On ya bus … to Sydney

For many years, Scholastic has kept its Omnibus imprint running from its original home in Adelaide. Now, after the better part of two decades, the Omnibus Books imprint is to join its fellow imprints (Scholastic Australia, Scholastic Press and Koala Books) at the Scholastic Australia publishing office in Sydney.

The Adelaide office of Omnibus Books will be open until the end of this year, and books currently in production will continue to be expertly curated by the present staff, editors Celia Jellett and Gina Inverarity and art director, Patricia Howes, with administrative support from Beverley Williams.

Omnibus Books looks forward to a continued bright future, and to publishing many more books of quality for young readers.

Not a full stop, but an ellipsis …

Winners

Omnibus books Figgy in the World by Tamsin Janu and Crossing by Catherine Norton were joint winners of the Patricia Wrightson Award in the NSW Literary Awards this week. Congratulations to the authors and all involved in the production of these two worthy winners.

Another winner we have amongst us is our senior editor Celia Jellett who took home the Pixie O’Harris award for ‘distinguished and dedicated service to the development and reputation of Australian children’s books’. Recipients will have ‘worked consistently in children’s literature [and] demonstrated a commitment beyond the call of duty'. Anyone who knows Celia will know this is well-deserved recognition. We’re proud to call her our colleague and friend.

April books

Sebastian is a pink fuzzy baby wombat. He doesn’t have a mother to look after him, and so he lives in a woolly hat and is looked after by a human family. When he’s big he might not need his hat any more, but for now it keeps him safe and warm. Written by Thelma Catterwell and illustrated by Kerry Argent.

Larni is going on a plane to visit her gran up north. She is happy to be away from school, as everyone there seems to be smarter than her. But Gran shows Larni something she is really good at, and pretty soon she is flying high! Written by Sally Morgan and Ezekiel Kwaymullina and illustrated by Craig Smith. 

Kerenza isn’t sure about leaving her village in Cornwall and taking a ship to Australia, but she can be brave for her da’s sake. Where he sees a farm, she and her mam see endless bush and flies – millions of them – and hard work from dawn to dusk. It’s almost too much to bear, but the Mallee has its own beauty, and family and new-found friends might just make it her home. Written by Rosanne Hawke.

Congratulations, Tamsin!

There were pleased nods and mini happy dances in the Omnibus offices when we heard Figgy in the World is on the Readings Children's Book Prize shortlist this year. In very good company, I might add. We've said it before and we'll keep shouting it from the rooftops, this is a delightful book by a talented young author. Well done, Tamsin!

March books

The Memory Shed by Sally Morgan is another in Omnibus Books' new series of chapter books that are perfect for developing reader confidence and also based on Indigenous characters. Illustrated with humour and child appeal by the wonderful Craig Smith, this is a family story with an unexpected twist.

Out this month from very popular children's author Phil Cummings is Ride, Ricardo, Ride, a haunting and evocative tale of war-torn Europe that shows the endurance of the human spirit. Illustrated by Shane Devries, an artist of rare talent.

New releases January and February

This year starts with an air of nostalgia as Omnibus re-issues some old favourites in new editions and brand new formats. Our old friend Wombat is back in two new board books, At the Beach and Best of Friends, perfect for babies and toddlers. And we have Fang Fang's Chinese New Year by Sally Rippin and My Country by Dorothea Mackellar, illustrated by Andrew McLean, out in paperback.

A reminder that you can download high res author photos, covers, New Title Information Sheets and biographical information and find links to Teacher's Notes on a growing list of Omnibus authors and illustrators by clicking on the profile links in the column on the right of this blog.

Brand new releases this month are Magpie Learns a Lesson by Sally Morgan and Ezekiel Kwaymullina, illustrated by Tania Erzinger. This book is a charming collaboration that will greatly appeal to young readers.

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And there are be legions of Derek 'Danger' Dale fans very excited about getting their hands on Secret Agent Derek 'Danger' Dale and the Case of the Really REALLY Scary Things by Michael Gerard Bauer, illustrated by Joe Bauer. Kids, the capitals are there for a REASON! You've been WARNED!

 And finally, the Omnibus team are very excited to be launching a brand new series of historical novels that tell the stories of children emigrating to Australia. Well-known, award-winning Australian author James Moloney launches the series with Bridget. We hope readers aged 10+ will love these stories as much as we do.

Sneak peek

Meet Madge. But what exactly does go on underneath a cow?

Coming in July 2015.