12 Curly Questions with author Amy Dunjey

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you. 
Each birthday as a child, I would wish for a piglet as I blew out my candles. (I never got one).

2. What is your nickname?
Ames. My husband calls me Chingo, which is a play on my middle name and maiden name. In high school, I was briefly called Shaggy after a particularly bad hair cut.

3. What is your greatest fear?
Time moving too quickly! The years keep coming and they don’t stop coming…

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Whimsical, rhyming, sweet and takes me a really long time!

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Considered, lyrical, emotive, determined, inquisitive.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
I’d love to be a mix of Madeline and Pippi Longstocking. I love that they are both free-spirited, adventurous, with a rebellious streak. And redheads!

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Out of pure curiosity, I would travel 50-100 years into the future to see how we are faring as a planet. Hopefully, I would be pleasantly surprised.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
She would probably say that it’s pretty cool we finally started writing, but also super disappointing we didn’t pursue that dream of being a physiotherapist for the Fremantle Dockers.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
In life: My parents and husband, who are infinitely selfless and hardworking. For writing: My daughters provide endless inspiration with their quirky observations. The works of Julia Donaldson, Lynley Dodd and Davina Bell are my favourite writing influences.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I always dreamed of being an author, but never attempted writing stories until my daughters were born and I was inspired to write tales for them. I was drawn to write in rhyme and that is still my preference.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Whimsical. I love the way it sounds and how it conjures images of magic, forests, starlight and all things impossible.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Charlotte’s Web by EB White. I adore this book and feel that its themes are universal and timeless.

Amy Dunjey hails from Perth, Western Australia, where she lives with her husband and twin daughters. She loves writing in rhyme and her background in speech pathology has driven her passion for early literacy. Amy’s debut picture book is Dancing with Dragons, illustrated by Jesus Lopez and published by Larrikin House. For more information, see www.amydunjey.com.

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Winner: Pawsome Double Pack

Our lucky winner is...

Liz Dorrington, WA

Congratulations!

You have won this pawsome double prize pack of Paws and The Bravest Word by Kate Foster.

Thank you to ALL who entered.

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Guest Post: Q & A with Sneha Sabu

Child safety is a growing issue worldwide. Having conversations with children about their safety at a young age help children react in situations that compromise their safety.

Today we welcome, Sneha Sabu along to share some facts about her book Stay Safe with Ruby and Reuben and her journey.

1. When did you start writing for children?
I was 18 when I first started writing for a children’s magazine. As a sub-editor, I wrote more than 25 short stories for children. I read several books on child psychology at the time to understand how children thought and understood concepts.

2. What kind of books do you read?
I love reading comics, crime and thrillers.

 
3. What would you be doing if you were not a writer?
I am a strategist by profession. I work full time and write in my free time.

 
4. What else do you do in your free time?
I love adventure sports and travelling. It helps me rejuvenate.

 
5. What inspired you to write this book?
According to UNICEF, millions of children face child sexual abuse every year. My work for an NGO that focused on children changed my understanding and perspective of children and their needs. I felt I must do my part and write a book for children.

 

6. Tell us more about your book?
Stay Safe with Ruby and Reuben is an interactive child safety book written to create awareness among children on good and bad touches, how to be safe in school, how to be safe while going and coming back from school, safe sleepovers and secret codes. This book covers the above issues in an easy to read format for children. Profit from sales will be used to fund not for profit organisations working to protect children from child sexual abuse and print additional copies for children who cannot afford to buy the book.

7. How can we reach you?

Reach out and visit me via my website. Links to purchase my book from anywhere in the world can also be found there.

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Review: Rock Star Detectives

Australian comedian Adam Hills has delivered his debut children’s novel. This must-read story combines comedic flair with inclusive characters that celebrate our individuality. Illustrated by Luna Valentine, Rock Star Detectives won’t disappoint.

Twelve year old singing sensation Charley Parker is living the rock star dream. Along with her budding comedian, social media whizz and best friend George, the pair have achieved international stardom.

But it doesn’t always go to plan . . .

When a series of art thefts occur in the same cities that they are performing in, the pair quickly become the prime suspects. Charley and George soon find they are in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

Travelling through Amsterdam for a performance, they visit the Van Gogh Museum as they take in the sights. Arriving home in London they are surprised to learn about the theft of an expensive artwork. When the police arrive at their school, they soon learn that they are suspected of the crime. A key card from the hotel where they were staying, the Amsterdam Hilton was found at the crime scene and neither Charley nor George have an alibi for the morning after the concert.

The only way out of this mess is to solve the crime and prove their innocence. Together they compile a long list of suspects, but with all these possible suspects how will they find the real culprit?

Can the rock stars turned detectives find the real culprit or will they end up behind bars?

This delightful read has heart, laughter and will have you dancing in the aisles.


