Review: Ed Emberley's Drawing Book: Make A World

Ed Emberley's more than 80 books for kids include picture books like Go Away, Big Green Monster!

He's also produced a series of drawing books, including this one, Ed Emberley's Drawing Book: Make A World. It sets out to show you easy it can be to create a world on paper with a few simple shapes.

The 32 pages are mostly comprised of a list of items accompanied by the step by step drawing process. And at the end are some examples of how you can use your new found skills (a comic strip, poster, games, etc).

Learn how to draw lots of different vehicles, animals, people in various poses, elements of buildings and their furniture; plus outside stuff like trees, bridges, and other parts of the landscape.

Each thing comes with a five to ten step diagram. These are separate shapes which progressively build the picture.

The horse, for example, starts with a rectangle, to which you add a triangle, then an upside-down V for the back legs, an II for the front legs, a swishy tail, pointy ears, mane and eyes.

Ed's approach to drawing is so simple and rewarding to try. I loved it! Kids of all ages will love creating recognisable drawings and building their world in this way.

Once you've worked your way through Ed Emberley's Drawing Book: Make A World, visit Ed's website for other drawing and activity downloads.

Title: Ed Emberley's Drawing Book: Make A World
Author/Illustrator: Ed Emberley
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company, $15.99
Publication Date: 2007
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780316789721
For ages:  7+
Type: Activity book




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Review: The Trespasser's Unexpected Adventure

The Trespasser’s Unexpected Adventure, The Mystery of the Shipwreck Pirates Gold is a wild ride packed with action, adventure and mystery.

It’s a story about family and friendship, finding your place in the world and learning not to judge people before you get to know them.

Logan doesn’t have the kind of family most kids have. He lives with his best friend Nate and his parents, plus two more foster kids adopted by Nate’s mum and dad. Logan loves living with Nate’s family, but he’s never really felt like he belongs.

When he decides to go rock climbing on private property, looking for some fun and maybe time to reflect on why his own father didn’t contact him on his birthday, Logan kicks off an adventure he never, ever expected.

The private property Logan goes to explore is a holiday home, and while Logan expected it to be vacant, it absolutely isn’t. He meets a family there — a family unlike any he has met before. But despite the fact he trespassed, Logan fits right in, and he has a great time at the beachside holiday home… until he starts to notice unusual things. 

Like the boat that watches them from sea, an old coin in the basement and people acting strangely. Something is going on, and Logan is determined to figure it out.

This is a middle grade novel for kids who love lots of action and a mystery to solve. But it’s more than that. I love that the story dives deep into family life and the ups and downs of being a kid, particularly because it’s from a boy’s perspective, which isn’t something that is often explored in children’s literature.

This is a story about family and the variance in families. It’s easy to assume every family is the same. It’s easy to assume every family lives in the same kind of house and has the same kind of life. But the truth is every family is different, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Filled with action, adventure, mystery and heart, The Trespasser’s Unexpected Adventure, The Mystery of the Shipwreck Pirates Gold has something for every young reader. 

And as the first in a series, it’s filled with characters kids can fall in love with and follow from book to book.

Title: The Trespasser’s Unexpected Adventure, The Mystery of the Shipwreck Pirates Gold
Author: Karen Cossey
Publisher: Stolen Moments, $21.99
Publication Date: November 2015
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780473359676
For ages: 9 -14
Type: Middle Fiction 

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Review: The Night Flower

A rare miracle of nature is captured in this exquisite non-fiction picture book from acclaimed artist Lara Hawthorne.

It's a unique and true tale of a spectacular annual event in the Sonoran desert, in Arizona, where wildlife gather to witness the saguaro cactus as it blooms for just one night each year.

Written in lyrical and informative rhyming text, the story sets the scene of the vibrant desert, which becomes a haven for wildlife in the spring.

Hawthorne builds the anticipation beautifully, introducing the reader to the diverse range of animals and insects that gather to wait for the night flower show.

Her delicate watercolour illustrations fill each page with life and colour, revealing the beauty of the desert through rich, earthy tones and elegant brush strokes.

From the thick, matte pages, to the magical cover, adorned with flecks of gold, this is a true celebration of nature and the synergy between animals and plants. It's sure to delight everyone from young artists to budding naturalists.

Title: The Night Flower
Author/Illustrator: Lara Hawthorne
Publisher: Big Picture Press, $24.99
Publication Date: January 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781536206166
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: The Bug Collector

Review: The Voyage

The Voyage is one of those books you open and take a very big breath.

It’s powerful, inspiring, hopeful and impactful.

And one of the most special and magical things about it is it contains only fourteen words.

They are fourteen powerful words, chosen with great care, to tell the story of a family fleeing from war and seeking refuge across the seas.

Each word is accompanied by a double page spread filled with detailed and heart-string tugging illustrations. Honestly, they will bring tears to your eyes for both happy and sad reasons.

I adore that some of the words are challenging — words like chaos, threat and companion. I had to explain these to my children, but it opened up such a wonderful discussion about the words, their relationship to what was happening in the illustrations and other words that mean the same thing.

Simple words all children understand wouldn’t have had the same affect, and I secretly wonder how long it took author Robert Vescio to land on the ones in the book. A long time is my guess, because they simply are the most perfect words for the story.

