Review: Begin Again

It starts with a question: 

Where did we begin?  

Only 4 words. A simple question, right?

No, not really. 

It's not a simple question at all.

Oliver Jeffers explores fire first, and the early humans who controlled that fire and grew brains and started to do things with them.

But that wasn’t really the beginning.

Jeffers explores human hands next — the things they hammered and made before our brains got bigger.

But that wasn’t the beginning either.

It starts with a question, but then this amazing and unique picture book explodes into a journey of where we came from, what our purpose is, where we’re going and why we aren’t there yet.

In a kid-friendly way, Begin Again talks about how we live now, and how we draw invisible lines on the land to divide us, how we all seek connection (even if we don’t admit it), and how we're all running too fast towards things without any real reason to run there.

It reflects on the sometimes meanness of humans (even if we don’t mean to be mean), and it inspires readers to be kinder and better to both people and the planet — to walk instead of run, to remember the past but not dwell on it, and to build a future all humans can be proud of.

It’s a big book (with many more pages than your average picture book). A special project. A picture book like no other.

Jeffers reflects on it and the journey to its birth at the back, speaking of wanting to make sense of the thoughts in his head as he watched his children grow and the world got faster and faster.

I love it when he says, “over the last few years, I’ve started to wonder if my role in life is to ask the foolish questions loudly and fearlessly enough that we might clarify assumptions for the benefit of everyone."

I love this because the book is filled with the thoughts we think but are maybe to timid to say out loud, or challenge a crowd about, or admit we don’t know the answers to.

I do think this is a book for kids. Even if it is long and they may not understand everything between the covers. I think we need to start these conversations earlier rather than later. Our kids deserve that.

But it is also a book for adults — for everyone. It’s a book to remind us all of the world we’re living in and what it could be if we all (everyone together) paid attention to what we’ve become.

Jeffers’ illustrations are, as always, funky and engaging. He runs rather somber blue and purple hues through this one (which are fitting), but the pops of neon pink help brighten the way — maybe a metaphor for hope and change.

Begin Again is unlike most picture books, but it is truly splendid and a gift to the world.

Title: Begin Again
Author/Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Publisher: HarperCollins, $29.99
Publication Date: 1 November 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780008579593
For ages: 5+
Type: Picture Book, Picture Book for Older Readers

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Review: Caroline

Mark Wilson’s divine biographical picture book on Caroline Chisholm is not her life story alone, but also another superb work of art by this multi-talented creator. 

Meaningful, precise text draws the reader into the depicted era through dress styles, surroundings, architecture, and social norms.

Wilson’s brilliant full-page colour illustrations contend with his back ink ones. The images are like photographs – distinct; ablaze on the page. 

Beauty fills the reader’s vision and draws sighs of utter satisfaction. This includes the breathtaking end pages.

Descriptions of Caroline’s life of care and responsibility for others, specifically for migrant

women that filled the streets in Australia (as she too was an emigrant), are evidence of the selfless contributions to humanity that filled her life from early childhood.

A tireless fund-raiser for the poor, a ship was named in her honour, which was used, with several others, to transport migrant women and children to Australia from England.

When the gold rush began she ensured that families had proper living quarters and supplies. Never accepting charity for herself, even after she became gravely ill, Caroline died in poverty but left a legacy of love, sacrifice and kindness that will never be forgotten.

 This biography belongs on every bookcase in homes and libraries. With a double-spread timeline at the end, it is the ideal basis for Australian history lessons and the perfect salutation to a woman who left an indelible mark on every person she encountered.

Title: Caroline
Author/Illustrator: Mark Wilson
Publisher: Windy Hollow Books, $ 27.99
Publication Date: 1 August 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922081018
For ages: 8+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Ayla's Christmas Wish

Ayla has a Christmas checklist and everything is being ticked off. The trees are sparkling, the stockings are hung, the gingerbread house is ready and Santa has come to town.

But something is missing from the list. Something important. A snowy, chilly friend with a carrot for a nose and hat on top.

Ayla’s family try to help, pointing out snowman decorations and cookies and characters in a book. Ayla isn’t satisfied with any of the suggestions, but, really, it’s just too hot for a snowman in the Australian outback.

Christmas creeps closer, and Ayla's hopes of having a real snowman start to fade, but she still secretly wishes a miracle will happen. 

Is there any way a snowman can be ticked off Ayla’s Christmas list? Can her Christmas wish come true?

Ayla’s Christmas Wish is a joyful and very Australian Christmas picture book. It pulls together the common traditions for a hot Christmas, like Santa visiting in a fire truck and decorating native trees with Christmas lights.

At the back of the book there are photos and images from the National Library of Australia’s archives. They share Australian families through history and the traditions that have evolved when Christmas is warm, rather than cold and snowy.

