Welcome to this global conference, created in the spirit of exploring the inner worlds of Poetry. An online experience for those who love poetry, wish to discover its power and empower others, students, teacher and the broader community, with a love of poetry. We will discover how poetry connects us; how we can build a community which celebrates diversity and inclusiveness. Whatever our poetic starting point, the amazing line-up of Australian and International speakers will educate and inform delegates. ENJOY!

Support us and purchase all your books through the conference Bookshop Better Read Kids.10% of sales will go towards the CBCA NSW Branch.
Use the promo code CBCA2021 to receive a 10% discount for your school. School ORDER FORM HERE
These sessions, artworks, film and sound clips are protected by copyright and may not be recorded, reproduced or used in any way without the express written consent of the CBCA NSW Branch. Please respect all paying delegates by not sharing passwords and login details. By registering for the AAA PD Conference all delegates agree to use the passwords exclusively and not share it with others.
Keynote Session: In Love Again: Poetry
About this session: Acclaimed author and poet, Libby Hathorn, will inspire you about the power of Poetry – reading and writing. This foundational session will give you the knowledge to unpack poetry and inspire you and your students to read and write poetry in many forms. The power of language in poetry and especially Indigenous language will be explored by Kirli Saunders. Studying how poets use language – what words and phrases they choose and combine – can help us better understand ourselves and others.
Welcome by Liz Bowring CBCA NSW Branch President
Inspiring the teaching of Poetry
Keynote Speaker Libby Hathorn
Thanks Libby for generously giving your time. You can find Libby's books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
The making of a Picture Book 'We Children and the Narrow Road to the Deep North' by Libby Hathorn, illustrated by Sadami Konchi
Keynote Speaker: Libby Hathorn
Thanks Libby for generously giving your time. You can find Libby's books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
The Illustrator Embraces Poetry
Speakers: Sadami Konchi in conversation with Libby Hathorn
Thanks Libby and Sadami for generously giving your time. You can their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
WORKSHOP: Using Poetry in the Classroom
Presenter: Libby Hathorn
Thanks Libby for generously giving your time. You can find Libby's books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
An Indigenous Perspective of Poetry
Speaker: Kirli Saunders
Thanks Magabala Books. Visit Magabala in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
Session 2: CBCA Quality Literature Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds
About this session: How up to date are you about the titles published in 2020? Celebrate with us as we explore the worlds created in quality children’s publishing in 2020. Get the inside scoop. Experts in the field will present their informed choices on the books that could appear on our CBCA Notable list, the Shortlist and the ultimate Winners and Honours. Ursula Dubosarsky, the esteemed Australian Children’s Laureate, will unpack the CBCA 2021 Book week theme – motivating you and your communities to celebrate throughout the year!
The CBCA Shortlist announcement will be live streamed on March 30, 2021 at 12.00pm Midday on the CBCA Website and available from our conference.
Quality Books Published in 2020 - Early Childhood Category
Speaker: Victoria Roberts
Thanks Victoria for generously donating your time. Visit Better Read Kids online Bookshop here for Victoria's selection and all the Short listed titles.
Quality Books Published in 2020 - Younger Readers Category
Speakers: Better Read Kids Reem, Cate and Anabelle
Thanks Better Read Kids staff for generously donating your time. Visit Better Read Kids online Bookshop here for their selections and all the Short listed titles.
Quality Books Published in 2020 - Older Reader Category
Speaker: Julie Swane
Thanks Julie for generously donating your time. Visit Better Read Kids online Bookshop here for Julie's selection and all the Short listed titles.
Quality Books Published in 2020 - Picture Book Category
Speaker: Jasmine Seymour
Thanks Jasmine for generously donating your time. Visit Better Read Kids online Bookshop here for Jasmine's selection and all the Short listed titles.
Quality Books Published in 2020 - Eve Pownall Category
Speaker: Sarah Foster
Thanks Sarah for generously donating your time. Visit Better Read Kids online Bookshop here for Sarah's selection and all the Short listed titles.
Unpack the 2021 CBCA Book Week theme Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds
Speaker: Children's Laureate Ursula Dubosarsky
Thanks Ursula for being one of our presenters. Visit Better Read Kids online Bookshop here for Julie's selection and all the Short listed titles.
Tune in here from 12.00pm March 30, 2021
to watch the announcement of the 2021 CBCA Short List
Session 3: Lyrical Language
About this session: Our language is the primary tool of expression and its development is a crucial part of the English curriculum. Linguists believe what is universal about the language we use, reflects one’s culture and has an impact on how we behave.
Practitioners in their fields will enhance our understanding of lyrical language and the power of language to influence thought. This makes vocabulary building a critical part of education. To expand one’s language is to expand the ability to think and comprehend. We can see this in children, whose thinking develops hand in hand with language. Reading and writing texts rich in lyrical language and poetic techniques, will develop a student’s appreciation of the power that language can exert in the oral and written word.
Best Practice approach to support students with language and communication needs
Speaker: Kathryn Thorburn
Thanks Kathryn and Speech Pathology for generously donating your time. Visit Speech Pathology in our Trade Fair here or purchase their 2020 Award books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
Poetry in Primary Schools
Speaker: Scott Jeanneret
Thanks Scott for generously donating your time. Visit Better Read Kids online Bookshop here for Scotts suggestions.