I am a huge fan of Andrea Edmonds’ illustrations and they honestly couldn’t be more stunning in this book. Soft colours that are somehow bold at the same time, beautiful brush strokes and character detail that brings you right into the story — right there with the family in their boat.

This is one of the most powerful picture books I have ever read. There is space for reflection, thought and discussion. There is space to explore the detailed pictures and experience emotion as you read.

It’s an important picture book for our time and an important story for young kids to understand. And I love that Vescio has delivered a story that is really accessible to young kids.

The experience of reading this book to my children was like no other. They really got it. They looked at the illustrations, we discussed the words and they told me how they felt about what the family was going through and how they would feel if it happened to them. 

Fourteen words, stunning illustrations, impact like I’ve never experienced before. I highly recommend reading The Voyage. It will change you in ways you won’t expect. 

For more amazing picture books by Robert Vescio, check out Window of Hope and The Box Cars. And for another stunning Andrea Edmonds picture book, be sure to check out Visiting You.

Title: The Voyage

Author: Robert Vescio

Illustrator: Andrea Edmonds

Publisher: EK Books, $24.99

Publication Date: October 2019

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9781925820034

For ages: 3+

Type: Picture Book

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12 Curly Questions with author Phillip Gwynne

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I love watching America Idol auditions on YouTube. Real talent is such a rare thing, I like to see the judges' reactions on the rare occasions they encounter it.

2. What is your nickname?
I’ve had various nicknames during my life but now my kids like to call me ‘Big Phil’. The irony there is that I’m actually not as big now as I once was!

2. What is your greatest fear?
Getting stuck in an elevator – I usually take the stairs, even if there’s a lot of them.

3. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
I write concisely, with humour. And I don’t like adverbs.

4. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer. 
Humorous. Engaged. Courageous. Concerned.
Non-conformist.

5. What book character would you be, and why? 
 Perhaps Odysseus of Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey. The original action hero. What extraordinary adventures he had. I love the fact that there is no interior life in these books; it’s all about action, action, and more action!

6. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I know this is quite a common answer, but here we go again: 1969. Because, yes, I’m another one of those music tragics who wished they’d gone to Woodstock!

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Wow, dude, how did you became so confident! Ten-year-old me was incredibly shy. Now, I would no doubt be diagnosed as suffering from severe social anxiety. And, in story terms, my own character arc has been about overcoming this shyness. Writing has definitely helped me with this, because fiction is about imagining different realities, about a different way of being.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
I get this question a lot when I talk at schools, and what I tell the kids is that I didn’t have a lot of role models growing up, not male ones anyway. So I found mine in fiction: Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird, Doc from Cannery Row, Yossarian from Catch 22, to name a few.

10. What/who made you start writing?
At the age of 38, having tried just about everything, I finally got around to doing what my primary school teacher had told me I’d be good at – writing. My first novel Deadly Unna? was based on my childhood, growing up in a large family in a small town, playing AFL football with Indigenous kids, and fortunately for me became a very popular book. In fact, it’s sold close to 250,000 copies

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Football, because I love AFL and am so excited now because both my daughters are playing!

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I’m a huge fanboy of The Stoics. It seems to me those ancient Greeks provided some very practical solutions to the problems of contemporary living. So given that, can I please have three books: Meditations (Marcus Aurelius), Discourse and Selected Writings (Epictetus), Letters from a Stoic (Seneca).

Phillip Gwynne's first novel Deadly Unna? was a literary hit and was made into the feature film Australian Rules for which Phillip won an AFI award. The sequel, Nukkin Ya, was also published to great acclaim. He writes for a wide range of age groups from picture books such as Brothers From a Different Mother and junior fiction such as Jetty Rats and Michael in the Stuff Happens series, to the young adult novel Swerve, shortlisted for many awards amongst them the 2010 Prime Minister's Award and the Golden Inky. 

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Junior Review: Wings of Fire: Talons of Power

Review: Sarah's Two Nativities

Sarah's Two Nativities tells the story of a young child who is fortunate to spend time with both sets of her grandparents.

Her father's parents are Ali and Azar, and her mother's parents are Maria and Paul. Sarah enjoys visiting them.

With Grandmother Azar, Sarah helps make kofte and listens to stories from the Koran. With Grandmother Maria, she helps make cupcakes and listens to stories from the Bible.

From her grandparents, Sarah hears the story of the nativity, the birth of the baby Jesus, from two different perspectives. Their similarities are comforting, but the differences can be confusing.

When Sarah asks questions and considers the answers she receives, she is reminded that both are about 'the mystery of God' and realises that her family, living together and peacefully, is of great importance.

A book created by Janine Fraser and Helene Magisson, Sarah's Two Nativities shares an important message in a simple way, one that young children will understand.

A perfect story for families everywhere to read at anytime, but especially at Christmas.

Title: Sarah's Two Nativities
Author: Janine M Fraser
Illustrator: Helene Magisson
Publisher: Black Dog Books, $26.99
Publication Date: September 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781925381795
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture book




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Review: Other Words For Smoke

Review: Fanatical About Frogs

Frogs are a quintessential aspect of life growing up in Australia. What I did not know, until reading this fascinating book, is that frogs are found on every continent in the world except Antarctica!

