Announcement: New KBR Team Member: Meet Elizabeth Vercoe!

Elizabeth Vercoe's evocative artwork and previous reviews have enthralled and entertained a wide audience for many years. Witty, articulate and achingly talented, Elizabeth lives life as she loves it: moment by precious moment. 

But can you guess whom she'd love to take to dinner? Read on to find out more about our newest contributor. And keep an eye out for Elizabeth's first review, coming soon.

It's with unbridled joy that we welcome yet another wonderful member to our KBR team. Great to have you aboard, Elizabeth!

 

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I have two double-jointed little toes - not on the same foot though. Also a metal rod in my back, which along with my fibula and part of my hip, holds me upright.

2. What is your nickname?
Bella. Beth. Lizzy-girl. Libs. Lergigirdle. Dizzo. Brick (from my grown-up kids - Enid Blyton has a lot to answer for with those storybook mothers who are stoic and provide lashings of ginger beer and chocolate cake). And Betty (my partner thought it hilARious to set up my email ID as Betty, so now in most group messages people wonder who I am. Eye-roll emoji to the max).

3. What is your greatest fear?
As a young adult it was a fear of death, but I’ve ‘worn that t-shirt’ so I’m over it. Nowadays it’s being outed as an imposter – anywhere, at any time.

4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
Engaging and thoughtfully hopeful, with a little bit of uplift.

 

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Open, curious, disciplined, happy, fun.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
George from the Famous Five. Because I’ve always worn pants – even to my year 12 formal – and I like hugging big dogs. Also, I find it kind of impressive that she was so outwardly non-binary long before the 2021 Bachelorette caught on.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Oh my gosh this is an impossible question. Only one choice? Of course I’d love to travel 50 years into the future and meet my three amazing children. But then, I also want to go back to BC (is that a legitimate time descriptor?) and grab Jesus Christ to bring him home for dinner. Actually that’s a lie – I’d take him to Trippy Taco and see whether he gets hot sauce in his beard. Mostly though, I want to know what his laugh is like. Is it measured, or does it fill up his whole face and crinkle his eyes?

8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
Who even ARE you?

9. Who is your greatest influence?
There are so many. I guess it’s people who’ve been encouraging and kind because I was excruciatingly shy as a kid. My mother was and remains a wholehearted champion for artistic expression. Phillip Adams answered the letter I wrote him on Raggedy Anne stationery when I was nine. Michael Leunig complimented a tiny series of landscape watercolour paintings when I was 49. So, small acts of generosity and kindness constantly influence my work.

10. What/who made you start writing?
Mrs Booth read my story out to the whole of grade 2/3/4 when I was in grade 2. She said that she liked my opening line: ‘It all started when Jack saw the windmill on the hill.’

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Antidisestablishmentarianism. Because at 28 letters it’s said to be the longest word in the English language. And I can spell it.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
‘Oh, the places you’ll go’ by Dr Seuss. I can’t count the number of copies that I’ve gifted to friends and family of all ages, who are heading into the unknown. ‘You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.’


Liz’s creative works are a celebration of life. As author and visual artist, she derives great joy from getting stuff out of her head and onto a blank canvas. Liz has a Masters of Creative Writing and worked as a researcher with Unimelb for the past eight years, interviewing vulnerable cohorts including children. Author of book chapters and academic articles, ‘Mac the Dog Man’ is Liz’s leap into the world of picture books. YA works include ‘Keep Your Hair on!’ and ‘The Grief Book, Strategies for Young People.’

www.elizabethvercoe.com.au

 

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Winner: Big Love

Review: Christmas Always Comes

What makes a 'proper' Christmas? 

Joey, Ellie and their parents are travelling, droving, trying to find water and grass for their cattle in the midst of a drought.

Ellie's more worldly understanding of the situation is balanced by Joey's innocent belief there will be Christmas with all the trimmings. A trees with decorations, presents, and pudding.

Christmas always comes, but how will Santa know where to find them? Joey hangs up their socks for presents anyway.

When they awake on Christmas morning, there are no presents waiting.

A chance meeting between the children and a grumpy old man reminds the man that Christmas is about giving. As the man talks with Joey and Ellie, he realises he can make their Christmas Day special by sharing what he has. 

Their Christmas might not be quite what they expected, but it is still Christmas and it's special.

Christmas Always Comes is a heartwarming new picture book from award-winning collaborators, Jackie French and Bruce Whatley.

It's not about a northern hemisphere Christmas full of snow, nor is it packed with glittery wrapped presents. Set in the country during the Depression, this is an Australian story through and through. Complete with the muted colours of the dry land, and the heat of summer. It's a story that serves as a reminder there are people who struggle to make ends meet, and that Christmas is about more than material things. 

Grab a copy of Christmas Always Comes and read it with your family this Christmas.

Title: Christmas Always Comes
Author: Jackie French
Illustrator: Bruce Whatley
Publisher: Harper Collins, $ 24.99
Publication Date: October 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781460757895
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Book of Curious Birds

Strange birds with stranger names appear in the Book of Curious Birds.

Another gloriously illustrated book by Tasmanian artist and writer Jennifer Cossins, delivers close-up views of beautiful and unique birds with a summary of their life patterns.

Twenty-eight entries, each one accompanied by a full page image, come with vital information, specifically on their location, lifespan, height and conservation status. They can be flightless, carnivorous, endangered and totally family oriented.

Through the narrative, we discover singular habits of these unusual birds: the sounds used to communicate, how fast they can run, how high they jump, and mating rituals you will be astonished to read about.

Which species are monogamous, others polygynous (have more than one mate)? How many of the male partners incubate the eggs? Why do certain species gather in leks?

The Southern Cassowary leads the colourful parade. Flightless and the largest of the three species, it is the most dangerous bird alive. This is due to its middle, dagger-like claw. A kick can kill you.

