Meet The Illustrator: Monty Lee

Name: Monty Lee

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
A collage of many ideas in muted colours.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
Most definitely children’s books from all over the world. And of course, my inks, crayons and pencils. Without those I can’t get inspired, just the smell of them puts me in a happy place. I’m also surrounded by prints and artwork by many other artists. Nothing more inspiring than beautiful artwork.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I like to work with different media, try-out new techniques but mostly I work with colouring pencil and crayons and any assortment of paper I can get my hands on.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
That’s a hard one as there are so many artists out there that do exactly that. But if you put me on the spot I’d choose: Maurice Sendak, Tomi Ungerer and Fiep Westendorp.

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
I think every era has its particular beauty in art. Just think of the exquisite jewellery of the ancient Egyptians, the sculptures of the Mayans, etc. Go into any great museum and you’ll find great art. All these different periods lead us to the present, we’ve learned new skills and created our own artforms. I really like where we are now, no rules in which media to use or which format to put it in. Just go with what you feel is right.

 
Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
It was a combination of things, first of all my parents are both artists who provided the most incredible children’s books and all art materials my heart desired which was an inspiration in itself. But the exact moment I knew that I wanted to illustrate children’s books in particular was because of my childhood friend whose mother (Annemie Heymans) was an illustrator of children’s books. I remember sitting in a small room above their stairs looking down at her, working at her table, completely focused. It seemed such a magical world to get lost in. And I knew there and then that that was what I wanted to be.

 

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
Up till March, when the heavy rains ruined so much, my studio was my special place. (At the moment the living room will have to do). My studio looks out on the bush. It’s a very quiet place. I have a soft spot for chairs (one can never have enough of them) and hands (a collection resides on my table and a giant hand stands outside my studio). I get easily distracted and create lots of in-between-projects for myself, like making little useless chairs and decorate the old building blocks which clutter up my shelves.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?

My favourite part is definitely when everything is drawn and cut out. The moment before gluing it down, I can move things around on the backgrounds. It’s my own little world, I decide where everything goes, it must be a control-thing.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
I’m not very good at advice as I stumble through life and the illustration process myself. I do know you have to be very passionate as it’s a job that’s not very widely recognised. (How many times have I heard: Children’s book illustrator? That’s just a bit of scribbling). Not a lot of illustrators can actually make a living out of their children’s books, so my advice is that it’s probably handy to branch out.

 

Monty Lee is an Australian artist who has displayed work at exhibitions and collaborated with several artists on varying projects.
Amongst her work are the illustrations for Songs to Edward Lear, Grumpy Bear, Grouchy Bear, Theo’s princess and A Special Treat. She has also been featured in international illustration magazines.



For more information please follow Monty on instagram.

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Review: Lionel And Me

12 Curly Questions with author Rebecca Marshallsay

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I competed in the World Bog Snorkelling Championships in Wales a few years ago. It involved snorkelling through a muddy ditch on a farm – very cold, very muddy, rumours of bog scorpions, and lots of fun!

2. What is your nickname?
Bec or Becca

3. What is your greatest fear?
Underachieving – I am disappointed that I’m not World President yet.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
My writing is fun, upbeat and a little bit quirky.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Enthusiastic, ambitious, flexible, broad, funny-ish.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables (Lucy Maud Montgomery). She’s imperfect and a little awkward, but she is determined, talented, builds beautiful connections with people, and embraces life to the fullest.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I would travel forward as far as possible. I have a morbid curiosity about how the world will end, and I would like to know if life on other planets ever becomes a reality.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
She would be very impressed that I have travelled a lot, that I can surf and that I am a published author, but she would probably ask why I haven’t published lots more books already.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
My dad. I’ve always admired his intelligence and I have inherited a lot of his eccentricities and interests. Some of my favourite childhood memories are watching him wargaming with historical armies and Morris dancing (neither of which I have taken up as hobbies).

10. What/who made you start writing?
A perfect storm of interests and personality traits, I think (I’m a big reader with a lot to say). The only thing that comes close to my compulsion to write is my capacity to indulge in the classic writers’ bane, perfection paralysis.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Diminution. My husband refuses to believe it is a word so I am always quite tickled when I find it out in the wild.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander (specifically The Book of Three if I had to pick one). The adventures of Taran, Assistant-Pig Keeper and Princess Eilonwy were my absolute favourites as a kid, and they still hold up as an adult.

Rebecca Marshallsay is a Gold Coast freelance writer and academic with a passion for socio-political narratives. Her debut picture book, Facing the Wave (illustrated by Vaughan Duck), shares her love of surfing and the ocean. She hopes it will help kids seeking a little courage to follow their dreams. For more information, see www.becmarshallsay.com.

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Review: You Don’t Know What War Is

Twelve-year-old Yeva tells one story in an ocean of narratives from the heartbreaking invasion of Ukraine. We are very fortunate that hers is an engaging and compelling voice - and that she is willing to share her experience. 

In a perfect world, we’d say: ‘You’re right, Yeva! We don’t know what war is and neither do you, so go enjoy your bowling birthday party with friends and then a happy, safe time with your family.’  

In our imperfect world, we have a twelve-year-old girl and her Grandmother fleeing their ravaged, war-torn home-town of Kharkiv to live as refugees for months, before ultimately finding shelter in Dublin. 

Until you’ve been there, you don’t know what war is. 

Yeva is right. We don’t know. 

Hearing a story is nothing like living through the fierce and confronting detail of sleeping in cold and crowded underground bunkers, your house being blown up, people you love and care for going missing, starvation, fear, uncertainty and displacement. 

Nothing compares to enduring such hardships and visceral realities in daily life. Words on a page can only go so far in transporting us to understanding. 