Peppered with relevant and intriguing facts, this non-fiction book provides information on some of the thousands of species of frogs. There are pages dedicated to the similarities shared across the various species as well as pages revealing differences, including the variety of colours, calls, idiosyncrasies and dramatic variation in sizes. There is even an awards page, dedicated to frogs with unique qualities, such as the loudest call, most transparent skin and the longest leap.

Printed on matte FSC Certified paper, this book has an organic, natural feel and appearance. Renowned author-illustrator Owen Davey's illustrations convey the colouring and habitats of many frogs, comprised of earthy greens, browns, yellows and reds.

A brief explanation of some mythological tales featuring frogs also reveal the significance of frogs across several cultures. Finally, the book concludes with a succinct but practical discussion of ways we can help to maintain the wonderful diversity of frog species in our world.

Title: Fanatical About Frogs
Author/Illustrator: Owen Davey
Publisher: Flying Eye Books, $27.99
Publication Date: 1 June 2019
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781912497058
For ages: 7+
Type: Junior Non-fiction




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Review: All of the Factors of Why I Love Tractors

Review: Super Side Kicks: No Adults Allowed

Review: Koala Lou

Review: As Happy As Here

Review: The Secrets of Magnolia Moon

As soon as I heard the title of this debut junior fiction novel, from award-winning picture book author Edwina Wyatt, I was hooked. Then came the exquisite cover, from New Zealand illustrator Katherine Quinn. And, from the very first page, I was enchanted.

Magnolia Moon is a quirky nine-year-old girl, with a love of Greek mythology, her best friend, Imogen Mae, and the moon.

She is the kind of girl who would be a grape, if she were a fruit — because you would never be lonely, sitting there in a bunch — and has a wonderful way of measuring time — There's a whole year to go, which is a lifetime if you are a giant jellyfish.

But, best of all, she is excellent at keeping secrets. In fact, each chapter reveals a new secret that Magnolia is keeping and, together, they form a beautiful vignette; a snapshot of a year in the life of Magnolia Moon.

From her best friend moving away, to Daddy Moon not wanting to celebrate his birthday, and the birth of her baby brother, Finnegan, Magnolia deals with each secret in her sweet, funny and inventive way.

Edwina Wyatt's prose is lyrical and heartfelt, with a glorious use of imagery. And Katherine Quinn has captured the fanciful nature of Magnolia Moon with warmth and joy.

This is not a fast-paced read, brimming with dramatic tension. Calling to mind the writing of Astrid Lindgren and Kate DiCamillo, The Secrets of Magnolia Moon is a whimsical and gentle portrayal of friendship and problem solving, with each page to be savoured. And I think young readers could do with more of that.


Title: The Secrets of Magnolia Moon 
Author: Edwina Wyatt 
Illustrator: Katherine Quinn 
Publisher: Walker Books, $19.99 
Publication Date: October 2019  
Format: Hard Cover 
ISBN: 9781760651541 
For ages: 6+ 
Type: Junior Fiction

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Meet The Illustrator: Jane Carlisle

Name: Jane Carlisle

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Whimsical, fun, humorous, emotional, loose, messy, intuitive, colourful, endearing.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
I need my sketchbooks all around me for inspiration, my favourite watercolours to capture ideas, my best carbon ink pen and also black ink brush pen, my gelli plate and high flow acrylics and a few types of watercolour papers.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
Ooooh that’s a hard question. I am predominantly a mixed media artist. I use whatever I can get my hands on, often the first thing I lay eyes on to get started and then I move into whatever seems right for the artwork emerging. It usually tells me how it wants to be. I do love watercolours but I am not an accomplished watercolourist. I use them to get my message across because they are so emotionally meaningful with the colours and the way the water interacts with the paper, especially cold pressed paper.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.

Jane Davenport
Carla Sonheim
Ida Rentoul Outhwaite

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
The pre-Raphaelite period. Those painters were into fairy tales and myths and legends!

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
Originally I think fairy tales inspired me to have a go at drawing, I always loved my Arthur Rackham fairy tale book and from there I remember being super impressed by Alan Lee who is well known for bringing Tolkien stories to life. I always felt frustrated with my efforts until I joined up with Jane Davenport and learnt to let go of the outcome and just enjoy the process. Her teaching gave me the confidence boost I needed to let go of inner expectations (still a constant struggle) and have fun with art again like I did as a child.

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 recently hired a space in Ripple Art Studio at Port Adelaide which is not far from my home. Before that I have had a room in my house but with kids getting older that went by the wayside this year. I would prefer having an art space at home but in the meantime, I have a small space in a big old heritage building with other artists around some of the time. 

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?Having the ideas and then getting the ideas down onto paper and seeing how they want to be in the world. Playing with paint and water and paper is my favourite part of the whole thing. I love the unexpected and the happy accident. I rarely plan things out in advance. I like to hear what the artwork is saying to me rather than orchestrate it all by myself.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?

As much as possible, draw every day or close to it, there are events such as Inktober, 100 day challenge and Mab's Drawolleen to keep you going or make up your own prompt list. Join up with other artists where you can online such as Sketchbook Skool, Skillshare or an artist who teaches and has online classes that you like. Try and meet up with other artists in person. Keep some of your illustrations just for you but also post on Instagram. Participate in joint exhibitions (less pressure). It is OK to copy or be inspired by others but remember to acknowledge them in your sketchbooks or if you post the work publicly. Make your own sketchbooks with your favourite paper.
Try new things as you go along and are drawn to them.

