Susea Spray coming to your local library in 2024

Published on 19 December 2023

Award-winning children’s author, Susea Spray will be the Gannawarra Library Service’s first Author Talks program guest for 2024, with a day of family-friendly fun planned for January 2024.

The author of A Big Blue Boat will host free book reading and activity sessions on Wednesday, 17 January at Kerang’s Sir John Gorton Library from 10.30am and the Cohuna Library on the same day at 2.30pm.

“The Gannawarra Library Service’s Author Talks program is renowned for bringing popular authors to the Gannawarra to talk about their careers and influences,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“Having Susea come to Kerang and Cohuna to begin the 2024 program is a great opportunity for families looking for something to do during the summer holidays to keep cool and spend time hearing Susea’s story.”

A retired classroom teacher and professional photographer, Susea and her husband now spend their time as cruising sailors, with their experiences inspiring A Big Blue Boat.

“Written during the COVID-19 pandemic, A Big Blue Boat enabled Susea to share her love of language and sea through the eyes of a big blue boat and a young girl,” Mr Rollinson said.

“Susea’s work has been recognised by her peers, with A Big Blue Boat a 2022 Literary Titan Silver Award winner, and a 2022 and 2021 finalist in the Page Turner Awards.”

Bookings for both sessions, which also include book signings and purchase opportunities, are essential. To book you spot, phone (03) 5452 1546 during business hours.

The Susea Spray Author Talk session forms part of the Gannawarra Library Service summer school holiday program, with various events planned throughout January. For details regarding this program, please click on the Events and Programs heading at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/libraries