Yet, reading through Yeva’s diary, I had the profound sense that I was bearing witness to something remarkable. With this extraordinary young girl as guide and narrator, it is possible to catch just a glimpse of what life becomes for those who are displaced by war. 

Of course we haven’t lived it. But we can come to understand it a tiny bit better through Yeva’s sharing.

We follow Yeva and her Grandmother intensively for 18 days, and then over the course of two months while they flee from one ‘safe’ place to another seeking refuge, telling their stories, checking in with loved ones; every aspect of their lives ripped out from under them and uncertainty around each corner. 

With photos from her mobile phone, text messages and daily news headlines peppered through the book, this is indeed a narrative for our times. It’s intense and confronting as well as conversational, as you might expect from a twelve-year old in such a complex and traumatic situation. 

At times searingly raw and intimate, Yeva’s fears and anxieties are laid bare. And then, there are text message threads between her school friends. Funny, simple, heartbreaking and tender, these compel the reader over and over again, to remember that this is a twelve-year-old girl whose story and words we are reading. 

Published in association with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and with a foreword by Michael Morpurgo, Yeva’s story is ultimately one of hope. 

Essential reading for all ages. 

Title: You Don’t Know What War Is – The Diary Of A Young Girl From Ukraine
Author: Yeva Skaliestska
Publisher: Bloomsbury, $19.99
Publication Date: November 2022
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781526659934
For ages: 11+
Type: Non-Fiction

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Review: Full of Life

The title of this astonishing book says it all - it's not only full of life, it's bursting at the spine seams. 

Subtitled 'Exploring Earth's Biodiversity', Full of Life sets out to tackle a universe of content. Abridging and arranging life on Earth is an almost incalculable feat. I know - I've tried this with some of my own books - but what I've produced doesn't come within a protozoa's whisker of what Isabel Thomas has achieved in this book.

And it's an impressive achievement...  compressing an intricate 'peek' into life on Earth into the minuscule space of just 224 pages. 

This page count makes for a whopping informational picture book but the rich, detailed, intricate content is perfect for dipping into, nibbling in bites packed with punch and wonder. I wouldn't want it any smaller. I want it to last a long long time, and so I am nibbling and savouring.

Content includes an introduction and how to navigate the book. We then dive into the three domains. The first two are microscopic - Eubacteria (true bacteria) and Archaea (other types of bacteria that carry similarities to the cells of plants and animals, and may actually be our ancestors). The third domain focuses on Eukaryota which is basically all other life on Earth, from fleas and leaves to whales and Aunt Betty. This group also includes fungi and microscopic Eukaryotes like protozoa.

Double page spreads in each section are well laid-out, with topics divided into clades - for example, Purple Bacteria and Relatives, Nitrogen-Fixing Archaea, Flowering Plants and Perching Birds. Spreads include All About, Shared Features, Key Facts, a specimen from that particular clade, and a zoom-in on several other inclusions, like turtles, scaled lizards, birds, crocs and dinosaurs on the Lizard-Faced Animals spread.

Children will gasp in wonder (if they don't already know, and many do!) that crocodiles are more closely related to birds than lizards. Little wonder when we learn that birds are direct descendants of the dinosaurs, and that crocs are, of course, kind of almost living dinosaurs.

Graphic design-style illustrations by Sara Gillingham bring clarity to the sophisticated text, using pops of neon colour and quirky imagery that not only brightens the pages, but engages the reader while they navigate thoughtfully laid-out text pockets.

STEM lovers, teachers, librarians will go bonkers over this book. But most importantly, so will kids, and the content is enriching and sophisticated enough to stretch the minds of many childhood ages. The oftentimes extraordinarily complicated information has been well-written and consummately edited, but a heads-up that it is a relatively complicated work that takes focus and high level reading skills. Younger children could still enjoy much of the content, as the layout and text pockets allows kids to pick and choose what they can cope with.

I simply adore this book. My only complaint is that the trim size is surprisingly small. Of course, it doesn't in the least bit affect the content and design, but as this book is a full-course-meal, it feels a little spatially 'small' (especially for middle-aged eyes).

A tiny thing in a universe of stunning content. This is my dip-in summer read and I am loving every single microcosm of it.

Title: Full of Life
Author: Isabel Thomas
Illustrator: Sara Gillingham
Publisher: Phaidon, $34.95
Publication Date: 5 October 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781838665357
For ages: 9+
Type: Non-Fiction

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Review: How to Make a Picture Book

Review: Letters to Live By

Gotta love an alphabet book. They are ever such fun, and it's even lovelier to find one that sits outside the square and is clever in so many ways, it entices both adults and children in equal measure.

'An alphabet book with intention', Letters to Live By features a range of vibrant children from around the world, engaging with each other, caring for animals, sharing emotions, discussing differences, giving, learning, offering, embracing good things, resisting not so good things, and honing that desperately underrated gift - being kind.

Each page features just two or three [mostly alliterative] words, making it perfect for early childhood, and kids learning to read. 

I love the balance in the text - meandering from art to bravery, through forgiveness and justice - and providing the opportunity for readers of all walks of life to find themselves (or their children) in word or image.

Åsa Gilland's superb illustrations are drenched with colour, pattern, movement and character. Each page is so thoughtfully constructed, and her children are vibrant and thoughtful, sassy and sweet - each one earning their place in this inspiring text. I simply adore her focus on diversity - cultural, ethnicity, size, physical ability - and I will happily admit, there are no better-dressed characters than Åsa's kids!

Letters to Live By is meaningful without being twee or didactic, and is a fine way to inspire children to seize life and be their very best selves. This is a warm, active and uplifting picture book... and it will now sit alongside my most favourite ABC books for kids.

