Meet The Illustrator: Robert Henderson

Name: Robert Henderson

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
My own books. Concept driven. As little drawing as possible.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
Brain space. No visible other things I could be doing. Right amount of strategic clutter. Books. Lack of children.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I don’t draw well and I am petrified by the idea of spending hours on something and then ruining it. So I either create in Adobe Illustrator with my trusty undo button and bezier handles, or by digitally layering media from charcoal to collage to ink to paint to pixels.

My work tends to jump in and out of the computer. Create, print, trace, rough-up, scan, layer, print, photocopy with a wiggle, fold, photograph with phone, halftone the photo, save. Create physical texture, scan, overlay, save, duplicate, multiply, print, dip in 3 litres of orange juice and photograph through a translucent glass table. That sort of thing.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Ridiculous to choose three, but floating through my head presently: Kathleen Jennings, León Ferrari, Patricia Piccinini. I am more often inspired by ideas and their thinkers.

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?

None, particularly, I think. Maybe a cloistered scribe or illuminator?

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?

I like to hop back and forth between illustration, concept and language without having to explain myself to a third party. Everything can stay flexi and fluid for as long as possible until that wave function collapses. That sounds suspiciously like “a need for control”. 

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.

Nah, I have no dedicated space. Writing usually happens in the car. I do love working around the Brisbane cultural precinct, though.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?

Concept development. Imagining. Research. Anything that doesn’t involve the stress of actually illustrating.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Find things that work for you.
Creatively side-stepping your shortcomings can make your approach unique.
Don’t keep buying expensive supplies and equipment unless you’re sure you’ll use them.

Robert Henderson is a prolific non-graduate from a range of prestigious Australian universities and an actual graduate of Griffith University's Queensland College of Art. Robert lives in Brisbane with his partner and two young children who help him with his work and make sure he never has to eat a sandwich by himself. Robert's work was recently longlisted for the CBCA Notable Award and Australian Book Designers Association Award.

For more information please follow Robert on instagram.

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Video: StoryMakers with Hervé Tullet: Mix It Up!

Hervé Tullet has created more than 80 books for children, starting his journey as an illustrator when he was in his thirties. As he explains it, he tries to elicit dialogue between children and adults. His books are certainly an unusual and entertaining experience.

This interview with Hervé Tullet explores his ideas, creative process, and how he enjoys taking readers on an 'expedition'. Seeing how Hervé reads his books will change the way you read them! Hear a little of Mix It Up! and how to discover the way colours work. There's also a great demonstration of making and exploring sounds with The Trail Game.



Title: Mix It Up!
Author/Illustrator: Hervé Tullet
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $22.99
Publication Date: 2014
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760110956
For ages: 2+
Type: Picture book

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12 Curly Questions with author Charlotte Barkla

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I grew up on a cattle farm west of Toowoomba, in Queensland. I’m one of four girls, and when we were younger we used to make up stories and plays together. (We were a bit Little Women-esque, but without the Laurie love interest next door. Or the war. Or Beth’s illness. Perhaps not so many parallels after all!)

2. What is your nickname?
No nickname currently, but Mum is what I’m most often called. I did have Charlie for a while in high school, and Frenchy at university (my maiden name was French).

3. What is your greatest fear?
Good question. It would have to be outliving my children. (Sorry, that took a sombre turn!)

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Light, fun, upbeat. I like to write books with humour and heart.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Hard-working, imaginative, a keen learner.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
That’s a hard one. Maybe Jo March from Little Women? (I just saw the latest movie and it’s in my head). She’s the second eldest of four girls and loves writing, like me!

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I think I’d travel forward 100 years or so. I’d like to see how the world has progressed. What technologies will we have? Will there be flying cars? (I’ve always loved Back to the Future). But I’d make sure not to pick up a Sports Almanac.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
You’re an author? Cool!

9. Who is your greatest influence?
Another great question. I’d have to say my children, because it was through them that I started writing. After spending a lot of time in the children’s section of local libraries, I was inspired to put pen to paper and try my hand at writing a picture book. The first (or second) picture book manuscript I wrote was actually the one that was published this year! My kids also inspire me because when I’m writing I often think 'what would my kids enjoy reading/find funny when they’re x years old?'.

