Inspiring the minds of the next generation of budding writers, some of Australia’s leading authors and illustrators worked with students from Tea Gardens Public School and Bulahdelah Central School last week.

Held at Newcastle Regional Library as part of the Annual Writers Festival, the program offered an entertaining and educational look at children’s literature.

Award-winning author Lisa Shanahan presented a lively and interactive story telling session while International award-winning illustrator Tony Flower offered tips and tricks on character drawing.

Year 6 student Georgia McKillop-Davies from Hawks Nest said she particularly liked the workshop with Tony Flower.

“He has illustrated more than 25 books and talked about his drawings,” Georgia said.

“He also showed us how to draw our own funny pictures.”

Year 5 student Oliver Gibbs from Bulahdelah was inspired by the presentation by Lisa Shanahan.

“She told us if we wanted to become a writer we should start writing our ideas down now,” Oliver said.

“She suggested using a journal and showed us a picture of hundreds of journals from when she started writing.”

The students also viewed original artworks from the picture book Desert Lake: The Story of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, written by Pamela Freeman and illustrated by Liz Anelli.

Accompanied by teachers Mr Ross Weightman from Tea Gardens and Mrs Angie Vella from Bulahdelah, the group joined hundreds of students from throughout the region.

Mrs Vella said the workshops and presentations were inspiring and provided a fun way for students to learn about literacy.

“The kids program offered a smorgasbord of events catering specifically for students,” Mrs Vella said.

“The yearly event is a wonderful opportunity for students to broaden their literacy concepts.”

The exhibition of the artworks from Desert Lake is on display until 14 May in the Lovett Gallery at Newcastle Region Library.

By Daniel SAHYOUN