Title: Letters to Live By
Author: Lisa Frenkel Riddiough
Illustrator: 
Publisher: Running Press Kids, $24.99
Publication Date: 31 May 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780762473083
For ages: 0+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: If You Could See The Sun

Alice Sun has always felt invisible at the Airington International Boarding school, where she stands out from the crowd of China’s richest teenagers. 

But after her anxiety is triggered by her parents’ financial situation and inability to pay the schools tuition, she starts uncontrollably turning invisible. 

After weeks of trying to harness her invisibility power, Alice decides to use her power to her benefit, turning to her rival Henry Li for help with her new project, The Beijing Ghost. But soon after she starts her work, she uncovers hidden secrets about her classmates, and that their lives were not as perfect as she once thought. 

Soon her tasks started escalating from scandals to crimes. In order for Alice to succeed, she must decide if her education is worth losing her conscience or her life.   

I really enjoyed If You Could See The Sun. It is amazingly written and explores parts of being a teenager that not many books confront. I enjoyed seeing the growth of Alice Sun and how her relationship with Henry and her classmates grew throughout the book. 

I highly recommend this book for anyone 12 and over.  

Title: If You Could See The Sun
Author: Ann Liang
Publisher: Ink Yard, $19.99
Publication Date: 3 November 2022
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781335915849 
For ages: 12+
Type: Young Adult

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Review: I'll Take Care Of You

12 Curly Questions with author Maryam Master

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I have a serious phobia of cats! I get heart palpitations whenever I see one. I cross the road to avoid them. And I’m especially scared of those hairless ones with the saggy, wrinkly skin. Terrifying!

2. What is your nickname?
Maz.

3. What is your greatest fear?
Besides cats? Losing my kids in a big crowd. They’re older now so I don’t worry as much but when they were little, I’d cling to them like glue when we were out and about.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
A mix between the serious and the ridiculous, tragic and comic, complex and simple. (Sorry, that was 14 words. More if you count these!)

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Dreamer, disciplined, dynamic, deadline driven. (Clearly having a D-Day)

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Roald Dahl’s Matilda. She’s whip smart, kind and creative but, best of all, she teaches herself telekinesis and uses these new-found powers to mess with the wicked people in her life who deserve it.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
2222 – to see if we still have a planet to live on. Also, because I like 2s.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
You did it! You learnt the English language. With all its weird sounds and nonsensical grammar. You even made a career out of words. How wild!

9. Who is your greatest influence?
Not sure if I’ve actually been influenced by these people but they certainly inspire and bring me joy – Larry David, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Roald Dahl, Anne Frank, Rosa Parks, Margaret Atwood.

10. What/who made you start writing?
My Year 10 English teacher – Mr O’Conner. He was so encouraging and kind. Made me believe in the impossible.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Cake. It’s the same word in Farsi (my first language) as well. Where there is cake, there is joy. A delicious word that always puts a smile on my face.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That is a tough question! I’m gonna go with RJ Palacio’s Wonder. It’s a beautiful read that makes you laugh, cry and contemplate all the big, important questions about what it means to be a good human. I never tire of it.

Maryam Master was born in Iran and moved to Australia when she was 9. She is a screenwriter and playwright who loves creating shows for young audiences. Maryam has adapted three of David Walliams' books for the stage - Mr Stink, Billionaire Boy and The Midnight Gang - as well as Oliver Jeffers' The Incredible Book Eating Boy, all of which premiered at the Sydney Opera House and toured across Australia. She also collaborated with Australian Children's Laureate Leigh Hobbs on Horrible Harriet: Live on Stage. She began her career in TV, writing for shows like Home and Away, Blinky Bill and the Jim Henson Company's Bambaloo. In 2011 she was selected by Sesame Workshop as the writer for Elmo's tour of Australia. Maryam is the author of Exit Through the Gift Shop. No Words is her second novel. 

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Cover Reveal: Dorrie

Cover reveal! 

Dorrie, by KBR's Founder Tania McCartney, is a biographical tale of a young Dorothy Wall, the creator of Australia's iconic larrikin koala, Blinky Bill. 

A picture book for children aged 3+, it follows the journey of a young girl from the land of the long white cloud to the squeaky beaches of the world's oldest continent - a place of hot red deserts and squeaky beaches, with cackles in the trees and spiky brushes in the bushes.

Dorrie is a master creator. She sings, dances, sews, crafts jewellery, designs patterns, paints nature and draws superb illustrations for all manner of magazines, catalogues and books.

But when a cheeky koala appears in a tree outside her window, her world is turned upside down. A fascination and passion for Blinky soon becomes her life work - and a lifelong friendship is born.

Published by Angus & Robertson/HarperCollins Children's Books, Dorrie will hit the bookshelves on 1 February 2023. You can pre-order right here and folllow Tania on Instagram for some upcoming illustration reveals, giveaways and lots of Blinky fun! 

Stay tuned for a Dorrie review on KBR.

 

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Review: Willa and Woof: Birthday Business

Willa and Woof are back in Birthday Business, and this time they’re trying to plan the ultimate party for Willa’s best old-age friend Frank, who lives at the retirement village at the end of Willa’s Street.

Frank isn’t exactly a party guy. And he didn’t exactly ask for a party. But Willa knows what Frank really wants, so she plans the party anyway. 

The problem is… the planning does not go well. Finding a venue and attendees isn’t easy, and them Willa loses her pen and notebook with all the party plans in it (plus some other secrets she really doesn’t want anyone to find out).

Can Willa and Woof plan the ultimate party for Frank? Will Frank even turn up?

Willa and Woof by award-winning author Jacqueline Harvey is a glorious junior fiction series. Fun and easy, the stories are filled with family, friendship and humour. 