10. What/who made you start writing?
Oops, I skipped ahead! (See Question 9) J

11. What is your favourite word and why? 
That’s a hard one. I quite like palindromes – especially phrases that can be read both forwards and backwards. For example: “Was it a car or a cat I saw?”

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Oh, that’s too hard! It would have to be a funny book. Anything by Adam Cece, Dave Lowe or Deb Abela.

Charlotte is an Adelaide-based writer who worked as a civil engineer and physics teacher before rediscovering her love for children’s literature. She now writes picture books, middle-grade fiction and feature articles. Her debut picture book, All Bodies are Good Bodies, was published by Hardie Grant Egmont in January 2020. The first novel in her middle-grade series, Edie’s Experiments, was published in February by Penguin Random House, with Book 2 to follow in July. As well as writing for children, Charlotte’s feature articles have been published by a range of publications including Good Health magazine, MiNDFOOD magazine, Engineers Australia and the Australian Education Union. For more information, see www.charlottebarkla.com.

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Review: Myths, Legends & Sacred Stories: a children's encyclopedia

Myths, Legends & Sacred Stories is a children’s encyclopaedia rich in educational and cultural content. It contains stories passed down by word of mouth beginning with those from Europe.

The first section encompasses the mythological creation of the Universe, myths, legends and fables of heroes and gods of Europe, with all the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece that you could hope to read about. It goes on to include sections on Asia, Africa, The Americas and Oceania.

In the section on Oceania, sacred stories are collected from Australia and the Pacific Islands. The Aboriginal Dreamtime, The Rainbow Serpent and ancient paintings are majestically depicted.

The magical and supernatural from all over the world; good and bad heroes, heroines and tricksters are presented with in-depth coverage, accompanied by photographs from extensive sources. For those interested, these are acknowledged in the three pages at the end.

The sections are separated by coloured markers so that readers can turn to and return to, or dip into for their favourite entries.

The stunning images will draw children to page after page of incredible information. Supported by the vast array of research from countries all over the world, I was impressed by the amount of content that this book offers. A generous Glossary and Index is included.

 This book of knowledge comes highly recommended. DK has a reputation for outstanding publications for children. In my opinion, they lead the field.

Title: Myths, Legends & Sacred Stories: A Children’s Encyclopaedia

Author: Phillip Wilkinson

Illustrator: Surbhi Bahl, Mohd Zishan

Publisher: DK, $39.99

Publication Date: November 2019

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9780241296929

For ages: 10+

Type: Myths and Legends Encyclopedia

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Review: Beetle and Boo

Beetle and Boo is a humorous, lighthearted story of the two friends and Bear’s search to find out if and what Beetle is scared of.

When Beetle announces that she’s not scared of anything, Boo doesn’t seem convinced, so he asks her specifically about some of the usual scary suspects; spiders, the dark, thunder, lightening and more. It really seems that Beetle is very brave, will they ever find something she fears? A giggle-worthy discovery prevails!

I adore Caitlin Murry’s direct, playful writing style and her bold textural illustrations which show life and movement; together they create Boo’s inquisitive nature and Beetle’s joyful confidence.

Beetle and Boo flows beautifully and is fun to read aloud. Beetle’s inspiring bravery is something which becomes contagious and fun to mimic when reading with young children. It would be great to share with a group or class.

Caitlin Murray is a Melbourne based author illustrator, some of her other books include The Missing Treasure, The Medical Emergency and Something For Fleur.

Title: Beetle and Boo
Author/Illustrator: Caitlin Murray
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia, $17.99
Publication Date: 4 February 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780143796565
For ages: 3 – 5
Type: Picture Book




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Review: The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes: The Crumbling Castle

The first book, The Crumbling Castle, in the new series, The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes, will enthrall readers who love top-secret adventures and cakes!

Zinnia Jakes is a famous, but mysterious, pastry chef. No one ever sees her and the incredible cakes always seem to appear at their destinations when no one is watching. In this story, Zinnia Jakes must create an authentic, crumbling castle cake in just two days' time, for the Medieval Fair. But, how will she do it and who is she?

Author, Brenda Gurr, has created a cast of characters children will love. Zoe Jones, is a 9-year-old school student by day and secret chef by night. Yes, Zoe Jones is Zinnia Jakes, the famous creator of exquisite cakes!