The illustrations are fun, soft and beautiful, with loads of little details injected into the pages. There's loads to explore and lots to connect with. Loads of traditions you'll recognise as being very Australian. 

This is a beautiful picture book from debut author Pamela Jones and illustrator extraordinaire Lucia Masciullo. It highlights a different kind of Christmas, but one that kids across Australia will relate to and cheer for. This is my new favourite Christmas picture book! Highly recommended for Christmas fans everywhere. 

Title: Ayla's Christmas Wish
Author: Pamela Jones 
Illustrator: Lucia Masciullo
Publisher: National library of Australia, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 November 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922507617
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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Winners: Plume: Christmas Elf

Our lucky winners are ...

• Christina De Blam, NSW
• Louise Brooks, QLD
• Emily Williams, NSW

Congratulations!

You have each won a copy of the very merry, Plume: Christmas Elf by our very own, Tania McCartney.

Thank you to ALL who entered. Your answers filled our Christmas cups with cheer and incredible warmth. Merry Christmas! 

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Review: Wildlife of Australia's Great Barrier Reef

'The greatest living structure in the world!'

Wildlife of Australia's Great Barrier Reef is another beautiful book from Myke Mollard.

Packed with gorgeous illustrations and useful information, Wildlife of Australia's Great Barrier Reef is a window into a stunning underwater world. 

The inside end paper gives context for the reef, and a map of the Queensland coastline and adjacent islands identifying the diffferent parts of the reef (southern, central, northern, and far north). 

From there, the book explores the many aspects of the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef in the world at more than 2,300 km long.

Learn about how the reef came into existence, and about some of the different types of coral, birds, fish, and other marine creatures. There's also important information about threats to the reef, which include global warming, pollution, fishing, tourism, shipping, and disease.

If you've ever been fortunate enough to see the reef in person or on television, you'll understand how incredible it is. Only 300 species are captured in Wildlife of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. That's only about 3% of what can be found on the reef.

Special features in the book include sharks, stingrays and manta rays, jellyfish, eels, sea snakes, octopus, and dolphins. Other starring marine life include nudibranches (the reef has around 1,000 different species), crustaceans (about 1,300 species), molluscs (more than 3,000 species live on the reef), and turtles (six of the world's seven sea tutle species live on the reef).

Enormous colourful, cross-section style illustrations make looking at the book like viewing an aquarium, or diving beneath the sea yourself. Miniatures of many of the illustrations are on the closing end paper, labelled with the names of the creatures depicted.

An excellent gift for readers of any age who love the sea or are environmentally conscious. Add this book to your bookshelf as a reminder of the precious natural world on our doorstep. 

Wildlife of Australia's Great Barrier Reef is a visual treat.

Title: Wildlife of Australia's Great Barrier Reef
Author/Illustrator: Myke Molland
Publisher: Woodslane Press, $ 29.99
Publication Date: November 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922800367
For ages: 5+
Type: Junior Non-Fiction

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Meet The Illustrator: Lisa Wee

Name: Lisa Wee

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
I am an illustrator that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
My creative process is intricately tied to one essential item - my Ipad Pro with ProCreate. 

This remarkable tool empowers me to carry my work with me across the globe. I vividly recall a moment during my travels to Bangkok when an unexpected assignment surfaced. Thanks to my Ipad Pro, I could seamlessly create while on the move, infusing my work with the new sensory experiences of my surroundings. It's a bridge that connects my art to the world, providing a unique perspective that I'd miss if confined to my home studio.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
My favourite medium has to be colour pencils, and ProCreate has enabled me to replicate their magic flawlessly. I've collected a plethora of colour pencil brushes that mimic the natural texture of paper, allowing me to achieve a lifelike, hand-drawn effect on my digital canvas. It's like having a vast collection of real colour pencils at my disposal, making my artistic journey in the digital realm incredibly authentic and enjoyable.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Oliver Jeffers' fusion of traditional painting and childlike character development is truly a masterpiece because it combines the timeless beauty of traditional art techniques with the relatable and endearing qualities of childlike characters. This fusion creates a unique visual language that can connect with people of all ages and evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder. His characters often convey a sense of innocence and curiosity, which can be deeply inspiring for my work.

 
Jon Klassen's simplicity in character design is a testament to the power of minimalism in storytelling. The stillness of his characters allows their emotions and intentions to shine through, primarily through their expressive eyes. This subtlety is an art in itself, and it demonstrates how even the most minimal elements can convey rich layers of meaning and depth.

Rebecca Green's highly textured and unusual character poses bring a dynamic quality to her work. This dynamism adds a level of intrigue and excitement to her characters, making them stand out and capture attention. Her ability to craft characters that feel unique and vibrant can be a valuable source of inspiration for infusing her work with a sense of originality.

Each of these artists brings a distinct approach to character development and storytelling, and by drawing inspiration from their work, I can enhance my own artistic endeavours and create characters that are both relatable and visually captivating.

