12 Curly Questions with author Vikki Marmaras

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
When I was younger, I was in a BBC TV drama, called Harpur and Iles. If you Google my maiden name (Vikki Meakin), you’ll see I have an IMDb profile.

2. What is your nickname?
At school, a few friends used to call me Borris Bean. Luckily that didn’t stick and now I’m Vik, Vix, or sometimes, Vikster.

3. What is your greatest fear?
I’m terrified of going to jail. Not that there’s a reason I might, I should add. I just know I would not do well in that environment!

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Stories about everything and nothing, written to make you smile.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Passionate, imaginative, playful, warm, hopeful.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Paddington. We’re both polite, can both give ‘hard-stares’ and both love sandwiches (although I’ll have cheese instead of marmalade). He’s also had some wonderful adventures and surrounds himself with people he loves.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I’d go back to 1970 for the first Glastonbury festival. Tickets only cost £1 and you got free camping and milk included. I’d love to write a picture book about a music festival one day.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
“Oh wow – you wrote a book! Very cool. Now let’s go watch Neighbours.”

9. Who is your greatest influence?
Anyone who pushes themselves out of their comfort zone to achieve something a little less ordinary. In life that’s most of my friends. In children’s literature I love Davina Bell, Vikki Conley, Zanni Louise, Julia Donaldson and Roald Dahl.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I’ve always enjoyed writing but I only took it seriously when my first son was born. I wanted to give him something that would last forever, so I wrote him a story. It sparked something inside me, and I have been writing ever since.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Cwtch. It means ‘cuddle’ in Welsh and makes me feel warm and safe.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is such a hard question, but I think it would be the final Harry Potter book – The Deathly Hallows. I’ve read all the books a couple of times, but there are still a few parts of the story that confuse me. This way I could figure it all out once and for all. Plus, it’s got more than 600 pages so would last me a while.

Vikki Marmaras is a children’s author, whose stories are largely inspired by life with her two young boys. Characters she has created include a hiccup, a bookworm and an over-enthusiastic dog. Poppy, The Queen and The Seat is Vikki’s debut picture book. For more information visit www.vikkimarmaras.com

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Review: Bluey: How To Draw

Bluey fans and young and old will be thrilled with this new book.

Bluey: How To Draw offers 48 pages full of Bluey and her friends. 

Best of all, it guides readers through how to draw them all.

Simple step-by-step instructions are given with a written instruction and accompanying line drawing depicting it. 

Follow the instructions in order and in just nine steps you'll have your own version of a Bluey character.

Eah double-page spread has a coloured border and features a different character. The first is Bluey, of course, then Bingo, Dad Bandit, and Mum Chilli. There's also Socks, Snickers, Muffin, The Terriers, Coco, and others. 23 characters in all!

The ninth step for each drawing is to colour in, and the characters make comments like 'Pomeranians are a small but hardy breed' (that's Pom Pom).

It's a little surprising just how quickly and easily you can create a recognisable Bluey and her family and friends. The guidance is basic enough for young children to read and follow, or to look at the pictures, listen to an adult, and action each step.

Bluey: How To Draw will bring out the artist in everyone. It's a perfect gift for children who love being creative, or who simply love Bluey.

If you can't wait to get your copy of the book, while you're waiting you can download a step-by-step guide of how to draw Bluey from the official Bluey website. It will whet your appetite for the book and the many more characters you can draw.

Title: Bluey: How To Draw
Author/Illustrator: Bluey
Publisher: Puffin, $9.99
Publication Date: April 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761340987
For ages: 6+
Type: Activity Book

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Review: Rock Star Detectives: Murder At The Movies

Meet The Illustrator: Laurel Aylesworth

Name: Laurel Aylesworth

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Story-driven, atmospheric, painterly, sensitive, thoughtful.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
Natural light, sketchpads, #6B pencils, picture books for inspiration, and green tea.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I begin all my work with pencil and paper before bringing it into Photoshop. There’s something about that hand to paper connection that is so essential for me. If I try to take a shortcut and head right to the computer, the piece tends to feel a bit lifeless. 

