If you've been here before, you've probably already noticed that the photo of me to the left looks a bit different.

About time, you're probably thinking. A photo that shows his true age. And how distinguished and interesting his face has become as a result of life's experiences. Though he should really get out of doors a bit more.

All very reasonable thoughts. But in fact the photo is of a wonderful gift I received last year when I visited the Katherine Public Library in the Northern Territory. Usually when authors visit libraries they're given a library pen or an overdue book notice as a momento. Not at Katherine. One of the librarians there, Megan Williams-Holt, a creative dynamo, presented me with a lifesize foam sculpture of my own head.

I fear my backyard photography doesn't do this magnificent artwork justice. But visitors to my office, if they glance at the top of my bookshelf, can see Megan's creation in all its 3-D glory. I love the thought that when I'm gone, a small part of me will remain. The rubber foam and ping pong ball part of me. Thanks, Megan.

Eagle-eyed visitors to the Bookshelf will notice something else different. Three of my books have new covers. Thanks to the creative dynamos at Penguin, new editions of Water Wings, The Other Facts Of Life and Second Childhood have been released with spiffy new jackets. This makes me very happy, though I should point out that only the covers are new. The stories are exactly the same as they've always been. So if you already own them you probably won't need to get them again unless you buy my books for the covers rather than the words. (It could happen.)

Finally, my free book helpers have asked me to pass on a message. They're delighted that so many people are sending in for a free book, but they're concerned that some people haven't read the instructions on the Free Book page. The instructions explain how, to receive a free book, you need to send a stamped self-addressed envelope. The helpers, who can be quite stern at times, have asked me to mention that the people who sent in the following probably won't be getting a free book:

• A self-addressed envelope without a stamp.
  
  
• A stamped envelope with no address on it.
  
  
• An envelope without a stamp or an address.
  
  
• No envelope.

Hope this helps those of you who haven't sent in for a free book yet. And perhaps gives a clue to those who've been waiting more than a month for theirs.

Until next time, oo-roo and happy reading, foam sculpting, cover admiring and free book applying.

13 April 2004