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
1800s where profession illustrators fully takes hold. English and French caricaturists independently earned a living as full-time illustrators with sales of etched or engraved prints through small, gallery-like print shops and city street book stalls. This made illustration accessible and affordable. Books by Charles Dickens and other popular writers were illustrated throughout.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
My grandparents were always fearful about my pursuit of a career as an artist. It may have stemmed from concerns about my financial stability, which is a common worry in creative professions. However, their decision to provide me with art classes from a young age showed their underlying support for my passion. They realized the importance of nurturing my talent and creativity. When I achieved my first assignment as a picture book illustrator, it was a significant milestone, and I bought an expensive cup of coffee as a way for me to commemorate their support and acknowledge the love they've shown me throughout the years. That moment likely reinforced the idea that dedication to art was worthwhile and rewarding.

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
My work space is mostly at my hiking trail. Hiking functions as a means of meditation and mental solace for me. When I'm on the hiking trail, I leave behind all distractions and fully immerse myself in the tranquillity of the natural surroundings.

 
Consequently, I become more observant of the intricate details in the forest and engage in studying the patterns and colours present in the environment. Being an artist, I can't resist envisioning my illustrations in my mind as I trek, and I make an effort to recreate those mental images unto my IPad Pro.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
I love the process of creating dynamic storyboarding. It is a way to engage children by uniting the story with an emotion. In a story, the best way to weave a lot of information into the telling yet able arouse our children’s emotions and energy is setting of dynamic poses or layout.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
To my aspiring illustrator friends, it's essential not to be fearful of expanding your illustrative processes. Here's why:

 
Continuous Growth: Pushing the boundaries of your illustration techniques and style is essential for personal and professional growth. Embrace experimentation and new challenges to keep evolving as an artist.

 
Learning from Others: Observing and learning from other artists should be a source of inspiration, not jealousy. Every artist has a unique journey, and you can gain valuable insights from their experiences and techniques.

 
Diverse Inspiration: By learning from others, you expose yourself to a diverse range of artistic styles and ideas. This can enrich your own creative process and help you develop a unique voice.
Fueling Inspiration: When you see the work of others that inspires you, it can serve as a powerful motivator to improve your skills. It's a reminder that there's always room for growth and development in your art.

 
Artistic Community: Building a supportive artistic community can be incredibly beneficial. Sharing your work and learning from others fosters a sense of belonging and helps you feel that your work is part of a broader artistic conversation.

 
Evolving Art: Your art is a reflection of your journey as an illustrator. Embracing change and growth in your work ensures that your creations remain fresh and relevant. It's a sign that your art is alive and evolving.

 
So, don't let fear hold you back. Embrace the opportunity to expand your illustrative processes, learn from others, and keep pushing your understanding of what makes a great illustration. In doing so, you'll keep your work vibrant and continually progressing.



Lisa Wee is an illustrator who specializes in diversity and inclusion, she is committed to creating illustrations that reflect and celebrate the diversity of our society. Lisa understands the importance of representation and strives to create images that are inclusive, respectful, and affirming. She has had the privilege of working with Celebrity Top Chef Kristen Kish, MITKids_an imprint of Candlewick, Babybug, Ladybug magazine, Storymix_UK, Mighty Kind Magazine, Tool of the mind, etc.

Lisa is represented by Hilary Hartwell of KT literary and open for commission.


For more information, please visit Lisa;s website or follow her on instagram.

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Review: Solomon Macaroni and the Vampire Vacation

Solomon Macaroni and his mischievous cousins are off to Paris in book 2 of this great middle grade series.

And even though Uncle Dracula planned the whole trip and so many fun activities across the city, he seems distracted and a little bit sad.

Solomon and his Cousins decide to cheer him up by gifting him a very special piece of art – the Mona Lisa. But stealing art has consequences, and stealing this particular piece of art has DIRE ones, not just for Solomon and his cousins, but for Uncle Dracula, the people of Paris and also the entire world.

Because stealing the painting leads to magic returning to Paris, which means vampire powers return along with vampire tastes. Witches, werewolves, skeletons — they’re all back. And now they’re all making mischief and plotting no-good things across the city.

It’s up to Solomon and his favourite cousin Lucy to make things right (because his other naughty cousins are having too much fun). But to do it, they’re going to need to unlock clues to solve an old mystery, all whilst keeping Uncle Dracula from drinking human blood.

Vampire Vacation is a fast-paced action-packed ride with loads of twists and turns and mysteries to solve. It packs in real history sliced with fantasy fuelled make believe, bringing fun and hilarious chaos to the story.

The concept of this series is such a fun one — vampires and other beastly creatures are real, but without magic in the world anymore they don’t have their powers and are basically like you and me. It’s a fun new way to explore fantasy creatures in storytelling and sets up so much fun and calamity for these books.

