Sofie Laguna

Sofie Laguna has a background in acting. In her presentations for Preps to Grade 2, she performs a play based on her book 'My Yellow Blanky’ (Omnibus 2002). Complete with costumes and props, Sofie plays the main character, a highly energised five-year-old. Children from the audience play the other parts, from puppy dogs to Mum. The show is highly interactive and this gives the students an opportunity to understand the connection between text and performance and how exciting this can be.

Sofie also uses her successful picture book, 'Too Loud Lily' (Omnibus 2003) as a tool for interactive performance. With this text students have the opportunity to work together as a chorus, with Sofie in the role of 'conductor'.

There is also a strong theatrical element in Sofie's presentations for middle and upper primary students. After speaking with students about the different inspirations for her stories, Sofie plays director and the students act out scenes from her novel 'Surviving Aunt Marsha'(Omnibus 2003). She has found this to be an excellent way of engaging the audience in her work and giving them a deeper understanding of character. Sofie also discusses the inspiration behind her work - from stories of embarrassing parents, to family holidays. She empowers her young audience with the belief that their own lives are rich with material for great stories.

In 2006, Sofie entered the world of YA novels with the publication of 'Bird and Sugar Boy’ (Penguin 2006) winning Honour Book in the Children's Book Council of Australia Awards.

In her writing workshops for students in Grade 3 to Year 7 Sofie runs workshops in developing character and after creating these new characters, the sessions end with 'real life' interviews, once again engaging students with her theatrical approach to writing.

Sofie loves to perform for an audience of children. Her commitment to writing and theatre communicates itself naturally through her passion and enthusiasm. Sofie is engaging, approachable and warm, and her sessions are loads of fun.