Australian kids’ and young adult books are like the Magic Pudding – the writing never runs out of new ideas, new audiences and innovations. Despite the international slump in publishing, Australian kids' and young adult books are still reaching the world. The 5th Children's and Young Adult Literature Festival presented by the NSW Writers’ Centre highlights best-selling authors including crime writer Gabrielle Lord; fantasy writer Kate Forsyth; Sandy Fussell and her hugely popular series The Samurai Kids; Stephen Measday’s hit Simon Savage time traveller series; and Moya Simons’ moving new novel Let Me Whisper You My Story.

And the Festival offers even more “pie” with Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People on adapting the best in Australian books and taking their shows across Australia and beyond; the script writer, editor and producer of the ABC Television adaptation of Nadia Wheatley and Donna Rawlins’ classic picture book My Place; celebrate with Sue Walker at the launch of her new book Arnie Avery; and meet some of Australia’s best authors and illustrators and their “puddings”.

But there is even more. The day is also a craft festival with discussion, panels, networking, insights into kids’ and young adult publishing by editors, authors, playwrights and illustrators.

Welcome to this festival, one that reaches into Australian talent taking the “pudding” to the world.