My debut novel, The Feathers of Farwood and The Gripps Curse, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Award in the 8–10 years category. For a debut author, this kind of recognition in my very first year is such an important milestone.
The Feathers of Farwood and The Gripps Curse is Book One of a planned magical realism trilogy for readers aged 8+, published by Brisbane-based Riveted Press. It’s set in a richly imagined world of native wildlife and bush landscapes — inspired by the Glass House Mountains and Sunshine Coast Hinterland that I know and love — and it’s been wonderful to see it connect with young readers and educators across Australia.
What Is the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Award?
The Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards are presented annually to Australian children’s authors for books that champion language and literacy development. Each shortlisted title is assessed by a panel of certified practising speech pathologists for its appeal to children, interactive quality, and ability to support communication and literacy growth.
Being shortlisted means The Feathers of Farwood has been recognised as one of the top Australian children’s books of 2026 in its category. Winners will be announced in October 2026, so watch this space!
A First-Half Recap: from Library+ Caloundra, to Podcasts, Workshops and an Award shortlist
Since my book launch at Library+ Caloundra back in March, it’s been a whirlwind few months on the literary circuit, both locally and beyond.
I had the most wonderful time delivering a hands-on creative writing workshop at Maleny’s Rosetta Books over the Easter school holidays, and more recently I had the privilege of presenting to teacher-librarians at the Quick Brown Fox Bookshop (Brisbane) alongside some truly celebrated Australian authors — James Foley, Peter Carnavas and Katrina Nannestad.
The support I’ve received from local bookshops and the Sunshine Coast community has been incredible, and it really does fuel everything.
What’s Coming Up: Book Week and the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival
There’s plenty more to look forward to in the second half of 2026. I’ll be visiting local Sunshine Coast schools as part of Book Week, and I’m so excited to be appearing at the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival on November 1 at Venue 114.
Get Your Copy
The Feathers of Farwood and The Gripps Curse is available now across Australia and New Zealand in bookstores including QBD Books, Harry Hartog, Rosetta Books, Dymocks and independent booksellers, as well as libraries and online retailers including Amazon, Booktopia and Big W.
Thinking of adding The Feathers of Farwood to your TBR list? Why not add it on Goodreads and drop a review if you can.