If you’re a middle grade fan and you love fun, funny, and action-packed fantasy adventures, Solomon Macaroni is for you.

Title: Solomon Macaroni and the Vampire Vacation 
Author: Ashleigh Barton
Publisher: UQP, $16.99
Publication Date: 3 October 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780702266300
For ages: 8 - 13
Type: Middle Grade Fiction

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12 Curly Questions with author Anna Ciddor

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I just got an email a couple of days ago from a lady who used to write me fan letters over 20 years ago. She told me that my books, and my replies to her emails, inspired her own writing journey, and she has just won an award and is having her first book published. What an absolute thrill to know I have helped to nurture another writer into being!

2. What is your nickname?
Strangely, I have never had a nickname, but my grandchildren call me ‘Nana’.

3. What is your greatest fear?
Writing is not just my career; it is my joy, obsession and escape, so my greatest fear is that something will happen to me when I get older that will stop me being able to write.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Bringing the past to life, heart-warming, humourous, exciting, relatable

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Ebullient, persistent, obsessive, planner, empathetic

6. What book character would you be, and why?
What an impossible question! Well, I still feel about 11 years old inside so I think I would be a child. Maybe Milly-Molly-Mandy. She has such an enthusiasm for life and a terrific imagination – and a big, loving family.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
There is no simple answer to this! For my books, I have researched and written about many historical periods; I’ve even written time-slip, so I know that ‘time travel’ is not as simple as it sounds. Would I be an invisible observer or would I participate? Would I be a slave or someone wealthy or important? I’d be thrilled to see almost any historical period – except for witnessing a horrible event like a war – but I’m not sure I’d actually like to spend much time being part of any other time, except in my imagination.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
When I was a child I adored reading, writing and drawing, went to the library every week, and had a treasured collection of books that I loved so much I read them over and over. BUT I never had the opportunity to meet an author or illustrator like so many lucky children do today. It never entered my mind that one day I could create a real book myself. It was not even a dream. So I would say: ‘I can’t believe you are actually a writer and illustrator and creating books that other children love!’

9. Who is your greatest influence?
I was such an avid reader as a child that even then I appreciated interesting and poetic writing styles, and that influenced my own writing from a very young age. I think I am still most influenced by the authors I loved as a child. Many of them are not fashionable anymore, but they are still fabulous writers: Rumer Godden, Joyce Lankester Brisley, Noel Streatfeild, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Gerald Durrell and, more recently, Terry Pratchett. I have always admired writers who can create a believable world, strong characters, uplifting stories that pull at my heartstrings, and happy endings, so I try to create the same sort of books myself.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I have written for as far back as I remember because stories have always sprung into my head and demanded to be written. The first people to hear my stories were my two younger sisters and my parents.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
I have two favourite words – and I’ve never used either of them in a book. I love them because the sound of them expresses the things they are describing and also make me giggle. The first is ‘discombobulation’ – which means the state of being totally confused. The second is a French word ‘trottoir’ – which means footpath.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Another impossible question! I think it would have to be a book that I have already read over and over because I love it. There are lots of those but I think I would choose either Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster or its sequel Dear Enemy. They both touch my heart every time I read them, and feel fresh and modern even though they were written over 100 years ago. The first is the story of an orphan girl whose life is changed forever by the kindness of a stranger and the second tells what happens when she grows up and takes over the orphanage. The stories are revealed in entertaining and touching letters that really bring the characters to life. 

Anna Ciddor has been fascinated by the past for as long as she can remember. It would be her dream come true to step through time! Instead, she immerses herself in research and digs out the tiniest details so she can bring the past to life in her imagination – and in her books. Anna is based in Melbourne, Australia, but her research quests have led her across the world. She has hunted for druids in Ireland, Vikings in Norway, and her grandmother's childhood in Poland. Anna's work has won her many accolades, including the Nance Donkin Award for Children's Literature, a grant from the Australia Council, Notable Book awards from the Children's Book Council of Australia, and shortlistings for numerous other awards. Some of her best-loved books include Runestone, The Family with Two Front Doors, and The Boy Who Stepped through Time. To find out more, visit annaciddor.com.

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Review: A Footy Tail

A wonderful and timely rhyming story about working together and embracing difference, to move forward.

The fluffle of bunnies who play together as a footy team are dispirited, because all their adversaries are bigger, faster and stronger than they are. 

So, wily old Crow suggests a solution – he will go and find some other creatures to boost their side, and help the bunny team to play even better.

At first, the bunnies are hesitant to embrace this idea. What if it’s no fun? What if it feels too different? But eventually, they agree and so Crow brings back all manner of weird and wonderful Australian critters to fill up the football team.

It’s always heartening to read of young people or creatures working together for the common good, and this book is no exception. Penned by beloved NRL star Alex Johnston, and illustrated by celebrated First Nations artist Gregg Dreise in spectacularly unique, Aussie style, the book looks and feels clever and fresh.

