17 October 2003
The National Museum of Australia a place that makes history come alive has inspired some of Australia's best known children's writers and illustrators to create an anthology to be launched during Children's Week on Monday.
It's Alive! at the National Museum of Australia presents stories and poems from award-winning writers Gary Crew, Jackie French, Libby Hathorn, Meme McDonald, Morris Gleitzman and Tim the Yowie Man, and pictures from illustrators Wayne Harris, Sally Rippen, Malcolm McGookin and Tony Flowers. It also features contributions from Aboriginal writers Boori Pryor and Elaine Russell, and Torres Strait Islander illustrator Alick Tipoti.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Family and Community Services, Mr Christopher Pyne, will launch It's Alive! on Monday, 20 October at 11am in the Hall.
Contributors Gary Crew, Libby Hathorn, Meme McDonald and Tony Flowers will attend the launch and sign copies of It's Alive!.
'Ever since the Museum opened, we have invited a range of children's favourite writers and illustrators to promote the stories of Australia to their own enthusiastic readers,' says National Museum director Dawn Casey.
'It's Alive! is a bright and breezy collection of their best work which allows children to re-visit the Museum at any time.'
In other Children's Week events at the Museum:
- It's Alive! contributor Morris Gleitzman will celebrate the work of pioneering Australian children's publisher Walter McVitty in a public lecture at 6pm on Friday, 24 October. Gleitzman will also talk about his life as a writer at 10am on Saturday, 25 October. Both events take place in the Visions Theatre. Bookings essential on 6208 5021. Gleitzman will sign books outside the Museum shop at 11.30 on Saturday.
- The Governor-General, Major-General Michael Jeffery, will launch ACT Children's Week and award presentations at 11am on Wednesday, 22 October in the Studio.
- Well known child psychologist and radio personality Dr John Irvine will discuss current issues facing parents and children at 1pm on Wednesday, 22 October in the Studio. Bookings on 6208 5021.
For more information, please contact Martin Portus, Director of Public Affairs, National Museum of Australia, 6208 5351, 0409 916 481 or m.portus@nma.gov.au