Take 25 children’s book authors and illustrators. Throw them on an idyllic island for the weekend. Add lotsa wine and good food. Share ideas and grow new ones. What could be better. That was the first annual West Australian Society of Children’s Book Writer’s and Illustrators Rottnest Island Retreat.

We shared stories, some ancient, some fantasyastic, others spooky and even some silly.

We learned allll about the Google Settlement and we now understand everything☺. Zoe Rodriquez from CAL - Copyright Agency Limited steamed over for the day. Zoe and I snuck away for a bicycle ride around the island.

We travelled to the remote reaches of the island and were warned.

Beware: venomous snakes, crumbling walls of rock, and lack of water. Oh yes, we’re the adventurous type.

We laughed, giggled and sang.
We danced all night in the dust and sand.
We ate, drank and were merry.
We wrote and rewrote.
We drew and redrew.
The three amigos below are a force to be reckoned with. Publishers take note! Be quick! They coolly and sweetly ooze with original talent. Commission them for a project before one of your colleagues snatches them right up before your very eyes. They’re the loveliest bunch. I made fun that they were dressed for Antarctica and it was me of course who froze.