Jane loves to dream of and paint up whimsical images and stories especially those based on fairy tales old and new and is delighted that other people also enjoy her enthusiasm for the genre. The art room is a sacred space where Jane can explore the world of emotions through colour and imagery.
For more information please follow Jane on her instagram.

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GIVEAWAY! Fauna: Australia's Most Curious Creatures

Fauna: Australia's Most Curious Creators, the latest book by KBR Founder Tania McCartney, is a celebration of Australian wildlife as you've never seen it before.

Did you know that platypus have retractable webbing on their hind feet to enable an easy transition from swimming to digging?

In Fauna: Australia's Most Curious Creatures, readers are introduced to facts that delight, amaze and induce sheer wonder at the clever design and adaptability of our much-loved native fauna.

The information on each individual species is presented in small 'bites' to hold the interest of younger readers, while the information taken in total gives a comprehensive summary of each species, including breeding and feeding habits, physical characteristics, habitat and other unique and quirky features.

Fauna also has a strong conservation message with an 'extinction roll call' and a rating for the vulnerability of endangered species.

The stylised illustrations in Fauna are lively, colourful and informative, highlighting facts that lend themselves more to pictures than words e.g. the actual size of crocodile teeth, or the mechanics of the echidna's beak. There is also humour in the illustrations - is that kangaroo with dark glasses actually from a different kind of mob?

Thanks to the good people at the National Library of Australia, we have a copy of Fauna to give away to one lucky KBR reader. Please read through competition guidelines, below, before entering.

To enter, simply tell us, in 25 words or less, your favourite Australian animal, and why.

Email your answer along with your name and postal address to Dimity with FAUNA COMP in the email subject. The response we like best will win a copy of the book. Competition is open to anyone, worldwide, so long as they have an Australian postal address for book delivery. Please note, we cannot deliver to PO Boxes. Entries without a name and street address will be ineligible. Winners will be announced right here on our website shortly after the comp ends.

Competition runs until 5pm, Friday 1 November 2019 (Sydney time). Adults can enter for those aged 17 and under. This is a game of skill, not chance. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Learn more about the book here.

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Review: Adventures in the Wild with Jan Latta

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to come face to face with a lion, pat a wild cheetah, or watch a majestic giraffe lumber past followed by her skittish baby?

Jan Latta has had these amazing experiences, and her spectacular photography allows us to share them with her. She has a true talent for capturing the beauty and heart of a place, showing us the wild, untameable landscape of Africa yet sharing touching moments of the awe-inspiring animals she encounters.

Adventures in the Wild follows one of Jan’s trips to Africa. Written in first person, it draws readers in as they fly in to Africa and learn about the animals waiting there. Jan’s photographs put us right there along side her, seeing what she sees and marvelling at the magnificent creatures we meet.

We travel through the wilds, camping and following animals. We feel the tension as there is a rustling and rumbling outside the tent, opening the tent flaps to see a large bull elephant only a metre away! And whilst staying in Nabiosho camp, a lion pride surrounds the camp every night, their roars vibrating through your body.

This book gives kids a rare insight into experiences most of us can only dream of. We see the tender moments of a lion playing with her cubs and baby elephants playing in the water. Yet along the way we learn how the animals interact with each other, how they give warning signals, hide their young and hunt.

My ten-year-old loved this book. She was fascinated by the antics of the animals and revelled in telling me all the new facts she had learned. Such as that there are nine different patterns that giraffes can have and that baby giraffes fall on their head when they are born but can run only ten hours later!

With chapters focussing on different animals, including lions, zebras, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and birds, this book covers a wide range of African animals and gives interesting information on all of them. The photography really brings it to life and makes you part of the adventure and leaves you feeling a genuine connection with these beautiful animals.



Title: Adventures in the Wild with Jan Latta
Author/Illustrator: Jan Latta
Publisher: True to Life Books, $20
Publication Date: August 2019
Format: Soft Cover
ISBN: 9781645700999
For ages: 8+
Type: Non-Fiction




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Review: Shatter City

Shatter City by Scott Westerfeld, is the sequel to Imposters (review here), and you really should make sure you read book one before you start on number two.

The series (two more books are still to be published) is set in the same universe as the Uglies quartet. And for those reading along with knowledge of the quartet, you'll discover some specific connections.

In some moments I don't know what to say about the story, and in others I want to say so much I don't know where to start, and have to remind myself to be careful not to reveal any spoilers.

Shatter City begins not long after Imposters ends.

Frey, who was born to protect her identical twin sister, Rafi, is thrust into new and unnerving situations as the rebels rise in defence of cities that are not Frey's home of Shreve.

Finding herself in the city of Paz, Frey is confronted with more evidence of her father's treachery, and by the concept of the 'feels' Paz's residents have surgically embedded in their arms; it's an experience that finds her struggling to understand her own emotions, which she's long had to control and hide.

Frey is searching for herself, her real self, hidden beneath the Frey created by her father as the imposter for her sister.