Title: Rock Star Detectives
Author: Adam Hills
Illustrator: Luna Valentine
Publisher: Puffin Books, $14.99
Publication Date: 1 February 2022
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780241505977
For Ages: 9-12
Type: Junior Fiction

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Review: The Secret of Sapling Green

Sapling Green has a secret, one she hides away in pockets. This sweet and whimsical story slowly reveals the secret of Sapling Green, a quiet girl who hides in the library and 'wishes for someone to play with'. 

Only at home does Sapling remove her hands from her pockets to reveal her verdant secret — green thumbs. Literally. Sapling's magical gift surrounds her with lush greenery and here she feels confident and free to be her true self.

In a juxtaposition of introvert and extrovert, we also meet Wynn, a boisterous and confident boy who loves 'climbing in the schoolyard tree' with a group of friends. 

When a storm hits, it is this tree that inspires Sapling to be brave and finally reveal her gift to her classmates. This is achieved through a delicate, dream-like sequence as Sapling whispers and reawakens the tree.

The Secret of Sapling Green is a quiet and gentle story about friendship, acceptance and the power of nature to bring people together. Sapling's green thumbs offer a beautiful metaphor for any condition that may make children feel different. The book provides opportunities for discussion about differences and inclusion, and serves as a reminder that we can only blossom when we accept ourselves and each other.

Penelope Pratley's debut as an author, The Secret of Sapling Green shines with simple but stunning text. Penelope's watercolour illustrations, with their soft lines and delicious hues, are the perfect complement. Together, they form an uplifting picture book that will linger in the minds of children and adults for a long time.

Title: The Secret of Sapling Green
Author/ Illustrator: Penelope Pratley
Publisher: EK Books, $24.99
Publication Date: February 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781925820980
For ages: 3 – 8
Type: Picture Book

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Meet The Illustrator: Natasha Hagarty

Name: Natasha Hagarty

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Lots of wobbly, loose lines and gentle, whimsical characters

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
A jug of water and more than one of every art tool and piece of stationary because I’m perpetually losing everything!

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
Most of my previous work is done in watercolour, but I am slowly venturing into a mix of watercolour, charcoal, ink, acrylic, collage and digital!

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
It changes on a daily basis! But today it’s Matt Ottley, Suzy Lee and Kim Minji 


Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
Oh anywhere from the Romanticists, Impressionists or Heidelberg School would be splendid. Their use of light, colour and design is just exquisite.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
I spent most of my childhood drawing stories, so nothing has really changed! I got a bit side tracked on the way due to a love for music and chocolate, but maternity leave helped to bring my focus back to illustration.

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 share a little art room with my husband, except I’ve taken over most of the space! There’s three tables so I can have multiple projects on the go and some kind of haphazard storage system. Artwork on the wall varies from our amazing Australian illustrators to paintings created by my family. Inspiration from all sources!

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
I love the brainstorming and sketching out ideas part! Sometimes you get stuck but after mulling it over for a while, that lightbulb moment is marvellous!

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Don’t underestimate the magic of community when on your illustration journey. Australian illustrators are the most generous, helpful, supportive group of people and I have learnt so much from them! Find your people!

 
Natasha is a Sydney based illustrator. Her fourth picture book, Wizelda, The Little Witch Who Chased A Rainbow (written by Maggie Gordon) is being released later this year. She has painted commissions for over 200 clients and is in the process of launching a new organisation, The Cardboard Box Illustrators, to help Australian illustrators connect, learn and grow (www.cardboardboxillustrators.com.au live from July 2022!)

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

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Junior Review: The Blood Traitor

Review: A Whole Lot of Lemonade Jones

A Whole Lot of Lemonade Jones by Davina Bell and Karen Blair, is a collection of three short stories about a mischievous six-year-old girl.

Lemonade Jones lives with her mum, dad, and baby brother Walter. She has a big personality, and you can expect the unexpected when Lemonade arrives on the scene.

The three stories are about everyday events, with somewhat unforeseen results.

The First Day Back is about Lemonade's first day at a new school for grade one. Lemonade is confronted with a new teacher, old and new classmates, and a bunch of new rules that she isn't sure she agrees with.

In The Zoo That Comes to You, Lemonade puts her own unique spin on her birthday party. Being dissatisfied with the lack of exotic animals brought to her house for the celebrations, Lemonade finds a way to dress up the family dog and cat, and disguise a parrot to appear more like a bat. And when the pirate rat gets loose, chaos ensues.

The final story, The Great School Fete, sees Lemonade nominate her mum as lead singer for the fete's Grade One Mum Band performance, then come to her rescue when she suffers stage fright. Lemonade also enjoys exploring the fete independently, until she gets sick from enjoying all the snacks and rides a bit too much.

With relatable characters and events, and plenty of humour, A Whole Lot of Lemonade Jones is a great book for newly independent readers.