Large text and funky illustrations by A. Yi peppered throughout support the reading experience. And brilliant, engaging characters draw readers into the story world. Willa is a funky kid with a big heart. Sure, she sometimes ignores the signs in front of her, but she runs her own race and I love that. I want to be her best friend. I want to be her!

Birthday Business is book 2 in this fab series. You don’t need to read book 1 (Mimi is Missing) to read Birthday Business, but I highly recommend that you do!

Title: Willa and Woof: Birthday Business
Author: Jacqueline Harvey
Illustrator: A. Yi
Publisher: Puffin, $12.99
Publication Date:  18 October 2022
Format: Softcover
ISBN: 9781761043321
For ages:  7 - 10
Type: Junior Fiction

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Review: The Book of Dirt

Two books that sit on the top shelf of my favourite picture books of all time (it's a squeeze - every single Miroslav Sasek book sits there, too) are The Book of Trees and The Book of Bees by the phenomenal Piotr Socha, written by Wojciech Grajkowski. Have you seen them? If not, I'll wait right here while you go look them up.

Subtitled 'A smelly history of dirt, disease and human hygiene', and penned with utter panache by Monika Utnik-Strugala, The Book of Dirt is the latest in this series, and is a book you never thought you'd need let alone take such delight in. 

From Cleopatra's donkey milk baths to Roman toilets where everyone wiped them bums with the same poo stick (I know...), it's little wonder kids of all ages will be both fascinated and boggled by some of the coolest content they'll ever read.

Did you know that in Medieval Europe, people believed disease that water was responsible for spreading disease (not entirely untrue) and so washing was done only on occasion - if that. It was mostly reserved for the parts that could be seen... hands and face. It wasn't until the 18th Century when Louis Pasteur discovered sinister germs lurking in grubbiness, that things began to change.

Other topics include the birth of sewerage works and the aqueduct (which changed the course of water forever), towns where toilet waste was thrown out the window to the street below ('garde a l'eau!'), the history of the toilet, courtiers who helped kings relieve themselves in a chamber pot mid-meeting, hydrotherapy, washing without actually washing, and how pooping in space works. 

Then there's the world's oldest bathtub, enjoyed by Polish king Wladyslaw Jagiello. Discovered in a palace in Crete, it's 3700 years old and carved in the shape of a horse! There's also the part about early hospitals being known as houses of death, with one one surgeon admitting soldiers had a better chance of surviving on the battlefield.

The illustrations in The Book of Dirt are sheer delight... lusciously detailed, insanely fab colour palettes, heaps of humour and quirk. This is illustration heaven, bringing - as all good picture books should - a whole lot more to an already impressive text.

Beautifully designed and produced, this 200-page book is one to treasure and marvel at. Each night, I read two or three spreads, savouring the content and luscious visuals as I would a long, fragrant bath.

Given that [text] themes of nudity are a common thread in this book, it's officially recommended for children aged 9 and over, though I personally see nothing so offensive that younger children can't enjoy a peruse, least of all for the incredible artwork which often features full-spreads that really need to be framed and hung on my walls.

A note for teachers: there is no glossary or index but with the way of ye olde world internet, kids can easily seek out further information, or better yet - discuss the findings and curiosities in class or with friends and family.

Joy! Can't recommend highly enough.

Title: The Book of Dirt
Author: Monika Utnik-Strugala
Illustrator: Piotr Socha
Translator: from the Polish by Zosia Krasodomska-Jones
Publisher: Thames & Hudson, $49.99
Publication Date: 22 November 2022
Format: Hardcover, large format
ISBN: 9780500652664
For ages: 9+
Type: Picture Book, Non-Fiction

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Review: Phyllis & Grace

Stories can enter our thoughts and feelings in order to help us make sense of life and Phyllis & Grace is such a story. 

Grace is Phyllis' young next door neighbour. She is easygoing, thoughtful, and likes horses. Phyllis is kind, cheeky and likes horses, too. And although Phyllis doesn’t always remember Grace, she likes Grace. Phyllis also has Alzheimers. 

Nigel Gray has written a tender, empathetic story, steeped in humanity. Told through conversations between Phyllis and Grace, Gray lets the friendship between the pair unfurl naturally. 

There are funny moments and break-your-heart moments but Phyllis and Grace’s connection remains constant. Through this friendship, the progression of Alzheimers is gently shown. In friendship we find pleasure, support and social identity and so friendship is a wonderful vehicle to lovingly show the challenges of this disease. This emotionally rich story, supports readers through a whole gamut of emotions, helping them to become more aware and alert to the lives of others. 

In that scratchy style that I love, Bethan Welby captures emotions, using chinagraph pencils (soft and waxy) with watercolour and some pastel. Phyllis in particular is portrayed very expressively with a childlike quality. Her eyes are shown smiling, laughing, sad, confused and angry. Welby has added to the richness of Gray’s words, leaving room for the reader’s imagination. 

Phyllis & Grace gave words to a truth that I feel very deeply. In his later days, my grandfather became quite forgetful and I felt great sadness but there was magic too. I heard stories from my grandfather that I’d never heard before when he was more lucid.

A great book to help children understand the progression of Alzheimers told from a child’s point of view. For writers, it’s a great example of 'show don’t tell', and for illustrators, it’s a wonderful example of how to leave space for the reader’s imagination. 

Teachers will find multiple discussion points in the story. There are resources, as well as, the author and illustrator reading the book here. 

Close to my heart. No judgement. A beautiful story. 

Another story by Nigel Gray is My Dog, My Cat, My Mum and Me! 

