The
Boundless Festival of Australian Children's Literature wound up yesterday with a spectacular author meet-and-greet with Andy Griffiths at the National Library of Australia.
Andy spent a few days in Canberra, visiting schools, lunching, dining and sharing his expertise with a range of lucky people.
Today's event at the NLA was simply glorious. Over 300 people turned up - and to see dozens upon dozens of young kids - especially boys - clutching Andy's books and spending time leafing through the pages while they waited {most patiently!} to have their book signed, was so very special.
I hope the following photos explain just how vital author visits like this are for young kids and the development of a love of reading. Andy is a generous, warm soul whose adoration for kids shines through - and these lucky kids were simply agog at the chance to meet him {+ some adults, too!}.
A huge congratulations to Belle Alderman and her team for this year's inaugural Boundless Festival. If you didn't get to this time, I hope you'll have a chance to indulge in this glorious event next year - please spread the word.
Happy reading - and perusing!
- Tania McCartney
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaX48hVjwDm7kd81dw6Lh2YJIGBF3v7vO4UoKC16X-A3m3Ca0UPHO6piiMprhhslV4hVHzD-gWT_dYLpzfBL0KRKtJrJRC_H_dbo2IB82xpL2TRWcyGoWrFCCrncKcJZzBKrG5kVRPW98t/s400/DSC_6962+-+Copy.JPG) |
Andy with NLA bookshop's Matt (grey tee) and Leanne Barrett, CBCA ACT President (right) |
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with the lovely NLA Bookshop staff |
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the fan pics begin... |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgax-8GFw1h6-x77IAUCwnrrURWsj6STCV-klkhM0TBLIOyNhPdiGr55gG4eEg2TDBIAqEhbxcInccMctsA0W29-VJBNLOLUeHiyUerLzgOZ-rfw-3VT_y5r109zzYtEAphDZBtftI6SD3N/s400/DSC_6995+-+Copy.JPG) |
Andy started signing 30 minutes before the event officially opened |
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some eager fans, queuing patiently |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGjBn1j57K0j_m4iKE2eKPfxNSjZiWY25TCJVVes0w5wqNMpTAqoMZlc9Qd4WViq33lIPjdFG0Ma9OHi5lWLw3bZOf6TzE-FfiXIbfZqLZg6FY9RMSNWSb6Yq_DlTektA9MRR_qCt6FU3/s400/DSC_7020+-+Copy.JPG) |
this was the queue 30 mins before event start-time |
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the queue - about 15 mins before the event was due to start |
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the queue - about 15 mins before the event was due to start |
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NLA Marketing Manager, Maureen Brooks, introduces Andy |