I have just started doing an online course about Copyright, I know exciting isn't it! I felt it was important that I be up date with copyright and that in our school library there was someone who would know a bit more than the broad " No you can't photocopy the whole book" basics.
The Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Victorian branch has just hosted the annual Clayton's night. This is night when speakers, not the official book award judges talk about the books they would like to see on the Book of the Year shortlist. Fay another committee member and I were the organisers for the event. I really wanted to bring back the fun and joyous atmosphere to the night. It was pleasing to hear comments at the close of the event about how much attendees enjoyed the night (especially as it finished on time, even a little early).
One of the great traditions of the night, is the Crichton Award. This is an award given to a new illustrator, someone who hasn't been published prior. Past winners have included Freya Blackwood and Shaun Tan. So it is always interesting to see all the books/illustrators entered for the award and then years later to reflect, "Oh I remember seeing that illustrator when he or she was nominated for the Crichton's award".
I also then travelled to Ballarat to attend their Clayton's night. It was a much more relaxed night, I was a guest and not the MC! Different judges different choices.