Title: Phyllis & Grace
Author: Nigel Gray
Illustrator: Bethan Welby
Publisher: Scallywag Press, $24.99
Publication Date: 7 April 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781912650514
For ages: 4+ 
Type: Picture Book

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Review: The Little Book of Wombat Wisdom

The Little Book of Wombat Wisdom is full of cute pictures of wombats and good advice for life.

You might be surprised how many expressions a wombat has, and you'll definitely get to see some of them in the photos in this book, where the wombats depicted are of varying ages and include a baby (known as a joey).

The advice shared (wombat wisdom) comes in the form of quotes. Things like 'Staying curious is the secret to a long life.' 

And 'Sometimes, life might feel like you're lost in the long grass. But it's okay not to know where you're going. Have faith in yourself and the way will be revealed to you.' There's something for everyone.

Appropriately, the title of the book uses the collective noun for wombats (a wisdom). This is one of the fun wombat facts/trivia offered on the final pages. Others include their ability to travel at almost 40 kilometres an hour, and that they sometimes sleep with their feet up in the air (which is a sign of them being really relaxed).

This isn't really a book for young children. However, if you're looking for a gift for someone in their mid to late teens, or for an adult, then this could be just what you need. Great as a graduation gift, a birthday or Christmas present, or just because.

The Little Book of Wombat Wisdom made me smile and it's bound to do the same for you, too.

Title: The Little Book of Wombat Wisdom
Author: no author given
Publisher: Harper Collins, $24.99
Publication Date: November 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781460762523
For ages: 14+
Type: Gift Book, Non-Fiction

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Review: The Nightingale And The Bear

Review: Charlie's Whale

12 Curly Questions with author Dani Vee

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I used to collect earthworms in a jar and name them all, much to my mother’s horror.

2. What is your nickname?
You’d think it was hard to shorten Dani right? Nope, my family and besties are extra lazy and have resorted to plain old Dan!

3. What is your greatest fear?
Being stuck in an elevator without snacks.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Chaotic mind maps and scribbles that no one can understand, self-doubt and a lot of overthinking.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Joyful, silly, fun, thoughtful, unexpected.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
I’m pretty keen to live in that 5000-storey treehouse.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Take me back to the period of Jane Austen so I can go to balls, wear ridiculous dresses and hang out in someone’s drawing room all day drinking tea and eating scones. Actually it kind of sounds like my weekends anyway.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now? 
Don’t show mum those earthworms, she’ll make you set them free.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
My parents, because they have encouraged me to do and be whoever I want; my kids because I always try and make them laugh; and, Oscar Wilde because no one has better quotes than Wilde. No one!

10. What/who made you start writing?
My love of reading! Imagine contributing to the literary world in any way. What a privilege.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Rambunctious. Because everyone should be a little rambunctious.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. No one needs any other book.

Dani Vee is the author of picture book My EXTRAordinary Mum published by Larrikin House, and 2023 releases Prank Queen and the My EPIC Dad. Dani is host of the popular literary podcast Words and Nerds, where 50,000 people tune every month as she interviews the very best authors and illustrators. For more information, see www.wordsandnerds.com.


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Review: Always, Clementine

Clementine is a mouse. A very clever mouse. The thing is, Clementine is not free. She's a lab mouse who is used for research.

Always, Clementine is written as a series of letters from Clementine to Rosie, a chimpanzee who she meets in the lab. The chapters start 'Dear Rosie' and end with the marvellous mouse signing off, 'Always, Clementine'.

The story gives voice to Clementine's thoughts. Readers get to peek inside her genius brain, to see what she sees, and experience what she does as she escapes the lab and has to survive in the outside world. That's where the story really takes off.

Clementine gets to know Gus and Pop who are 'good humans'. And Hamlet who's not human, he's a mouse, too, though not as clever as Clementine. She has a close encounter with television, a bath in a teacup (not fun when you don't like water), and discovers chess.

Will Clementine be able to evade the researchers forever, and keep her new life? You'll need to read the story to find out.

Author Carlie Sorosiak loves writing about animals, especially their 'inner lives'. Clementine the mouse joins the animals from two of her previous books My Life As A Cat (the cat's name is Leonard) and I, Cosmo (about a dog).

Grab a copy of Always, Clementine for the animal lovers in your family.

Title: Always, Clementine
Author: Carlie Sorosiak
Publisher: Nosy Crow, $14.99
Publication Date: Nov 2022
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781839941085
For ages: 9+
Type: Junior Fiction

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Happy Christmas from the team at KBR

What a strange year it's been in both the book world and the world at large. We hope that books brought you both joy and comfort as you navigated the rollercoaster that was 2022.

We at KBR have loved bringing you a vast range of sensational books for children, from Australia and all over the world. Nothing makes us happier than sharing our finds - from board books to young adult reads, it's a thrill to celebrate the wonder of the children's book world.

Over the next fortnight, posts will be a little less frequent as we take a break, rest, rejuvenate, and spend time with family and friends. January will also be a little quieter but things will pick up as we barrel towards the 2023 school year in late January/early February.

On behalf of the amazing KBR team, headed by the inimitable Dimity Powell and Shaye Wardrop, I'm sending you the warmest bookish wishes for a peaceful, happy and uplifting festive season, whatever you're doing, and wherever you are in the world. 

We look forward to a brand new year focused, as ever, on the joy of books.

