One school has the opportunity to create a story with Susea Spray in 2027. Applications are now open.
During 2024, I had the incredible experience of being an Author Pen Pal with St Patrick’s School in Asquith.
The students surprised me when they wrote to me with the suggestion for a new Big Blue Boat story. Providing the setting, some rhyming words and a wish that magical creatures be included, a new book was soon born.
Captain’s Cave will be launched on March 27th, 2026. A fundraiser, part proceeds from the sale of the book will go towards the school’s literacy and arts programs.
During the process of writing the story, I shared every step of the journey, and provided the opportunity for students to have regular input. It also only felt right for the students to create the illustrations.
In 2027, I am offering to share this experience with a new school.
It’s crucial to be aware that if we are successful at creating a story that works, the process takes time. For Captain’s Cave, the teacher librarian and I learned that once we arrived at the time for illustrating, having multiple staff involved would have been a boon. The creation process commenced in May 2024. It finished in March 2025.
The students were not only involved in the writing process. Before putting pencil to paper, they researched the animals and sea cave environments. The students also had the opportunity to experiment with various art mediums. Part of the experience included designing a set of activity pages, plus a glossary.
This experience wasn’t only about creating a story. It also turned out to be a time when shy, retiring students who normally hang back came to the fore and shone.
HOW TO APPLY
If you think this is a project you would like your students to participate in, please touch base with me at https://suseaspray.com/contact/. Include a few lines sharing why you would like to have your school particpate and what you like about the books I write.
Application Closing Date: 30th May, 2026
