Congratulations to the winners of the CBCA book of the year awards – the full list is here. The Night Garden didn’t get beyond its short listing but I was in pretty stellar company. I know a lot of schools were doing their own judging of the short list! How did you go, I wonder? Thanks to everyone who was so supportive of my story. It’s been great to visit schools and see the gorgeous Night Garden monsters and cats and creatures that the kids have created. I’ve been thinking how much fun it would be to make a board game based on the endpapers. What do you think? It might not find professional production but I’m sure I could come up with some way to get it out there.
Speaking of monsters – I must tell you about what I saw in the night-time in Ipswich… I was by the river bank, standing on the cold planks of the boardwalk with the stars overhead. Lights were reflecting on the river from the buildings across the way. Dark shadows obscured the far shore, beneath us the poles disappeared amongst the reeds. I was watching branches and shadows floating in the current. “Just wait,” said Jenny. “I don’t know if they’re out tonight. It may take a little while…” But there they were. A light shape in the corner of my eye. I looked again. Rising up from the river’s depths – a ghostly shape, and then another, flitting past – fins swishing, tails a quick flick under the water. I stood there for a long time as they slid past again and again. Once one of them paused, slowly turning a eye to the night sky and sinking deep again. Three monsters. You may see them if you go. But then again, you may not.
The next time I post I will be in Broome, or just returned. A week of visiting kids and communities… of sun and pearls and sand and stories. Wish me luck!