The back of the book includes a recipe that is referenced in the final story of the collection. Making the Unicorn Poo (rainbow meringues) will likely appeal to children of a particular age, and is a fun added extra for readers.

Download the Teachers' Tips from the publisher's website.

Title:  A Whole Lot of Lemonade Jones
Author: Davina Bell
Illustrator: Karen Blair
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $ 14.99
Publication Date: 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN:  9781760526375
For ages: 5+
Type: Junior Fiction Younger

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Review: The Cult Of Romance

Review: Keeping Up With the Dachshunds

In a dog's world, which is not so different from a human's, there are things that a dog would really like to have.

Jet is such a dog. She wants to be just like the Dachshunds who are popular, and the trendsetters.

The Dachshunds have sparkly diamond collars, and stylish hair.

They also have fashionable shoes to wear, and squeaky rubber chickens to play with. Not to mention cool sunglasses and trendy cars.

Everything the Dachshunds have is cool and now and 'totally bow-wow!'

Jet does not have any of these things, and when she tries to keep up with the Dachshunds, she finds herself left behind.

Then Jet discovers that she doesn't really enjoy all the same things as the Dachshunds, and that she'd like a friend who likes her for herself and can share some of the same interests. 

In Keeping Up With the Dachshunds author Carla Fitzgerald and illustrator Rebel Challenger have created a bright and humorous story with a message. It shows us that we don't have to be trendy, that being an individual with your own sense of style and your own interests is just as important.

Adults beware: For children who are learning to tell jokes, Keeping Up With the Dachshunds also includes ten dog-themed jokes at the end.

Title: Keeping Up With the Dachshunds
Author: Carla Fitzgerald
Illustrator: Rebel Challenger
Publisher: Larrikin House, $ 24.99
Publication Date: April 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922503756
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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Giveaway: Pawsome Double Pack! - Paws and The Bravest Word

Review: Mr Price's Pet Emporium

Guest Post: Sonny and Sandy Swinhart on Collaborative Partnerships

Review: Bush Magic

Bush Magic is the story of a rainy day turned into a joyous creative adventure starring Jarrah and her grandpa.

When their weekly bush adventure appears to be a dismal washout, Grandpa and Jarrah craft their way into an imaginative journey instead. Sailing away in a huge leaf, they encounter giant jellyfish and discover stranded bush animals. What else will they find? Will they be able to help the animals? An enjoyable expedition prevails.

I adore the transition from life to imagination, and the characters' positive attitudes which lead into and through the adventure. A warming message about imagination and making the most of any situation shines through. 

The Illustrations are gorgeous with a mix of textures and colours that perfectly depict a joyful Australian bush environment. Pops of colour, emotion and dialect like ‘ziggety-zoo kangaroo’ kept my kids and I wanting more.

Bush Magic is perfect for groups or one-on-one reading, and would be a great inspiration to craft and other learning activities. 

Kylie Howarth is an award-winning author-illustrator based in Western Australia, some of her other books include Chip and the Fish-Kid series which begins with Fish Kid And The Ninja Lizard.

Title: Bush Magic
Author/Illustrator: Kylie Howarth
Publisher: Walker Books, $25.99
Publication Date: 3 May 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760650827
For ages: 4 – 8
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Kora Kerplunk’s Travelling Tongue

Kora Kerplunk is a wild child who loves being dirty and loves to play rough. But what she loves more than anything else is licking yucky stuff!!!!

Boogers and blackboards, windows and dirt,

Grey gum on the ground, and stains on her shirt.

But one day, sick of the disgusting things Kora licks, her tongue runs away, leaving Kora a farewell note. 

Kora tries to get her tongue to come back, but it’s having too much fun, travelling the world and tasting all the foodie delights. What will Kora do?

This is a fun and smile-triggering picture book for kids who love a little silliness with their picture books. It’s whacky and delightfully quirky, delivered in fun rhyme to drive the rhythm of the humour. I loved the places Kora’s tongue travels and the foods it tastes along the way. And kids will love this too, because it opens a door to talk about different cuisines from around the world and all our favourite yummy things to eat.

With funky and colourful illustrations to match the funky story, the book really does scream fun! Kora’s emotional journey is clear on her face as she experiences both the loss of her tongue and its return, and there’s a nice subtle message there about thinking of others and compromise, but it isn’t didactic in any way.

For a silly, funny, quirky read that will get your tastebuds tingling, check out Kora Kerplunk’s Travelling Tongue.

Title: Kora Kerplunk's Travelling Tongue
Author: Emily S. Smith
Illustrator: Peter Olczyk
Publisher: Larrikin House, $24.99
Publication Date: February 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922503206
For ages: 3 - 8
Type: Picture Books

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12 Curly Questions with author Rory H Mather

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I had my first birthday in Tonga because I spent large chunks of my childhood living and travelling on sailboats my Dad had built. Wait, is that two things?