Females are larger than males. Only coming together to breed, the female abandons the eggs for the male to incubate. He cares for the chicks till they are ten months old.

The Hooded Pitohui is the most toxic bird of all. The toxicity comes from food they eat. In this case the Choresine beetle.

Tufted Puffins return to their birthplace every year to breed.

The Greater sage-grouse is named after the sagebrush leaves they feed on.

Shaped like a crescent, the Vogelkop superb bird-of-paradise, only recently was identified.

The tiny Tufted Coquette of the Amazon is brightly coloured and feeds mostly on nectar.

Whether it is about the North-Island Brown Kiwi, the Greater Prairie Chicken, the Rhinoceros Hornbill with its unique-shaped casque made of keratin that mates for life, you will find plenty in this book that is weird, to impress and surprise.

Each page is a revelation. Don’t forget to check the Glossary for definitions of unknown words.

Title: Book of Curious Birds
Author/Illustrator: Jennifer Cossins
Publisher: Hachette, $ 26.99
Publication Date: 27 October 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780734420473
For ages:10+
Type: Junior Non Fiction

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Review: Ginger Meggs

Meet The Illustrator: Beck Feiner

Name: Beck Feiner

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.

Graphic, colourful and bold that focus on harmony and diversity.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
My Wacom Tablet, a strong coffee, a crime podcasts in the background and my Whippet at my feet biting my toes.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
Before I became a full-time illustrator, I worked as a graphic designer, so drawing vector graphics and working with typography on my computer has always been my favourite medium.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
I love strong female artists like Bridget Really and Hilma Af Klint. Their innovative way of working and brave expression that was way ahead of their time continues to inspire me o be brave with my own work.

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
I would have loved to have been around for the birth of Pop Art during the mid- to late-1950s. I love how artists used images of popular (as opposed to elitist) culture in art, and played with these banal and kitschy elements through the use of irony.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?

From as early as I can remember I was drawing. I remember that I used to draw on the walls and family photo albums until I was banned and made to only draw on the underside of the dining room table. I also read from a young age and the illustrations by Quentin Blake for the Roald Dahl books gave me the first thought that I could possibly do something like this when I grew up.

 
Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
We converted our attic into a studio space for me to work in. We live in a terrace in Redfern (an inner city Sydney suburb) so I have wonderful views of my city from where I work which always inspires me. The ceiling is curved though, and I can never quite remember to duck, resulting in quite a few eggs on my head.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
I love the moment I get an idea, which is often far away from my desk. I have to rush home and madly sketch it then draw it on to the computer. I love the craft part too but I always like my illustration to have meaning and that moment of conception always gives me thrills.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Keep practising. It sounds so boring but I think Malcolm Gladwell says it takes 10,000 hours to be good at something. It doesn’t have to be that exact number but its about putting in the hours. First of all you get to generate work and keep your portfolio growing, even if it’s not for commercial use and second of all it gets you into a great routine.
It’s often hard to come up with ideas but if you force yourself just to put the hours in, without too much pressure it can often turn into a wonderful skill that will only naturally get better with time.

 
Beck Feiner is an illustrator, designer and author living in Redfern, Sydney. Her illustrations, stories and 'memes' shine a spotlight on social issues and tap into a the mood of the time and promote harmony and diversity. Beck's creative style has evolved from her years working as a graphic designer and art director in the advertising industry in Sydney and overseas. 

For more information, please visit Beck's website or follow her on instagram.

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Announcement: Farewell Anastasia!

Guest Post: Brooke Hill on You Two, You Two

Review: What Happened to You?

In What Happened to You? Joe just wants to play pirates.

It's his favourite game, full of sharks and crocodiles. And just like some pirates, Joe's only got one leg.

Joe would love to have other children join him to play. However, children can be incredibly curious, and curiosity isn't always subtle.

Other kids always ask Joe what happened to him, why he only has one leg, and Joe hates being asked about it. 

He doesn't like the intrusive or silly questions people ask either.

Legs don't fall off, or get stolen, or hidden. And having one leg has nothing to do with lions!

Joe gets so fed up with questions from the other kids, he just gets on with playing pirates. 

Soon enough, the kids are focused on playing pirates and fighting the sharks and crocodiles, too. And later, after spending time with Joe, they come to realise that asking Joe about his missing leg isn't necessary, and Joe is just like them anyway.

James Catchpole has used his own lived experience to create a wonderful story that about visible disability. It encourages us to see people first, not disability. At the back of the book James has a message for adults with advice about responding to children if they want to know about people living with a disability, and educating them generally about it.

James wanted to write this story about Joe to provide reassurance and empowerment, and to raise and encourage awareness and understanding. What Happened to You? is certainly a book that will be helpful in doing that for all children, and adults. 

Read what James Catchpole has to say about 'Why it's important to talk to kids about disability'.

Title: What Happened to You? 
Author: James Catchpole
Illustrator: Karen George
Publisher: Faber , $ 24.99
Publication Date: May 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780571358304
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book

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Giveaway: Big Love

Review: The 143-Storey Treehouse

To celebrate ten years of the Treehouse series, a special colour edition of The 13-Storey Treehouse is being released simultaneously with this, the 11th  title.

 What is new? You may well ask!

The 143-Storey Treehouse has 13 new storeys after being extended yet again! A magnifying glass will be useful to see and identify the wondrous detailed and intricate additions hidden everywhere.

A word-o-matic that knows every word in the whole world has been added. It also spits out incomprehensible words which cause queries and confusion. 

A too-hard basket, a baked-bean geyser and an Olde Worlde Historical Village as well. 

Wait! There’s more!

Joined on is a recycling depot where everything imaginable is repurposed to alleviate waste.A wrecking ball and an astonishing camping ground are also added. The complaining room for adults and children, will be the highlight of the book. It generates much needed laughter at a time when laughs are hard to come by.

