Say Hooray – Renae Hayward

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, Events, For Families, For Teachers

Events – September & October 2023

September 3, 2023September 3, 2023 Renae Hayward

I’m very excited to be appearing at not one, but two fantastic festivals in the coming months!

First up, I’ll be running a few events for AWESOME Arts. If you live out Armadale way and have little people aged 0-3 years, I’ll be Kelmscott Hall on Sunday 24 September for Rhyme Time for Bubs. It’s free, but bookings are required. For more information, visit the AWESOME Armadale Hub.

I’ll also be part of the AWESOME Festival running Say Hooray with Renae Hayward at the State Library of Western Australia on Wednesday 27 September. This is another free event, but bookings are required for this too. Find more information on the AWESOME Festival website.

Next up, I’m on the Scribblers Festival Schools Program, running two sessions on Wednesday 25 October for school years 1-3. I’ll also be part of the Scribblers Family Festival on Sunday 29 October. More details on these sessions are available on the Scribblers Festival website.

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?