Pig families. I poured over those illustrations.
As I mastered reading, I reached for the likes of Laura Ingells Wilder and LM Montgomery. I loved the rural settings and relatable characters from Little House on the Prairie and Anne of Green Gables. Enid Blyton and the Magic Faraway Tree also gave my imagination full permission to roam. I wanted to live in that world!
I’ll always feel undying love and gratitude towards Australian literature though. In my early tween reading days I was fortunate that discerning librarians put the works of Colin Thiele, Mavis Thorpe Clark and Ivan Southall in my hands. I can remember reading Southall’s Let the Balloon Go, Thorpe Clarke’s The Min-Min and Thiele’s The Hammerhead Light at pivotal moments in my young life when I was shaping ideas about a sense of justice and action, and looking for a familiar environment.
I became a lifelong fan of their writing as more familiar landscapes and characters came to life for me through the pages of these great Australian novels. In primary school I was over the moon when I won a writing competition and got to meet Colin Thiele and Mavis Thorpe Clark. This escalated their rockstar status in my life!
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I love the challenge of starting out with one sentence on a page and threading the personality of characters and the sense of setting to plot way through a story. It’s so rewarding to find the rhythm of a story, and to let that narrative take me somewhere as a writer.
I love that I’m creating something from the suggestion of an idea and the whisper of words, exploring my curiosity. And, when it’s all written, it’s even more rewarding knowing that I’ve told a story that feels like just the right story for a reader somewhere out there too.
The other treasured reward is to work with other talented creatives. To see your words take shape though the eyes of an illustrator is the most special thing, and to enjoy conversations with publishers and editors championing your work is a boost that brings such connection.
Since we're all library lovers here, how has the library played a role in your life?
I’m pretty sure that I was born with a library card in my hand! Libraries played a large part in my life as a child in regional and outer suburban towns – I was a weekly book borrower and toy library kid as well. I come from a family who regularly left ‘I’ve gone to the library’ notes on the kitchen table.
As a mum I continue that tradition – I made sure my kids grew up knowing that libraries are a space worth making time for and I continue to visit my own local library regularly.
I’ve lived in towns across Australia and overseas and applying for a library card is the first task on my to-do list wherever I live. Libraries always feel like coming home to me.
As a writer it’s my research station, my touchstone for inspiration and in recent years it’s become a place to gather with young readers who enjoy my own books. You’re always with your people in libraries.
Plug time! What's your latest book and where can fans follow you online?!
My latest book is Sunday Skating (a follow-up companion text to Jetty Jumping) was released recently, and my latest book (Nov 2023) is In the Rockpool. This is the first of a Little Worlds board book series encouraging wide eyed curiosity and supporting early concept comprehension. They’re all illustrated by the talented Hannah Sommerville.
I have a new book coming out with Hardie Grant – just signed – a picture booked called The Everyday Tutu which will be the Little Hare Prize book in search of an illustrator. Last year Jane Godwin’s Let’s Build a Boat was the book that was the Little Hare Prize.
Thanks for having me, you’ll find me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/andrearowe_coastwriter/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AndreaRowe.au/
Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-rowe-505a7858/
My website is https://andrearowe.com.au/
  
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Picture Books
Gymnastica Fantastica!
by Briony Stewart
Gymnastica Fantastica is a delightful book full of colours and movement that jumps off the page. Young children will love copying the moves of the enthusiastic protagonist who displays their gymnastic talents with ease and joy. The story embraces the idea of exploring the many ways our bodies can stretch, bend, balance and bounce whilst having a fantastic time. Props such as ribbons, hoops and four legged friends are all encouraged to join in the fun and the positivity that flows through the book is infectious. Briony Stewart’s illustrations are fabulously colourful and fun and will make this book one that will be requested continuously.
Highly Recommended for all little ones under 5 years old that enjoy moving and grooving. (Rachael Drummond)
Junior Fiction
Kip of the Mountain
by Emma Gourlay
Set in Africa our main character lives with her aviation obsessed father in a haunted house. Feeling sad when he forgets her birthday Kip is delighted with a gift that arrives in a bottle, first an egg, then a strange kitten like creature she names Buffel. At school only Troy is friendly, and they explore the seafront area but not where the sign says “whites only”. When Buffel is stolen Troy and his grandfather take Kip on an exciting and crazy adventure. A delightful action adventure that touches on the apartheid regime in South Africa in an informative narrative. Fabulous read ages 10-14. (Claire Stuckey)
Scar Town
by Tristan Bancks
Three young teenagers go on an exciting and dangerous adventure in a town half submerged. The town never got the great benefits promised from the new dam, only sadness and intrigue as people opposed went missing including Will’s father, a policeman. Twin’s J and Dar are very different but when the three discover a stash of money and human bones in a flooded house they all need to work together when they are in danger. Who can be trusted and who will help them? Highly recommended, this is another great novel from this fabulous Australian author. Ages 10-14. (Claire Stuckey)
Junior Non-Fiction
Australian Animals from beach to bush
by Brentos
This bright and quirkily illustrated book gives the reader a moment to think about all the Australian animals that can be found in different ecosystems and their conservation status. Australian Animals from beach to bush educates us on the habitats of many favourite animals and others lesser known or even already extinct. The book highlights ways to care for country to ensure no more Australian animals disappear and the importance of protecting these amazing species for future generations.