Speech balloons full of humour not air, and the usual banter between Andy and Terry, keep the pages turning.

Lots of outings go awry as usual, with all the clever justifications and blame of why they do.

How will they clean up the word spill caused by Terry’s sneaky high score letters attempting to make questionable words during their scrabble game?

The list goes on and everything that happens has an extension to it, just like the building.

When Andy and Terry decide to take a camping holiday at their new camping ground, they are accompanied then followed everywhere, by a photographer and journalist who document everything. To that, add the countless people that join them along the way.

Jill turns up on a hobyah hunt which should make a good news scoop. But hunts and fearsome visits to dark houses present other challenges. Can they come up with the right blast to make the front page of the magazine? Why not?

Adventures and misadventures keep occurring. Crazy fun and lots of unbelievable happenings fill the pages, so keep the magnifying glass close, as you may miss something! 

Title: The 143-Storey Treehouse
Author: Andy Griffiths
Illustrator: Terry Denton
Publisher: Pan Macmillan, $ 14.99
Publication Date: 19 October 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760786236
For ages: 6–10
Type: Junior Fiction

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Review: Searching For Cicadas

It's nearly time for those underground minibeasts to tunnel their way to the surface: cicadas! 

Last year, in 2020, we had a glut of cicadas here in the Blue Mountains. We found countless shells. We spotted many species. We heard the deafening buzz of cicada songs.

In Searching for Cicadas, a child and his grandfather camp out in order to go cicada-watching. At dusk, they see a cicada nymph wriggle from a small split in its shell and emerge as an adult cicada. Pure magic. The pair spy Green Grocers, Yellow Mondays and even Floury Bakers. What fun names! But will they spot a Black Prince, which are ‘as rare as hen’s teeth,’ according to Grandpa?

This delightful story sits side-by-side next to some top-notch cicada facts. Like, did you know that with the exception of Antarctica, cicadas live on every single continent? There’s also information about life cycle, behaviour and species. The facts are presented in a different font to the narrative, allowing readers to read the story first and come back and read the cicada information later. 

Lesley Gibbes has written a gentle story that illuminates the bond between a grandchild and grandfather. It’s good for the soul stuff. Their connection holds the whole story together. Cleverly, the child could be either a boy or girl so both genders can relate closely to the story. The author uses descriptive language, such as ‘buzz and whizz’, and imagery to make the story vivid. The rhythmic prose helps to unlock the magic of the factual information. It’s clear that there’s been a lot of research in the making of this book.

Judy Watson has elevated the picture book with her atmospheric illustrations. I adore them. In each spread, she has used a wonderful range of media such as, watercolour, ink, pencil and conté, as well as, techniques such as monoprinting, sketching and painting. Each element was carefully studied before it was interpreted in a scratchy style. The visually interesting, layered look was then created in Photoshop. Multiple perspectives were used throughout the story, drawing readers into each scene. You can tell a lot of thought has gone into each spread. The end papers portray the mysterious world of the bush floor. Take a moment to spot details in the leaf litter.

Searching for Cicadas is part of a non-fiction picture book series called Nature Storybooks by Walker Books Australia. Other books in the series include, Kookaburra by Claire Saxby and Tannya Harricks and Koala by Claire Saxby and Julie Vivas.

In 2020, Searching for Cicadas was shortlisted for the CBCA Eve Pownall Award for Information Books and won a Royal Zoological Society of NSW Whitley Award for Best Children's Story. Teachers and parents there are some fantastic resources for the book here: https://lesleygibbes.com/book-week-2020 

Searching for Cicadas will suit curious minds of all ages and nature lovers. Gibbes and Watson have spotlighted the magic of cicadas, leaving me in awe. Just remember, don’t keep them as pets. Enjoy learning how they live this one wild and precious life. 

Title: Searching For Cicadas
Author: Lesley Gibbes 

Illustrator: Judy Watson
Publisher: Walker Books Australia, $26.99
Publication Date: 22 July 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922244420
For ages: 5+

Type: Non-Fiction Picture Book

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Review: The Best Cat, the Est Cat

The Best Cat the Est Cat is more than just a story, it’s a fabulous guided tour of the State Library of NSW hosted by a magical mystical cat! 

Step inside the grand doors, embrace a little magic then explore the rooms, a gallery and take a lift deep underground. You’ll learn that not only books live at this library, but also history, knowledge, secrets, even ghosts in the walls. Discover old and obscure objects like the smallest book and the biggest map! The bravest, the boldest, the best and many more ‘ests’, the Best Cat shares them all! 

So who is this mystical cat? His name is Trim, he’s a statue who sits outside and comes to life, the first cat in Australia they say and it’s all explained, I encourage you to read the book to find out more!

Glorious rollicking rhyme and mixed media illustrations work in unity to create an engaging publication filled with motion, history and curiosity. I adore the way map and script text is pasted into the illustrations, it’s like the finishing touches on a wholesome journey.

This book is a wonderful story and educational resource which would strengthen a visit to the State Library of NSW but equally works on its own. A list of over 30 items to seek and find features at the back of the book for extended fun and learning.  

Libby Hathorn is an Australian award-winning author who has written over 80 books. Rosie Handley is an experienced designer, The Best Cat, the Est Cat is her debut title.

Title: The Best Cat, the Est Cat 
Author: Libby Hathorn
Illustrator: Rosie Handley
Publisher: State Library of New South Wales, $24.95 
Publication Date: 1 September 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN:  9781925831191
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Cookie

Cookie is a tender exploration of the relationship between a young girl and her pet dog, presented in a unique synthesis of emotion by both writer and illustrator.

It addresses childhood depression in a poignant manner, incorporating the important role pets play in alleviating loneliness and in consoling sufferers of mental health.

