Cirrus@Austlit

'A conversation with Melbourne-based writer and artist Zeno Sworder, about the inspiration and work behind his two picture books, This Small Blue Dot (2021) and My Strange Shrinking Parents (CBCA Picture Book of the Year 2023), will take you on a meandering and enlightening journey from the harsh realities of the commercial children's publishing industry to the joys an rewards of perseverance and creativity. '(Introduction)

'The powerful, awarded picture book Sorry Day about the National Apology, written by Coral Vass and illustrated by Dub Leffler, has influenced many since it was published in 2018. It remains in print and continues to challenge awareness and understanding about reconciliation and the need for attitudinal and other change.'

'Have you ever revisited the book series you loved in childhood? Re-reading the stories that shaped and moulded one into a reader as an adult brings an interesting perspective; you relive not just the story but also the emotions you felt when reading it as a child. You might love a story even more now as an adult thanks to the newly-added layer of nostalgia.' (Introduction)

'An Unexpected Party, published by Fremantle Press and Get YA Words Out, is an example of an Australian book for teenagers that attempts to better represent the diversity inherent in the LGBTQIA+ experience and identity through storytelling. The book is an anthology of funny, sad, joyful, creative and challenging short stories based loosely in the genres of fantasy, speculative fiction and sci fi. It's one of a number of community-led projects creating the space for own-voices creatives and arts workers to exercise agency across all stages of the publishing process.'