Tania McCartney
Founder, KBR

Image from Plume: Festival Seeker by Tania McCartney, Hardie Grant Explore, October 2022

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Review: The Muddy Chef

Meet The Illustrator: Myke Mollard

Name: Myke Mollard

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
An infusion of botanical illustrations and comic book impact + punch

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
Trinkets, handmade things by my kids make, collected and horded junk or keepsakes, a jungle of textures and emotionally enriching odds and ends surround me like natural ramshackle ecosystem of love and memories.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
Not really. Sketching in ink and pencils I do the most because it’s accessible and obsessive. Yet emotionally what I like to do is create … I paint in all mediums, curve and sculpt, origami, inventing things, like clay and pottery, love cooking, decorating things, sand sculpting at the beach, writing poetry, stories and songs, Journaling, scribbling, designing, sketchbooks, photography, filmmaking, Tiktoking and social media stuff and of course digital retouching, digital CGI art. As long as I’m creating in some way shape or form I’m happy.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Hayao Miyazaki, Author Boyd and Brett Whitely as artists. Yet Elizabeth Gould’s illustrations also very inspiring to me.

 Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
The future! I like what is happening with NFTs, digital art, animation, CGI and AI. I like traditional art, but the impact of computers and access to apps and programs is changing the way we express and create art and I like what the future of art holds for creators.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
Strangely I grew up a Dungeons and Dragons nerd and Frank Frazetta inspired me to illustrate and Brian Froud's work on faeries. Yet my passion for Dinosaurs and Australian wildlife inspired by Harry Butler lead me to Elizabeth Gould’s illustrations and the Gould Society’s posters and prints.

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

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?

The point where you just lose yourself in a world of imagination and focus. Time stands still. Days turn into night and night into days and you just have no sense of reality just the surreal fabric of self-expression, passion and dream-like space. There the world makes sense caught in the self-made reflection of reality.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Have fun! Laughter is the juice you squeeze from life.

 
Stuff the rules! Conventions were made to be broken! Do whatever inspires you! Dream big and laugh lots, because you’re going to need big Dinosaur dollops of both where you’re going!

 
You have three brains! Your brain, your heart and your gut! Use all three in alignment and find what drives 'your who', 'your what' and 'your why!' Then 'your how' will be discovered in the journey you choose.

Life must be enjoyed with a good measure of humour! So take care of your 'inner child' it’s key to both your success and survival as we grow up.

 
Practice makes permanent! Not perfect! Practice is the path to mastery, so accept your mistakes and flaws for they are the character stokes of originality and genius.

 
Success revels and failure reveals! But to learn from successes just as much as failures is a path to real confidence over arrogance.

Myke Mollard is a children’s educator, illustrator, author and designer – just some of his creative talents. He began his career in graphic design, branding management and producing commercials for TV. Now a fulltime Kid’s book author/illustrator and Tiktok Creator he spends his time drawing, researching, adventuring and video editing.

For more information please visit Myke's website or follow him on instagram.

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Announcement: A Very KBR Christmas 2022! Book to Movie Adaptations

Guest Post: Penny Macoun on The Poetry of Christmas

Christmas is my favourite time of year. I have always found it to be special, not because of the religious aspect of the day, but because of the magic and closeness to loved ones it creates.

I wanted to write a Christmas story but wasn’t sure if I could create something new. I was worried that all the good story ideas had already been written. The Night Before Christmas has always been magical for me and I can still recite it off by heart. 

I am not a natural poet; however, I have dabbled with this style now and then, and by using The Night Before Christmas as inspiration I had a go at writing a Christmas poem. 

I wasn’t sure that I would publish it, but it turned out better than I expected so I decided to publish it as The Christmas Door.

Growing up I always loved the discovery of what was inside a present. I never asked for an actual present, always asking simply for surprises. I wanted to write a story about Christmas, capturing the magic that every child loves, while also exploring the idea that Christmas is not only about physical gifts but that a simple gesture can be a gift to others, such as a hug that can be given at any time of the year.

The Christmas Dooris about a little girl who finds an old oak door in her living room. Her Father tries to open it and finds he can’t. She opens it easily and is blinded by the glorious rays of light before reindeer bound into the living room and out through the back door onto the lawn. Santa follows the reindeer and enjoys a glass of warm milk and mince pie before he continues the journey of present delivery.

While I had the fun bit sorted, it took a long time to get the rhythm and rhyme right and I did have help from a friend who writes poetry; she was amazing and taught me a lot. I wanted to write about the magic of Christmas, which inspired the door in the floor idea. The next step was to work out what was through the door, and as it was a Christmas poem, the logical idea was Santa and his reindeer.

It was easy for me to choose an illustrator for The Christmas Door. Paul Nash illustrated my previous book, Rollo’s Wet Surprise. I loved his style, and we worked well together. Paul not only illustrates my books, he also does the page layouts and supplies the print ready files, so it’s a complete package. He beautifully captured the amazement and magic of this poem, although there is one page that is my absolute favourite. It’s the page where the girl first opens the door, and the glorious rays surround her, and she is looking down through the door in amazement. I wonder what she is seeing? Perhaps some of the reindeer are looking back at her? 

For me, Christmas is about being with loved ones, sharing good food, jokes and laughter. It is also a time when I reflect on the past year and make plans for the following. I love decorating the Christmas tree - it’s a little bit of magic I can create at home. Every Christmas I hope children around the world have enough to eat and are with people who love them. No matter where they live or what their circumstances are, every child is unique, every child deserves to be healthy and every child deserves to be happy. This is my Christmas wish.

Even though I am now an adult, I still love the magic and joy Christmas brings. Writing The Christmas Dooris my way of sharing my Christmas magic, because you never know what magic will lie beyond a door.

Penny Macoun was born in Sydney, Australia. She has been writing since 1993 when her story about a funnel web spider was printed in a school newsletter. She is an author, editor, book reviewer and trained primary school teacher. After teaching in public schools for eight years, Penny decided to pursue her passion for writing and fulfill her dream of becoming a published author.

