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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