When Storylines invited me to do a children’s author tour from Bleheim to Timaru I instantly said yes after several years of saying no to things. Now that my big book Wild Honey is in the world I have more time for school visits, author tours and festivals. Exciting!

I was with Libby Limbrick (the Storylines rep), Anne Dickson (Manager of the Community Library at Mahurangi East and Storylines committee member) and three authors: Vana Usanti (picture book whizz), Philippa Werry (writer of fiction and nonfiction fascinations) and Eileen Merriman (who crafts YA and adult fictions that move you and make you think). It was a DREAM TEAM.

This was the best author Tour I have ever been on – every school (from Y0 to Y13) was a highlight and STORYLINES made sure we had comfy beds, full tummies, good coffee, yummy meals and quiet times.

So THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to the Storylines crew, the authors and all the schools that made this a memorable week.

I have made a collage diary of poems (by both me and children), photos and three secret poetry challenges.

You can read it here.