Following you will find information on my latest books, and links to my other written work.
Click to read reviews of my books and if you would like to organise an author visit, I can read and present to schools, libraries and organisations on topics including storywriting, picture book creation, self-publishing and marketing. See here author visits for more.
"I feel like everyone should know about Beijing Tai Tai... it's the Eat Pray Love for mothers." - author Dee White
Beijing Tai Tai: life, laughter and motherhood in China's capital BUY
(Exisle Publishing, $24.99, April 2012, 9781921966156)
Intensely personal, at times a little controversial, Beijing Tai Tai is a rollercoaster ride of honesty and openness as a wife (tai tai) and mother juggles suburban family life in urban Beijing. Presented in a series of love/hate column-like snippets - on topics ranging from the consumption of bull testicles to the life-altering experience of walking the Great Wall - it exposes expatriate life in a country on the brink of great change.
From tragic hair moments and bustling silk markets to China's quest to stay true to its ancient origins, Beijing Tai Tai is a book for anyone interested in this diverse and culturally rich country. It's for anyone from anywhere who knows what it's like to fall in love, explore new worlds and live with challenges. It's about life in a city full of soaring highs and disconsolate lows - but never anything less than remarkable.
Head to the Beijing Tai Tai website for photos, blog entries, and to see a video of Tania talking about Beijing Tai Tai.
This book rewrites the myth of the full-time expat mother. - Lee Mack, Managing Editor, City Weekend Beijing
Both funny and insightful, McCartney's utterly honest account is a must-read for anyone with an interest in China, in refreshingly frank memoir or in the subject of motherhood - whichever country you choose to learn it in. - Jenny Niven, Associate Director, The Wheeler Centre
(National Library of Australia, $24.95, 1 April 2012, 9780642277459)
Take a trip into the past––from the explosive beginnings of our planet through the formation of the Australian landscape, the deeply entrenched history of our Indigenous people and past the white-sailed ships of the First Fleet to modern day Australia, in this fascinating journey through time.
Featuring succinct entries on historical moments over the past 47 billion years, Australian Story covers such topics as ecological change, social upheaval, politics, invention, the industrial age, war, immigration, celebration, culture and modern technology––and presents it in a way that is visual, fun and thoroughly entertaining for Key Stage I and II children.
Illustrated with a striking collection of photographs and images from the NLA’s digital collection, this is history for children like never before. A fascinating snapshot of our country, Australian Story tells who we once where, who we are today . . . and where we are going.
Ask your local bookstore, drop into National Library of Australia bookshop or buy from their online store.
Teachers' Notes now available!
2011
Riley and the Grumpy Wombat: A journey around Melbourne BUY
(Ford Street Publishing, Sep 2011, $22.95 hard cover 9781921665486, $16.95 paperback 9781921665493)
Riley has discovered a wombat in his nanny’s garden. But why is this furry creature so grumpy? Join Riley and his friends from books one, two and three, as they zoom around the stunning sights of Melbourne in search of a wombat that simply needs a place to call home.
Featuring gorgeous black and white photos of Melbourne and surrounds, Riley and the Grumpy Wombat combines photos, illustrations, adorable characters, humour and an adventuresome storyline in a travelogue-style book that showcases Melbourne at its very best.
Teachers' Notes now available!
I just loved the book design and... I just wanted to congratulate you on a terrific and innovative book. - author Di Bates
2010
handmade living: a designer collective
(Handmade Press, A$39.95, Dec 2010, 9780980475043) BUY
handmade living. – a designer collective is a stunning collection of projects and inspirational ideas from some of Australia’s most talented handmade artisans, designers and craftspeople. This gorgeous collective features over 70 projects that will have handmade aficionados everywhere firing up their sewing machines and melting chocolate. Featuring seven sections from homewares to children and food, handmade living. is not only a visual delight, its collection of beautiful projects and articles will suit anyone keen to create something whimsically precious and simply wonderful.
Riley and the Curious Koala: A journey around Sydney
(Tania McCartney Press, A$16.99, Nov 2010, 9780980475036) BUY
Following in the Riley series of travel adventure books, Riley and the Curious Koala takes our little aviator on a journey around the beautiful landmarks of Sydney, in search of a strange and elusive fuzzy creature.
With stunning black and white photos of Sydney's beaches and glorious harbour, even in the torrential rain, this whirlwind trip showcases this gorgeous city at its best.
Riley and the Curious Koala is illustrated once again by the illustrious Kieron Pratt. It is the third book in the very popular Riley travelogue series for little ones.
Teachers' Notes now available!
"It's a superb book and a brilliant series concept - can think of a least a dozen kids I'd love to give it to who'd get so much from it." - author Jackie French
With stunning black and white photos of Sydney's beaches and glorious harbour, even in the torrential rain, this whirlwind trip showcases this gorgeous city at its best.
Riley and the Curious Koala is illustrated once again by the illustrious Kieron Pratt. It is the third book in the very popular Riley travelogue series for little ones.
Teachers' Notes now available!
"It's a superb book and a brilliant series concept - can think of a least a dozen kids I'd love to give it to who'd get so much from it." - author Jackie French
2009
Riley and the Dancing Lion: A journey around Hong Kong
(Tania McCartney Press, A$16.99, Nov 2009, 9780980475029) BUY
Riley and the Dancing Lion is the second book in this multimedia travelogue series for kids.
After travelling to Beijing in book one - Riley and the Sleeping Dragon - Riley now sets his sights on Hong Kong, in search of the traditional dancing lion that is found during Chinese New Year.
Follow Riley across this amazing city and surrounds, as he discovers many types of dancing lion in his quest to find the true lion that heralds a bright new year. But is this traditional lion really what he appears to be? Featuring hilarious illustrations by Canberra illustrator Kieron Pratt, kids will adore finding an impressive line up of kooky dancing lions.
Teachers' Notes now available!
2008
Riley and the Sleeping Dragon: A journey around Beijing
(Tania McCartney Press, A$14.99, Nov 2008, 9780980475005) BUY
A unique, multimedia picture book, Riley and the Sleeping Dragon follows the magical journey of Riley as he searches Beijing for the elusive sleeping dragon of China. Metaphorical, historical and adventuresome, kids can tour the ancient sites of Beijing while searching for this very special, traditional creature.
Featuring stunning black and white photos of Beijing and gorgeous illustrations by Mo Qovaizi, this book is the first in a travelogue series for 0-8 year olds. Riley and the Sleeping Dragon was featured in the Australian Bookseller Association's Kids Reading Guide 2009/2010.
You Name It
(Hodder Headline Australia, Nov 1995, out of print)
Published by Hodder Headline Australia in 1995 (under the name Tania Winter Buck), this book is a unique collection of baby names, with origins and meanings, as well as a collection of unusual, thematic names. The book also covers the history of the naming process.
works in progress
Riley and the Jumpy Kangaroo: A journey around Canberraseveral children's book manuscripts, a Junior Fiction series and a YA novel
www.taniamccartney.com
