Iconic signs, landmarks and places in books can symbolise connection, belonging and inclusion, hope and care in tough times, community in urban environments, and the legacies of preservation and conservation. These special places and their stories, and the resilience of landmarks and civic connections to history can add nuance, meaning and layers to books for young audiences.
This workshop is suited for writers of books for children and anyone exploring symbolism through landmarks and place. Although the session will feature examples from Andrea’s and Karen’s work, along with mentor texts for young readers (picture book and middle-grade), the techniques are relevant for all fiction and non-fiction writers.
You will learn:
- To choose a special sign, landmark or place and use it to add meaning to your writing
- To research the historical context and imagine the future possibilities
- To weave in the meaning of your sign/landmark/place for a community, both in fiction and in life
About the tutors:
Andrea Rowe is a best-selling, award-winning picture book author. Jetty Jumping (illustrated by Hannah Sommerville), was awarded the 2022 CBCA Picture Book of the Year and 2023 Australian Speech Pathology Picture Book of the Year. In the Rockpool and Amid the Sand Dunes (Hardie Grant) were awarded the 2024 and 2025 CBCA Notable Picture Books of the Year. Audrey Skips is her February 2026 new release. Andrea is the inaugural Public Libraries ambassador for Victoria.
Karen Comer is a verse novelist, freelance editor and workshop teacher. Grace Notes was the 2024 CBCA Book of the Year for Older Readers winner, and shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards and NSW Premier’s Literary Awards. Sunshine on Vinegar Street won the Queensland Literary Awards (Children’s Book) and was a 2024 CBCA Notable for Younger Readers. Once Upon Tomorrow is out in 2026. Karen is also the 2024 and 2025 Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards judge.
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