Cover Reveal "Book Week Bear!" June 2023

Hey there, picture book lovers and bear enthusiasts! Today I’m writing about the reveal of the “Book Week Bear” cover. I've had the honor of working on a new children's book titled "Book Week Bear," written by the talented Rory H Mather during 2022. And the time has finally come to unveil the cover! As the illustrator, I've adored working on this fun book which captures the essence of Book Week and has a few magical surprises. So here it is…

I'm delighted to announce that Scholastic Australia, an amazing publisher with a passion for inspiring young minds, will be bringing "Book Week Bear" to bookshelves across the country. Mark your calendars because the big day is just around the corner—1st July 2023!

KidlitVic 2023

Hi everyone!

Walking through the door of KidLit Vic 2023!

I just wanted to share with you all about my recent trip down to Melbourne for KidLitVic, last weekend. KidLitVic is a conference for authors and illustrators interested in the Australian publishing market. It was an absolutely amazing experience, and I'm so grateful to have been able to attend.

The conference was packed full of great content, with four publisher panels covering topics such as finding the right publisher, what to expect when you receive a contract, and finding your voice. The panels were incredibly informative and gave us all a lot to think about as we navigate the world of publishing.

Ruth-Mary Smith holding my portfolio in the KidLitVic showcase

One of the highlights for me was having my portfolio in the illustrator showcase, which gave me the opportunity to have it looked through by a variety of publishers. It was nerve-wracking to have my work on display like that, but it was also incredibly exciting to see the reactions from people as they flipped through my illustrations.

But perhaps the best part of the conference was the connections I made with other authors and illustrators. I had the thrill of meeting Anna Battese the author of the PDMcPem series. It's always great to be able to chat with people who understand the industry and who are going through the same things as you. And after so long without being able to see each other in person, it was especially wonderful to be able to connect face-to-face.

Ruth-Mary Smith meeting Anna Battese. They are holding the page showing PDMcPem in the showcase of KidLitVic 2023

All in all, KidLitVic was an incredibly valuable day, and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it. I learned so much and made some great connections, and I'm excited to take everything I learned and use it to continue growing as an illustrator..

Logo for Ruth-Mary Smith

Little Mister Is Here!

Hard to believe but finally Little Mister gets a Sister is released!!!

Written by Samaria Lemke and published by Larrikin House it is the sweetest story of the effect of a new sibling in the home. Hysterical situations are captured beautifully by Samaria’s text.

Our Bookish days review stated, ‘This is an extremely relatable story seeing those little signs of jealousy peek through when everyone is fussing over the new baby… Little Mister Gets a Sister is humorous and light hearted and would make a wonderful gift for new big brother and sisters.”

Creative Kids Tales Anthology 2 Launch

What an exciting day I had last Saturday 26th October at the launch for the Creative Kids Tales 2 Anthology. I had the extra thrill of having an illustrations chosen for one of the covers of the fun flip book- one side Enchanted one side Things That Go Bump! The launch took place at Harry Hartog Miranda on a very busy shopping day. When I arrived the table was set so beautifully by Georgie Donaghey to look spooky with many delicious scary treats.

After an introduction by Georgie, many children went to sit on the mat and hear a couple of the stories from our amazing Creative Tales authors.

It was so great to meet many authors and illustrators and see how popular the Anthology was. I’ll leave you with some pictures from the day.

In the special chair!

SCBWI 2019!

Wow! I’m still getting my head around the excitement that was SCBWI 2019! I thought I would do a little write up while the experience is fresh to those interested in hearing all about it.

On Sunday 24th February 2019 the conference began with a trip to the Children’s Bookshop at Beecroft. It was an exciting event as we saw the launch of any new Australian picture books. What a lovely time catching up with friends in the kid lit community. Anticipation was building for the conference.

Monday morning arrived and by 6.30 I was on the bus clutching my portfolio on my way to the illustrators showcase in the Novotel Sydney city. I made the journey in one and a half hours and walked through the doors about 8.01. Phew!

Upstairs in a dedicated room, illustrators were doing the set up for the Showcase. Portfolios, business cards and postcards were being lined up. Anticipation filled the air! I set up in haste as did the other illustrators, with a final glance back at my portfolio, I walked out the door. The room was then only accessed by publishers for the entire day.

After an introduction by the amazing Susanne Gervay, the day was full of day was full of wonderful workshops by leaders in the Kid lit industry.

At the end of the day we were able to wander through the showcase. I was amazed at the variety of styles and the high standard that was set. It was an honour to be included!

The day ended with a dinner dance and a chance to let down our hair after such a big day!

The next days conference took place at the Mitchell library section of the State Library. I attended two workshops that added to the wealth of knowledge I was gleaning.

I also had the privilege of having a portfolio done by the super talented and super lovely Sarah Davis. Her encouragement meant the world and her guidance will continue to assist me into the future.