The Christmas Door (2022) is her third book. Gorkle (2020) and Rollo’s Wet Surprise (2021) are her previous books for children. When she is not writing, teaching or editing, Penny dabbles in various forms of visual arts and enjoys travelling, completing short courses, and being out in the garden.

Visit Penny at: www.pennymacoun.com.au or via her Facebook or Instagram.

 

 

 

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Review: Zola And The Christmas Lights

Review: Furball Spy Cat

Furball is fancy. Furball is brave. Furball is the best super spy cat working for Meow-6!

Along with his spy buddies, Kit the spy-gadget inventor and Jade the karate cat, these crime-fighting friends go after the roughest, toughest villains from Klawz — the evilest organisation there is.

After a very successful mission saving the moon, the spy-trio are rewarded with a trip to Wet Willy’s Waterworld. It’s all fun and waterslides, until the spies discover something fishy. 
Waterworld seems to be lacking some… water?

Which devious villain is behind this? And what exactly are they plotting? Can Furball, Kit and Jade uncover the devious truth and stop the baddies from delivering their evil plan?

Furball Spy Cat by author-illustrator extraordinaire Adrian Beck is an action-packed and hilarious read. The jokes are endless, and the bad guy butt-kicking doesn’t stop either. I love that the story is narrated by Kit, even though the focus is generally on Furball. It’s a giant shoutout to all the sidekicks, who really run the show (in case you didn’t know!).

It’s also a shoutout to the underdogs, who sometimes feel invisible. Kit is smart and strong and a super-duper spy, but sometimes he can’t see that. But he’ll learn. They’ll all learn!

Beck’s illustrations are as big and bold as his words. Fun and funky and so expressive, they dominate the pages and immerse readers in the Meow-6 world. You will adore exploring each and every one of them.

This is a winner for junior fiction fans. If you love a funny, kooky read, this one is for you.

Title: Furball Spy Cat
Author/Illustrator:  Adrian Beck
Publisher: Larrikin House, $14.99
Publication Date: 1 October 2022
Format: Softcover
ISBN: 9781922804006 
For ages: 7 - 10
Type: Junior Fiction

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Review: An Anthology of Aquatic Life

Review: Unnecessary Drama

Guest Post: Cherie Bell on Sourcing Books For Kids

12 Curly Questions with author Michel Deverall

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I once performed alongside celebrity Daryl Somers in a stage production (kids’ pantomime) of Doctor-Do-Little.

2. What is your nickname?
I don’t have one, unfortunately. Although, I do love a good nickname. Well, as long as it’s something endearing, or cute and quirky, that is. I’ve heard some crackers over the years. That being said, my family all refer to me as Shell, which is a bit boring, but that’s OK.

3. What is your greatest fear?
I have a totally irrational fear of birds. I refer to it as 'birdie-itis'. I’m not the only one, supposedly. Apparently, it’s a thing (ornithophobia). FYI: I was once swooped by a magpie outside my workplace, which proved to be a great source of entertainment for everyone watching, including the maggie, who zeroed in on me like a guided missile, terrorising me for almost two whole blocks.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Fast-paced and humorous, with lots of unpredictability and mayhem.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Tenacious. Determined. Structured. Plotter. Hopefully funny.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
I remember reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory back in primary school and would have given anything to be one of the characters visiting Mr Wonka’s factory. I’m sure I would’ve also delighted in consuming a vast amount of chocolate bars in an attempt to win one of those elusive Golden Tickets. I love chocolate!

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I’m not so sure I’d want to time travel into the future — too scary to even contemplate. Perhaps I could time travel back to the1970s, knowing what I know now. That’d be pretty cool. Daggy, but cool.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Don’t let fear rob you of your joy. You are more capable than you realise. Enjoy the journey.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
In terms of writing for children, I’d have to say Andy Griffiths and Lincoln Peirce, (pronounced purse). Both for their writing style and humour.

10. What/who made you start writing?
Whenever I hear an author asked this question, the answer is nearly always the same: I’ve been creating/writing stories since I was a child. Personally speaking, I hadn’t even contemplated the prospect of writing children’s books until I had a child of my own. Reading countless picture books and junior fiction to my son when he was growing up allowed me to view them from a different perspective, and was most certainly the catalyst for me later going on to study Professional Children’s Writing and Publishing.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
It varies depending on the age and genre I’m writing for, I guess. At the moment I seem to be throwing the word 'knucklehead' around a lot. It has such a comedic connotation and sound to it.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Wow! I’m not sure I could actually do that, to be honest. It would inevitably do my head in. Although, if I had to generalise, it would have to be a thriller of some sort with lots of drama and suspense. Something along the lines of the classic Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, which was the very first book I read in high school.

Michel studied Professional Children's Writing & Publishing for three years, graduating with nine High Distinctions. There are so many aspects of writing that she genuinely enjoys — everything from deciding on a plot to progressively developing it into a finished manuscript. Her preferred style of writing is fast-paced, humorous stories with lots of unpredictability. For more information, see www.micheldeverall.com.

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Review: The Gecko and the Echo

Goldy the gecko is the star of The Gecko and the Echo. He's a self-assured, singing reptile who thinks he has what it takes to be famous.

Goldy sings his heart out, playing guitar and dancing along. The trouble is, he’s very loud and makes noise all day (and night) long. He’s not overly considerate of his friends and neighbours, and one day they let him know what they think of his musicality and thoughtless behaviour.

Shocked and upset, Goldy takes off and, in doing so, ends up in a canyon where he finds music and other noises are greatly amplified. Hearing a sound that he doesn’t think is particularly good, Goldy discovers that his own voice is echoing and it doesn’t sound great. He’s horrified.

Goldy takes to heart the advice of a new friend, a butterfly, and returns home with a whole new attitude. He’s a changed gecko, kind and helpful, and welcomed by the rest of the gecko colony.