Then there is the unsettling Diego, being separated from Col, and the sense that there's something not quite right. All this as she tries to locate her sister, and remove and destroy her father, who is bent on occupation, and recovering control of his missing daughters, or so it seems.

From moments of quiet and contemplation, the story amps up into blistering action and then back again, several times.

By the time I reached the final chapters of  Shatter City, I thought I knew what was about to be revealed, then suddenly realised the truth, and it was rather shocking, as are the possible implications. And then it was followed by another revelation as the final pages set the scene for book three.

The world that the characters inhabit is a wild mix of the primitive and futuristic; and it takes elements of our society today, pushing them to extremes, imagining what could happen if ...

I think these books are must-reads for just about anyone. They are full of action and twists that you won't see coming. And they have a lot to say, if you look closely. As someone who usually doesn't read scifi, I'm bemused by how fascinated I am with these stories.

I cannot recommend Shatter City and its predecessors enough. Suitable for teenage or adult readers, they will entertain, and they are certain to make you think.

Title: Shatter City (Imposters book 2)
Author: Scott Westerfeld 
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $19.99
Publication Date: September 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN:  9781760528256
For ages: 13+
Type: Young adult fiction

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Review: My Father's Shadow

12 Curly Questions with author Suzy Zail

1.What's your hidden talent?
Getting through a block of chocolate without the family noticing.

2. Who is your favourite literary villain and why?  
Boy Swallows Universe was one of my favourite reads this year, so I have to say drug baron and businessman Tytus Broz aka Lord of the Limbs (he makes artificial limbs for amputees). His penchant for cutting off his adversary’s body parts ratchets up the tension and his presence adds another menacing player to the book’s brilliant cast of eccentric characters.

3. You're hosting a literary dinner party, which five authors would you invite? (alive or dead) 
Yotam Ottolenghi — for help with the menu (plus he put my crème caramel in his last cookbook, Sweet, so I owe him a dessert). Maya Angelou — fierce, funny, brilliant. I’d just shut up and listen. Esther Perel — She could get anyone to talk. Lisa Taddeo — for the stories. My dad. I know practically everything about him, after writing his memoir, but I still have so many questions.

4. Which literary invention do you wish was real?
Roal Dahl’s Lickable Wallpaper.

5. What are five words that describe your writing process?
Intense, quiet, passionate, curious, dedicated.

6. Which are the five words you would like to be remembered by as a writer?
Inspiring, thoughtful, powerful, sensitive, stirring.

7. Picture your favourite writing space. What are five objects you would find there?
My dog sprawled on his bed, a large window looking onto a garden, chocolate, flowers and a candle.

8. Grab the nearest book, open it to page 22 and look for the second word in the first sentence. Now, write a line that starts with that word. (Please include the name of the book!)
Extra maple syrup on the pancakes, please. Girl in Pieces, by Kathleen Glasgow

9. If you could ask one author one question, what would the question be and who would you ask?
Enid Blyton. She’s written 762 books, so the obvious question is ‘When do you sleep’?

10. Which would you rather do: 'Never write another story or never read another book'?
Pass… both would be torture. As soon as I finish writing a book, I get antsy to start on another and before I’ve even finished reading a book I’ve bought the next one.

Suzy Zail has worked as a litigation lawyer, specialising in Family Law, but now writes full time. Among other titles, she has written her father’s story, The Tattooed Flower, about his life as a child survivor of the Holocaust. Her first novel for young adults, The Wrong Boy, was short-listed for the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book of the Year Awards, the Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature, the WAYRBA, USBBY and YABBA awards. Her second novel with Black Dog Books, Alexander Altmann A10567, was a Notable Book at the CBCA Awards. She lives in Melbourne and has three children. For more information, see www.suzyzail.com.au.

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Guest Post: Heather Waugh on Dragon Tests

Winners: The Corner of My Eye

And our three lucky winners are...

Cate Whittle, NSW
Norah Colvin, QLD
Annaleise Byrd, QLD

Congratulations!

You have each won a copy of the stunning prize pack of, The Corner of My Eye.

We hope you enjoy this prize.

Thank you to ALL who entered. Weird but wonderful learning about your favourite parts of the house!

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Review: Toby and the Tricky Things

Little Toby the elephant is growing up, he can do lots of things by himself now but he still needs Mummy to help with the tricky things. There’s just one small problem… his baby sister!

Toby is proud now that he can pour his own milk, read books and reach Mummy’s snack jar, but when his mum needs him to do the tricky things without her, his confidence becomes rattled. Doing tricky things such as buttons, wellies and loo paper because mum is too busy with his little sister Iris frustrates Toby, he leaves the house in anger and wishes he was a baby. With a gentle message and a big hug, Toby’s mum reassures him that he is and will always be loved.

Christine Pym’s illustrations are what first drew me to this book, they combine wonderfully with Lou Peacocks writing and present a perfect balance of colour, white space and texture. Toby, his sister and his mum are the most delightful little elephant characters, with soft textures, cute trunks and gentle expressions.

Toby and the Tricky Things will resonate with parents of and children with siblings. It flows well and is lovely to read aloud.

Lou Peacock is the author of many books including Oliver Elephant and Lionel and the Lion's Share. Christine Pym has illustrated other books including Little Mouses’ Big Breakfast which you can even find hidden in the illustrations of Toby and the Tricky Things.

