There are so many ways to make the most out of your Author Pen Pals experience.
​The fun and enjoyment you have is only limited by your imagination!
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But, to get you started, here's a list of ideas...

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Add this badge to your website or noticeboard for all to see!
Email us for different sizes if needed.
​(Many thanks to Susea Spray for creating them.)

For Schools

For Authors & Illustrators

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FOR AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS:

• Send a physical postcard or letter, handwritten or typed.
• Include a photo of you and your book/s.
• Include other photos of your writing space, your favourite books, your pets, etc.
• Recommend a recent book you've read and loved.
• Ask the children to recommend a book to you that they've recently read and loved.
• Talk about your favourite ever children's books, both old and new.
• Ask the children to come up with their own list of favourite books.
• Give the children a writing or drawing prompt.
• Ask the children to send you a story or a drawing.
• Ask the children to send you a list of questions you can answer in your next letter.
• Talk about being a writer or illustrator and what your job entails.
• Give ideas on where your inspiration comes from.
• Talk about how you became a creator.
• Share any writing/illustration competitions or opportunities your classes might like to enter.
• Direct classes to your website or other Australian creator websites that might be helpful.
• Always ALWAYS ensure any and all content you direct children to is 100% age appropriate.

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FOR SCHOOLS:

• Send a physical postcard or letter, handwritten or typed.
• Allow the children to reply individually, in groups, or as a whole class. 
• Encourage the children to talk about the books their Pen Pal has recommended.
• Create a board or wall in the classroom to pin up their Pen Pals letters. 
• Make and decorate a library or classroom letterbox for children to use.
• Suggest the children recreate the cover of their Pen Pal's book/s, or another book they like. 
• Send their Pen Pal photos of the classroom or school, perhaps the library or a display of everyone's favourite books. 
• Share Author Pen Pals excitement and correspondence on social media and in the school newsletters. 
• Encourage students to ask questions about reading or writing or being a book creator.
• Get the children to team up in pairs or small groups and exchange their favourite books, or even write and illustrate something together.
  
• Let the children take the lead and love their experience! 

If you would like to send us any other ideas, or indeed any photos, videos, documents, or links that show how you're celebrating having a Pen Pal, we want to see it all.

Send it to [email protected] and we'll add them to our website with your permission!
(P.S. Don't forget to get permission from anyone and everyone who's in the photo first!)