The Gecko and the Echo offers a simple, yet important, message in an entertaining package. With a clever and lively rhyming story by Rachel Bright and bright, amusing cartoon-style pictures by Jim Field, this is a book that can be shared and enjoyed by the whole family.

Title: The Gecko and the Echo
Author: Rachel Bright
Illustrator: Jim Field
Publisher: Hachette - Orchard Books, $24.99
Publication Date: November 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781408356067
For ages: ages 4 - 8
Type: picture book

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Review: Australian Dinosaurs and Mega Beasts

Have you ever wondered about the dinosaurs and mega beasts that once roamed Australia? What creatures were they? Where did they live? What fossils have been found across the country?

Australian Dinosaurs and Mega Beasts is a (literally) mega book, packed full of information and illustrations that take readers on a journey to the past.

Start at the beginning, when life on earth began. Move through different eras and learn about the dinosaurs that called the lands of Australia home. Crocodile-like lizards, longnecked giants and river beasts.

Have you heard about trackways — footprints immortalised in sandstone. At low tide, across the coastline of the north-west Kimberley, you can explore 130 million-year-old dinosaur trackways for yourself.

And when the dinosaurs were all gone, explore what came next. Did you know that big, bigger and giant ancestors of kangaroos, wombats, emus and all manner of Australian animals once roamed the country. These mega beasts filled our ancient forests, swamps and grasslands for millions of years.

This book is packed full of information, but it’s delivered in a really accessible and kid-friendly way. The layout encourages page turns and information is delivered in bite-sized chunks, making it easy to dip in and out with ease.

One of my favourite parts? The sizing charts that show you just how big some of these creatures were compared to people, and how they evolved over time.

The illustrations are glorious too — deep colours, intricate details, and there are just so many. They fill each giant page with giant beasts, and they make the reading experience something truly special.

The end papers are stunning as well. They include a map of Australia and a brilliant overview of the famous fossil discoveries that have been made across the country. It’s truly fascinating and a great way to start this information journey.

If your kids love dinosaurs (if you love dinosaurs!), you need to check out this book. Packed full of addictive beastly information and lavishly illustrated, it’s the book you have to have if you want to know about ancient animal life in Australia.

Title: Australian Dinosaurs and Mega Beasts
Author/Illustrator: Myke Mollard
Publisher: Woodlane Press, $29.99
Publication Date: 1 November 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922800060
For ages: 8+
Type: Junior Non-Fiction

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Review: Romans Magnified

Romans Magnified is a terrific book for kids, and an especially great choice if they have an interest in history, love reading Asterix, or enjoy interactive books like Where's Wally?.

The book can be experienced in a couple of different ways. There's text to read which provides an introduction to different aspects of life in Ancient Rome. 

It starts with explaining what the Roman Empire was, and works through topics like the emperor and senate, public baths, Roman army, reading and writing, roads, Roman markets, family life, and lots more. 

There's also a page on archaeology and how we learn from the past through the discovery of ancient objects and exploring the ruins of ancient cities like Pompeii.

Importantly, there are detailed pictures to look at. They are intricate and colourful, full of the activity of life in ancient Rome. To help look closely, a magnifying glass is included embedded inside the book's front cover.

Each double page spread has a list of ten things to spot, and at the end of the book there is another list of things to find on the same pages, which will test readers to see if they can remember where to find them. Plus each picture has a mouse and a heart hidden somewhere. Altogether there are more than 200 things to find throughout the book!

A 'gallery' of famous ancient Romans includes people like slave and gladiator Spartacus, Fulvia who was the 'first living woman to have her face on a Roman coin', and several Roman emperors.

A brief timeline summarises key events in ancient Rome, starting with the founding of the city of Rome in 753 BC, and ending with the reign of the 'last western Roman emperor, a teenager called Romulus Augustus'. A glossary is also available to look up some of the words used in the book, and some of the Roman numerals.

Romans Magnified will draw children in and entertain them, keeping them busy while also increasing their knowledge of ancient history.

Title: Romans Magnified
Author: David Long
Illustrator: Daniel Spacek
Publisher: Wide-Eyed Editions, $27.99
Publication Date: 31 May 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780711266858
For ages: ages 5 - 10
Type: Non-Fiction

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Review: One and Everything

One and Everything is many layered. It's an artwork, a message, and a prompt for thought and discussion inspired by the Endangered Alphabets project.

This is a book about: stories and storytelling, words and language, culture, oral traditions, and expression. At its heart is language and written scripts.

Who is it for? One and Everything is a picture book best suited for older readers, those in at least upper primary and into early high school, and for adults. 

It deals with complex concepts that need the support of teachers and/or parents to help understand and interpret them.

Probably most useful in a classroom setting for language and social sciences discussions. Also useful in an art and design context, due to its application of typology and colour throughout.

One and Everything will also benefit from multiple readings and detailed exploration, including the additional information at the back of the book. It includes information about 10 of the unusual language scripts used. There's also a map showing where the book's 50 different scripts come from, and a list of them in both English and the scripts themselves.

According to creator Sam Winston there are an estimated 7,000+ languages spoken around the world. His author's note explains there are questions underlying what you read in One and Everything. Questions about how languages do or will survive or not. How they change and grow or are lost.

An unusual and rather difficult to describe book, One and Everything is a reminder of the importance of language in its many forms.

Watch a One and Everything behind the scenes video interview with Sam Winston,

Title: One and Everything
Author/Illustrator: Sam Winston
Publisher: Walker, $29.99
Publication Date: November 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781529509298
For ages: ages 9-13 (and older)
Type: Nonfiction picture book for older readers

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