Category: events

Events for March

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Mar 16 – ‘Right Way Down’ book launch

Join us to celebrate the launch Right Way Down, a collection of children’s poetry from 38 brilliant WA writers!

Following the launch: books will be available for purchase, enjoy light refreshments, browse the artwork of Briony Stewart, meet the book’s editors and illustrator, and grab a signature from one of the many contributors (including me!).

This event is a collaboration between Alphabet Soup Books and Fremantle Press. The book is sponsored by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

Tickets to this event are free but essential (numbers are limited).

DATE: Saturday 16 March, 2024
WHEN: 3-5pm
WHERE: State Library of WA, Perth CBD
AGES: all ages
TICKETS: FREE, bookings essential

Continue reading “Events for March”

The 2024 Perth Festival Writers’ Weekend program is here!

2024 is just around the corner (how did that happen??). Which means it’s almost time for Perth Festival and it’s wonderful Writers’ Weekend.

I’ll be on a panel with Kylie Howarth and Bec Newman talking about all things kids books!

Presented in association with Writing WA

The creative minds of Kylie Howarth (Crocs Stole My Socks), Rebecca M Newman (Right Way Down) and me, James Foley (Secret Agent Mole), come together for an exhilarating conversation hosted by Writing WA Chair Lesley Reece AM. Join us as we delve into the secrets of crafting engaging stories for young minds and celebrate the wonders of storytelling.

DATE: Saturday 24 February, 2024
WHEN: 10am
WHERE: State Library of WA, Perth CBD
AGES: all ages
TICKETS: pay what you can (recommended price, $25)

Head to the Perth Festival Writers’ Weekend program for more info on this and many other sessions.

Term 3 all wrapped up!

Between Book Week, the release of Secret Agent Mole Book 2: The Boar Identity, and a Sydney tour, Term 3 has been absolutely packed. Here’s everything I’ve been up to!

Book Week 2023

I visited a bunch of schools and libraries across WA for Book Week this year. It was great to meet so many readers and teachers! Thanks to everyone for having me.

It’s not every day you get to cuddle a Kindy class’ two pet mice, AND draw them as astronauts! ⁠Thanks to the Kindy students at Landsdale Christian for introducing me to Marlee and Lavender. ⁠(P.S. Those are little cashews floating inside their helmets).

Continue reading “Term 3 all wrapped up!”

Secret Agent Mole book 2 out now!

It’s official … Secret Agent Mole book 2: The Boar Identity is now in bookshops.

Freo book launch

We launched the book in secret agent style this past Saturday. Thanks to the incredible staff at Paper Bird Books in Fremantle for hosting; to the 99 to my 86, Renae Hayward, for prepping the snacks; and to all who braved the wild and wooly weather to come celebrate with me.

Continue reading “Secret Agent Mole book 2 out now!”

I got to chat with Brenton McKenna for ALIA Graphics

Back in May I had the great privilege of yarning with my bud Brenton McKenna for ALIA Graphic Novels and Comics. ⁠
⁠
Brenton and I interviewed each other about our newest graphic novels (including Secret Agent Mole: Goldfish-Finger), our processes and our inspirations. Brenton is the creator of the Ubby’s Underdogs trilogy and has a new series out called Hairy Holes, all about some hairy creatures that live in the Australian outback. It’s hilarious! ⁠


You can catch our chat here on YouTube.

P.S. ALIA has a massive treasure trove of videos, all about graphic novels and comics. Make sure you check it out!

Book Week costume ideas – and free printable masks!

Stuck for a CBCA Book Week costume idea? Here’s how to dress up as Max Mole, Helena Hippo or Bug from my series, Secret Agent Mole.

And scroll down for free printable masks of Max, Helena and Bug!

Printable masks

You can download all three of these masks in one handy pdf.

Tips:

  • Each is designed to print out at A4 paper size; they’ll work best of printed or glued onto thick card.
  • Cut out the black eyeholes, and cut around the thin outline on the outside edge of the mask.
  • Add colour if you wish.
  • Don’t forget to add string or a paper loop so that you can attach the mask to your face.
  • And don’t forget some antennae for Bug – you could use thin strips of paper or card, or pipe cleaners.
Download the 3 masks

I’m running workshops at the 2023 Awesome Arts Festival

The Awesome Arts Festival is almost here again!

It’s a fantastic kids’ art festival right here in my hometown of Perth, featuring theatre, dance, visual arts and more. It’s a brilliant way to keep the kids occupied in the September/October school holidays.

As always, I’m presenting some cartooning and comics workshops for young’uns.

Details below!

SEPT 23, 26 – Super Secret Short Story Comic Strips (for kids)

Join me for hands-on writing and drawing workshops making comic strip stories. Your subject – secret agents!

I’ll show you how to draw Max Mole and other characters from my new graphic novel series Secret Agent Mole, and guide you in creating your own short story comics. Invent villains, devise gadgets, and draw dramatic battles. Who will win in your comic? You decide.

There will be three workshops in two different locations – details below.

KELMSCOTT WORKSHOPS (ARMADALE HUB)

DATE: Saturday 23 September
WHEN: 10am-10:45am OR 2pm-2:45pm
WHERE: Kelmscott Hall, Bilya (River Room), 60 River Road Kelmscott
AGES: 6yo +
TICKETS: On sale now!

STATE LIBRARY WORKSHOP (PERTH)

DATE: Tuesday 26 September
WHEN: 11:30am-12:30pm
WHERE: The Education Room, State Library of Western Australia
AGES: 8-12yo
TICKETS: On sale now!