Children's Author & Teacher
Deb is a trained teacher and has been speaking in schools and festivals here and around the world for 20 years! She LOVES getting kids excited about books, reading and writing their own stories.
Over the last few years, Deb has been talking and leading workshops from her attic, Studio 6, where she also writes.
Find out how to book Deb here.
The kids AND the staff have absolutely loved working with you too! Excitement levels have been very high! I can't believe we've never done this virtually before!!
Cynthia Maiden, Principal, St Joseph’s Hopetoun.
Without exception every teacher and child who was part of your ZOOM visit to our school was excited and impressed by your energetic, well-prepared and fun talk. Thank you so much!!!!!!
Bronwen Loveday, Cherrybrook PS
Thank you so very much for your BRILLIANT presentation. Your enthusiasm, passion and pure joy about writing and all things book related, was so infectious we had all the students and staff just buzzing!
Christine Bottrell Kincoppal Rose Bay
Bear in Space
CBCA Notable 2021!
Bear was different.
When he dreams of going into space, the other bears laugh. In space he feels at home, but also alone, until something extraordinary happens.
A story about being different and finding friends who love you just the way you are.
'...a beautiful new book,' Mary Marton Bookshop
'I just love it!...we're going to see this one shortlisted.' Megan Daley, Children's Books Daily.
'BEAUTIFUL illustrations and a LOVELY story about imagination and friendship.' KidsBooksWeLove
'...a charming story for early readers,' Barbara Braxton, The Bottom Shelf
Final Storm
SHORTLISTED FOR THE YABBA, KROC AND KOALA AWARDS 2021
Deb wrote Grimsdon because she was angry that governments weren't dealing with climate change.
Kids loved it and harassed her to write New City and after even more kid harassment, she wrote the third and last book, Final Storm.
It has wild weather, hoverboards, robots, rescue eagles and a teenager, called Aleksander Larsen, who is smart, kind, good-looking and likes Isabella Charm. Xavier can't stand him.
Read more about the Grimsdon trilogy here
If you would like to vote for your favourite book here, click on the link that matches your state. Victoria, New South Wales or Northern Territory.
'The characters, the adventures, the emotion, the plot twists and turns - WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE!'
Jo Noble, Librarian, St Agatha's Catholic School, Clayfield
'AWESOME. EXCITING. UNPUTDOWNABLE!'
Mrs Kerry Gittins, Head Librarian, Renaissance International School
'Your book had me on the edge of my seat in every chapter.'
James, age 12, Sydney Grammar School
The Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee
'The irrepressible Wimple family returns. Merriment and edification mark this story of bravery, friendship, and logophilia.'
Humorous and poignant, this title will inspire readers with its kind, courageous heroine. School Library Journal, USA
5/5 This has to be one of the best children's books that I have read this past year! Goodreads
Read aloud to a middle primary class, they will enjoy the quirky characters, solving the mystery and Abela's celebration of the English language. Rhyllis Bignell. ReadPlus
This is a story that’s less about a spelling bee, and more about friendship, and standing up for one another, and most importantly standing up – and believing in — yourself. Verushka Byrow Reading Time
Teresa
A New Australian
I finished reading Teresa in class with my students.
You should have seen them, they all stood up and clapped as if they were watching a film. Thank you for the lovely book with a great story. St Joseph's School, Malta
Teresa is an outstanding addition to the New Australian series. Aussie Reviews
A fascinating historical novel ... insightful and entertaining. Sunday Telegraph
Teresa gives us a wonderful character who shares her family’s journey through the excitement, frustration and joys of becoming Australian. Thanks for a great read.
Jackie Hawkes, Teacher/Librarian
Deb's
NANOWRIMO 2021
Deb Chats On
'Words and
Nerds' Podcast
Deb enjoyed chating with Dani Vee, Head Teacher English, podcaster, reader, writer and book enthusiast, all about writing.
Spelling Bee In Malta & US
Deb is so excited that the Wimple family are in the USA and Malta!
Deb chats with Adrian Beck, Dani Vee, Tristan Bancks, Lian Tanner, Zanni Louise and Sarah Armstrong about the wonderful world of writing! Listen here!
CBCA Lunchtime Storytime
Deb had lots of fun dressing up in her shark onesie and talking all about books on the CBCA Lunchtime Storytime. Have a peek here.
Superstar author Adrian Beck is also the superhost of Author Hangout, a livestream video chat with authors and illustrators. You can watch the video here.
DIVERSITY IN KIDS' BOOKS
Story Scoop
Watch authors and illustrators tell the story behind their stories on the CBCA NSW Branch website.
Podcast
for
Young
Writers
Westwords have a new podcast where they talk to writers about writing! And Deb got to join in! She talks to James Roy about Hunting and Gathering ideas.
Deb chats about Books on the 21CL Podcast
Teacher and podcaster, Michael Boll, chats with Deb about books and writing and sharing the excitement of writing with kids.
Wolfie An Unlikely Hero
Wolfie LOVES fairytales, but is tired of wolves always being the bad guys, and he wants to be a HERO!
Spelling Bee read by an entire District in USA
Chosen for the One District One Book program, every family read the book in NJ, USA.
Premier's Reading Challenge
Deb is so lucky to be a NSW
Premiers' Reading Challenge ambassador with the incredible Susanne Gervay and Oliver Phommavanh. Have you signed up to meet the challenge?
Deb chats with author extraordinaire, Adrian Beck
Adrian Beck is a TV producer, writer and incredible author. He and Deb chatted about all things writing and Final Storm.
Room to Read
700 million people in the world can't read, most are girls and women. Educating a child in the world's poorest countries costs $1 a day. Can you help us raise money to send kids to school?
The Children's Book Council of Aust (NSW)
The CBCA NSW Branch is a vibrant group of passionate people who love connecting young people with books. Find out more here.
