MEET Allison Paterson and her NEW picture book Shearing Time
Allison Paterson writes as a children’s author, school librarian, and winner of a 2017 May Gibbs Fellowship. I met Allison at the recent Romancing the Stars event on the Sunshine Coast where we both were author STARS for the night.
On 1st March, Allison launched her picture book Shearing Time, illustrated by Shane McGrath.
Shearing Time by Allison Paterson
Karen Tyrrell (that’s me) interviews Allison on How & Why she published Shearing Time
Q: Allison, tell me about yourself and why you write Australian history books for kids.
A: I grew up on a farm surrounded by sheep, dogs and chooks. I spent many years as a teacher librarian and I am now an author. My first book for children was the 2016 ABIA and CBCA longlisted title Anzac Sons: Five Brothers on the Western Front. It is the younger reader’s version of Anzac Sons: the Story of Five Brothers in the War to End All Wars, a true account of her ancestors’ service during WWI and based on a collection of over 500 letters my grandfather and his four brothers sent to their family. Then came Granny’s Place, a delightful picture book that explores the past and was inspired by my grandparents and childhood adventures on their farm.
Q. What is Shearing Time about?
A: Shearing Time is a companion tale to Granny’s Place and is loads of fun with cantankerous sheep, daring dogs, a shed of shearers that rumbles with the racket and a country kitchen that opens the door on the life of a country kid! It’s based on childhood memories of my favourite time of the year – Shearing Time – when the whole family worked together to get the job done!
Q. How did you publish Shearing Time?
A: Shearing Time is my fourth book published by the wonderful team at Big Sky Publishing.
Q: Finally, can you share three of your publishing tips?
- Persevere – believe in your work and surround yourself by people who believe in you.
- My stories are set in the past and my reading choices are often historical fiction and non-fiction – write what you know and love to read yourself.
- Plan, plan and plan – be organised!
Book Giveaway… Shearing Time by Allison Paterson WINNER BELOW
Shearing Time by Allison Paterson
Allison Paterson is giving away a FREE signed copy of Shearing Time. Thanks for leaving a comment below on my website for a chance to win a print copy.
And the Winner is Jacqui Halpin ![🙂]()
THANKS for Commenting below for a chance to win … LIKE, Tweet, Google + Share on Facebook.