2. What is your nickname?
My friends call me Rory the Great. Haha, jokes. I don’t really have a nickname, but when I was a rifleman in the Army Reserves it was Hammer, which is a shortened form of my surname and very ironic because I’m very mild mannered.

3. What is your greatest fear?
Geez, that’s a bit deep. I’ve been scared of lots of things such as the dark, whales (they are very big and I lived on a boat) and when I was 10 I was scared of growing a prominent Adam's apple. These days my biggest fear is probably not pushing myself to be the best I can be and regretting it later in life. Deep right?! Also words with two Rs in them… I have a lisp.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Funny, sporadic, quick, good, bad, rhyming, slow, silly, random, fun.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Fun, funny, quirky, quick, adventurous.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
I would definitely be a bear. Everyone loves them and hopefully there would be some honey in my book… honey is delicious.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Now you’re speaking my language. I have a history degree so this is something I often think about. To be honest, there are so many cool things in the past that I would love to see that I can’t narrow it down to a year… so instead I’m going to choose the year 2222 because I’m curious to see what the future holds and those 2s make it an interesting year already.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
I think 10-year-old me would ask whether I still love the movie Gladiator (it came out when I was 10). The answer is yes, it is still awesome.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
My parents and my wife. They have all had some pretty rough things thrown their way throughout life, but they have always kept going. From a writing perspective though I’d say Aaron Blabey because I started writing in 2015, which was the year after Pig the Pug came out and when he had loads of other picture books coming out. They were some of the first picture books I’d read since childhood and they were my exactly my sense of humour.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I’ve always written in some capacity – I was the king of roses are red poems for my Mum back in the day – but it was simply the art form of picture books themselves that turned me into an actual writer. In 2015 I got a job delivering kidlit programs in a public library – so I was reading loads of picture books – and I just fell in love with the format.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Synonym, because it sounds like cinnamon which I love. And also because I find synonyms useful when writing stories. It isn’t a great word for my lisp though.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Oh wow, I don’t think I’d like that at all. It’d have to be a really big book so that by the time I got to the end I’d forgotten the beginning. Or maybe a book of short stories so that there are lots of different things to read. When I was a kid, I had a Reader's Digest history book called When, Where, Why and How It Happened. I read that a lot so I am going go with that.

Rory Mather is the author of six absolutely hilarious picture books, and he has a heap more on the way. He is often seen staring into space or smirking because he has thought of something funny. He lives in Toowoomba with his wife, two dogs and soon his greatest creation yet… a baby. For more details, see www.roryhmather.com

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Winner: Astronaughties

Our lucky winner is...

Eloise Liddel, VIC

Congratulations! We loved your spacey interpretation of our question!

You have won a copy of this out of this world middle grade fiction, Astronaughties by Andrew Cranna.

Thank you to ALL who entered.

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Review: Flooded

Flooded is a special debut book that is the result of author and illustrator Mariajo Ilustrajo's Masters in Children's Book Illustration, and her winning the World Illustration Award in 2020.

It's the story of an ordinary city and its citizens who are depicted as animals.

The animals go about their lives, not noticing that something is happening. All except one who realises that the city is a little bit wet.

The many other animals don't take any notice of just one animal. They carry on as normal. 

The only sign they show of knowing something is going on, is a bit of gossip. Perhaps it being damp is the result of someone who left the tap on? Or maybe it's because of politicians?

Whatever the reason, the animals are surprised at some of the changes, but not enough to do anything about them. That's until, as the water continues to rise and flood the city, more of the animals realise something needs to be done. 

The water has become a much bigger problem, but is it too late to do something? And what should they do? Could they have worked together and found a solution earlier, before it became such a big problem?

Flooded is a reminder to address problems sooner rather than later. It has a clear environmental message, but themes of not procrastinating or ignoring issues, and working together, can apply to many other situations as well.

Modern, yet retro, and beautifully illustrated in black and white with swathes of blue. Flooded is about a timely and important subject, and highly recommended.

Title: Flooded
Author/Illustrator: Mariajo Ilustrajo
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's, $ 24.99
Publication Date: May 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780711276765
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Dancing with Dragons

Have you ever wandered through the trees and heard something strange? It’s probably just a rabbit or a bird, right? Maybe the wind?

But what if it wasn’t. What if it was dragons?

Well, this is exactly what happens to Rose!

While playing in the woods, she stumbles across two fearsome dragons with black eyes and terrible talons. But… 

It turns out these dragons aren’t scary. They just need to Rose to judge their dancing competition.

So the dancing begins…

First was the dragon with horns of bright red,
flaring his nostrils and bopping his head.

Grooving and shaking and tapping his toes,
then spinning around on the tip of his nose.

They are both very good. How could Rose possibly choose which is best? But then one more contender comes into the mix and changes everything.