Other key characters are Zoe's best friend, Addie, who loves gymnastics and helping to solve mathematical problems, Zoe's Aunty Jam, who plays cello for a living and has helped set up the secret Zinnia Jakes kitchen, and Zoe's  extraordinary cat, Coco, who can dance, read and maybe even type!

This is a tightly constructed story with interesting characters. The narrative is action-packed, with risks of discovery, cake-related disasters and lots of fun. There is even a delicious recipe in the final pages, for readers to bake at home, with adult assistance.

Title: The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes: The Crumbling Castle
Author: Brenda Gurr
Illustrator: Nancy Leschnikoff
Publisher: New Frontier, $14.99
Publication Date: 15 March 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN:9781925594973
For ages: 7+
Type: Junior Fiction




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Review: Wheels

Big wheels and little wheels. Two wheels and four wheels.

All kinds of wheels!

Wheels is another classic book from the partnership of Sally Sutton and Brian Lovelock.

With rhyming text and big, bold and colourful illustrations, Wheels will be a new favourite for many readers.

The pictures show two riders on bicycles who see many vehicles on their travels.

A red motorbike speeds past on two wheels. A semi trailer has many wheels rumbling as they head uphill.

Taxis, ambulances, buses, fire trucks, and rubbish trucks are all amongst the vehicles on show. Each with a special job.

And when a young member of the family has a birthday, they get a wheeled birthday surprise. Soon the whole family is out riding.

On the final page of Wheels is a diagram with all the parts of a wheel (rim, hub, tyre, tread, lug nuts and valve) clearly labelled and explained.

Even the endpapers of this book are decorated to match the theme, with tyre tread marks criss crossing the pages in varying grey tones

Wheels is perfect for sharing with the littlest vehicle enthusiasts, and will keep them enthralled.

Title: Wheels
Author: Sally Sutton
Illustrator: Brian Lovelock
Publisher: Walker Books, $24.99
Publication Date: February 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760651589
For ages: 2+
Type: Picture book




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Junior Review: Wings of Fire: Legends Dragonslayer

Review: This Is How We Change The Ending

Video: Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems

Mo Willems, bestselling creator of books like Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Knuffle Bunny, and the Elephant and Piggy series, is sharing daily videos with the world. This first episode of Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems, filmed in his studio, is just over 22 minutes long.

This is a great way for parents, teachers, and other carers to occupy young minds, getting them to use their imaginations, and develop their drawing and storytelling skills. It's like your own personal author visit!

Watch Mo draw, get tips and join in, see behind the scenes, and hear him answer questions from viewers. Make sure you have paper and pencils ready so kids can dive straight in and draw along with Mo, too!

The playlist of Lunch Doodles episodes can be followed on YouTube, and you can read our reviews of Mo Willems' books here.




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Review: Spellhacker

Story Contest 2020-1 - Highly Commended Stories

Highly commended stories from the Kids World Fun International Short Story Contest for School Children 2020-1. Read the stories online. …]

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Look What I'm Reading! Meredith Costain

Meredith Costain is a versatile writer for children whose work ranges from picture books through to poetry, series fiction and non-fiction. 

She lives in inner-city Melbourne with a variety of pets who frequently wrangle their way into her stories. 

Her latest books include new titles in the quirky Ella Diaries and its sister series, Olivia’s Secret Scribbles, illustrated by Danielle McDonald, and a picture book, Grandmas Are Lovely, illustrated by Nicolette Hegyes.

Which children’s book are you currently reading?

I usually have several books on the go at any given time. The one I am currently reading is Grace’s Secrets, the first book in a time-slip mystery/adventure series by Louise Park.

Can you tell us in two sentences what the book is about?

Twelve-year-old Grace and her mother have moved from sunny Broome to a new life in a village castle on the other side of the world. Grace is soon hurled into new adventures in both the past and the present, traversing the secret passages of the castle as she searches for the truth about her family and friends.

How much did you enjoy/are enjoying this title?

Very much! It’s both fast-paced and reflective, with great insight into Grace’s character and why she behaves the way she does. There is enough mystery and intrigue to keep you turning the pages to find out what will happen next. We are also introduced to some of the great writers of the past who help Grace escape from danger: Charles Dickens, Charles Dodgson (creator of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland) and one of my personal writing heroes, Louisa May Alcott.