The sun, for instance, is a glorious yellow ball in the sky with smatterings of other colours in its body, and surrounded in tiny yellow dots to depict the conventional sun rays. Landscapes and rivers are embellished with beautiful patterning that is typical in First Nations art, and the animals are all distinctly marked in this way too – it’s utterly captivating.

A Footy Tail is a fun read, a visual feast and an important, wholesome reminder that life’s better when we work together.

Title: A Footy Tail
Author: Alex Johnston
Illustrator: Gregg Dreise
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $19.99
Publication Date: 3 October 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761180316
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Leeva at Last

Leeva Spayce Thornblossom is a bit of a homebody. She spends her days completing her chores, doing her daily exercises, watching The Winds of Our Tides and trying to find ways to use the "improve your vocabulary word" from the Nutsmore Weekly.

But none of this is really by choice.

Leeva yearns for school. She wants to learn and be with kids. She has questions that need answering.

So when her selfish parents (the mayor and treasurer of Nutsmore) refuse to answer them, she sets off on an adventure to find her own answers.

Along the way she meets lots of interesting people — like the librarian and the librarian’s nephew who live next door. And an orphaned badger. And a risk-adverse boy who likes to wear hazmat suits. She also discovers her no-good parents have been up to some serious no-good activities, and almost everyone in town is affected.

But despite the hard knocks she’s been given, Leeva’s heart is pure. She isn’t the kind of kid to let wrong-doings stay wrong for long.

Leeva at Last is a joyful and addictive middle grade read. It’s got mystery and intrigue and so much heart — heart that pulls you through the chapters as Leeva experiences the world outside her house for the first time.

It’s got big questions to ponder and many “what would you do” situations to test yourself on. But through all this, humour stands out on the pages. The story is fun and entertaining.

Leeva is a fabulous protagonist. The kid you want to be, with her boldness and refusal to let fear stand in her way. But under the mask she wears, she also has many insecurities, making her very relatable. She’s the underdog you’ll follow to the end.

A little bit Matilda by Roald Dahl and a little bit Costa Banana by Jozua Douglas, Leeva at Last is for kids who love to see the downtrodden rise up against the odds and fight for what is right.

Title: Leeva at Last
Author: Sara Pennypacker
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Publisher: HarperCollins, $16.99
Publication Date: 3 May 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780008606190
For ages:  8 - 13
Type: Middle Grade Fiction

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Junior Review: The A to Z of Who I Could Be

An inspiring book about Australian female athletes who have achieved greatness.

The A to Z of Who I Could Be tells readers about great athletes and how they went at the Olympics and in sports competitions. 

From Ash Barty, Caitlin Foord and Georgia Godwin to Tamika Upton and Zali Steggall, it’s got 26 great Australian females who kick butts at 26 different sports.

It was inspiring to read about these female Australians and learn facts about them. Did you know Caitlin Foord became the youngest Matilda at a world cup at just 16 years old? Did you know Taliqua Clancy became the first Indigenous Australian volleyball player to represent Australia at the Olympics?

The illustrations in this book are colourful, detailed and fun. I liked the alphabet tracking system at the bottom of the pages, and the book has got a great timeline that shows dates of when big moments happened in the athletes’ lives.

Kids who like sports will like this book, particularly girls who like to read about inspirational women.

Title: The A to Z of Who I Could Be
Author: Chloe Dalton 
Illustrator: Kim Siew
Publisher: Allen and Unwin, $22.99
Publication Date: 3 October 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761180422
For ages: 7 - 12
Type: Junior Non-Fiction

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Winners: Eddie Woo's Wonderful World of STEM

Our lucky winners are ...

Alison Stegert, QLD

Norah Colvin, QLD

Jody Smith, NSW

Congratulations!

You have each won a copy of the Eddie Woo's Wonderful World of STEM by award winning maths teacher and YouTube sensation, Eddie Woo and illustrator, Alissa Dinallo. 

This comp certainly brought out the science-lovers in you. In the interests of accuracy, we fact checked entries and can safely say, we've learnt a lot!

Thank you to ALL who entered. 

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Review: A Swirl Of Sadie

With her blue-chalked hair, light-up sneakers and a twirling skirt, please welcome back seven-year-old baker, Sadie Le, in her latest adventure, A Swirl of Sadie. 

Including three stories in one book, A Swirl of Sadie follows Sadie, a determined yet kind character, who shows her love for friends, family and community through baking. 

In this latest book, Sadie creates a treat for her school movie night, puppy treats for a puppy play date and desserts for a family celebration. 

But of course, everything doesn’t always go to plan and Sadie must use creative problem-solving to make sure something scrumptious is dished up. A Swirl of Sadie is the third book in the series joining A Sprinkle of Sadie and A Spoonful of Sadie.

