The South Australian Branch of CBCA joined with Unley Libraries to co-host a magical evening with the wonderful and acclaimed children's author Jackie French.
Jackie took the sellout audience on a magical mystery tour as she explored her ideas for turning kids onto tr readers, (and keeping them there!), and her passions for meticulously researching and uncovering the forgotten or hidden parts of history, particularly as they relate to women and indigenous Australians, and giving voice to these through her stories so that all children and young people can access them in an entertaining and meaningful way.

Through Jackie's generosity, the Branch was able to provide $500 to support students in member schools to attend school based workshops during her three day visit to South Australia. 
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Our sponsors, Scholastic Australia and Harry Hartog Burnside Village, supported the event with book sales and raffle prizes.

rhe CBCA (SA) Branch and our Gold Sponsor, Dymocks Rundle Mall, were pleased to join together to host a free community event celebrating South Australian authors and illustrators of YA and children's literature. 
Host Allayne Webster was joined by Adam Cece, Beck Nicholas, Sean Williams, Margot McGovern, S.J.  Morgan, Poppy Nwosu, Jared Morgan and Dan McGuinness for a rollicking night of fun and exploration of the stories behind the books.
Stories were told of how our guests started their craft, their earliest children's literature favourites, and their current projects - all illustrated on the spot by Dan, interspersed with  games and musical interludes from our talented guests!
Some of these authors are available for school and library visits through another of our Gold sponsors Becky's Literary Bookings.
On a serious note Margot highlighted the importance of recognizing the importance of Australian YA Literature and the the work and resources of the LoveOzYA project. 

Thank you authors and illustrators. Thank you Dymocks Rundle Mall for a great night.

Jean Waddington and Sally Heinrich were sponsored by the Branch to attend the CBCA National Conference "And Now We're Laughing"  earlier this year.

Prior to the October Committee meeting they shared their Memorable Moments with the Committee and Branch Members over wine and cheese.

​A number of the members present stayed on as guests at the Committee meeting that followed to get a better sense of the workings of the Branch and perhaps be inspired to join the Committee.

 We hope to have the PowerPoint from the night available to Members on the Members Only page of the website. 

The Committee of the SA Branch was honoured to be invited to attend a morning tea at Government House hosted by our Patron Mrs Lan Le. 
Over delicious food Mrs Le shared some of her own personal experiences that have shaped her commitment to the importance of books and reading for children and young people, and thanked the Committee and the Branch for their work in fostering the love of books. 
We were also privileged to have a personal guided tour of the grounds and house. 

'Twas the week before Book Week and reading Super-heroes (and Super-villains) celebrated the 2019 CBCA Book Week theme "Reading is my secret power" with fun and frivolity at the annual Book Week Dinner at the Norwood Function Centre. 
Highlights included a Superhero Murder Mystery, the presence of all of our South Australian Notable and Short-listed authors and illustrators as special guests, books on sale with book signings, signature Superhero cocktails, competitions and much fun. 
The outstanding highlight of the night was the awarding of Honorary Membership to our special guest Phil Cummings as he enthralled us with the stories that make him such a worthy recipient as a South Australian luminary of children's literature. 
​Read his citation on the SA Greats page. 

On Friday 28th of June, 60 people experienced an arts night with a difference. As they entered St Peters Community Hall, they were greeted with a walk-through visual experience of Book Week art ideas, a great range of books and two artists (Georgina Chadderton and Lauren Mullinder) drawing live.
The room was buzzing with anticipation as the presentations began. Firstly there was an introduction to Padlet, an app where ideas had already been collated and attendees could participate by adding their own suggestions, creating a great resource of ideas to use when Book Week arrives.

Attendees participated enthusiastically in drawing an elephant and avocado and willingly offered their own suggestions for the smashed avocado graphic art story.

Presentations ( by Lauren Mullinder, Brenda George, Kate Jones and Jane Moore) included music, drama, dance, visual arts and media arts ideas. Attendees participated in Kahoots (an online fun quiz), drawing insects, learning how to green screen and much more. They watched with enthusiasm at the variety of art ideas presented which they could easily use in their schools or libraries. People networked with each other and left excited, eagerly anticipating trying the different activities presented, making their own Book Week come alive.
 Brenda George

Vale Christobel Mattingley OAM a Children's Book Council of Australia (South Australian Branch) Luminary and Honorary Member.
The Branch was pleased to award our second Honorary Membership in February 2019 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to children's literature over an extended period of time.
Christobel passed away 1 June 2019 aged 87. The Branch extends its condolences to her family and friends. Her works will continue to delight, inform and resonate with generations ahead.

A tribute to her  from the Adelaide Advertiser Saturday July 13 is attached here.

Congratulations Katharine England OAM. Katharine was awarded this honour in the 2019 Queen's Birthday Honours for "services to literature". 
Katharine has not only been a long term member and supporter of The Children's Book Council of Australia (SA Branch), but has also held committee positions and acted as a a judge for the CBCA Book of The Year Awards, most recently in 2017-2018.

She is a regular contributor and reviewer of children's books for the Adelaide Advertiser, bringing children's literature into equal prominence with adult literature.

Monday 25 March 2019 - The night before the announcement of the CBCA BOTYA Shortlists. A sellout crowd of more than 70 people gathered in the Burnside Library over wine and food to explore the CBCA Notables list. 
Presenters identified their favourite books not from the perspective of the judges, but through their experience in  selecting books that children and young adults in schools and libraries relate to and want to read. 

Emma Phillips, 2019 judge in the Older Readers category, added the judges perspective, and Notables Books were available on sale on the night from Silver Sponsor Harry Hartogs. 
Becky Lucas from Gold Sponsor Becky's Literary Bookings provided the group with insights into accessing authors and illustrators for school and library visits and both new sponsors were presented with certificates acknowledging their support for CBCA(SA).

The winners have been announced!
​Congratulations to the students who were announced as winners of our Book Week art competition illustrating the 'Reading is my Secret Power' CBCA Book Week theme.

​Winner R-2 
Hao 
Trinity Gardens Primary School

​Winner Years 3-5
Emilia 
St Mary's College

​Winner Year 6/7
Cindy 
Hendon Primary School