I like seeing smudges and eraser marks in work, so I try and keep that sensibility when I move it into Photoshop.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Michael Sowa (his work is hysterical and yet melancholic at times) Arthur Rackham (the artist’s gateway drug to illustration) Eliza Wheeler (master of watercolor and dip pen).

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
If I could just hang out with Arthur Rackham for an afternoon of sketching and tea drinking, that would be just swell.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
It didn’t even cross my mind that children’s book illustration was a possibility until I met a well-known picture book illustrator and writer couple. While watching our kids play at pickup I learned the wife was a children’s book writer and her husband was an illustrator and I remember my reaction to that was “You can DO that?!” Ever since then I saw it as a possibility, so I started where everyone tells you to start: I joined SCBWI, attended conferences, and took part in a critique group. The most influential and essential thing was to take classes at SVS Learn where I learned the fundamentals of narrative art making. At SVS there’s an online forum where you can post your work for critiques and advice. It’s there that I met four other illustrators who formed our own critique group. I couldn’t do this without their support and extra eyes.

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
Honestly, my workspace reflects my overall journey to illustration where, as a mom of two little kids, I had to carve time and table space wherever and whenever I could. Now that I have more time while the kids are in school, I still like to start with my sketchpad at the dining room table for ideation. I wish I had a Pinterest-worthy space, but I want to keep it real for all the moms out there - LOL When I’m ready to bring my work into Photoshop, I work in the basement near the laundry room, which is obviously super glamorous. I snap a pic of my artwork with my phone, and then bring it into Photoshop on my laptop and plug away on the Cintiq.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?

My favourite is working out composition, and seeing where I can add details kids can pick up on. I also like the last 1% of the illustration process, putting in little touches of magic here and there. Another fun part is combining traditional media with digital, so some days I’ll make a mess with water colours or charcoal dust on watercoulor paper so I can have some traditional textures to bring into Photoshop. Also, that rare event when you get the perspective right the first try - magic!


What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Stay true to what makes YOU happy, not with making art other people are making because it’s trending at the time. Stay away from social media as much as you can. There’s a place for everyone at the table. Take classes (I cannot say enough good things about SVS Learn). Surround yourself with the art you want to create, listen to podcasts so you feel less isolated. The SVS team has a great one called 3 Point Perspective, and I also listen to Giuseppe Castellano’s podcast at the Illustration Department. Most importantly, join a critique group of talented artists who are at or above your level. They will go beyond the “Oh, that looks nice” commentary you always get from your friends. They’ll help you keep on track and give you the support only illustrators understand we need.

As an introverted kid growing up in Vermont, drawing came naturally to Laurel. Instead of going to the mall like most teenagers, you would find her in her room drawing scenes from Lord of the Rings or copying her favourite characters from Elf Quest comics or Arthur Rackham prints. Later, her career path naturally led to graphic design, but something was missing (namely, Elves and magic). Laurel found her calling as an illustrator after becoming a mother and hence, wading knee-deep in picture books from the library. She is inspired by the books crafted by Eliza Wheeler, Guojing, The Fan Brothers, Kelly Murphy, Lee White, and other incredibly talented illustrators. Laurel strives to bring a sense of mystery, magic, and tenderness to her visual storytelling. Today, you can find Laurel still surrounded by picture books, sketch pads and pencils, her daughters, and a cup of jasmine tea at her side. Laurel is looking to partner with publishers to bring to life authors' children book manuscripts, Middle Grade book covers and black and white interiors. Her background includes 15 years as a graphic designer in print and digital media, so she thrives on deadlines, the creative process, and art direction. Laurel finds inspiration in her children, because they are slightly insane and provide endless facial expression reference. Laurel also makes a mean form of vegan bacon.


For more information please visit her website or follow her on instagram.

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Guest Post: Janeen Brian on The Fix-It Princess

Winners: The Travelling Bookshop Book Packs!

Our lucky winners are .. 

Melinda Renouf, NSW
Angie & Nina Ross, NSW
Jody Smith, NSW

Congratulations!

