> Skip to content
  • Published: 28 March 2016
  • ISBN: 9780857989703
  • Imprint: Random House Australia Children's
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $24.99

I Just Couldn't Wait to Meet You




Much-loved actor and radio host Kate Ritchie's first book is a beautiful tribute to the joy and anticipation of expecting a child.

When you were still a treasured bump,
tucked safe away inside,
I thought about you night and day and in my sleep—it's true.
My heart was full of hope and love.

I Just Couldn't Wait to Meet You.

A Heartwarming Story to Share


Don't miss the opportunity to share this touching tale with the children in your family. This beautifully illustrated book captures the essence of awaiting a new member in your life, making it the perfect gift for new parents, baby showers, or simply a bedtime read that the whole family will cherish.

*A Story of Love and Anticipation: Beautifully captures the feelings of excitement and experienced by expecting parents.
*Heartfelt Writing: Authored by renowned Australian actor and radio host, Kate Ritchie.
*A Perfect Gift: Ideal for baby showers, new parents, or the arrival of a new family member.
*An Australian Modern Classic: Written and crafted with an authentic Australian touch.

------------------------------------------------------

'The perfect gift for expectant parents.' CHILDREN'S BOOKS DAILY
'Captures the anticipation of pregnancy.' BOOKS AND PUBLISHING
'Straight from the heart .' THIS CHARMING MUM
'A moving expression of the joys and hopes that surround pregnancy.' READING TIME
'Will strike a chord with any expectant mum.' MAMAMIA

  • Published: 28 March 2016
  • ISBN: 9780857989703
  • Imprint: Random House Australia Children's
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $24.99

About the authors

Kate Ritchie

Kate Ritchie is an award-winning actor, radio presenter and author. Her acting has earned her numerous nominations and awards, including two Gold Logies. In 2008 Kate took on the challenge of live radio. She currently co-hosts Nova’s Sydney breakfast show Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie.

Hannah Sommerville

Hannah Sommerville comes from the scenic South Coast of New South Wales. After completing a Bachelor of Creative Arts, she practised as a commercial designer before becoming a mother of two. Reading with her young children rekindled Hannah’s adoration of children’s picture books and she turned her attention to illustrating. Hannah enjoys capturing familiar events in the lives of children and focuses on crafting moments to which her readers can connect.

Praise for I Just Couldn't Wait to Meet You

Straight from the heart . . . The perfect gift for a new or expecting parent, or for a soon-to-be-sibling who needs a reminder that they, too, were once a precious bump.

This Charming Mum

Heartfelt . . . A moving expression of the joys and hopes that surround pregnancy and the newborn

John Nolan, Reading Time

The perfect gift for expectant parents and the perfect gift for a newborn baby

Megan Daly, Children's Books Daily

Awards & recognition

Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards

Shortlisted  •  2017  •  Birth to 3 Years

Discover more

Article
Let us tell you a story

Australian authors and personalities read some of our favourite picture books.

Video
I Just Couldn't Wait to Meet You by Kate Ritchie and Hannah Sommerville | Read Aloud by Kate Ritchie

Much-loved actor and radio host Kate Ritchie's first book is a beautiful tribute to the joy and anticipation of expecting a child. I JUST COULDN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU read aloud by author Kate Ritchie with illustrations by Hannah Sommerville. Find out more: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/i-just-couldnt-wait-to-meet-you-9780857989703 #IJustCouldntWaitToMeetYou #KateRitchie #HannahSommerville