Lana Spasevski is a wonderful author who has written books such as Max’s Dinosaur Feet and Upside Down Friday. In A Swirl of Sadie she has an especially engaging style of writing for 6-9 year-olds. Spasevski’s ability to paint a picture with words, use of vivid language and expressive sounds, allows readers to jump right in with Sadie and imagine themselves swirling up mixtures, amongst wafts of baking biscuits. Further, Spasevski’s inclusion of characters with Asian-Australian heritage, helps to celebrate Australia’s wonderful cultural diversity.

Joanie Stone’s illustrations are inviting and engaging. Her black and white artwork pops thanks to her use of pattern and ability to capture emotion. Sadie’s range of emotions and her enthusiastic nature shine through the illustrations. Stone’s illustrations support the storyline helping readers to grasp the meaning of the words.

A Swirl of Sadie will suit those students looking for their own books to read, after mastering school readers. For these newly independent readers, it can be tricky to bridge this gap, but A Swirl of Sadie fills this role sweetly, with a happy medium of words and pictures. The typeset helps engagement and helps readers to chunk the information into manageable bites. This series is already a hit with my Year 1/2 students, in fact, one of my year two students dressed up as Sadie for Book Week, cakes and all!

If there’s one thing I love as much as books, it’s baking. A Swirl of Sadie combines both these loves. I had many mouthwatering moments when Sadie described the treats she had created. For instance, Sadie tears apart a rose-pink muffin. The soft pink centre PUFFS out like a strawberry cloud. Yum, I want one please! Luckily I can have one because the recipes have been included in the book, which help keep the conversation going after the stories are finished.

Now excuse me, I’m off to bake!

Title: A Swirl Of Sadie
Author: Lana Spasevski
Illustrator: Joanie Stone
Publisher: Affirm Press, $14.99
Publication Date: 28 March 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781922848598
For ages: 6 - 9
Type: Junior Fiction

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Meet The Illustrator: Cat MacInnes

Name: Cat MacInnes

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Bright, quirky, whimsical, warm, strong and friendly.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
My sketch book, pencils, iPad and iMac. Indoor plants and windows are relaxing to have around. 

Another important element is Fizzy the Jack Russell, who loves a cuddle and forces me to take a break and get outside every now and then to throw her a tennis ball! 

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I love my iPad and Procreate, it’s really given me so much more freedom and possibilities with my digital work. Almost all of my client work is digital, but if I have a bit of spare time (which is usually don’t!) I do love acrylic paint and oils. I studied in Seoul, South Korea for 6 months back in 2002 as part of my Swinburne uni degree, and we did weekly portraits in oil on big sheets of card. It taught me so much and I fell in love with the medium.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Isabella Di Sclafani, Elin Matilda Andersson and Abel Macias.
(…because I only used 7 words to describe my style in the first question, can I use the extra 3 to say: Richard Scarry too?)

  
Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
I think I’d visit Mexico in the 1930s. I have loved Frida Kahlo’s work since I was a little kid. Growing up in a creative household, there were always heaps of art books everywhere. Frida’s work always fascinated me - the pain and strength in her paintings really grabbed me (I also was pretty taken with the pet monkey, deer and birds that sometimes featured!) I really love Diego Riviera’s murals too, and it would have been a really amazing place and time to be around.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
I have loved drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. I originally studied graphic design because I thought it might have more career opportunities than fine art. But design never really came naturally to me and during the course I realised I only really wanted to draw and paint. My time at Hong-ik University in South Korea really solidified that for me, too.

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 love my big windows to let in some natural light. The aforementioned Fizzy is also pictured! Picture books on my desk as inspiration, and I just love looking though them when I need to take a break from the screen. I have two sculptures on my desk which were given to me by my Dad: the wooden one he sculpted, and the other is a butterfly made of two nail brushes. Apparently when I was about 2, I stuck the brushes together and said “butterfly”. Dad always kept them stuck together like that in his art studio. He recently attached the brushes to a plinth and gave it to me, in his final years. Mum and Dad always encouraged me and the butterfly is a beautiful reminder.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?

I get a bit of a thrill during the initial brainstorming and sketching stage. I feel like a bit of magic happens there. But I equally love it when I get to the stage of adding colour and finessing the illustrations. It’s very exciting and fulfilling bringing them to life.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
If you love it, keep at it, and keep practising. The times when work is quiet, I draw faces I love, or my pets, or scenes I’ve seen on holiday... Actually, about 15 years ago I did a drawing of Yoko Ono just for fun. And just last year, a music writer saw the portrait online and asked me if she could use it on the cover of her new book about Yoko. And to my delight, Yoko loves it. So you never know what might happen with illustrations you do ‘just for fun’!