Children will also enjoy the search and find aspect of Australian Animals from beach to bush. Each page contains a uniquely Australian habitat with different animals that can be found there. In each habitat the conservation status for the animals will determine how many of each species can be found on the page, which is a fantastic demonstration to readers of how the conservation status works.
Australian Animals from beach to bush is a beautiful book, both fun and educational and is highly recommended for kids aged 5 years and over. (Rachael Drummond)
Young Adult
Look me in the eye
by Jane Godwin
*Released March 2024
Bella and Connie are best friends with different family situations. They start high school at the same time as Mish, Connie’s older cousin who has been moved from another school. Mish is secretive, she steals, and involves the friends even using them to avoid her parents. Bella has her own issues trying to understand her feelings as her mother and partner Peter welcome a new baby. When the police become involved, the truth must come out. Why is Mish not eating, looking so sick, and who is the mystery boy she meets? This is a wonderfully crafted book that will engage readers 10-14 with a contemporary message about family, trust and friendship. (Claire Stuckey)
Graphic Novel
Junior
Four Eyes
by Rex Ogle
Sixth grade has started and it hasn't gone Rex’s way so far. He is the only one who hasn't grown over summer, he's lost his best friend to the “cool” group and worst of all he now wears glasses…But not just any glasses, the worst ones in the store. Between navigating the bullies and figuring out new friendships and crushes Rex just wants to survive the year.
This heartwarming memoir is a great novel for those middle grade readers who love Smile, Click and Making Friends. Told from a male main character it provides a different perspective to growing up and all that it entails. This is the first book in the series with the follow up Pizza Face coming out later this year. (Gabby Cundy)
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Moreton Bay Region Libraries
City of Moreton Bay is on the north side of Brisbane, we’re a large library service with 10 branches and a mobile library. We have a lot of programs for all ages including “Messy play”, a program for the under 5s which encourages the use of sensory materials and hands on play. We offer a regular program of “Park Tales”, storytimes at 7 of our local parks. This year we opened our summer reading club up to all ages.
For families with sensory needs we have a very popular SENSEational Play program, with activities built around touch, movement, smell, taste, sight, hearing and balance, all tailored for families that have children with sensory disabilities such as autism and sensory process disorder.
In September we had llamas visit our libraries, much to the amazement of the community. It’s a great holiday activity that drew many families along to the libraries, some for the first time. While waiting for the chance to meet a llama there were a range of activities including face painting and craft.
LOUD is a region wide library program, attracting more than 200 young people per month to our libraries after hours. The library stays open for teens (12-17 years) to play computer games, hang out with friends and listen to music.It is a great opportunity for youth to be in a safe environment while building social connection with others. A recent collaboration with the art gallery next door led to a LOUD program with zombie and scientist themed escape rooms featuring the Get me Out! exhibition which looked at the many ways we can use escapism to check out from our current reality.
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Libraries as Community Connectors course - Plumtree
The Libraries as Community Connectors project provides libraries staff across Australia with training and resources to enhance the visiting experience for young children with disability and their families. The Libraries as Community Connectors free online training course contains resources to make your library more inclusive. The resources are also suitable for early childhood intervention practitioners, allied health professionals, council policymakers, and families and carers.
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The National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature
50th Birthday Celebrations 11-15th March 2024
The Centre holds one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive collections of translations of Australian children’s books. We hold over 5,700 translations in 79 different languages. This collection continues to grow through the generosity of Australian publishers, authors, illustrators, and private donors.
One of the organised events for the celebrations include the Mura Gadi Gallery exhibition 4-15 March 2024 promoted to Canberra region and schools’ community. Never be late for a Parade Exhibition features 22 Shaun Tan digital artworks profiling his most popular works There will be programs for young people and adults relating to this exhibition.
You can learn more about the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature in the 2023 annual report published here. Visitors and researchers are welcome. Please contact Professor Belle Alderman, Director, if you wish to visit. To congratulate the centre with a Birthday message contact ncacl@canberra.edu.au.
View the website.
Claire Stuckey
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