News – Renae Hayward

Baby book trio

March 4, 2025March 4, 2025 Renae Hayward

As of March 2025, Rebecca Mills and I have three baby books out – which is very exciting! We are very proud of this little trio of books, which began with Say Hooray, continued with Say Hello, and now concludes with Say Goodnight.

Say Goodnight is all about baby bedtime routines, from having a bath to tidying up toys, to dozing off to a lullaby. I really hope this book becomes part of many babies’ bedtime rituals, as I know how important reading books was – and still is – to my children. It’s a lovely way to wind down from a busy day and get a few extra cuddles in before the lights go out!

Rebecca has done a fabulous job with the illustrations once again. The colours and textures are just beautiful and there are plenty of vocabulary-building cues in each spread to support early language development.

All three of the Say books are available in sturdy board book format – just perfect for curious little fingers!

Image: Renae and Rebecca (wearing pyjamas!) at Paper Bird Books for the *Say Goodnight* book launch.

Awards, Books, News

Say Hooray shortlisted for speech pathology award

August 27, 2024 Renae Hayward

I’m so excited to announce that Say Hooray has been shortlisted in the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards 2024!

These awards aim to promote quality Australian books that help children get the best, most literate start in life while also raising awareness of the role speech pathologists play in helping children develop language and literacy skills.

Each book is judged on its appeal to children, interactive quality and ability to assist speech pathologists and parents in communication and literacy development.

I’ve kept an eye on the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards for years, marvelling at the many brilliant books shortlisted. It’s such an honour to now be one of these books, especially since a number of parents of children with speech delays have contacted me about Say Hooray and how it has engaged their child and encouraged them with their speech.

Thank you Speech Pathology Australia!

Books, News

Say hooray for ‘Say Hooray’!

January 2, 2023 Renae Hayward

My new book is almost here!

It’s a baby book called Say Hooray. Here’s what the publisher, Fremantle Press, has to say:

A celebration of baby achievements, Say Hooray is the perfect book to engage the whole family in those special moments of a baby’s early days. From rolling front to back to waving goodbye, the playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations make this an amazing read-aloud book for babies and older siblings alike.

The beautiful thing about working with an illustrator is that it’s possible to love your own book as though it’s someone else’s – because it IS! I’m also finding with a picture book it’s easier to hear praise because it’s shared with someone I think is great too! I mean, look at these gorgeous illustrations. Didn’t Rebecca Mills do an amazing job?