Dancing with Dragons is a super joyful rhyming picture book for kids who love a splash of fantasy with their stories. I am OBSESSED with dragons, so this one really speaks to me, and I love how the story encourages movement and dance.

Delivered in funky rhyme, by author Amy Dunjey, the story flows from the tongue to the tips of your toes. Paired with stunning illustrations from Jesus Lopez, each turn of the page is colourful, bright and engaging. There are some gorgeous colours in this book, from golden pink morning hues to the purple-green forest palate and bright red dragon scales. It’s just really, really beautiful.

If you love a fun rhyming tales and you love dragons, you’re really going to love Dancing with Dragons by Amy Dunjey and Jesus Lopez.

Title: Dancing with Dragons
Author: Amy Dunjey
Illustrator: Jesus Lopez
Publisher: Larrikin House, $19.99
Publication Date: February 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922503299
For ages: 3 - 8
Type: Picture Book

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Review: The Voyage Of Whale And Calf

Meet The Illustrator: Tori-Jay Mordey

Name: Tori-Jay Mordey

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
People, connection, movement, emotions, and bursting with colour.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
Music is the most important part for me, it's what helps me to visualise what I want to draw in my head, to keep the creative juices flowing while also keeping me awake and motivated while working.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I love acrylic painting, but I also love drawing digitally. I always try to balance it out by working on digital illustrations for clients while also putting time aside to do acrylic painting for fun.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
James Jean, Shaun Tan, and most comic book artists

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
Probably Postmodernism, just because it was such a wild change for how we produced and looked at art, I would have loved to attend an art exhibition back then.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
For the majority of my childhood I really struggled with reading, so a lot of the books I'd borrow from the library were all picture books, I couldn't read the book but I could follow the story through the illustrations, and ever since then I've always wanted to become an illustrator.

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
This is a photo of me in my studio in Brisbane, I work right in the city not far from the Botanical Gardens, I share this studio space with street artists, fine art artists, and other creatives, every wall of our studio is painted with vibrant murals. I started painting the walls of my studio space but haven't quite finished it yet. Behind me you'll also see some of my acrylic paintings, some finished, some not. This studio is like a second home to me, it's my favourite place to come to create.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
The sketching and the finalised line art.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Don't be afraid to meet people from your creative community, get out there and attend social art events, get to know other creatives, put yourself out there, the more like-minded people you surround yourself with, the more you'll learn and grow from them. The people and friends I have met within the creative arts industry have helped shape me into the artist/illustrator that I am today, they inspire me every single day.

Tori-Jay Mordey is an Indigenous Australian illustrator whose work traverses multiple mediums, such as digital illustration, drawing, painting, printmaking, film and murals. Her Torres Strait Islander and English heritage is often reflected in her contemporary Indigenous art practice— producing work based around her family and siblings as a way of understanding herself, her appearance and racial identity. She is based in Brisbane, Australia.

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

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Guest Post: Jacinta Farragher - Jacinta's Joy!

Review: Pearly and Pig and the Great Hairy Beast

Pearly Woe is a bit of a worrier.

She worries about worse case scenarios. She worries that she isn’t smart enough or strong enough. She worries that she’ll never be accepted into The Adventurologists’ Guild, the secret adventure group her parents are part of.

But when her parents go missing, and she receives a secret message indicating they are in danger, Pearly has no choice but to spring into action, despite how much she is worrying about EVERYTHING.

Along with her best friend Pig, Pearly must outwit some seriously shady characters and solve several mysteries to find her parents.

Luckily, Pearly and Pig have a secret weapon. Pearly is fluent in several languages, including animal languages, so they can speak, plan and plot throughout their adventure.

But sometimes secret weapons can land you in hot water, and when Pearly’s secret is uncovered, she’s pulled further and further away from rescuing her parents and proving she has what it takes to be a true Adventurologist.

It’s quite the adventure for an Adventurologist-in-training!

This is a fantastic novel for junior readers who love adventure, mystery and secret-society-style stories. It’s packed full of twists and turns, and it’s action-packed from start to finish.

The characters are deep and layered, and I love the emotional journey readers get to take with Pearly. She has a lot of self-doubt along the way and sometimes wants to give up (don’t we all!), but she finds the courage within to take another step, even if she doesn’t know where that step will take her.

There’s a lot packed into this novel, including themes of animal welfare and the environment. But at its core, it’s a story about believing in yourself and finding the strength to keep trying when things aren’t going your way.

The first book in a brand-new series by award-winning author Sue Whiting, Pearly and Pig and the Great Hairy Beast is a must read for all readers who love going on adventures and solving a mystery.