Told through the voice of Cookie, the dog, the child is simply, Girl. Her younger brother is referred to by his bothersome childish expressions.

At times he is Stopit, or Shoosh. He calls Girl You’re- not-the -boss-of-me. These gems draw the reader to the reality of their situation, and the common exchange between siblings.

Another wonderful device used by illustrator Susannah Crispe to express emotions, is the absence of the mouth on Girl when she is unhappy. This also occurs on Mama’s face when Girl is sad.

It’s the sharing that takes place between animal and human that adds joy and hope and shapes  both lives. They frequently cuddle, find nice smells to sniff at, and spend most of their time together outside in nature. Except when Girl is sad. Then, Cookie makes sure Girl knows he understands by licking away her sadness.

I loved this beautifully designed and written book. It is an excellent example of a writer finding their unique voice which is an asset, especially to writers beginning their journey.

Written by Isabelle, a farmer, when she was eighteen years old, Cookie was inspired by Saffy, Isabelle’s real-life companion. Saffy can be followed on Instagram at Saffy_thepuppy.

Title: Cookie
Author: Isabelle Duff
Illustrator: Susannah Crispe
Publisher: EK Books, $ 24.99
Publication Date: 29 October 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781925820959
For ages: 4 – 8
Type: Picture Book

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Announcement: New KBR Team Member - Meet Sarah Rasmussen!

The changing of the guard (at KBR) is an occasion of regret on one hand and reason to rejoice on another. 

While we never enjoy farewelling a favourite team member, we heartily welcome those with as much passion as us to share their love of children's literature with all and sundry. Which is why, with barely contained mirth, we welcome our newest recruit, Sarah Rasmussen into our KBR family.

You may be familiar with Sarah and her fetching Ragamuffin Books Blog. But do you know her favourite word? Well now's your chance to find out and discover more. Welcome to the team, Sarah!

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I used to be allergic to chocolate as a child, but through hard work and sheer dedication, I’ve managed to build up immunity to it as an adult.

2. What is your nickname?
I don’t have a specific nickname, but some people call me Sare, or Rasmuffin. My partner calls me Snook and my dad calls me Munchkin.

3. What is your greatest fear?
Heights! Particularly steps with the gaps between each step where you can see below you.

Also, I’m not fond of the sound the bathtub makes when the water goes down the drain.

4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
Large amounts of procrastination with small bouts of word vomit.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Honest, hard-working, shy, methodical, playful.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
It’s not a book character, but I always wanted to be Lisa Simpson when I was a kid. She is smart, funny and never has to worry about wardrobe changes. Or Hermione Granger, for similar reasons.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Some year in ancient Greece, just to have a look around. I would listen to the old philosophers and see what people were really like back then.

8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
Keep at it.

Also, I hope these bracers and the head-gear are worth the nice straight teeth you have in the future. I’m sorry I keep losing the plate, so your bottom row might still be a little jazzy.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
Oh this is a tough one! Perhaps Marcus Zusak. Or Alison Lester, and Cath Crowley and Robin Hobb, or a million other authors whose books I’ve read and fallen in love with.

10. What/who made you start writing?
All the stories I read as a child. The magic of looking at little lines and curves on a page, and being transported somewhere else.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Petrichor. It’s the name of the smell of rain just before it starts raining after a dry patch. I read it in a book recently and it’s stuck with me. It also shows how many words there are for things you never think about.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would like to say the Harry Potter series, so I could get the most of it, but I think that would kind of cheating, as they are separate books. I have a very thick book with the works of John Steinbeck, who is one of my favourite classic authors, so that would do nicely.


Sarah Rasmussen is a passionate reader and writer of children's fiction. She lives in a small country town in South Gippsland, Victoria – with her partner and toddler. She has recently finished studying her MA in writing with a focus on children/YA literature and regularly reviews books at her blog Ragamuffin Books.

Visit her website to learn more. And keep an eye out for Sarah's first review very very soon!

 

 

 

 

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Review: Grandude's Green Submarine

Grandude! That’s what Paul McCartney’s grandchildren call him. Talk about the roots of inspiration!

Hey Grandude! McCartney’s first book, has a sequel and I’m convinced there will be more adventures to come to make this into an action-packed series.

Grandude’s Green Submarine is luxurious; striking! A parade of colour, it resembles a house fitted out without thought of cost. Katherine Durst’s outstanding illustrations depict animated scenes in detail, predicting a child’s journey into discovery beyond the obvious. Musical notes are included, of course!

Tom, Lucy, Em and Bob, make up the Chillers, Grandude’s grandchildren.

It’s a hot day, and hanging from a tree in the shade makes no difference. Everyone is flat. Grandude invites the kids into his shed.

It’s an Aladdin’s cave of cooling devices and lots of mysterious inventions. Eyes light up with delight as their temperature goes down. A photo of Nandude has pride of place on a dresser. She is an adventurer of a higher degree than her husband.

Em speaks what Grandude is thinking; to embark on an adventure to find Nandude!

But how?

They meander through a secret passageway to a locked area. A magnificent, magical green submarine stands in wait. When all are aboard, out comes Grandude’s magic compass. He speaks the magical words. The needle spins. They shoot through the roof and into the clouds, swimming through the sky, singing along the way.

Being well known, Grandude has friends in many places, that can help direct him to Nandude. Navi appears and takes them all to a cool spot for the Chillers to watch the elephant parade, while the friends discuss Nandude’s whereabouts.

Ravi picks up his sitar and starts strumming. Follow the notes and you will find her.

Just as they settle, the monsoon rains start pouring down. The submarine at hand, they wave to Ravi and it is all aboard.

The river swells and through jungles, along riversides, animals hum Nandude’s song to lead the way. A dip down into the ocean finds Grandude and the Chillers in deep water. But what a sight to see! Glorious coloured fish and corals.