Title: Toby and the Tricky Things
Author: Lou Peacock
Illustrator: Christine Pym
Publisher: Nosy Crow, $24.99
Publication Date: 2 August 2018
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781788002653
For ages: 2 – 5
Type: Picture Book




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Review: Is It Halloween Yet?

Review: Her Fearless Run

Review: Pumpkin Heads

Highly Commended Stories of the Kids World Fun Story Contest

Highly commended stories from the Kids World Fun International Short Story Contest for School Children 2019 #2. Read the stories online. …]

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Review: Inventor Lab: Projects for Genius Makers

Have you ever wondered how to make an infinity mirror, a door alarm or your own bugbot? How about a remote-controlled snake, a bottle boat or an electromagnetic crane? Inventor Lab has the information to make these and many other inventions.

This clear and concise how-to manual, begins with an important section on safety, followed by a summary of the tools and materials referred to in the book, and brief tutorials on some of the skills required, such as using a drill, a hot glue gun and a soldering iron.

There are ideas for budding and accomplished inventors, with step-by-step instructions, aided by distinct photographs, allowing readers to build real working machines from common materials.


This book is suitable for anyone over 9 years of age, although younger children may still require some adult assistance. Inventor Lab not only provides the instructions to build the various pieces of equipment listed, but may also stimulate readers to consider using these techniques to create their own unique inventions.

Title: Inventor Lab: Projects for Genius Makers
Publisher: DK, $24.99
Publication Date: 6 August 2019
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780241343517
For ages: 9 - 15
Type: Nonfiction




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Video: The Tiny Star

The extraordinary storytelling talents of Mem Fox and Freya Blackwood have combined for the first time to bring us the tale of The Tiny Star. The book is about the special relationship between children and their grandparents, and touches on the 'journey of life', as the children are born and grandparents die. In this video, Mem and Freya share a little of their experience creating The Tiny Star.


Title: The Tiny Star
Author: Mem Fox
Illustrator: Freya Blackwood
Publisher: Puffin, $ 24.99
Publication Date: October 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780670078127
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture book




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Review: Promise Me Happy

Review: There's a Dinosaur in my Bathtub

A fabulously fun, imagination-filled story of a dinosaur in Amelia’s bathtub.

In There’s a Dinosaur in my Bathtub, Amelia tells readers of her secret, the dinosaur from France named Pierre in her bathtub. Having Pierre there is great, they have many adventures together including chocolate milk on the moon, giant ice-creams and when it rains and dancing upside down in their pyjamas. Challenges occur too, like where should Pierre should hide when Mum needs to wash her hair?

In the essence of all good things coming to an end, Pierre packs his suitcase and says goodbye to Amelia after a delicious picnic with plenty of his favourite cheese, but maybe, just maybe he’ll be back.

I love Catalina Echeverri’s energetic illustrations featuring loose lines, and an array of textures and patterns. Pierre’s character beams with fun, his curly moustache and black beret are the perfect accessories for such a fabulous dinosaur friend.  

Fun to read aloud, There’s a Dinosaur in my Bathtub is sure to inspire imagination and creative play.

Title: There's a Dinosaur in my Bathtub
Author/Illustrator: Catalina Echeverri
Publisher: Bloomsbury, $14.99
Publication Date: 1 February 2014
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781408839393
For ages: 2 – 5
Type: Picture Book




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Review: Mr Chicken All Over Australia

Taking his two years as Australian Children's Laureate as inspiration, Leigh Hobbs has created a new adventure for his character, Mr Chicken.

Mr Chicken All Over Australia starts with Mr Chicken receiving a letter inviting him to visit.

Deciding it's a good idea, he heads off, and on arrival makes his way straight to the tourist office.

Armed with a map and letters from children all over Australia inviting him to see what makes their homes special, Mr Chicken is soon traversing the country all over, from east to west, and top to bottom.

There's nowhere too big or small for Mr Chicken. He visits many of the 'big' sightseeing spots, like the Big Pineapple in Woombye and the Big Prawn in Ballina, and travels by car, train, plane, and boat.

Mr Chicken climbs the Sydney Harbour Bridge; sleeps a night under the stars; and gets sick from eating too much pavlova and is looked after by the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Wherever he goes, Mr Chicken, the intrepid explorer, is met by people welcoming him.

Leigh Hobbs has done a fabulous job of creating a story that includes so many Australian places, sights and experiences. In doing so, he has managed to include all the places he visited on his travels as Australian Children's Laureate (each of them is named somewhere in the story).

Even the endpapers capture Leigh's experience, with copies of some of the actual letters he received during his Laureateship. They give a small insight into the delight children have in reading his stories and in meeting him.

Leigh has also dedicated the book to all the kids, teachers and librarians who met him during his Laureateship.
This is a book that will be thrilling for readers all over Australia, who will be able to pore over it to find the places they know, as well as those they don't.

Mr Chicken All Over Australia is a triumph and certain to be as well-loved as other Mr Chicken escapades. A worthy adddition to bookshelves everywhere.