Title: Pearly and Pig and the Great Hairy Beast
Author: Sue Whiting
Illustrator: Rebecca Crane
Publisher: Walker Books, $15.99
Publication Date: March 2022
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760653590
For ages: 7 - 13
Type: Junior Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction

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Guest Post: Janeen Brian on A Surprise Cover

Many of you are familiar with the illustrative works of Tracie Grimwood. Her colourful geometric, whimsical character portraits feature in picture books such as, Reena's Rainbow and Bo Loves Books. 

Tracie also illustrated the cover for one of our favourite authors, Janeen Brian ; the Notable Award winning mid-grade novel, Eloise and the Bucket of Stars, (Walker Books Australia) but that came about as a ‘surprise cover.’ 

When Janeen revealed the intriguing backstory of the cover image Tracie used on her latest novel, we were all ears ... and eyes! See for yourself.

"A book cover is a visual teaser. A good cover not only captivates and pulls the would-be-reader in, but also hints as to the tone and storyline without giving away the plot. So it must work hard. And, you’d think that the illustrator would need to know the bones of the story, before attempting the cover, right?

Well, maybe not.

When I first saw the cover of my latest novel with Walker Books Australia, Eloise and the Bucket of Stars, I was excited. It was perfect. It was beautiful. And it both captivated and hinted at what lay in the story. Imagine my surprise when I found out the cover had been created 5 years before it graced my story. So I asked the talented illustrator, Tracie Grimwood, how it came to be. It’s an intriguing story. 

So read on!"

To continue reading this post, please head to CBCA where this 'revelation'  first appeared. 

Excerpt used with author's permission.

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Review: Take A Breath

Bob the bird is still young and can't fly like all the other birds.

It seems like he's reminded at every turn that he's not like the others. 

Frustrated and anxious that he can't keep up with the other birds Bob tries to distract himself.

He also practices flying and tries various tactics to help (catapults, balloons, and a hat with a propeller), but it doesn't help.

He's worried he will never be able to fly and the more he worries, the more difficult it is.

Eventually, Bob blurts out his worries to Crow, who has experienced problems of his own, and has some advice. Crow's explains how mindful breathing can make all the difference.

It takes Bob time to learn how to really breath, but with Crow's help he turns things around and remembers to believe in himself.

Take A Breath is relatable for children and adults, and the illustrations of the bright red little bird by author and illustrator Suejean Rim demonstrate the power of simplicity.

Take A Breath is a sweet story that shows how being aware and patient can help us manage emotions and take steps forward, even when they can seem difficult. A wonderful book for young and old.

Title: Take A Breath
Author/Illustrator: Suejean Rim
Publisher: Allen & Unwin , $ 24.99
Publication Date: May 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761066597
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book

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Giveaway: The Astronaughties: Moon Mayhem

You may be asking yourself how three naughty kids, one pet octopug and their handsome robot minder accidentally got strapped inside a 400 megaton thermonuclear rocket on a one-way collision course to the moon?

It's 101 years in the future and the Moon has been transformed into the ultimate super-cool intergalactic amusement park. The Astronaughties, the children of some of the park’s designers, get a chance to visit the Lunar Park before it officially opens. 

But when they arrive, they discover their parents are missing. Now their mission is to find them, defeat the baddies and free a trapped alien. Hold on tight, this is going to be one wild rocket ride!

For the chance to win a copy of this out-of-this-world middle grade novel courtesy of Walker Books Australia, tell us in 25 words or less where would you go if you could travel to space, and what you would like to find there?

Email your answer along with your name and postal address to dimity. 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 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 16 May2022.

Competition runs from 5.00 am 7 May 2022 to 5 pm 14 May 2022. 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: It's a Wonderful World

Our world is incredible: inspiring, intricate and filled with wonder.

It’s a complex system that runs on autopilot, always moving and changing and healing. Our animals, plants and weather all have important roles and live by ever-changing cycles that support our planet and give us all life. It’s one big team, working together.

We humans haven’t always been (and still aren’t always) good team players when it comes to caring for our world.

But we can be.

We can do better, and reading this book will help kids, families, classrooms (and adults) to understand how the world works and what we can do to protect it.

It’s a comprehensive and detailed journey, covering everything from where we are in the universe to nature’s daily miracles. There are 32 chapters, which go through all the different kinds of plant life that support our world (plants, grasses, fungi, soil etc.), everything you need to know about life cycles (pollination, migration, evolution and extinction etc.) and a giant selection of our worlds fascinating creatures, divided by habitat (think rainforests, mountains, wetlands).

There is just so much information in this book!

The layout is awesomely engaging and spot on for kids, which makes this a book they will WANT to pick up. Large text, breakout boxes, and info delivered in short sections means kids can read bite-sized pieces of text, one at a time. And loads of colour, photographs and illustrations on every single page means there is always something to look at while you read, helping to cement concepts.

Non-fiction books delivered with such strong and well-planned layouts are perfect for kids (and adults, too, I might add!). With so much information to absorb, it really helps to be able to take it slow and read small sections at a time.