Then darkness descends, as an octopus shoots out a surge of black ink.

Will they find Nandude? Will the music guide them to her as Ravi said?

Title: Grandude's Green Submarine
Author: Paul McCartney
Illustrator: Katherine Durst 
Publisher: Penguin Random House, $
Publication Date: 2 September 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780241472934
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book

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Winner: Non Fiction Prize Combo

Guest Post: Monica McInerney

Monica McInerney is an internationally bestselling author of novels for adults, who has just released her first book for children. We're thrilled to be able to ask her about it.

Welcome to Kids’ Book Review, Monica!

You’re known as the bestselling author of 12 novels for adults. What prompted you to write Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat, your first book for children? 

I have 18 nieces and nephews and all the while I was writing my adult novels, I was also writing short stories for and about them – fun, magical and adventure tales with them in starring roles. More than 8 years ago, one of those family stories planted the seed for Marcie Gill. It became a real labour of love. I worked on it in between my novels for adults. I discussed it with my nieces and nephews. Finally, 3 years ago, I seriously began to write it.

What did you find different and the same when writing for children as an audience compared to writing for adults? 

In many ways, the process was similar. I like to fill my adult novels with family comedy drama, characters of all ages, and lots of twists and turns. I tried to do the same with Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat. It was a shorter word count, but I still did many drafts. I also had the great benefit of Mary Verney, my editor at Puffin Books, generously sharing her great knowledge of children’s writing.

Tell us about your inspiration for your star character, Marcie Gill, and her story? 

My husband actually thinks Marcie Gill is the most autobiographical of all my novels! She is a middle child, like me. She loves lists, like me. She likes to try to fix everything, like me. She also loves to ask questions – my first school report my teacher said, “Monica is extremely interested in everything.” I gave Marcie that character trait too.

George the cat is an important character, too. What can you share with us about him? 

He is one of the most fun characters I’ve ever written. I love George. Funnily enough, COVID conspired to bring a cat identical to George into my life just as I was doing the final edits to Marcie Gill. Last Feb 2020 I found myself COVID-stranded in Australia, my husband back home in Dublin. I lived with my very patient mother for 9 months, and we adopted a rescue kitten. He was the only cat left that day, and he was the image of George. A great omen, I decided. As I was editing, he did a lot of walking across my desk, standing on the manuscript and even sleeping on it too. 

You grew up with a father who was a railway station master. How do you think that compares to having a family who runs a caravan park? 

Indirectly, I have the fact my dad was a railway station master to thank for the caravan park setting. As kids, the nine of us McInerneys would have summer holidays in railway houses around SA. They were often quite near caravan parks and I remember enviously looking in as we all marched down to the sea. (A caravan holiday was impossible when there were so many of us, caravans don’t come big enough.) But I also loved visiting my dad in his workplace. We lived next to the railway station and thought of the trains and the station buildings as ours. Marcie feels the same way about her family’s caravan park. She is very involved in all that goes on there. 

Marcie loves lists. How much fun was it creating her lists for the story? 

So much fun. It was also a great way of getting lots of information across in a quick and clear way.

What are your favourite childhood memories of Christmas? Were they as topsy turvy as Marcie’s? 

My Christmas memories also involve the railway station. Every year a Railway Father Christmas would arrive on the train into the Clare station. All the McInerneys and the other kids of railway staff would gather on the platform, leaping in excitement as Father Christmas emerged, hot and sweaty in full costume, off the train, handing out presents to us all (each labelled in handwriting remarkably like my mother’s).

This book comes with wonderful illustrations, something you don’t have in your adult books. Tell us what that means to you as an author. 

It has been the icing on the cake for me with this book. I loved Danny Snell’s work at first sight. It has been so special, and quite magical actually, to see my characters and settings through his eyes. 

Do you have more children’s books in your creative future? Can you tell us anything about them? 

I certainly do – I’m working on the second Marcie Gill book at the moment and have ideas ready to go for the third. 

What were your favourite books as a child? 

I loved Enid Blyton. I must have read every single Enid Blyton book in the local library a dozen times each. I loved the look, feel and smell of them – all hardbacks – as much as I loved the stories inside. As kids, we also used to get books sent up to Clare from the State Library in Adelaide and I never knew what would be in the book parcels. I read everything that was sent my way, from Biggles books to non-fiction books about raising newts or sailing yachts (even though Clare had no newts and only a dry creek).

Which contemporary children’s books do you love and why? Do you have any other reading recommendations? 

I love Roald Dahl (of course) and was lucky enough to have met him while I was working as a publicist on his Australian tour in the 1990s. I was even given a chocolate by him – the creator of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Unfortunately I ate it – I should have kept it and framed it. I love Kate DiCamillo’s books too, and also got to briefly meet her after she gave a talk in Dublin and was signing my books. I also love reading books by Mem Fox, Jacqueline Harvey, Andy Griffiths, Margaret Mahy, Sally Rippin, Oliver Phommavanh among many others. I’m about to start Pony by R.J. Palacio, author of the beautiful Wonder.

Thanks, Monica for sharing your experience with Kids’ Book Review. 

Stay tuned -- our review of Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat is coming soon.

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Review: Pony

Review: Frindleswylde

I’ve got goosebumps and spine tingles as I type these words. That’s what Frindleswylde does to readers.

It’s beautiful, enchanting and addictive. It’s different and unique, and yet familiar and comforting.

It’s the story of Cora and the strange boy Frindleswylde…

Cora lives with her granny in the woods. But everyone knows that care must be taken within the trees, because Frindleswylde lurks around every corner, waiting to trick, lure and snatch children from their homes.

Granny takes many precautions, but Frindleswylde is cunning, and he finds a way to Cora. He tricks her to follow him back to his world, where he aims to make her stay forever.

Down Cora fell, down and down. She flew past water and weeds and rocks. And suddenly she landed in brightness and bitter cold.

