Welcome to Anne Morgan's website
Anne Morgan is a full-time writer of children's books, and of poetry and prose for adults. She lives on Bruny Island, Tasmania.
Warts 'n' All
The world premiere stage version of Anne's children's book, Warts n All was presented by children from the Bruny Island District School at the Adventure Bay hall, Bruny Island from 2-3 December 2011.
The very talented cast of primary school children did an exceptional job of bringing the script to life at the Adventure Bay Hall on 2 and 3 December 2011. These very convincing young werefrogs and werewolves (and a still sceptical Nan) were ably assisted by the school staff, their parents and community volunteers.
During the dress rehearsal, we were visited by journalist, Anneke Van Der Vusse, who wrote an article and took some production photographs for the ABC website.
The Sky Dreamer
Anne's latest picture book, The Sky Dreamer, is illustrated by Celine Eimann and published by IP Kidz. The Sky Dreamer is now availble as an e-book, and in hardback and softback editions. A French edition and French/English bilingual edition is now available for purchase from Amazon.com..
The Sky Dreamer is on the booklist for the 2012 NSW Premier's Reading Challenge.
Review
“The Sky Dreamer” is a beautifully written and illustrated children’s book. Whether you’re eight or eighty, the sentiments of this dreamlike tale are universal and very touching. Australian author, Anne Morgan has very cleverly woven themes of grief and hope into this tale of imagination and adventure. It concerns a young boy, Liam, who is bereft after the death of his sister, Cassie. On the night before Liam’s birthday, Cassie visits him in a dream. She is sailing “The Sky Dreamer”. For Liam, this dream of sailing the galaxy with his sister provides him with some simple, but crucial life lessons. Most importantly, this dream provides him with a sense of Cassie’s continued presence in his life.
For Anne, “The Sky Dreamer” has been a particularly personal project. Her daughter, Miranda, died in a car accident in WA a week after her eighteenth birthday. Miranda was born on 6 October 1988 and died on 13 October 2006.
It is always heartening to see a new children’s book on the market that grapples with issues of grief and bereavement. This is the sort of book that I think would help children feel safe to speak more openly about any grief-related feelings they might have. The book’s illustrator, Celine Eimann, complement’s Anne’s tale with striking and beautiful imagery.
Dr Andrew McNess, Compassionate Friends Victoria.
Children's Book Week in Far North Queensland, 2012
Anne celebrated Children's Bookweek 2011 in Far North Queensland with very enjoyable visits to St Michael's School, Gordonvale, and St Joseph's School, Cairns district. She and Captain Clawbeak also camped by rivers on Cape York Peninsula.Luckily Clawbeak kept his weather eye open for crocs.
READER'S CORNER
Dear Anne,
I just wanted to tell you how much my kids (4 & 2.5) enjoy Capt Clawbeak and the RH on an audio CD. We have listened to it many, many times - in the car, in bed, etc. My son now says things like "erwwh! your breath smells like a dead fish left out in the sun too long!" We love it, Kind regards, Rebecca, Lachie and Matthew.
Anne's response: Oh dear, what have I started!
i have taken out one of your Clawbeak books to read with my mum and dad. i think my dad will love it. when he was a kid he was always getting into trouble. Love Keely (8).
About Anne
Anne holds a PhD in Writing from Edith Cowan University, Western Australia, and a Master of Education Degree from the University of Tasmania. Most of the time these days she lives on Bruny Island.
She is a published and prizewinning poet. Her poetry collection, A RecklessDescent from Eternity, was published in November 2009 and can be purchased through book stores or from the Ginninderra Press website.
One of the poems from this collection, Through Paradise, running on empty, has been published in Best Australian Poems 2010.
Her children's books include The Sky Dreamer, illustrated by Celine Eimann, IP KIdz 2011, The Captain Clawbeak series, illustrated by Wayne Harris, Random House Australia 2006-7, and The Glow Worm Cave, Aboriginal Studies Press, 1999.
Literary Services
Anne offers a range of literary services including author talks, writing workshops, school visits, workshops and seminars. She is also an experienced mentor and assessor of manuscripts for children.