But this isn’t just a book of facts, either. It includes myth-busting information throughout (which I love), and tips and tricks to better support the environment, which makes it a very actionable book, instead of just providing information.

Back of the book favourites include a glossary and an index to help you find your way, but my kids and I loved opening the book at random and reading a page or two. The set up and layout of the book allows for this type of exploratory reading, and I think it works really well to engage kids and make this a book audiences will dip into time and time again.

Title: It's a Wonderful World
Author: Jess French
Illustrator: Aleesha Nandhra
Publisher: DK, $19.99
Publication Date: 1 March 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780241533543
For ages: 6+
Type: Non-Fiction

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Review: Poo, Spew And Other Gross Things Animas Do!

This book takes a deep dive into the world of not just poo, but also spew, snot and all the other gross things animals do to survive and thrive. Did you know that there are literally dozens of names for poo? That dogs snack on it and frogs live inside huge mounds of it? That some creatures sleep inside their own snot bubbles? That honey isn’t quite vomit even though it comes out of bee’s mouths? Or that sometimes, the silky white sand at the beach which you spread your towel out upon is actually the poo of the parrot fish?

Well, now you do. You’re welcome.

You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You might even throw up!

Do not, repeat not, read this book at mealtimes or if you’re even just a little peckish. You have been warned.

But seriously, this book is a very engaging and rather witty master class in poo. From being a poo detective, to the general world of poo including who-what-when-where-how and why, to meeting poo scientists and experts from all walks of life, this text covers all manner of content that is indeed gross, stinky and very, very interesting.

The book looks quite beautiful for something so disgusting. It’s very well credentialed and is laid out perfectly – almost magazine style – in bite-sized chunks with plenty of colour and a welcome variety of information. Interesting photographs and delightful artworks accompany the terrifying text to heighten the interest and embellish some of the more descriptive passages. Pun intended.

A valuable and very funny resource book complete with a Grossary of terms, it will definitely be a hit wherever it appears on a bookshelf. And don’t forget to test your poo IQ with the Most Disgusting Quiz online at CSIRO’s website.

Title: Poo, Spew And Other Gross Things Animals Do!
Author: Nic Gill, Romane Cristescu
Illustrator: Rachel Tribout
Publisher: CSIRO $29.99
Publication Date: April 2022
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781486314867
For ages: 8 - 12
Type: Junior Non-Fiction

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Cover Reveal: Milly and The Mulberry Tree

We are tickled mulberry-pink and purple to be the first to reveal this beautiful new picture book cover!

Congratulations to the creative duo of CBCA short-listed, Vikki Conley and prolific illustrator, Deb Hudson 

Milly and The Mulberry Tree, published by @EKbooksforkids is a delightful story about the magic of both home and other worlds. Full of vibrant, whimsical illustrations of silk-moths, caterpillars and spooky-mulberry stained dress ups, it explores our ties with nature and places in a way that will resonate with young readers.

Inspired by the 100-year-old mulberry tree that grows in the author's own childhood garden, this is a book full of heart and joy that will be a delight for educators and families to share, particularly for those with nostalgic memories of mulberry trees!

Available now for pre-order online through EK Books.

Due for release in June 2022

Discover more about Vikki with her 12 Curlies author interview or visit her website or Instagram. Connect with Deb via Instagram.

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Review: Spotlight Please, It's Stevie Louise

Stevie Louise is back in the second instalment in the Stevie Louise series. And this time her theatre troupe, Lunchbox Productions, is in danger.

Lunchbox Productions is the most fun the kids on Brooke Street have ever had, and they want to perform together forever. But costumes and sets cost money, and without some funding, there isn’t going to be anymore amazing plays from Lunchbox.

Until…. Stevie and her friends hear about a talent show happening at the local shopping centre. And first prize is one thousand dollars. 

With that kind of funding, they could continue performing for years!

But there are few problems. Firstly, the competition is fierce. Like seriously fierce. There are twerking grannies, singing goats and the most amazing dance group Stevie has ever seen. Secondly, they haven’t won the competition yet, so they don’t have any money for amazing costumes and sets. And lastly, Alex — superstar actor extraordinaire — has glued a unicorn horn to his forehead, and if he steps one toe out of line, his dad is going to ground him FOREVER!

Stevie and her friends are up against a mountain of opposition, but somehow they need to work as a team, rehearse their performance and win the talent quest. Can they do it?

This is a seriously fun junior fiction series for fans of fast-paced, funny reads. The humour and silliness is jam-packed into this book, making it a joyful (and addictive) read from start to finish.

The whole gang is hilarious, but Stevie an Alex in particular are larger than life characters with a lot to share and a lot to say. I love their independent thinking and courage to step up when its needed. And I love their ability to always be themselves. 

