The SA Branch now has a new website: www.cbcsa.org.au

South Australia's Book of the Year Awards Judge

Beryl Siemionow 2005-2006 I was born in New Zealand but have lived most of my life in Australia and am, very proudly, a naturalised Australian. I have always had a passion for books, having been a voracious reader for as long as I can remember. This led to my husband George and myself establishing a children's bookshop when we moved from Darwin to Adelaide in 1988. Our bookshop quickly became known to schools and we now operate a consulting service to schools and libraries from our showroom in Blackwood, in the Adelaide Hills. I particularly enjoy doing book-talks to children, who are then involved in the selection of books for their libraries. I find the feedback I get from them very interesting. We all hear a lot about reluctant readers but it is my experience that there are very many avid young readers as well. I have been an active member of the CBCA since soon after moving to Adelaide, and get a huge buzz from conferences and suchlike. It's wonderful to be surrounded by people who have a similar passion for children's literature. George and I have three children, two sons aged 27 and 23 who are both married, and a daughter aged 17. Apart from reading, we spend what little spare time we have with family and friends. Holidays are generally spent on or near the sea, George being a keen sailor and me a keen passenger.