You have each won a book pack of the titles from the magical junior fiction series, The Travelling Bookshop by the award winning author, Katrina Nannestad.

Thank you to ALL who entered. We certainly have some well travelled readers!

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Review: Miss Mary-Kate Martin's Guide to Monsters: The Trouble with the Two-Headed Hydra

Mary-Kate Martin is still recovering from her trip to the English countryside where she solved the mystery of the Woolington Wyrm. But her Mum, the Professor, already has a new gig — this time in Galinios in the Greek Islands, investigating a recently unearthed ancient mosaic.

But ancient artwork isn’t the only interesting thing happening on Galinios. There’s also the ancient myth of the two-headed hydra. Some people on the island are convinced it’s real and causing havoc in the waters around the island. Others believes it’s just a story and the recent strange events are just a coincidence.

Mary-Kate isn’t sure she’s ready for another mystery so soon. She barely made it out alive the last time and there’s lots to be anxious about on the island.

But sometimes you just have to step out a little bit more than you did the day before — pack your strawberry-scented notebook and glitter pens in your bag and look for the answers no one else is even searching for.

This is another brilliant instalment in this fantastic middle-grade series. Mary-Kate is such a brilliant character. She's quiet and nervous, and she doubts herself often, but she has an inner strength that shines (even when she can’t see it).

And the mystery in this book… so so good. It keeps you guessing until the end, and you really feel like you’re solving it alongside Mary-Kate — together.

Freda Chiu’s glorious black and white illustrations are divine. Sprinkled through the pages, they add something special to the story.

I adore this series by Karen Foxlee. It’s so much fun and very addictive, pulling in readers all the way through. If you know a middle-grade reader who loves mystery and adventure, I highly recommend you grab a copy of Miss Mary-Kate Martin’s Guide to Monsters: The Trouble with the Two-Headed Hydra. 

And while you’re there, grab a copy of The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm. You don’t need to have read the first to read the second, but I highly recommend that you do.

 

Title: Miss Mary-Kate Martin's Guide to Monsters: The Trouble with the Two-Headed Hydra
Author: Karen Foxlee
Illustrator: Freda Chiu
Publisher: Allen and Unwin, $15.99
Publication Date: 1 November 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760526634
For ages: 6 - 10
Type: Middle Grade

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Review: The Forgotten Song - Saving The Regent Honeyeater

Review: Little Lunch: The Slide

Guest Post: Aakanksha Jain on Overcoming Challenges Faced by Children's Authors

Review: Grace And Mr Milligan

Elderly Mr Milligan and his aged goat Charlie are next door neighbours and best friends with young Grace. 

The seaside opposite their homes is a favourite place where they share many hours. Fresh cream with fruit is enjoyed by all in, and from, Mr Milligan’s garden.

When Charlie loses his appetite, Mr Milligan, with Grace, take him to the vet. 

They wait for their turn beside all the other sick animals and their owners.

But growing old is not something that can be cured.

Mr Milligan spends all his time with Charlie – at the sea, and in the garden under the trees. Together they visit Grace one more time.

Then Mr Milligan is sad and alone.

So is Grace.

The old man no longer sits at the seaside with his thermos and biscuits, but inside his house. 

Grace must think of something to fix her best friend’s sadness and bring his smile back. 

Poignant and moving, Grace and Mr Milligan portrays the remembrance of love and happy times; reflections that sustain in times of loss and grief.

Beautifully illustrated by Pip Kruger, the images enhance Caz Goodwin’s excellent text with their tenderness, obvious in the friendship and compassion of the young for the old and vice-versa.

An ideal resource to use for explaining ageing, loss and grief, and how loving memories can be the most precious of all requisites in life. 

Title: Grace And Mr Milligan
Author: Caz Goodwin
Illustrator: Pip Kruger
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish, $15.99
Publication Date: 7 February 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9789813009811
For ages: 3 – 6
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Ratbags: Naughty For Good

Naughty For Good is book one in the new Ratbags series, written by Tim Harris and illustrated by Shiloh Gordon, which features Jigsaw the rat (that's him in the middle of the front cover).