What made you choose this title? Was it a review, advertising, the cover, the blurb, the author/illustrator, or the subject/genre?

I love time-slip fantasy (Playing Beatie Bow by Ruth Park is a big favourite) so I was really looking forward to reading this book, particularly as I’d been hearing snippets of the plot-line from Louise herself over the months that it was being written.

What other titles are on your bedside table /To Read Pile?

The latest title in the Mr Chicken series, Mr Chicken All Over Australia, by former Australian Children’s Laureate and illustrator extraordinaire, Leigh Hobbs. Who doesn’t love Mr Chicken? Can’t wait to see what shenanigans he gets up to in the far corners of our sunburnt country.

Having just visited an exhibition of (mainly) dragon paintings by Deltora Questillustrator Marc McBride, I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into his latest book with Emily Rodda, The Glimme.

I’m slowly working my way through a stack of psychological thrillers by crime writer Michael Robotham. And I’m laughing my way through the antics of wannabe blockbuster movie star/martial arts expert James, in James Gong: The Big Hit, by Paul Collins – a jumping, spinning, side-kicking martial arts expert himself!

How did you come by these titles: personal choice/request, publisher’s review copy, or other?

Personal choice mainly. Many of the books I read are by writers and illustrators I’ve met over the years – it’s always great to keep up with what other people are creating. I also organise reviews (by young readers) for kids’ magazines, so I receive books or information about new books from publishers for these. So many great books – so little time to read them all!

Do you have a favourite genre? If so, what is it, and why do you prefer it?

I’ll read anything – I love seeing different ways that words can fit together. Having said that, I think I probably most enjoy books that focus on character and emotion – I think the term is ‘contemporary realism’. I know that a book has worked for me when I can’t bear to reach the end because then I’ll no longer get the chance to spend time with its characters. (Thankfully, this is why series were invented. J)

Do you read from printed books or some other medium? Please expand a little on the why of your choice.

I definitely prefer to read from ‘real’ books – they’ve just always been there, part of my daily habits. They feel comfortable in my hands and don’t hurt my eyes (especially if I’ve already spent the day staring at a computer screen and a winking cursor). I’ve downloaded a few books to my iPad to read while travelling but find that the lines and chapters often go out of whack. It’s also much easier to get distracted by the many other whiz-bang functions of an iPad! A book is a book is a book.

www.meredithcostain.com

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Review: Ten Minutes to Bed Little Unicorn

Twinkle the baby unicorn has ten minutes until bedtime, but that doesn’t stop her from packing in several adventures.

Pixies, dragons, hairy trolls, shooting stars and rainbows — Twinkle sees them all while dad calmly counts down the minutes she has left.

This is a lovely and gentle story for your bedtime routine. In this new board book form, with thick pages and a sturdy cover, it’s great for little hands to grip and explore. 

Beautiful illustrations with calming pink hues set the mood, and the text is written in soothing rhyme to help gentle heads get ready to hit the pillow.

A beautiful bedtime adventure for the littlies in your life, Ten Minutes to Bedtime Little Unicorn is a lovely, fantastical story to add to your bedtime reading collection. 

It’s short, sweet and beautiful. And with its sturdy construction, you can hand it over to baby without fear of ripped pages.

And if unicorns aren’t your thing, there are other books in this series you might want to check out, including Ten Minutes to Bed Little Mermaid and Ten Minutes to Bed Little Monster, currently available in paperback. 

Title: Ten Minutes to Bedtime Little Unicorn

Author: Rhiannon Fielding

Illustrator: Chris Chatterton

Publisher: Ladybird, $14.99  

Publication Date: 17 March 2020

Format: Hard Cover

ISBN: 9780241408339

For ages: 2 - 5

Type: Board Book

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Giveaway: Winners Australian Animals by Frané Lessac

Our lucky winners are...

Kirsty Polujan, VIC
Melissa Wong-Mahanidis, WA
Piper May Fuller, ACT

Congratulations!

You have each a prize pack of A is For Australian Animals and Australian Baby Animals by Frané Lessac.

Your prize is on its way. Meantime, if you might like to read our beautiful KBR review of, Australian Baby Animals.

Thank you to ALL who entered. The response was overwhelming and the selection of Aussie animals impressive!