Title: Mr Chicken All Over Australia
Author/Illustrator: Leigh Hobbs
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $24.99
Publication Date: October 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760296964
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture book

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Review: Six Sleepy Mice

International Short Story Contest 2019-2 Results

The results of Kids World Fun's second biannual Short Story Contest 2019 has been announced. It discloses the first, second and third prize winners for sub-junior, junior, and senior categories. …]

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12 Curly Questions with author Liz Ledden

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I eloped to Paris and had both my kids in Bangkok. Running away overseas is one of my favourite things to do!

2. What is your nickname?
It’s pretty much just Liz (no one ever calls me Elizabeth), but some old friends still know me as Squiz.

3. What is your greatest fear?
Sneezing while driving – that moment when your eyes involuntarily close is terrifying!

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Caffeine-fuelled with late-night bursts of friendship, fun and feelings.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Curious, sensitive, playful, instinctual, heart-driven.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
I’d be Go Go from Go Go and the Silver Shoes. Adventurous, creative and quirky with the coolest ever bedroom. Plus the best shoes (or shoe, as it turns out!).

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I’d go back to around 1986-1987 so I could visit my relatives who are no longer around. And to my little brain for story ideas while there, as it was my most creative, book-immersed time!

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
I knew you’d be an author; this was always the plan. But why did it take so long?

9. Who is your greatest influence?
I’d say my kids. They’re a constant source of surprise and inspiration.

10. What/who made you start writing? 
I’ve written forever, but I immersed myself in the world of writing for kids while studying for a Master of Arts in Writing and Literature. I was exploring all different forms of writing, but kept enjoying the children’s literature subjects the most and enrolled in more.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Scruffy – it makes me think of a disheveled but adorable kid or creature.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
An anthology kind of thing (that doesn’t actually exist) of my favourite picture books, smooshed into one. Is that cheating?! It would contain Florette, Herman and Rosie, Maya and Cat and more!

Liz Ledden is a Sydney-based children’s book author and co-host of kids’ book podcast One More Page. Her debut picture book Tulip and Brutus is about a ladybug and a stinkbug who never play together. She has another picture book due out in 2020. For more information, see www.lizledden.com.

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Guest Post: Q & A with Liz Leddon on Tulip And Brutus

Review: Every Child a Song

Lyrical and poignant, this glorious celebration of children has been published for the 30th Anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

It reminds us that every child must be protected by the articles laid out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and that every one of us must play a part.

Every Child A Song tells of the song that begins when every child is born — A melody the world had never heard before.

The analogy of the song explains the beautiful individuality of each child and the right for each song to be nurtured, cherished and heard. It also reveals the power that poverty, war and hate have to drown out that song, and the need for every person to raise their voice in harmony, to ensure the right of every song to sing out loud, bold and unafraid.

Nicola Davies' prose is powerful and heartfelt, and perfectly in tune with Marc Martin's uplifting and vibrant illustrations. Martin's pencil and watercolour illustrations fill each page with life and joy; with resolute hope and colour on even the darkest page.

Part lullaby, part anthem, this important picture book is a timely reminder of the precious and fragile beauty of each new life. Highly recommended for every home and classroom.

Title: Every Child a Song
Author: Nicola Davies
Illustrator: Marc Martin
Publisher: Hachette, $26.99
Publication Date: August 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781526361417
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Fly

Giveaway: In The Corner of My Eye

In The Corner of My Eye is a book about a special relationship between a grandfather and his granddaughter who tries to see life through his eyes

When you are very, very young or very, very old, you can see things out of the corner of your eye. In between, all you can see is all you can see. Unless you are very, very lucky. Then the corner of your eye stays awake forever. The story of an ageing man who has lost something. But what and where? His granddaughter, Sally, helps him find it. Subtle and touching, this is an emotional response to people trying their best to live in an imperfect world.

To celebrate the release of this beautiful new picture book by Colin Thompson, the wonderful people at Walker Books Australia have not one but three prize packs to give away! Each pack consists of a copy of the book plus a marvellous signed poster by Colin Thompson.

To enter, in 25 words or less simply tell us,  what is your favourite part of your house, and why.

Email your answer along with your name and postal address to dimity. The three responses we like best will each win a book prize and poster. Competition is open to anyone, worldwide, so long as they have an Australian postal address for delivery of the books. Please note, we cannot deliver to PO Boxes. Entries without a name and street address will be ineligible. Winners will be announced right here on our website on 21 October 2019.

Competition runs from 5 pm 12 October 2019 to 5 pm 19 October 2019. Adults can enter for those aged 17 and under. This is a game of skill, not chance. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

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Review: From Above The Clouds

From Above The Clouds is a tale of abiding love. The main character is a young girl named Grace, who begs to hear her favourite story about her life as a tiny baby.

In her little life, Grace has already been through a very long journey to become the child she is today. Kezia Brett's lyrical text, deeply inspired by personal experiences, explores the wishes, dreams and fears of Grace's family and community, as they all learn that the little baby is very sick, and each brings hope, support and guidance.

This story highlights the love and joy that a new life brings, and the very real challenges that some children and their families experience, expressed in a gentle, hopeful way. Martina Heiduczek's illustrations are ethereal and joyous, giving a peacefulness to the story which deals with some difficult times in Grace's journey.

This is a beautiful, comforting book that demonstrates how valuable every child is, whether they are with us here or above the clouds.

