Wow! It’s been such a crazy few days that I haven’t had time to stop by my own bog and post my exciting news. But I’m here now, so please accept a glass of cyber champagne from my virtual butler, help yourself to the cyber nibblies and celebrate with me.

“Why?” I hear you ask. Well, on Friday night I attended the Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards at the State Library of WA, where, to my honour and delight, Toppling was awarded the gong in the Children’s Book category.

Winning any award is always exciting, but winning  in  my home state felt especially lovely. My darling husband was able to accompany me and lots of friends, old and new, were there in the audience. The awards were presented by the Minister for Culture and the Arts, John Day.

I was overwhelmed on the night by the cheers from around the room when my name was announced, and have continued to be overwhelmed by the messages of support on Facebook, Twitter and by email from family, friends and even strangers. I am truly feeling the love and feeling blessed.

In all the excitement, I forgot to ask by beloved to use the camera I had in my handbag to take some photos, so this photo was taken the next day.

Again, my sincere thanks for all the messages of support – and of course, thanks to the State Government and the State Library, who coordinated the awards. But  special huge thanks must go to illustrator Rhian Nest James, and to the team at Walker Books who made the book so beautiful, and the hugest thanks go to my family – my children, my beloved husband, and my extended family, too. Love you all.

For the formal announcement and a list of all the winners, see here.