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12 Curly Questions with author/activist Kate Bullen-Casanova

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I can wiggle my nose like Tabitha in Bewitched. It’s magic (hehe).

2. What is your nickname? 
Mouse/ Mouski (maybe because of the nose wiggling thing).

3. What is your greatest fear?
Spiders and octopuses; they’ve just got far too many legs!

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Almost always alliterative, royally rhythmical, fiercely feminist and cleverly kind.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Fun, Kind, Happy, Clever, Feminist

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Definitely Hermione Granger, because she’s wicked clever and always stands up for other people (or magical creatures) and fights for the good of the world.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Can I go forward in time? If so, I’d love to visit 2100 to see if everything turns out all right.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
A writer! Yes! Well done future Kate — high five!

9. Who is your greatest influence?
My children: Every day I work to make the world a better, fairer place, for them.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I think I’ve always written little stories, even just for myself. However, in the last few years I’ve been working on my craft. I believe in the power of words to change the world.

11. What is your favourite word and why? 
Egalitarianism: well, I love what it means, of course, but I also love the combination of syllables and the way it rolls off the tongue.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
No! What a tragedy this would be! But I suppose... if I really have to choose... it would be White Teeth by Zadie Smith.

Kate Bullen-Casanova lives in Melbourne with her two young children. After seven years in women’s activism, including time at UN Women and the International Women’s Development Agency, Kate now brings her passion for gender equality to the world of early childhood education through her online community Future Feminists. For more information, see www.futurefeminists.org or follow www.instagram.com/futurefeminists.

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Review: Twelve Days of Kindness

It is always hard being the new girl at school. So it was for Nabila. Her name was unusual, so was the lunch she brought from home and ate by herself. And so was her hair. The other girls made fun of her.

Holly didn’t like the thought of Nabila being lonely. Even after they played together, and were chosen for the soccer team, the other girls still continued being unkind.

There were twelve days left before the soccer team’s first match.

But they weren’t working as a team. Holly and Nabila drew up a plan to show kindness to the other members for those remaining twelve days.

Will Holly and Nabila’s plan work? Does kindness help to change people? In what way can kindness be shown to others?

This brilliant book is illustrated in striking colours with a strong message to share. It is the ideal book for classroom lessons and discussion on acceptance and differences in people. It shows how a small act of kindness where there is none, can activate a chain of change in others.

Well constructed and beautifully presented, this book encourages change of attitude through kind actions in a time when kindness is a rarity, and perhaps after love, the most longed for emotion in human beings.

Title: Twelve Days of Kindness

Author:Cori Brooke

Illustrator: Fiona Burrows

Publisher: New Frontier Publishing, $24.99

Publication Date: October 2019

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9781925594751

For ages: 3 - 6

Type: Picture Book

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Kids World Fun Story Contest 2020-1 Results

The results of Kids World Fun's first biannual Short Story Contest 2020 has been announced. It discloses the first, second and third prize winners for sub-junior, junior, and senior categories. …]

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Review: Beautiful Eggs

Beautiful Eggs is a high quality board book which shares and celebrates the tradition of egg decorating around the world.

Featuring stunning cut-paper illustration, the book begins with a short informative introduction and follows on with 7 spreads focusing on different egg decorating traditions such as Pysanka, Vel’konočné Cascarones, Washi and more.

The illustrations show detailed insight to each tradition and are accompanied by simple instructions and details about where the tradition originates and history or meaning behind it. I like the way the instructions are very succinct; it leaves room for vivid interpretation, varying craft methods for different age groups, and still having lots of fun.

I’m most looking forward to creating the Cascarones eggs with my family over Easter; the traditional Mexican decorating style which includes painting eggs in bright colours, putting confetti inside, a paper hat on top and (potentially the most fun part) smashing them at the end!

The last page features a large fold out egg-shaped stencil and suggests mediums to get you started with an egg themed craft activity; maybe even your own new egg decorating tradition.

Beautiful Eggs is a perfect gift and educational craft resource. Alice Lindstrom is an emerging Australia based illustrator, she also illustrated Fox & Bird and I hope to see more of her work soon.

Title: Beautiful Eggs
Illustrator: Alice Lindstrom
Publisher: Scribble, $16.99
Publication Date: 3 March 2020
Format: Board Book
ISBN: 9781925849783
For ages: 3 – 6
Type: Board Book

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Review: Max and the Midknights

Max’s Uncle Budrick is a travelling, singing, entertaining troubadour, so Max is destined to be a troubadour too.

