Welcome to #TheQuickSixInterview with Caz Goodwin!
We’re delighted to welcome back Caz Goodwin, talented internationally published author, to talk about her absolutely gorgeous new picture book; A Wish for Baby. Told in enchanting rhyme, there are so many joyous wishes for baby that melt your heart because of all the glittering warmth that shines out of each word. Sara Acton‘s illustrations pour even more love and happiness into each page with their beautifully tender moments, as we treasure each step father and baby dream together for a bright and hopeful future. The perfect gift for, and of, our little ones.
Congratulations, Caz, on this stunning book, and for your newest family arrival! 🙂
About the Author
Caz Goodwin is an internationally published children’s author. Her books have won or been shortlisted for awards including 2024 CBCA Book of the Year, Speech Pathology Book of the Year and the National Arts Council Beyond Words Award (Singapore). They have been produced in Braille for low-vision children, included in the Premier’s Reading Challenge, featured on Sarah Ferguson’s Fergie and Friends show, CBCA Storytime, podcasts, newspapers and radio. Caz heads the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) in Victoria and is on the Young Australian Best Book Awards (YABBA) council. She is also an Australia Reads ambassador.Â
Please find Caz Goodwin at her website: Children’s author – Caz Goodwin and on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter/X
About the Illustrator
Sara Acton is an award-winning author and illustrator. Sara grew up in the Cotswolds in England and always loved drawing, especially people and other strange creatures. She studied BA Hons Fine Art and trained as an Art Teacher in London. After teaching and practicing art in England and New Zealand Sara moved with her family to Australia.Â
Sara now lives in a small seaside village on the Central Coast of NSW, where she enjoys writing and illustrating for children in her studio, whilst drinking tea and eating far too many biscuits. When not in her studio she can be found out and about sketching and visiting schools, libraries and bookshops to deliver presentations and workshops.
Her first picture book Ben and Duck won the 2012 Children’s Book Council of Australia Crichton Award for new illustrators.
Please find Sara Acton at her website: sara acton illustration – Home and on Instagram | Facebook
A Wish for Baby can be purchased through Affirm Press.
WHO wrote, illustrated and published this book?
A Wish for Baby was written by Caz Goodwin, illustrated by Sara Acton and published by Affirm Press.
WHAT is it about?
The picture book is a celebration of a new baby’s arrival, expressing all the hopes, joys and dreams for a little one’s future.
I wish you health and happiness,
but even when there’s pain,
I hope you see the rainbows
as you’re running through the rain.
What is your favourite part of this book?
I love Sara Acton’s illustrations, and particularly the clever way she seamlessly shows the development of the baby from a new-born to a toddler.
WHEN did you begin writing this book?
I started writing this book when I was on a May Gibbs Fellowship for a month in 2022. I had the opportunity to dream, be creative and immerse myself in my writing.
When is its release / launch date?
The book will be released on 30th July and launched on Sunday 25th August at the Hawthorn Library (Peppercorn Room 2) at 2.30pm. Everyone is welcome to join Sara and I for cake, bubbles and fun.
WHERE did the inspiration for this book come from?
The book was inspired by memories of my own children when they were babies, and the hopes I had for their futures.
A baby inspires those who love them to dream of the adventures and experiences they will have. I hope this book captures those feelings and expresses the affection we feel towards a newborn or youngster.
WHY is this book meaningful to you?
There is something almost miraculous about the birth of a baby. We see a tiny, fragile bundle, but also so much potential. The book is even more meaningful to me now that my son and his partner have just had a baby.
Why would its message resonate with readers?
The book is intended to be read to babies and young children by a loved one, such as parents, grandparents, other relatives, family friends and anyone who wants to express their hopes and love for a baby. I think these feelings are universal.
HOW do you feel about the illustrations / cover design? How do they convey the feeling or mood you envisioned?
Sara Acton’s illustrations are beautiful. They feature a father and baby and the various experiences they enjoy together, such as having fun with dress-ups, baking and exploring rockpools at the beach. Each spread shows a different scene and varying emotions such as joy, wonder, happiness and love. As a dog-lover, I was delighted that many of the illustrations also include a much-adored dog who is part of the family.
The cover shows the father and baby enjoying a special moment together, gazing at a falling star. It’s a perfect cover for this title.
How have you promoted this book and how can we find it?
A Wish for Baby will be promoted in the lead up to Father’s Day. I will also be doing storytimes and book signings. Details of events can be found on my website. www.cazgoodwin.com
This couldn’t be more gorgeous! Congratulations Caz! 🙂
Thanks to Affirm Press for a complimentary copy of A Wish for Baby.
#thequicksixinterview #awishforbaby #hope #love #family #picturebooks #justkidslit
