Host a Book Chat & Signing
Bring The Fancy Dress Ball to life with an engaging and meaningful session led by Josephine and Billy.
Designed for ages 4-8, Jo and Billy combine storytelling, creativity, and connection to culture, creating a memorable experience for schools, libraries, and community groups. They are based in the Illawarra and are happy to travel, with details discussed upon enquiry.
Each session is designed to be interactive, educational, and fun.
Audiences will enjoy:
A lively reading of the book with engaging, rhyming storytelling
An interactive “find Tanya Turtle” activity on every page
Exploration of Australian and Arnhem Land fauna, including habitats, features, and behaviours
Insight into creativity, storytelling, and illustration
A visually rich experience that sparks imagination and participation
These sessions go beyond storytelling:
Opportunities for children to connect with Australian wildlife and the Top End
Meaningful representation and insight into autism and First Nations perspectives
Encouragement for young people to explore creativity, art, and self-expression
A layered learning experience supported by imagery, rhythm, and discovery
Make an Enquiry
If you’d like to book a session or learn more, get in touch to discuss your event.
About the Author - Josephine Opie
Josephine Opie was born and raised in a small country town in South Australia, enjoying life on a small ‘mixed’ farm. Obsessed with reading and books, she gained her teaching degree and has taught in juvenile justice and special education schools in South Australia and NSW and across Aboriginal communities in Arnhem Land in Northern Territory. Josephine has always found reasons to write; journals, blogs and children’s books. She self-published her first children’s book, Once Upon a Billabong, inspired by her time living and learning about the people, culture, and flora and fauna of Arnhem Land. This interest continues in The Fancy Dress Ball, where Josephine explores the fauna of the Top End in an engaging and fun way.
About the Illustrator - Billy Rose
Billy Rose is a very proud First Nations Autistic young man, living in Oak Flats, NSW. One of six children, Billy was born on the family kitchen floor, just before his twin brother, Darcy. Growing up in a big and busy family in regional NSW, Billy has always had the gift of drawing. He has illustrated his own characters for t-shirts and has sold many at markets across the region. He was employed to design a mascot for PosAbilities, his local neurodiverse support provider, and named him PosaDude. This is Billy’s first time illustrating a children’s book, and he has loved the opportunity to share his art. He is hoping that it will lead on to many more opportunities.