But being a troubadour is the last thing Max wants to be. Max really, really, really wants to be a knight.

When Max and Uncle Budrick head into Byjovia and Uncle Budrick gets thrown in the dungeons by the evil, and undeserving, King Gastley, Max knows only the bravest of knights will have the courage to save him.

Can Max be that daring, courageous Knight? 

Max is joined by a gang of Midknights (kids just like Max), and together they must solve the mysteries of Byjovia’s past to save Uncle Budrick and return the town to the wonderful place it once was.

A bad king, an evil witch, spells, curses and dragons. A great adventure, mysteries to solve and friendships to build — this book has it all. 

But Max and the Midknights isn’t just a brilliant story to read, it’s also a brilliant story to look at. The book is presented in a graphic novel style, so there are literally hundreds of illustrations between the covers. 

If you’ve got kids who are intimidated by too many words on a page, this one is for them. Flick through this book, and you’ll see it’s more like a comic than a novel. 

It’s a really engaging style of delivery, and something so many kids will adore. It’s like a movie on a page!

The book is also hilarious. There are jokes throughout, and the story is silly and fun. It’s the perfect adventure for kids, with lots of outrageous drama, unexpected twists and turns and funny outcomes to spells gone wrong.

For the kids who love action, adventure and humour all rolled into one, I highly recommended grabbing a copy of Max and the Midknights. 

P.s – Max has a very special secret that isn’t revealed until a few chapters in. It took me by surprise, so I’m not going to tell you what it is, but it’s something that makes this book extra, extra cool!

Title: Max and the Midknights
Author/Illustrator: Lincoln Peirce
Publisher: Pan Macmillan, $14.99
Publication Date: 6 February 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781529029260
For ages: 7 - 12
Type: Junior Fiction, Illustrated Fiction

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Review: Jump!

The littlest Quig hatched in the Cloud Tower along with his siblings. He had a stumpy tail, and weak fins.

He feared the great empty space below. This made him different. His siblings grew stronger every day, swinging, jumping and jeering at his inability to match their progress. They named him Stumpy.

Stumpy became an outsider. The others made that clear. But the little one was afraid. What was he to do?

While the others were away exploring and playing, Stumpy slowly found his way down into the street to find he didn’t know what.

All that he discovered was that he didn’t belong there either.

His siblings continued to scorn him. They dared him to jump! Told him the darkness was where he belonged.

But Stumpy was alone and didn’t want to be. He had to overcome his fears.

First he cowered and clung to a branch. Then he stood up. He crawled to the edge, and then leaped across the space to the other side. He clung limply, but clung, pulling himself up. Stumpy looked across from where he had come.

He had done it once, so he could do it again, and again, and again! And he did!

In the brilliance of morning light, his siblings found him, sitting on the edge, clutching on for dear life. Again they dared him to jump. They shouted and jeered until he left his perch and floated. Then he spread his wings and flew!

This exquisite picture book full of metaphor and symbolism is enhanced by Andrew Plant’s deliberate choice of colours.

Striking red, orange and yellows indicate Stumpy’s fears but also his courage and determination to overcome them. The dark colours symbolise the depth of his despair; his sharp sense of not belonging; his difference being the chasm between himself and his siblings.

I found this book deeply moving; stunning in every way. The wordless pages accentuate Stumpy’s determination which is projected as a powerful and decisive force; vibrant and pulsing.

Strong themes addressed are: differences, overcoming fears, self esteem, bullying, and never giving up. It comes from a talented creator that has a catalogue of successes such as Pippa, The Poppy, and Glitch being only a few.

This book stands out and is outstanding!

Title: Jump

Author/Illustrator: Andrew Plant

Publisher: FORD ST, $16.95

Publication Date: March 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781925804461

For ages: 4 - 8

Type:Picture Book

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Review: Bunnies on the Bus

Bunnies on the bus! Bunnies on the bus! No wonder there’s a fuss about the bunnies on the bus!

A laugh-out-loud race through town, Bunnies on the Bus is a fabulous rhyming picture book about a bus full of bouncing bunnies. 

