Famed local author Allison Tait will join over 100 Illawarra students at the annual Children's Book Council of Australia's south coast Children's Literary Lunch.
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Wednesday's event at Fairy Meadow's Fraternity Club will also welcome 13 other local authors and illustrators who are giving their time to mentor and inspire students.
But it is Tait, the bestselling author of children's adventure series The Mapmaker Chronicles and the new Ateban Cipher, who headlines the August 14 luncheon.
The four-hour event will treat students to a keynote speech and writing workshop from Tait, along with one-on-one time to meet with the other local authors and illustrators
Tait, who has hosted talks to thousands of children at literature festivals across Australia, welcomes the chance to bring her stories home.
"I live on the South Coast, and it is a particularly special joy to share the local enthusiasm for reading and writing," she said.
"My workshops are all about inspiring kids to have confidence in their own writing.
"There are few things more satisfying than being in a room of excited children eager to share their stories."
Children's Book Council of Australia Illawarra and South Coast Sub-branch president Kate O'Mealley said students at schools from Austinmer in the north to Kiama in the south will attend.
"This is one of the biggest children's literary event here on the south coast," O'Mealley said.
"It not only inspires children with behind the scenes insights into the world of books, but also gives local illustrators and authors an occasion to promote their work and spend time with their readers."