Jigsaw is unusual compared to the other rats. He likes to be good (he doesn't chew through cables or make a mess) and he likes humans (more than likes them, actually).

The other rats definitely don't like humans and do like making trouble. They're ratbags.

When Jigsaw bumps into Ripple and Onion he discovers just how different from the other rats he is.

The ratbags pressure Jigsaw to behave badly like them, and put him in a difficult position. A confused Jigsaw breaks the rules in spite of himself. Yummy pizza is a big temptation, and so is having friends, but being a rule breaker stresses poor Jigsaw out. Will he succumb and become a ratbag, or will he learn how to be a friend without being a troublemaker? You might be surprised at Jigsaw's clever plan.

Naughty For Good does have rats behaving badly, and there's a bit of toilet humour, which is bound to appeal to the target readership. However, in an interview, the creators of Ratbags pointed out that although the story is about naughty rats, it's got important messages including that 'we can be friends with other people, no matter what our belief system or no matter how different we are to them....[and] there’s also a message about peer pressure, and staying true to who you are.'

The Ratbags series is a graphic novel style. There's minimal text and lots of pictures, which makes it perfect for beginner and newly independent readers. The rats have incredibly expressive faces which helps to bring their personalities to life (check out Shiloh Gordon's Instagram and you'll see what I mean).

Dynamic and funny. Put Ratbags in front of your younger readers and they'll be hooked.

Read an interview with Tim Harris and Shiloh Gordon on the publisher's website.

Title: Ratbags: Naughty For Good
Author: Tim Harris
Illustrator: Shiloh Gordon
Publisher: Puffin, $14.99
Publication Date: February 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780143777441
For ages: 6+
Type: Graphic novel

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10 Quirky Questions with author Penny Harrison

1. What's your hidden talent?
I am an excellent daydreamer and am also very talented at hiding it. I do this by disguising it as listening intently, meditation, research, gardening, you name it.

2. Who is your favourite literary villain and why?
It would have to be the Wicked Witch of the West, from The Wizard of Oz. She's so deliciously evil in her obsession to steal the silver shoes from Dorothy. I love that she carries an umbrella, instead of a broomstick, and is afraid of the dark, as well as water.

3. You're hosting a literary dinner party, which five authors would you invite? (alive or dead)
Jill Murphy, LM Montgomery, Penelope Lively, Beverly Cleary and Astrid Lindgren. Seriously, how lovely would that be? Of course, the food would be terrible because cooking is not one of my hidden talents.

4. Which literary invention do you wish was real?
Willy Wonka's three-course dinner gum would come in very handy for my literary dinner party.

5. What are five words that describe your writing process?
Daydreaming, scribbling, drafting, daydreaming, editing.

6. Which are the five words you would like to be remembered by as a writer?
Oh I love her books...

7. Picture your favourite writing space. What are five objects you would find there?
A collection of stones, heart-shaped leaves and dried flowers; a cup of coffee or tea (depending on the time of day); a pile of notebooks (I love buying notebooks); our puppy, Winnie; and a window for optimal daydreaming.

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!)
There was a cotton-candy sky above them as they dangled their legs over the edge of the porch, cracking open pistachio nuts.
(The Way of Dog, by Zana Fraillon)

9. If you could ask one author one question, what would the question be and who would you ask?
I would ask Julie Fogliano: Please, can you teach me everything you know about writing?

10. Which would you rather do: 'Never write another story or never read another book'?
I'd go with 'never write another story' because I can't live without books and at least I'd still be able to daydream.

Penny Harrison is a children’s author whose work includes the picture books Extraordinary, the CBCA Notable Me & My Boots, The Little Coven and Wild Bush Days. A professional writer for more than 20 years, Penny has contributed to a variety of leading lifestyle magazines, newspapers, guides and books. She is also the 12 Curly Questions editor for Kids' Book Review. For more information, see www.pennyharrison.com.au.

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Review: Starberries and Kee

Giveaway: The Travelling Bookshop Book Packs!