 

Cat is a freelance illustrator based in the Dandenong ranges. With an artist father and ceramicist mother, Cat was always arty. She studied graphic design and fine art in Melbourne and South Korea. Her diverse range of clients runs across books, advertising, stationery, murals and portraits.
Her works are gentle, bright and whimsical. When Cat is not working, she likes hanging out with her family, thrifting, sticking googly eyes on things, and squeezing her dog, Fizzy.


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

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Review: Smarty Pup: To the Rescue

Smarty Pup: To the Rescue is book three in the series by Anh Do, starring a friendly canine companion with special powers.

This time around, JJ the Smarty Pup and his friends are learning about different occupations. The school hosts special guests to talk about their jobs as photographers and pilots and other things. 

In a neat crossover with Anh Do’s Weirdo series, the guests include Weir Do and his dad who is a firefighter. Mr Do has brought a real firetruck for the kids to see.

Lily, JJ and their friends get to try out some of the protective clothing (helmet, goggles, jacket and so one), and equipment like the fire hose. When aiming the hose goes a bit haywire, water goes everywhere! There are also fire drills, with the kids practising how to ‘get down low and GO, GO, GO!’

JJ has his own turn and like most other things is generally pretty good at being a fire dog. Later JJ and Lily discuss all the exciting jobs they might like to have. With their imaginations buzzing, they set about experimenting, causing some chaos along the way.

Then, in the midst of the school science fair, news arrives of a fire in the city and a dog family who are trapped. JJ’s science project turns out to be of particular use. It’s JJ to the rescue!

Science, surprises, and relatable adventures are at the heart of the Smarty Pup series. As with the other books there is a great book design and illustrations. As a special bonus, the cover has a special holographic illustration and stickers at the back of the book. 

Smarty Pup: To the Rescue is a great book for new and emerging readers, and adds a touch of 'magic' to everyday events.

Title: Smarty Pup: To the Rescue
Author: Anh Do
Illustrator: Anton Emdin
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $ 15.99
Publication Date: October 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761068959
For ages: 6+
Type:  Junior Fiction

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Review: The Book for Marvellous Minds

A joyful book made for kids to keep and treasure, The Book for Marvellous Minds is a goldmine of fun between two gorgeously illustrated covers.

It’s a follow up book to The Book for Happy Hearts and brings together two of Australia’s greatest children’s literature creators — Maggie Hutchings and Jess Racklyeft. 

Packed full of stories, poems and activities for kids, it’s a superb collection of things to inspire, entertain and challenge busy minds.

With idea sparks for creating your own comfort creature or fairy garden, mindfulness stretches and activities, making an indoor tent, and creating bookmark gifts, it will provide hours of things for kids to do and make. 

But those are just the activities. Between these are pages and pages of glorious short stories and poems to keep kids reading and entertained.

I love that there’s no contents for this book. It invites readers to jump in, flick through the pages and find a treasure. But there are three different sections (morning, noon and night), which help theme up the content and lead kids to particular activities depending on their mood, and they’re easy to find using the different coloured page borders.

There’s also a lovely bright neon ribbon attached to the book, so you can mark a page if you need to remember where it is.

Racklyeft’s illustrations are, as always, completely stunning. Funky, colourful, inviting and so so ‘kid’. They come alive on every page in a gorgeous pastel-y colour palate.

The Book for Marvelous Minds is the perfect best friend for creative kids. It would make a wonderful gift this Christmas for all the busy minds in your life.

Title: The Book for Marvellous Minds
Author: Maggie Hutchings
Illustrator: Jess Racklyeft
Publisher: Affirm, $35.00
Publication Date: 26 September 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922806796
For ages: 6+
Type: Junior Fiction, Activity Book

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Review: Copycat

Skye and her cat Admiral Mittens, live in Seagulls Nest with her young-at-heart and very active grandmother, Sheila, the town’s head Librarian.

But it is chickens that are the most popular things in the area. 

So are egg sandwiches, a priority at every meal, and in every café, the town having been founded by an egg farmer.

Over three years ago, Skye’s parents left and never returned. The reason is still unknown.

Skye has written a mystery novel. 

She leaves her manuscript overnight on a shelf in the library, in a corner she frequents. 

Returning at opening time the next day, it is gone. Now she must become the sleuth she writes about, to track down the thief.

Her first suspect is Bailey, a volunteer who shelves books in the library.

He is ruled out when he admits he took it to read, but it was taken by someone in the cafe, when he left his seat for a minute.

The two become a team, determined to uncover the culprit even if it means spying on the whole town. They find they have a lot in common and quickly become friends.

Excerpts of Skye’s manuscript are shared with us as the investigation progresses.

When Skye’s novel crimes are copied, things become serious.

Who is doing this and what do they hope to achieve? Everyone is now a suspect. The pair hide, follow, and make lists to compare information. Finding any real clues becomes almost impossible, for situations seem one way, but are found to be the total opposite.