But Cora doesn’t want to stay in the strange world. She needs to get back to her Granny. To stop Cora crying, Frindleswylde gives her a chance to be free by setting three impossible tasks to complete. If Cora completes them, she can go home.

But Frindleswylde really is cunning, and he doesn’t like to lose.

Frindleswylde is new and old at the same time. It feels familiar but also fresh. It is classic storytelling for new audiences. It’s different and unique and very, very special.

The language and tone are lovingly filled with whimsy. You read a sentence a feel warm inside, such is the magic infused into the words. The book has quite a large word count for a picture book, and it’s actually more like a short story, or a junior fiction tale. But in saying that, the reading experience zips by because the story is so addictive and enthralling.

The illustrations are pure magic, with a gorgeous green/blue palette and so much shadowy, artistic images. Each illustration is a work of art. They are pictures that imprint in your mind, and I’m sure you’ll agree one look at the beautiful cover will have your fingers itching to pick up the book.

I’ve not read a book like this is a long time, and many children, too, may not have experienced a story quite like this. It is a magical adventure, with action, mystery and high stakes, which I believe will really appeal to young kids.

Due to the longer word count, it’s a story a junior reader may like to read independently, and I think there’s something really special about that occurring — a magical bong building between reader and book. But equally, and in true picture book form, it’s a book to read snuggled beneath warm blankets, together with your loved ones AND in classroom circles, so the characters and their motivations can be questioned and explored.

It really is a book that gives to everyone.

Natalia and Lauren O’Hara, the creators of this gift, are sisters from England who adore folk tales and old stories. This love has been infused into Frindleswylde, creating something that seems more than just a book. More than just story and illustrations. I think I’ll call it magic!

Title: Frindleswylde
Author/Illustrator: Natalia and Lauren O’Hara
Publisher: Walker, $32.99
Publication Date: 3 November 2021
Format: Hardcover with Dust Jacket
ISBN: 9781406388961
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Noni the Pony Counts to a Million

Always gentle and kind, Noni the pony’s counting day begins with one tree where she watches her two friends, Coco the cat and Dave the dog, dancing by the sea.

Counting continues with three speckled hens hitching a free ride uphill on Noni’s back.

A race downhill with the four cows, known as the ladies next door, sets the pace of her day; one that will be full of outdoor fun, play and observation.

Five wallabies, large and small, hop by as Coco snuggles onto Noni’s back. Dave looks on with interest nearby.

The three friends watch the sky as six dusky wood-swallows dip and swoop in play, enjoying a carefree day.

Seven puppies in a row, try to hide from Dave pretending to hide his eyes behind the bushes.

Eight delightful butterflies in the shimmering light, fly above the flowing stream as Noni, Coco and Dave enjoy the beautiful scene they are in.

Their interest is caught by nine spotted fish flowing with the current, deep in the water. This is happening simultaneously as ten ladybirds crawl over weeds in the same direction. But Coco and Dave miss their march, as they are snoozing in the grass.

The counting doesn’t stop at ten, because Noni’s friend Helga, has dozens of spots and great-uncle Harry has hundreds of dots.

Thousands of cars pass on the highway as the sun is going down and as the friends, tired after a long day of play with other friends and neighbours, prepare for sleep.

How does Noni count to a million?

The illustrations, created in charcoal pencil and watercolour collage; simple, adorable and expressive, create an atmosphere of warmth to accompany the rhyming text.

Title: Noni the Pony Counts to a Million
Author/Illustrator: Alison Lester
Publisher: Allen&Unwin, $24.99
Publication Date: 28 September 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760524395
For ages: 1 – 4
Type: Picture Book

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Meet The Illustrator: Ruth-Mary Smith

Name: Ruth-Mary Smith

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Some of this is the way I see my style and some of these words have been told to me by art directors so here goes…
My style is warm and whimsical with a focus on showing heart-felt connection. It has also been described as soft and hand-drawn in style.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
I love to create in a space that inspires, so for me this includes lots of light, pretty things such as beautiful artwork and lots of art supplies. For me the basics include
· Traditionally- a fabulous sketch book with Blackwing pencils, also watercolours, pastels and my Prismacolor pencils.
· Digitally- my iPad and pencil, and my computer ready with photoshop and Indesign.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I spend most of my creative time sketching in a sketchbook and then finishing it off digitally in Procreate on my iPad. I love both these mediums but then at times crave the traditional materials and then have a traditional play. I think artists nowadays are creating their own process for making their illustrations. I think of my artwork as hybrid rather than traditional or digital.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
This is a bit of a dreaded question for me as I love so many Australian artists’ work and could never whittle it down to three! Let me take the safe path and name three overseas artists, I choose Devon Holzwarth, Felicita Sala & Rebecca Green but could add SO many more!

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
While I have favourite artworks from a variety of periods, I honestly am enjoying the period I am in now. I love the freedom to see such a variety of artwork and artists.
But as an amazing treat I would love to go back in time to visit Beatrix Potter. We would sip tea and talk about the memories of her sweet bunnies that inspired her to write The Tale of Peter Rabbit. I would love to visit her studio and see her peacefully paint a picture of Peter! Perhaps this idea has been said before, but I just read 'Beatrix and her Bunnies' by Rebecca Colby and illustrated by Caroline Bonne-Muller and am inspired!

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
Like many fellow illustrators, I was drawing as a child. It has always factored in my life in some form. Being creative is an integral part of my life, a deep-down God given trait. When I don’t get time to create, I feel an unrest inside. A few years ago, I made the decision to pursue picture book illustration, I can’t name exactly what caused it, but it was like I flicked a switch and knew this was my direction.