The speeding, swerving, bus stop ignoring bus creates havoc across town. Baby bunnies wail, bunnies scamper down the bus aisle, a bunny climbs on the roof! And I love it all!

This is a fun and silly story that’s sure to engage the kids and have them laughing. With lots of repeatable text, it’s a book that pulls kids into the storytelling and gets them involved.

Bright and detailed illustrations add to the fun, and I love the secret visual storyline that’s threaded through the story. Page one reveals two sneaky racoons are on the loose and the police are tracking them down. Every page continues this visual story, and it joins up with the bunnies’ story at the end.

It’s so much fun to follow the illustrations as you turn the page and read about the bunnies. And there are other Easter eggs to find, too. The illustrations are packed with so much, this is definitely a picture book to read slowly, reading the text and then exploring the pictures in detail. So much fun!

If you’re looking for a fun and entertaining picture book that gets kids involved in the storytelling, check out Bunnies on the Bus.

Title: Bunnies on the Bus

Author: Philip Ardagh

Illustrator: Ben Mantle

Publisher: Walker, $16.99

Publication Date: 1 March 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781406394016

For ages: 3 - 6

Type: Picture Book

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Review: Swallow's Dance

Wendy Orr is famous for her novels Nim's Island and Rescue on Nim's Island, in which Nim is alone in the middle of the ocean.

Swallow's Dance is no less dramatic. Set in the Bronze Age near Santorini at the time of the great volcano eruption, Leira's world turns inside out as her entire village is decimated.

How do you hold onto hope when everything you know is crumbling to dust around you? How can you leave for the unknown when your heart wants to cling to all you hold dear?

Liera's journey is fraught with terrible possibilities.

We first meet Leira as she prepares to start her initiation as a priestess. Not only do we experience a recreation of long forgotten initiation rituals, we realise Leira is no ordinary girl.

Only the elite take such privileged roles in this society. This means her family are wealthy, her life is easy.

But when the earth quakes and dark clouds choke the sky, Leira must learn to survive without the comforts of her old home. Instead of relying on the servants who once catered for her every need, she must work out how to care for others.

Wendy Orr not only brings a strange forgotten land to dramatic life in Swallow's Dance, the language she uses to weave this world is hypnotic. There's a different rhythm to these words, unlike many modern stories. The beat draws you in.

Knowing entire civilisations were wiped out during this time adds to the urgency of Leira's story. There is no guarantee she will survive.

It's why I had to keep turning the pages.

Title: Swallow's Dance
Author: Wendy Orr
Publisher: Allen & Unwin , $16.99
Publication Date: 29 June 2018
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760297879
For ages: 9 years +
Type: Middle Grade Historical Fiction

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Review: Nelson 1: Pumpkins and Aliens

Nelson 1: Pumpkins and Aliens is the first book in a hilarious new junior fiction series by Australian DJ, food writer and founder of a youth music charity, Andrew Levins.

The premise begins simply enough; Nelson hates vegetables, despite the fact that everyone else in his family absolutely loves eating them, his dad loves cooking them and his grandparents love growing them! Even Nelson's best friend, Olive, loves vegetables, leading to a long-standing lunch-swapping ritual.

The story initially follows Nelson's frantic attempts to avoid vegetables, but the action ramps up dramatically when Nelson invents a story about a teacher-eating race of purple, slimy aliens, and, shockingly it turns out to be true!

Suddenly, Nelson is at the centre of a battle to save his teacher, his school and himself, and it seems that Grandma's vegetables may have something mysterious about them, when Nelson develops superpowers after eating them.

Levins' style of writing is fast-paced and tends to humorous over-exaggeration, which resulted in a joyous ride. Illustrator, Katie Kear, uses splashes of pumpkin-hued orange within black and white sketches to highlight the significance of this vegetable and to bring Nelson, Olive and the aliens to life.

This series will be a winner for children who love an elaborate action adventure, especially if they aren't too keen on their vegetables.

Title: Nelson 1: Pumpkins and Aliens
Author: Andrew Levins
Illustrator: Katie Kear
Publisher: Puffin, $12.99
Publication Date: 31 March 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760893347
For ages: 6+
Type: Junior Fiction




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Review: Peppa's Australian Underwater Adventure

There is great excitement at school. Peppa Pig has won a marine biology trip to Australia for her prize-winning picture of a fish she has imagined. Miss Rabbit explains what marine biology means. 

