SYDNEY WRITERS FESTIVAL

I can't make any of the sessions at the Sydney Writers' Festival this year but if I could, it would be this one. May22 Children's Literature for Adults. Visiting international publishers Sara Odedina and John McLay are joined by acclaimed fiction writer Margo Lanagan to discuss the increasing adult market for children's books.

To find this market is growing and gaining recognition doesn't surprise me. Although it's only natural as a children's author I am surrounded by adults who read children's literature, I have also been sneaking my favourite children's books into my friend reading stacks without them realising. Often they get offended if I am am caught (I'm not reading a children's book! they say)but so often, they can't tell the difference. Not a hope if it's YA and often not for certain junior books as well! And who could ever argue The Chronicle of Narnia were children's books only for kids!

So I thought I would make a list of my personal favourite children's books I think adults will enjoy. In no order. Just my favourite five.

1 The Chronicles of Narnia series - C S Lewis

2 The Tale of Despereaux - Kate DiCamillo

3 The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series - Michelle Paver

4 A Certain Music - Celeste Walters

5 The Dragonkeeper series - Carole Wilkinson

TOP 5 BOOKS ABOUT... MICE

I really like animal stories and it seems there are more around lately after years of being the 'no go' subject. As an aspiring writer I lost count of how many times I was advised 'No animal stories. Editors don't want them.' But I love a good animal fantasy - fashionable or not. And I am pleased to see them making their way back into vogue. Especially as I am working on one now.

Suprisingly, a lot of my favourites star mice. Mice are an ethical dilemma in our house. Two family members have reptile keeping licences and we all know what snakes eat... All qualms aside, here are my favourite mouse books.

1. The Tale of Despereaux - Kate DiCamillo
2. The Gruffalo - Julia Donaldson
3. The Redwall series - Brian Jacques
4. Stuart Little - E B White
5. Library Mouse - Daniel Kirk

and no, I'm not writing about a mouse *grin*

Does anyone have a favourite mouse book to add?