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

My workspace is set up with traditional materials as well as digital equipment which suits my hybrid style. I always start with sketching and use the old pencil and sketchbook for this process. When working on a storyboard or working on a final illustration I use the Procreate app on my iPad. I don’t always sit or stand at my desk when using my iPad but have the freedom to move around. When it is complete, I move my illustration into photoshop for final tweaks. I also have a printer for archival prints if I want to see it on paper. At my desk I will send it to its destination such as a publisher or to my portfolio or website. I find my workspace a lovely place to be, and it inspires me. Of course, it includes the dog bed underneath so my two studio buddies, Calamity and Katie, can join me!

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?

I don’t have a simple answer to this question as the various steps of illustration have their good and tricky bits. For example, I love the sketching stage when you are homing in on meeting your character and thinking yes, I am going to quite enjoy getting to know you. I also love adding the finishing touches to an illustration when it has gone together in the way I was hoping. I find storyboarding sometimes trickier as it is when your imagination is given free reign and so much of the final look of the book hinges on decisions during this time, this responsibility is somewhat daunting!

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
This is advice I read when I first started- if you make the decision to become an illustrator, then make up your mind you will take a step every day. Some days have gigantic steps and some days little tiny shuffles but over time these make a path.

I wish everyone well on their journey.

 
Ruth-Mary Smith is an Australian illustrator with a sweet, whimsical and warm style. She has been published in the USA, been the recipient of an ASA mentorship will have her picture book, Little Mister Gets a Sister, written by Samaria Lemke and published by Larrikin House in October 2021.

For more information, please visit Ruth-Mary's website or follow her on instagram.

Website www.ruth-marysmith.com

Insta www.instagram.com/ruthmary_smith

Email ruthmaryillustrates@gmail.com 

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Review: Mozzies Vs Flies

It’s the age old question, isn’t it?

Who would win in a fight between a mosquito and a fly? 

When the prize is a barbeque at dusk, the stakes are high. Who will come out on top?

In this brilliant rhyming picture book from Sarah Speedie and Rebel Challenger, two buzzing gangs control the streets: the flies, who rule the day. And the mozzies, who rule the night.

When a notice appears for a school barbeque at 5:30pm, the gangs get excited, but both lay claim to the party, given the time it’s taking place. Is 5:30 the end of the day or the start of the night?

The bugs prepare for battle! Neither side will back down. But who will win?

So a battle was planned between Mozzies and Flies,
The School Barbeque was the champion’s prize.
They’d meet at the bins at five the next day.
Training commenced in both camps right away!

Mozzies Vs Flies is a buzzingly fun read that audiences (young and old) will adore. Who hasn’t thought about the relationship between mosquitoes and flies? Who hasn’t noticed that parties planned for dusk come with extra bugs? It’s a giggle-inducing reflection of Australian life.

Rebel Challenger fills the pages with the most glorious illustrations, giving the bugs big personalities in a funky cartoon style. Make sure to explore the details as you read, because there is so much to discover. Both gangs have leaders, who are not quiet about what they want, but there are also some very entertaining gang members who hang out in the background and get up to so many fun shenanigans.

For laughs and a half in a gorgeously illustrated rhyming picture book, check out Mozzies Vs Flies.

Title: Mozzies Vs Flies
Author: Sarah Speedie
Illustrator: Rebel Challenger
Publisher: Larrikin House, $19.99
Publication Date: November 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922503534
For ages: 3 - 6
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Rachel's War

This biographical fiction was inspired by the real life of Rachel Pratt, an army nurse in WW1 stationed in France, who was awarded the Military Medal for bravery.

Exquisite illustrations by the author, Mark Wilson, allow our hearts to be moved by the descriptive images – some in colour, others in black fine line pen. These add to the narrative in their singular way.

Broken by grief after losing both parents in the Fitzroy River floods, Rachel was looked after by her brother Robert from age thirteen.

Getting strength from her mother’s words, be strong, work hard and everything will turn out fine, saw her return to school, determined to be somebody who could help others.

Graduating as a nurse, Rachel and her friend Elsie enlisted in the Australian Army Nursing Service.

This is her story of how bravery and courage overcame grief and saw RAchel begin her nursing career in a torn tent on the island of Lemnos, in Greece. She nursed Elsie through dysentery, due to the lack of sanitation and in fact, saved her life. They remained friends for life.

Rachel experienced the nightmare of Gallipoli, nursing enemy prisoners, then being evacuated to Egypt.

It was 1917 when the two friends were sent to France. There, the hospital was bombed and Rachel was wounded by shrapnel. Although it was never removed because it was too dangerous, it weakened her body but not her spirit.

Rachel nursed returned soldiers in a convalescence home she established in Melbourne.

This is one story that speaks for thousands of nurses who dedicated their lives to save others in WW1.

Nurses were not regarded as veterans by the Australian Government, therefore were denied the healthcare and benefits available to returning soldiers.

Title: Rachel's  War
Author/Illustrator: Mark Wilson
Publisher: Hachette, $ 26.99
Publication Date: 26 May 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780734420114
For ages: 6+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: The Bench

12 Curly Questions with author Robyn Bavati

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I love my suburb, Elsternwick, and live most of my life within 15 minutes’ driving distance of my house.
2. What is your nickname?
Rob or Robbie, but most people simply call me Robyn.

3. What is your greatest fear?
Getting tired while driving on a freeway where there is no place to pull up and have a rest.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
I aim for clear, concise, relatable, moving, unsentimental and accessible.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Empathic. Sensitive. Persistent. Conscientious. Sincere.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Pippi Longstocking, because she is fun, capable, self-reliant, friendly, brave and adventurous.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I think I’d like to go back to the sixth day of creation, several centuries BCE, to see exactly how Adam was made, and to find out what really happened in the Garden of Eden.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
I can’t believe you’re a real writer! Although since I’m a bookworm, I guess it makes sense.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
The people I see around me every day who do things I admire.