Poetry in High Schools
Speaker: Mirella Bohan
Thanks Mirella for generously donating your time. Visit Better Read Kids online Bookshop here for Mirella's suggestions.
Inspiring kids to use Lyrical Language in their writing
Speaker: Jackie French
Thanks HarperCollins. Visit HarperCollins in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
Lyrical Language in picture books with the focus on 'How to Make a Bird'
Speaker: Meg McKinlay
Thanks Walker Books Australia. Visit Walker Books Australia in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
Learn, be Inspired and have fun with Poetry
Speaker: Sophie Masson
Thanks Christmas Press. Visit Christmas Press in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
A genuinely new voice in Australian Poetry
Speaker: Emily Sun
Thanks Fremantle Press. Visit Fremantle Press in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
WORKSHOP: Learn, be Inspired and have fun with Poetry
Speaker: Sophie Masson
Thanks Christmas Press. Visit Christmas Press in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
The School Magazine provides a range of quality children’s literature for Years 3 to 6. Sophie Masson has been a long standing contributor and some of her poetry is available here for participants at this conference.
Session 4: Poetry at the Heart of it: Verse Novel
About this session: Reading for pleasure is at the heart of literacy. Have you ever recommended a verse novel to your students? Do you understand the process of writing free verse? How do authors create believable characters? Do you have the skills to teach free verse writing to your students? Author's will speak to their craft and workshops will be delivered for participation by conference delegates. These workshops will be available for use in the school setting to inspire and assist student poetry writing until May 31, 2021.
Reveals the creative process behind 'Little Wave' and her upcoming title 'Are You There Buddha?' to inspire younger readers to read and write verse novels.
Speaker: Pip Harry
Thanks UQP - University Queensland Press. Visit UQP in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
WORKSHOP: Reveals the creative process behind 'Little Wave' and her upcoming title 'Are You There Buddha?' to inspire younger readers to read and write verse novels.
Speaker: Pip Harry
Thanks UQP - University Queensland Press. Visit UQP in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
Swimming in Poems, Drowning in Poetry
Speaker: Sally Murphy
Thanks Walker Books Australia. Visit Walker Books Australia in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
My signature poetry technique is writing from imagery
Speaker: Lorraine Marwood
Thanks QUP - Queensland University Press. Visit QUP in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
Weaving poetry into historical adventure narrative
Speaker: Wendy Orr
Thanks Allen & Unwin. Visit Allen & Unwin in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
WORKSHOP: My signature poetry technique is writing from imagery
Speaker: Lorraine Marwood
Thanks QUP - Queensland University Press. Visit QUP in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
UK based author speaks to the contemporary themes of her debut YA verse novel 'Blood Moon'
Speaker: Lucy Cuthew
Thanks Walker Books Australia. Visit Walker Books Australia in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
WORKSHOP: UK based author speaks to the contemporary themes of her debut YA verse novel 'Blood Moon'
Speaker: Lucy Cuthew
Thanks Walker Books Australia. Visit Walker Books Australia in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
American verse novelist motivates young people to engage through language and literature
Speaker: Kwame Alexander
Thanks Walker Books Australia. Visit Walker Books Australia in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
Why I write verse novels
Speaker: Steven Herrick
Thanks UQP - Queensland University Press. Visit QUP in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
Session 5: Performance Poetry and the Community
About this session: Let’s have some fun with poetry. Performance poetry is a type of poetry that is performed for an audience. The poetry can be written in advance, or it can be spontaneously composed while the performance is in progress. It is connected to oral traditions that date back to ancient times before the written word and has often been passed down through generations. Memorisation is a key part, as is rhyme and rhythm. Today, the growing popularity of performance poetry is a boost for mental wellbeing. Spoken word is expressive and free, enabling performers to speak openly and honestly about issues in a controlled and safe environment. Be informed about how you may enhance student wellbeing and build a community of poets. Learn about community opportunities for budding poets.
UK creative speaks to how poetry transformed his life
Speaker: Joseph Coelho
Thanks Walker Books Australia. Visit Walker Books Australia in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
Spoken Word Poetry and Literacy - an award-winning Australian poet of Afro-Caribbean descent, discusses her journey to spoken word poetry, the rise of the poetry slam in Australia, and how best to utilise spoken word as a literacy tool in the classroom
Speaker: Maxine Beneba Clarke
Thanks Hachette. Visit Hachette in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
English poet, performer and children's author - Poetry can be hilarious!
Speaker: AF Harrold
Thanks Bloomsbury Publishing. Visit Bloomsbury in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
UK Poet's unique approach to delivering a powerful message through poetry and taking spoken word into the community.
Speaker: Sophia Thakur
Thanks Walker Books Australia. Visit Walker Books Australia in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
The influence of the environment to enable access to her own still pool of creativity
Speaker: Nandi Chinna
Thanks Freemantle Press. Visit Freemantle Press in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.
WORKSHOP: English poet, performer and children's author - Poetry can be hilarious!
Speaker: AF Harrold
Thanks Bloomsbury Publishing. Visit Bloomsbury in our Trade Fair here or purchase their books in the Better Read Kids online Bookshop here.

The Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society
Capturing the imaginations of school students. Visit The Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society in our Trade Fair here.