Library News

Library News

Sydney Writer’s Festival 2026

Mick Elliot and the Power of the Unexpected Hero!

Many World Cup fans will be familiar with Andrew Redmayne, the Australian Football player at the World Cup qualifiers in 2022. As a surprise substitute in the 120th minute of a scoreless match, Redmayne famously performed wild dance moves as goalkeeper during the penalty shoot out, earning him the nickname ‘The Grey Wiggle’. His sensational goal save against Peru secured Australia’s spot in the World Cup and Andrew’s life changed from humble understudy to national hero.

Popular children’s author Mick Elliot enthralled our Stage 3 students with Redmayne’s remarkable story at the Sydney Writer’s Festival Primary School Day at Sydney Town Hall on 21st May. Our group of 20 booklovers and budding authors gained insight into his craft of writing, learning that many of his characters are often inspired by his favourite football players or even his dog Gypsy who he describes as a sweet cavoodle with an assassin’s personality!

Elliot grew up in the 80’s eating Coco Pops and always wished he read more books. As an adult he set about writing books that he would have loved as an 11 year old. His latest book Uranus FC, The Greatest Goal in the Galaxy is the first in a graphic novel series about a football team in space! If your child is looking for new reading inspiration they may love Elliot’s fast and funny approach to storytelling.https://mickelliott.me/ 

Kate Foster - The world of Autism and the Strengths Within

Author Kate Foster delivered a powerful presentation, sharing her own diagnosis of autism with the aim of smashing stereotypes and encouraging understanding. Her characters bring to the forefront the perspective of those on the autism spectrum and her books are often described as warm, honest and hopeful. Kate’s books aim to reflect her confidence that every child has a story to tell and deserves to be heard. 

https://www.kfosterbooks.com/about.html 

Yxavel Magno Dino and R.A Spratt 

As a child growing up in Western Sydney, RA Spratt spent much of her childhood at the local library, setting her on the path to the extraordinary children’s author that she is today. Her Friday Barnes series and her Nanny Piggins books are popular titles with our students at St Patrick’s. https://raspratt.com/ 

It was not long ago that emerging children’s author Yxavel Magno Dino sat in the audience at the Sydney Writers Festival Primary School Day. Born in the Phillipines, Dino writes stories about her Filipino heritage and its fantastical folklore. If your reader loves fantasy like Percy Jackson they are sure to be hooked by Dino’s new books.https://ymdino.com/#about 

Surprise Author - Dav Pilkey!

Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a child, author Dav Pilkey was so disruptive in class that he often found himself in the hallway, alone and struggling. It is here that his original comics were born. Today he is the author of many popular books, including the Captain Underpants, Dogman and Catkid series. His message to students at the Writer’s Festival was a powerful one about perseverance and positivity, especially for those who struggle.  While many question the place of graphic novels in today’s reading environment, there was no doubt in Sydney Town Hall of Pilkey’s popularity! https://pilkey.com/ 

Please do explore our author links with your child - it is through exposure to different authors, genres and interests that we can connect our students with new reading opportunities.  

Thank you to Mrs Robinson and Mrs Hill for a wonderful day at the Sydney Writers Festival. Our students were lucky to experience the fun and interactive day in our city’s beautiful Town Hall and we look forward to the programme in 2027.

CBCA Book Week 2026 and Shadow Judging

Each year young readers from around Australia are invited to engage with the annual CBCA Book of the Year shortlist and judge the books themselves. Our CBCA shortlisted books have arrived at St Patrick’s! Our students are eagerly reading the books and preparing their judgments. We look forward to sharing their thoughts with our St Patrick’s community. This is the first step in our exciting CBCA Book Week journey.

Mrs Angela Wainwright

Mrs Cathy Clifford

School Librarians