Year 3 – 6 students enjoyed a visit from Brisbane author and champion storyteller Samantha Wheeler this week. Samantha shared her passion for animals and the environment, where she finds her inspiration and how she creates tension in her stories; challenging her characters and their problem solving skills. Her ideas and experiences ignited the students’ imaginations and encouraged them to consider how they can make a difference in their world. Selected students took part in a ‘Breakout Writing Session’ and every year level from Year 3 – 6 participated in a persuasive or narrative workshop.

Samantha has written five novels and has won numerous awards for her work. Her children’s books include; Smooch & Rose, Spud & Charli, Mister Cassowary and Wombat Warriors. Her fifth book, Turtle Trackers is about to be officially launched next month at Riverbend Books in Brisbane at 3pm on Saturday 24 March. For those interested, Booklinks are running a Writer’s Workshop with Samantha for 8-12 year olds on the same day at the State Library of Queensland from 10am – 11:30am.

Samatha’s books can be purchased until Friday 2 March at the library. Cash sales can be placed with this order form. Alternatively, online orders can be completed using the following details: Samantha Wheeler, BSB: 734 115, Acc 629 768. Please add your child’s name as the reference for online purchases and send in the order form with a note confirming payment online. We have a large selection of Samantha’s books available for borrowing in the library and have included YouTube clips by Samantha on the GCCHub.

Vanessa McKellar, Head of Library Services