Things take a turn for the worse when Skye and Bailey are accused by the Head of Police, of working together on the crimes to call attention to themselves for reasons of their own.

When the animals in the Zoo are set free, things come to a head. New Policewoman Penelope is determined to help solve the mystery. This leads to other mysteries surfacing.

Terrific characters and lots of suspense keep the pages turning in this creative novel full of ups and downs, twists and turns.

Title: Copycat
Author: Anne Hawkins
Publisher: Harper Collins, $16.99
Publication Date: 6 September 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781460763315
For ages: 8+
Type: Middle Grade Fiction

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Review: Solve Your Own Mystery: The Transylvanian Express

Solve Your Own Mystery: The Transylvanian Express is one of four titles in the series, and is a bit like the Choose Your Own Adventure books that were popular in the 1980s.

The idea is to start reading, and at certain points you're asked a question. Your choice of the available responses will direct what happens next. That means there are lots of permutations for the plot, so you can read and re-read the book and get variations on the story each time.

In The Transylvanian Express, as the central character (who has magic powers!), you work with a yeti detective named Klaus. 

Following the delivery of a mysterious letter, you and Klaus are aboard a train travelling to the home of Count Fledermaus, a vampire whose castle will be opened for an annual public event.

The trouble is that a VIP, Night Mayor Franklefink, has gone missing while on the train, and one of the suspects is his arch nemesis, Bramwell Stoker.

The story is written so the narrative speaks directly to the reader. This makes it feel like you are right in the middle of everything that happens. When your help is sought to find the missing VIP, your first decision must be whether to explore the last place he was seen, which was the dining carriage, or to examine his cabin. 

The Transylvanian Express sometimes seem like a kind of mash-up of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, and the world of Harry Potter. Illustrations are scattered liberally throughout.

As you progress through the story, and try to solve the mystery of the Night Mayor's disappearance, you'll find yourself trekking all over the train, looking in its nooks and crannies, and speaking to the eclectic bunch of passengers. Will you be able to work out what happened?

The Solve Your Own Mystery series, including The Transylvanian Express,  has been created by author Gareth P Jones, and is illustrated by Louise Forshaw. It's packed with a cast of kooky characters (think goblins, monsters, and werewolves and you'll get the idea), and has a touch of magic. Be prepared for anything when you start reading!

Title: Solve Your Own Mystery: The Transylvanian Express
Author: Gareth P Jones
Illustrator: Louise Forshaw
Publisher: Walker Books Australia, $ 16.99
Publication Date: October 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760656591
For ages: 8+
Type: Junior Fiction

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Review: Vlad: The Fabulous Vampire

As any vampire worth his garlic salt will tell you, vampire-esque activities are not wholly confined to Halloween. 

Indeed, for Vladislav Varnaby Roland Dragul,Vlad for short, being a stylish vampire is a year-long occupation.

Vlad is a horrifically huge fashionista you see. Fashion is his passion. However, Vlad harbours a toe-curling colourful secret.

Vlad's physical anomaly sets him far apart from his black haute couture counterparts. He is loathe to tell his vampire mates what lurks beneath his mysteriously black veneer for fear of the ridicule he is sure they will unleash upon him.

Going out on a limb (literally), he attempts to confide in his best friend, Shelly but falls short of full disclosure when inspiration propels him in a new direction. He reasons if he can't change who he is, he can at least camouflage the fact. All goes swimmingly for a while but as plans to conceal are want to do, things eventually unravel until Vlad decides he is better off alone. Just as he is about to sink into a quagmire of despair, Shelly reveals a stunning secret of her own and that, my friends, changes everything. 

I won't giveaway the colour-induced secret here, although clever readers will deduce that for themselves from the outrageously audacious cover. Suffice to say this is a lovely, Halloween flavoured take on the corrosion of self-esteem when ones identity is in question. Vlad is beset with feelings of failure and non conformity because he sports a unique and, it has to be said, very fetching feature which does set him apart from his contemporaries. That is part of life - or life after death if you're a vampire kid. What's more important is that with the help of an understanding and kind-hearted friend, he finds a new kind of confidence and sense of pride in his difference rather than shame. A useful life affirmation if ever there was one.

Engaging text is portrayed with the most delicious array of pecilled illustrations. Rich in detail, the monster-suffused drawings begin in muted shades of deep purples, greys and of course, elegant blacks but gradually develop into a lollypop land of bright fuchsia entoned fabulousness. It's like the most riotous trick or treat night imaginable which ensures a fun experience for young readers outside the message to love the skin you're in whether it be deathly shades of pale or otherwise.

Get your spook on with Vlad. 

Title: Vlad: The Fabulous Vampire
Author Illustrator: Flavia Z Drago
Publisher: Walker Books Australia,$27.99
Publication Date: 4 October 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781529509175
For ages: 3 - 7
Type: Picture Book

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