Title: From Above The Clouds
Author: Kezia Brett
Illustrator: Martina Heiduczek
Publisher: Fierce Grace Publishing, $24.95
Publication Date:
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780646976020
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Take The Shot

Review: The Caveman Next Door

Penny lives in a normal street, but things change a little when a caveman moves in next door.

The caveman is different, that’s plain to see, so Penny tries to help him fit into the neighbourhood a little better.

Penny takes the caveman to the library, on the bus and to the park. But the caveman doesn’t fit in anywhere. He doesn’t understand the rules and people get mad. 

The caveman is too different. He doesn’t belong. 

But when Penny discovers the caveman has some special talents of his own, she finds a place where he can be himself and get the respect he deserves.

The Caveman Next Door is a story about inclusion and empathy — about looking at things from another person’s perspective and not making judgements about them.

It is also fun, silly, zany and hilarious — filled to the brim with funny scenes that will have the kids rolling around with giggles.

Tom Tinn-Disbury’s illustrations are so fun and quirky. They are detailed and intricate, and there are hidden gems to explore and discover on every page (watch out for the curious pigeon throughout the book!). 

This is definitely a book to go slowly with — to chat about the characters and what they are doing and feeling, and to explore the engaging illustrations for funny characters and hidden jokes.

Tinn-Disbury delivers in this funny picture book that touches on such relevant and important issues (in total disguise, I might add), and I’m really looking forward to his next release.

Title: The Caveman Next Door

Author/Illustrator: Tom Tinn-Disbury

Publisher: New Frontier, $24.99 

Publication Date: 1 October 2019

Format: Hard Cover

ISBN:  9781925594850

For ages: 3 - 6

Type: Picture Book

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Meet The Illustrator: Claire Powell

Name: Claire Powell

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less. Character led, filled with emotion, personality and humour.

What items are an essential part of your creative space? I have lots of pots filled with crayons, paintbrushes, marker pens, inks… the list is endless… but all I really need is a pencil, a light box and some paper!

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I’m out comfortable using pencil. Recently I’ve been experimenting with different ways of adding colour to my original work, trying out watercolour, brush pens, coloured pencils but I always come back to using just a pencil. It allows me to do what I want to do with minimum frustration!

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Bernie Fuchs, an illustrator from the 50’s - his use of colour was amazing. Kay Neilsen, his attention to detail astounds me and Quentin Blake, his work is so spontaneous and full of life - I can stare at one of drawings for hours.

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
Good question! I think I’d visit the Art Nouveau period. There were so many talented, varied artists around this time both in illustration, painting and design. Artists such as Klimt, Schiele, Lautrec, Sorolla, Renee Mackintosh, Beardsley, Neilsen were all active during this time. It must have been an inspiring era to live and work in… I’d stick around for the art deco period too, it’s my favourite in terms of fashion, architecture and design.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator? A conversation with my mum inspired me to change career. I was previously an identity designer, a job I enjoyed but didn’t want to do forever. Mum asked me what I would do, if money and qualifications were no obstacle and I immediately answered - draw pictures! It was a surprise as I hadn’t drawn much in previous years and I didn’t study illustration at university. A few weeks later I happened upon a small exhibition of children’s book illustration at The British Library. I knew straight away it was what I wanted to do. It took me two more years to complete a picture book course, find representation, produce a portfolio and get my first commission.

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’m lucky to have a flat with a mezzanine level and I converted it into my studio space. It has big windows with lots of light and plenty of space to work. My drawing desk faces the windows, I like to stare out of them at the sky when I’m thinking… or procrastinating! I have all my drawing and painting materials near-by on a little trolley with wheels. My computer and scanner are on another desk. I have a lot of shelves with all my reference books and some plants which miraculously are still alive, despite me forgetting to water them. It’s a lovely space. Very peaceful.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
The beginning, definitely. I love receiving a new manuscript and feeling excited by all the possibilities. Designing the characters, researching and coming up with ideas for the roughs is so much fun and I love spontaneous nature of it. I find art-working enjoyable but relentless. I started off working digitally but I soon realised I’m not keen spending long periods at the computer so I’m slowly moving towards more traditional methods of working.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Create as freely as you can, without constraint. Don’t worry about what other people are doing or whether your work is any good and definitely don’t worry about style! It’s something I struggled with at the beginning and ‘how did you find your style?’ is a question I get asked a lot. But the truth is style evolves naturally, almost without you noticing. The best thing is to draw as often as you can. You will eventually find your own visual way of doing things. I would also say don’t be too concerned with what other people are producing. It’s easy to look at your peers and feel you’re falling behind, but everyone’s timeline is different. Being an illustrator can be isolating, especially if you work from home, so I’d recommend meeting up with other illustrators regularly, social media is great for reaching out to people in your area and it’s reassuring to chat to people. You find we’re all struggling with the same things and it makes you feel normal!

Claire is a bestselling children's book illustrator working in London, UK. She started out designing for big-hitting television brands, before an impromptu visit to a children's book exhibition led her down the path of illustration. Self-taught, Claire got her first book deal in 2015 and has never looked back. A hugely versatile artist, Claire has a talent for creating characters that are brimming with emotion and personality.

You can visit Claire's website for more information or follow her on her instagram.

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