To the people I met in Britain, Ireland and Hong Kong in recent weeks, thanks for your hospitality, interest in my books, gifts of stationery, kind words, delicious sandwiches, equally delicious steamed dumplings, and for being so patient in the signing queues. At a time when travelling so far from home was a bit nerve-wracking and lonely, meeting you made it all worthwhile and a joy.

To the people I'm going to meet in Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Albury, Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Newcastle and the Southern Highlands of NSW between 26 November and 7 December, I'm looking forward to it a lot. And if you live in any of these places and would like to say g'day but don't go to one of the schools I'll be visiting, check with your local library or bookshop because I'll be dropping into a fair few of those along the way. (Stationery and steamed dumplings not essential.)

To anyone who finds themselves picking up a copy of Toad Heaven when it hits the bookshop and library shelves at the end of November, a reminder that you don't need to have read Toad Rage to fully enjoy the new adventures of Limpy, Goliath and Charm. The two books can be read in any order – Heaven first, Rage first, or, if you're not good at decision-making, both at the same time.

To all of you who sent in for a free book while I was away, thanks for being patient, your book has now been posted.

And finally, to the teacher in Birmingham, Alabama, USA currently fighting for her pupils to be allowed to continue reading Two Weeks With The Queen, my gratitude and admiration. I know censorship of books isn't the biggest problem in the world, but it means a lot to an author to hear that a book has found a champion a long way from home. Good on you, Chris Turner.

Until next month, oo-roo and happy reading

14 November 2001