My very exciting news is that the National Library of Australia are publishing my picture book story, “Tea and Sugar Christmas” and it will be illustrated by Robert Ingpen. It will be released in late 2014 ready for Christmas!
This is a story that has been doing the rounds for quite a few years now so it is very exciting to know that it will soon be a picture book. Even more exciting knowing that Robert Ingpen is doing the illustrations.
The Tea and Sugar Train was a slow goods train which travelled between Port Augusta and Kalgoorlie supplying people along the line with everything from tea and sugar to fresh meat and sometimes even the services of a nurse or priest.
It was in service for 81 years from 1915 to 1996. And every year, on the first Thursday of December, Father Christmas travelled on the train!
So now I need to sit back patiently and wait. Something I have learnt to be much better at over the years. And while I wait I will continue to write.
A winner never quits and a quitter never wins!
The Butcher’s van on the Tea and Sugar.
A mock up of provisions in the original Provision store carriage at the National Railway Museum at Port Adelaide.
Commonwealth Railways Insignia on side of train.
excellent news jane well done. look forward to seeing it, I can imagine how hard it is to have to wait so long!!
Yep, it has been a long time between drinks, so another 18 months doesn’t seem too bad really!
Greats comments and site.
Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!
My kids love this book. I have to read it every night. I’m going to recommend it for our school library.
I am so glad that your kids enjoy the book so much as it is indeed a beautiful book and I hope that your school library has it or can get it in so others can enjoy the story.