The prize includes her family. They will be staying with Mrs Kangaroo, who intends to give them lessons on how to scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef.

The family head off to shops to purchase all the things they will need. 

Mr Fox cleverly suggests things they hadn’t thought of. The aeroplane is due to leave early next morning, so they pack and go to bed.

Miss Rabbit has decided to make her own way there. No one knows how she plans to travel. Hot-air balloon, helicopter, then boat, help her arrive at the same time in Australia as Peppa and her family. Kylie Kangaroo is there to meet them.

Children accompany the popular Peppa Pig, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig through a wonderful adventure on the Great Barrier Reef. As the family set out in a boat to learn about the stunning marine life that includes turtles, blue starfish, pink sea anemones and whale, so will young readers.  Many will be introduced to scuba diving for the first time. As in every Peppa Pig book or television show, there is always something to learn and share; so many things to discover.

Brilliant colour illustrations fill every double spread. They become a screen image that plays on the page. Emotive expressions, bold lines and joyful atmosphere are perfect and familiar settings.

There is a surprise discovery included in the story and a friendly whale that leads Peppa to it.

I love Peppa Pig books! They are always entertaining and educational and a delight to read and examine, regardless of age.

Title: Peppa’s Australian Underwater Adventure
Author/Illustrator: Created by Neville Astley & Mark Baker
Publisher: Penguin, $14.99
Publication Date: October 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780241405024
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book





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Meet The Illustrator: Samantha Fry

Name: Samantha (Fry) Campbell

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.

Refined, gentle, flowing, moody, delicate, muted, painterly, textured

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
I need sound in the background, because silence makes me feel lonely. Either music or a
sitcom show (usually Friends). Tea or coffee is a must, and loose-fitting clothes. To start
working, I need paper, a sharp 2B pencil and sharpener, along with the medium that I will be
using, usually its watercolour or acrylic. My studio has lots of posters and paintings on the
walls, and cute little ornaments/ figurines to help with inspiration.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?

Caran D'Ache Luminance coloured pencils are AMAZING, definitely one of my favourite
mediums. I have always loved working with acrylic and oil paint too, but I found that the oil
paint fumes were too intense and the clean-up was messy because I don’t use turps. So
lately I’ve really enjoyed working with Procreate on the ipad because it gives you that
realistic painting effect without the fumes/ clean-up, love it!

Name three artists whose work inspires you.

Simon Howe, Kayla Harren, Emma Chadwick – their work is stunning! All three artists create
illustrations that gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside.

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?

Naïve art period, because I love that style! Henri Rousseau’s work especially. I also love the
skewed perspectives and uneven shapes in that period. I love the bold colours too!

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?

I pretty much started drawing as soon as I could hold a pencil, but I remember that my mum
used to draw beautiful horses in pastel and I felt so captivated by them, and Dad used to
draw little farm scenes with picket fences and trees, so I think that must have made me want
to pursue art all my life. Mum and Dad always made sure I had art supplies so I always had
the opportunity to grow in my hobby throughout my childhood and teenage years. I just kept
drawing because I loved it, until one day I got the opportunity through Magabala Books to
illustrate Alfred’s War by Rachel Bin Salleh, which was my debut book. I am still so grateful
to this day to have been given the opportunity.

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most
often? Talk us through it.
I have a creative space at home (my studio). I mainly use an illustrator board on a desk to
work on, surrounded by lots of coloured pencils, paint brushes, paints, basically everything I
need so I don’t have to get up and search for it, because once I’m up, I lose focus and get
distracted easily.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
Final art, I love the stage when I get to do the highlights!

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Be true to your own illustrations, only you will be able to do what you can do. Diversity in
illustration is beautiful and I believe that our work should reflect part of who we are because
that makes our work unique. Instagram is a great place to follow all sorts of different
illustrators for inspiration when you feel like you’ve hit a wall.

Samantha (Fry) Campbell lives in Darwin. She is descended from the Dagoman people from
Katherine and grew up on remote areas in the NT. She completed a Diploma in Graphic
Design and worked as a freelance Graphic Designer for four years before focusing on her
Illustration career.

For more information please visit Samantha's website

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Guest Post: Rosanne Tolin on Writing and Paddington Bear