I just adore them (and the whole Lunchbox Productions Crew)!

Author Tanya Hennessy delivers a real winner with this series. These are books kids will really relate to, filled with characters they will want to befriend/be. With big text (with loads of emotion infused into the text layout) and funky pictures by Leigh Hedstrom peppered throughout, it’s an easy and engaging read for kids.

I do recommend grabbing a copy of book one in the series (Drumroll Please, It’s Stevie Louise), because it is that kind of series that builds with each book. But this is just a great excuse to buy more books!

Fun, funny and fast paced, Spotlight Please, It’s Stevie Louise is a junior fiction winner!

Title: Spotlight Please, It’s Stevie Louise
Author: Tanya Hennessy
Illustrator: Leigh Hedstrom
Publisher: Albert Street Books, $14.99
Publication Date: May 2022
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760526429
For ages: 7 - 11 
Type: Junior Fiction

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10 Quirky Questions with author Jacqueline Harvey

1. What's your hidden talent?
I play the piano (reasonably well – though not often in public), I can mimic just about any accent and I love to play golf.

2. Who is your favourite literary villain and why?
Dash Chalmers from Kensy and Max. He is pure evil but also a bit of an enigma.

3. You're hosting a literary dinner party, which five authors would you invite? (alive or dead)
Enid Blyton, Beverly Cleary, Roald Dahl, Harper Lee and Colin Thiele (I have questions for all of them).

4. Which literary invention do you wish was real?
The RUOK 5.0 from the Kensy and Max series – a high-tech portable diagnostic medical scanner which can be used to identify almost any health issue on the spot.

5. What are five words that describe your writing process?
Thoughtful, creative, dedicated, organised and speedy.

6. Which are the five words you would like to be remembered by as a writer?
Entertaining, creative, heartfelt, well researched and fun.

7. Picture your favourite writing space. What are five objects you would find there?
Keyboard, mouse and two screens (I’m considering that a package deal), Roald Dahl pencil case with requisite pens and pencils, notebooks, books, hand cream.

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!)
Was that you I saw Ronald, climbing out of Mrs Best’s kitchen window last night?
The book I used was Alice-Miranda in Egypt (#20 in the series)

9. If you could ask one author one question, what would the question be and who would you ask?
To Enid Blyton: ‘What compelled you to write over 700 books?’

10. Which would you rather do: 'Never write another story or never read another book'?
Neither, but if I was made to choose it would be never read another book. It would force me to use my imagination and come up with books I’d want to read!

Jacqueline Harvey worked in schools for many years but has had a passion for storytelling since she was a child. She is the author of the popular Alice-Miranda, Clementine Rose and Kensy and Max series, which have sold over one million copies in Australia alone. She is currently working on a new series, Willa and Woof, which will be released in July 2022. That Cat is the 49th book and the second picture book she’s written. For more information, see www.jacquelineharvey.com.au. You can also read more about Jacqueline and our reviews of just some of her books here.

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Winner: The Ghost Locker

Our lucky winner is...

Angie Johnson, QLD

Congratulations!

You have won a copy of this supernatural middle grade fiction, The Ghost Locker by Allison Rushby.

Thank you to ALL who entered. Again, we had a veritable treasure chest of excellent entries!

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Review: The Great Southern Reef

Have you heard of the Great Southern Reef? It stretches from the north of New South Wales to Western Australia and is home to sea creatures and more than 400 different types of seaweed.

The Great Southern Reef is also a picture book showcasing some of the plants and animals that live in the Reef. 

It's a story about Professor Seaweed and her two young friends, Frankie and Sam. They enjoy beach combing and the day after a storm they go on a walk to explore what has washed up on the beach.

On their walk, Frankie and Sam find some of the different animals and plants that make their home in the ocean.

Professor Seaweed tells the children about what they find, and explains the importance of their discoveries. Amongst the beachcombing treasures are cuttlefish and a turbo snail shell. In a rockpool there's a sea anenome, and further along the beach is lots of sea lettuce, kelp, and a seaweed called Neptune's Necklace.

The children also unfortunately find the beach strewn with rubbish. However they help clean it up, and in the process show their understanding of water pollution and the need to avoid it.

Professor Seaweed also tells Frankie and Sam about the Great Southern Reef and some of the interesting uses for seaweed. 

Frankie, Sam and Professor Seaweed's story is a great way to put the spotlight on a important part of our environment, and to make us aware of Australian marine life.

The Great Southern Reef is sure to inspire a beach combing walk, and encourage children to learn more about what they find next time they visit the beach.

Download Teachers' Notes from the publisher's website for curriculum linked information and activities.

Title: The Great Southern Reef
Author: Paul Venzo and Prue Francis
Illustrator: Cate James
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing, $ 24.99
Publication Date: May 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN:  9781486315314
For ages: 5+
Type: Picture Book

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