10. What/who made you start writing?
Enid Blyton. I loved her books.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Today it’s ‘serendipity’ because I love happy co-incidences, and they occur so often.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Do I really have to pick just one? That would be awful. Maybe The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, because it’s a masterpiece that’s easy to read, yet can be understood on so many levels.

Robyn Bavati is the award-winning author of Dancing in the Dark, Pirouette and Within These Walls. She lives in Melbourne and has three adult children who’ve all left home. Robyn is an active member of Toastmasters International and enjoys public speaking. She loves visiting libraries, book clubs and schools. For more information, see www.robynbavati.com.

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Guest Review: Room To Dream

Review: Stellarphant

Stellarphant is the story of a special elephant.

Stella wants to be an astronaut.

She tries everything to be accepted to travel into space, but keeps being rejected.

Each time Stella is told no, she finds a way to meet the requirements.

She makes her own space suit, and studies all the information she needs to know.

Stella practices and prepares so she can be ready for space flight.

Unfortunately, space command tells Stella that she's too heavy for the rocket.

What's Stella to do? She gets creative and builds her own rocket, of course.

When the bureaucrats still find a reason to stop Stella from going into space, she doesn't give up.

James Foley's words and illustrations place Stella at at the centre of the story, and have a great retro feel about them.

The endpapers at the back of the book have been used to feature a gallery of the animals who have travelled into space in real life. There are many more than you would think. In addition to the most well known, a dog and a chimpanzee, there have also been frogs, a guinea pig, goldfish, and a gecko, amongst others.

Stellarphant is a story of being creative and innovative, and overcoming prejudice. It's also about dreaming big and never giving up.

Teaching notes can be downloaded from the publisher's website.

Title: Stellarphant
Author/Illustrator: James Foley
Publisher: Fremantle Press, $24.99
Publication Date: November 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760990732
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Books

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Giveaway: Creative Non Fiction Prize Combo! Alice’s Food A-Z, Britannica’s First Big Book of Why, Listified!

Guest Post: Kate McGann on Searching For Gold

Junior Review: Efren Divided

Review: Somebody's Land

For thousands and thousands of years, Aboriginal people lived in the land we now call Australia.

Somebody’s Land: Welcome to Our Country, is the first of a five-book series that intends to be a resource to draw on to educate children about the traditional owners of our land, the First Nations people, and their Indigenous culture.

Powerful and direct, the text is by the high profile Adam Goodes, Australian of the Year 2014, in collaboration with Ellie Laing.

The exceptional illustrations in glorious full-page colour by David Hardy, ensure the words come to life within his visual narrative. End pages are decorated in Australia’s native animals.

All three creators invite readers to walk with them through the past, the truth about the history of Australia, and the real owners of the land.

The art work displays the lives of the First Nations and their respect for, and relationship to, the Land. It returns to the beginning when the white people came and called the land Terra Nullius – nobody’s land. But it was somebody’s land.

These words are repeated on every double spread throughout the book, sharing one side with descriptions and images of how Aboriginal people sourced food, read tracks in the dirt, used plants for medicinal purposes, took only what they needed and shared everything.

They danced in memory of their ancestors, painted stories on cave walls, and decorated their face and bodies with meaningful strokes that spoke of their culture.

This is a book of hope for the building of bridges from the past to the present. It is children who will benefit from this construction; therefore, it is the role of adults, parents, teachers and carers to educate about Voice, Treaty and Truth.

Adam Goodes has put his heart and soul into this project. Together with his cousin Michael O’Loughlin, they founded the GO Foundation which supports and inspires the next generation of First Nations leaders.

Title: Somebody's Land
Author: Adam Goodes & Ellie Laing
Illustrator: David Hardy
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $24.99
Publication Date: 2 November 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760562726
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Jingle Belly

Add some fabulous (and hilarious) Christmas cheer to the end of your year with Jingle Belly by debut author Jacinta Froud and illustrator extraordinaire Gabriella Petruso.

It all starts with Eddie the wonder dog and his love for getting into mischief. Eddie loves chewing things, and he simply ADORES eating things. EVERY thing!

So, when the Christmas angel is just sitting there on top of the tree on Christmas Eve… I mean, how can you resist?

Eddie certainly can’t, so he gulps the decoration and bolts out the door. Shenanigans ensure as Eddie knocks into people, trips people over and gets tangled in all sorts of things along the way.

He pushed a family over, singing carols by a tree.

Then cocked his leg as nature called and did the longest pee!

Finally, Eddie’s adventure comes to an end when his own family catch up to him, but he’s still got that angel in his belly! How on earth will they get it out?

Jingle Belly is a perfect picture book for the upcoming festive season. Delivered in delicious rhyme, it's a wonderful read-aloud and sure to have the kids in giggles with its doggy calamity and a healthy dose of animal bathroom humour weaved throughout.

Petruso’s illustrations — which are funky, fun and filled with colour — are perfectly paired with this story. I adore the detailed characters that feature throughout, as well as their detailed (and comical) expressions as Eddie creates havoc through the neighbourhood.

If you’re looking for a Christmas read to share with the family, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Jingle Belly. It will bring Christmas cheer to everyone who opens the cover and have you smiling, laughing and reflecting on your own funny doggy stories.

Title: Jilly Belly
Author: Jacinta Froud
Illustrator: Gabriella Petruso
Publisher: Larrikin House, $19.99
Publication Date: November 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922503503
For ages: 3 - 8
Type:  Picture Book

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Winner: Plume: World Explorer

 

Our lucky winner is Joseph Spagnolo, NSW

Congratulations!

You have won a copy of the gorgeous picture book, Plume World Explorer, by KBR's Founder, Tania McCartney (published by Hardie Grant Explore).

Enjoy!

Thank you to ALL who entered and for taking us on some fantastic trips around the world (and your imaginations!).

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