Childrens books and coffee brewing at Caffe Laffare

To celebrate the LIANZA Children's Book Awards and Library Week 2009, Caffe L’affare is hosting a special storytime event on Tuesday 11 August at 10am, Caffe L’affare, 27 College Street.

Parents will enjoy their morning coffee while children are entertained by some of New Zealand’s finest children's writers and illustrators.

Martin Bailey, Margaret Beames and Robyn Belton, finalists of the LIANZA Russell Clark Award for illustration, will be reading their shortlisted picture books and demonstrating how the stories are developed and illustrated.

Martin Bailey’s My Favourite Places is an intriguing story of a young boy who discovers the power of his imagination. His adventures take him from the New Zealand bush to the Wild West, the savannahs of Africa and a swashbuckling pirate ship.

Margaret Beames, Oliver Goes Exploring tells the tale of Mrs Bundy's inquisitive black cat who goes exploring in the next door garden in search of something to play with. Oliver's black silhouette and orange eyes grab attention and children will want to find all the small creatures in the lush vegetation.

Robyn Belton’s heart-warming story Herbert: the brave sea dog follows a family dog’s courageous sea adventure when he is thrown from a boat in stormy weather and his 12 year old owner’s refusal to give up hope. This true-life story of survival against the odds delights both children and adults.

This is a LIANZA Children’s Book Awards event following the presentation of the awards on Monday 10 August. The awards are uniquely judged by a panel of librarians and are a true celebration of New Zealand children’s literature.

Caffe L’affare is a sponsor of both the LIANZA Children’s Book Awards and Library Week 2009.