Parramatta Artists Studios welcomes award-winning children’s author

Acclaimed children’s author and illustrator Elizabeth Honey will conduct a series of storytime sessions and workshops during a two week residency at Parramatta Artists Studios.

The Melbourne-based writer is the award-winning author of poetry, novels and picture books including That’s not a daffodil! and Ten Blue Wrens and what a lot of wattle .

“We’re delighted to welcome Elizabeth, whose sense of humour and creativity enable her to make a big impression on children everywhere,” Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr Paul Garrard said.

“The importance of engaging children and young people in reading and writing from an early age cannot be underestimated. It encourages them to develop their imagination and express their ideas and experiences.

“This initiative has the power to foster valuable connections between libraries, schools and the wider community and Elizabeth’s workshops and storytime sessions will bring her books to life for her young audience.”

The annual residency, which is now in its second year, is supported through a partnership between Westwords and Parramatta Artists Studios.

Westwords is a literature development organisation based in Parramatta, which encourages an appreciation of stories and story-making among children in Western Sydney, and promotes the importance of books in the lives of young people.

“We are truly fortunate to bring Elizabeth to Western Sydney, to interact with and inspire young readers and writers to discover the stories that surround them and that they are part of,” Westwords Executive Director Michael Campbell said.

“Only with productive collaborations, like this one with Parramatta Artists Studios, can such opportunities be made possible.”

Elizabeth’s events and workshops are as follows:

• Wednesday 18 November, 9-10.45am – workshops with Year 2 and 3 students at Parramatta North Public School.
• Friday 20 November, 10.30-11.00am – Storytime at Parramatta City Library. Arrive early as places are limited.
• Saturday 21 November, 10am-4pm  – Weaving words and pictures workshop for adult writers and illustrators of children’s literature at Parramatta Artists Studios
• Wednesday 25 November – workshops at ICE (Information and Cultural Exchange)

Parramatta Artists Studios is a Parramatta City Council initiative which provides studio spaces to artists as well as creative programs for the local community.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY:

Who:               Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Bakous Makari will welcome children’s author and illustrator Elizabeth Honey to Parramatta as she conducts writing workshops at a local school.

When:             Wednesday 18 November, 9.45am

Where:            Parramatta North Public School, Albert Street, North Parramatta. Enter car park from Harold Street (closest cross street is Trott Street).