AUTHOR / ILLUSTRATOR

Anna Ciddor has always been fascinated by the question, "What if I lived in another time or another place?" This question has driven her to research and write books on a huge variety of different subjects - from toilets to travel, from Viking Norway to the Australian goldrush.

Anna Ciddor has written and illustrated 54 books, both fiction and non-fiction, but she is best known for her popular and highly acclaimed Viking Magic trilogy: RUNESTONE, WOLFSPELL and STORMRIDERS. These stories of fantasy and adventure are set in the thoroughly researched world of Viking lifestyle and beliefs. They have all been shortlisted on children’s choice book awards, and RUNESTONE has won numerous commendations including Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable Book. The Viking Magic books are published in other languages around the world, and are also available as ABC audio books.

In 2005 Anna was awarded a grant by the Literature Board of the Australia Council to work on a story set in ancient Ireland. In May 2008, after three years of research and writing, NIGHT OF THE FIFTH MOON was released. This intriguing tale, about a boy who wants to be a druid, has also been selected as a Notable Book by the Children’s Book Council of Australia.

Anna is currently working on a book for teenagers, set in France during the First World War, which is based on a true story.

Anna has appeared at literature festivals all over Australia, including the Melbourne Writers’ Festival.

SCHOOL SESSIONS

When Anna Ciddor walks into the classroom she immediately creates an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement. She brings a suitcase full of intriguing props and is usually dressed up in appropriate costume.

Drawing on material from many of the varied books she has written and illustrated, Anna’s sessions can include

• rough drafts,
• original mock-up books shown to publishers,
• original artwork,
• research notes and anecdotes,
• samples of the various stages of book production.
• acting out scenes from the books,
• trying on the costumes worn by the children on the front covers of the Viking Magic books,
• fortune-telling with runestones,
• hands-on workshops in writing, illustrating or poetry,
• historical re-enactments,
• and much more!

Presentations are varied to cater for all age groups.

Anna is a vibrant speaker and her talks are stimulating and fun. Students respond with great enthusiasm while teachers appreciate the little hints and advice that apply to the students' own work. By the end of the session students will be filled with enthusiasm and ideas for reading and writing.

More on Night of the Fifth Moon is available at:
www.fifth-moon.com

Teachers Notes on Runestone are available at the publisher's website:
www.allenandunwin.com

And kids can delve deeper into the world of Viking Magic with fun and stimulating activities at:
www.viking-magic.com

Find out more about Anna Ciddor at: www.annaciddor.com

"Congratulations! This has been the most complete author/student interaction session that I have attended. Children were enthralled throughout the session. Props used etc were fantastic."
"A perfect presentation. Ms Ciddor was a great story teller and a real role model for the class as a whole."
–Teachers commenting on Anna’s presentations for the Writers On the Road program.

"A great speaker who was very suitable for our year six students. Anna speaks in a manner that had them interested for the whole session. Students asked a number of questions and really like the talk about her trip to Ireland."
– Juliana Naumovska, Overnewton Anglican Community College, Keilor

"The staff were impressed with your professionalism in both your presentation and the rapport you developed with the children. The children appreciated your enthusiasm and the manner with which you chose to present your topic."
- Greenwood Primary School

"Anna's talk to the girls was so motivating and I feel sure has opened horizons for them when they next think of researching a topic."
- Korowa Anglican Girl's School

"Anna suited our needs exactly. She talked to the students in a lively, interesting manner which was appropriate to their level of understanding."
- Christ the King College