Review: Goodbye House, Hello House

With previous collaborations on The Midnight Gang, Lucy Goosey, Little Humpty and Jenny Angel, it is wonderful to have Margaret Wild and Ann James create Goodbye House, Hello House.

From the start Emma embraces the changes that are upon her, moving house from the country to the city.

Once all the boxes are packed Emma spends her final moments in the country side saying goodbye to things she loved to do, like fishing in the river and swinging on the farm gate.  She then says farewell to the rooms in the house and changes the writing on the wall from Emma lives here to  Emma lived here.

Upon the arrival at the new house in the city, Emma celebrates her firsts, like climbing a specific tree for the first time or patting this cat.

Once inside her new home she says hello to the rooms and settles onto the comfy window seat and changes the writing on the wall left by the previous child, Kim.

Wild has written a story depicting the experience of parting with one's family home and all the things that you loved about living there. She shows Emma bravely accepting the changes that come with moving house. Showing that while the landscapes are vastly different one can still find many familiar experiences with a new outlook.

Wild's words are supported by James' illustrations. There are very subtle messages in the illustrations showing the emotions that Emma experiences during this change; sadness, resignation, uncertainty, excitement and acceptance. Many of these feeling are shown though Emma's body language; slumped shoulders, tilt of her head, to out stretched arms, uncertain eyes and smiles.

James' has explored a new style of illustration. I can see the influence of her playful exploration from I'm a Dirty Dinosaur combined with other abstracted techniques. There is a young, reminiscent and familiar feeling of a child's first painting though the use of broad brush strokes and lines of fingertips in paint. This abstract painting recedes into the background as the black and white line drawings pop forward, making it all about Emma, her emotions and experiences rather than the landscape or house. 

Goodbye House, Hello House is a wonderful story to add to the collection of moving house stories.

Title: Goodbye House, Hello House
Author: Margaret Wild
Illustrator: Ann James
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 July 2019
Format: Picture Book
ISBN: 9781743311103
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book




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Review: Special Forces Cadets: Missing

Review: Animals Up Close (Animals as you've never seen them before)

Tiny noses, bright eyes, snapping pincers and slippery tongues almost leap out of these colourful pages. Animals Up Close: Animals as you've never seen them before is a visual feast, filled with intriguing facts.

Containing a combination of amazing close-up photography, complemented by realistic illustrations, this hardback book is easy to dip in and out of, selecting any page at random, or can be read for hours, poring over every fascinating page.

Each double page spread features an extraordinary animal, with interesting facts, such as why geckos lick their eyes, which fish can walk on land, how toucans play games and why flamingos have bright pink feathers.

This book features animals who live underwater, such as crabs, clams and crayfish, animals who live on land, including mammals and reptiles, and animals in the air, such as bats, birds and butterflies.

Title: Animals Up Close: Animals as you've never seen them before
Editor: Sophie Parkes
Illustrator: Xiao Lin
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley, $19.99
Publication Date: 6 July 2019
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780241327395
For ages: 4 - 8 years
Type: Junior non-fiction




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Review: The Astrid Notes

Taryn Bashford has a way of hooking you on the first page and drawing you in with each new chapter.

In this latest book, she focuses on Jacob, a character from her debut novel, The Harper Effect. Jacob, a trust-fund kid with ever-absent parents, has an immense talent as an Indie singer but feels unable to sing again. We also meet Astrid, a rising opera star and dutiful daughter with a serious case of stage fright.

At first, they seem like complete opposites, but both are going through similar life-changing experiences, struggling to overcome tragedy and parental expectations.

Set in the world of elite music, we follow their journey through grief and guilt as they try to establish themselves in the competitive music industry.

Astrid, desperate to please her father and live up to her dead mother's reputation as a classical singer, would rather be writing pop songs. The revelation of a shocking family secret throws her into further turmoil.

Meanwhile, Jacob, unable to deal with a tragic loss and his recent break-up with girlfriend Harper (yes, that's right!), is refusing to sing again and turns to self-destructive behaviour — until his father issues an ultimatum that brings the two teenagers together.

Bashford's characters are authentic and intriguing, and she builds the plot with finesse to a beautiful crescendo. Her portrayal of the elite music world and her balance between the teenagers' burgeoning romance, family struggles and internal conflict are finely tuned and make for a heartrending and gripping read.

Title: The Astrid Notes
Author: Taryn Bashford

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia, $18.99
Publication Date: July 23, 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760552213
For ages: 14+
Type: Young Adult Fiction

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Meet The Illustrator: Sona Babajanyan

Name: Sona Babajanyan

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Poetic. Textured. Sometimes dreamy. Sometimes funny. Sometimes mysterious. Well, it’s still less than 10 words, even with all these 'sometimes'.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
My bed, where I think and doodle. My graphite pencil and my Mac with the Wacom tablet.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
It changes over time. I love experimenting. And it depends on what I am working on. Pen and ink is my all time favourite, but for the illustration projects I mostly use Photoshop recently.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.

Ohhh… It’s so difficult to name only three. Well, if we are talking about illustrators, I’ll just name the first three names that come to my mind – Rebecca Dautremer, Shaun Tan, Gabriel Pacheco, but there are so many others…

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
Can I please first be sent to some medieval Armenian monastery to learn the art of illuminating manuscripts? Then I’d love to visit Europe during the Renaissance to learn some secrets of the trade from the great masters. And then we can go to Paris of the beginning of the last century, to learn how to forget what I learned and how to break rules. Then it would be super cool to visit year 2052, to see what’s happening with art…. Ok, enough, I guess, I am getting overexcited.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
My Dad. He wasn’t a professional artist, but he was a great drawer and an incredibly creative person and was constantly involving me in various projects. And my Mom, who was reading to me a lot, making sure I pay attention to the illustrators. I was actually dreaming about becoming an illustrator since I was a kid, because I just fell in love with the books illustrated by an amazing Russian artist Viktor Pivovarov. 

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 consists of three parts. One is my bed, as I already mentioned, (that’s very important), the other might seem rather messy, (but actually is surprisingly ordered) – that’s where I paint and draw. And the other one is quite neat. That’s my desk with the computer and Wacom tablet.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
I enjoy every part of the process, but probably the most exciting stage for me is the the very beginning, when I have to think about my general approach to the style, composition, and characters. That’s basically when you try to see the finished book with your inner eye. You can end up with something quite different, so the very end is also quite exciting, when you look back at the whole journey and can see how the book comes together. 

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Learn about other artists and their processes, get inspired, but never try to do the same. Be free, experiment, try to find your own voice, but don’t stress about it too much, because if you do what you really want to do, it will show anyway.
Then it’s always helpful to find like minded people, fellow illustrators, who will support you, help with advice, share their own experience. I am really happy that I’ve found my own gang here in Brisbane. BIG people you are great! (BIG – Brisbane Illustrators Group)

Sona is an artist and illustrator from Armenia, living in Brisbane since 2008. She has been working as a translator, editor, and designer, and it was not until moving to Australia, when she finally decided to become a full time artist and illustrator. She works on her own personal projects and enjoys illustrating children’s picture books. 

Please visit Sona's website for more information or follow her on facebook or instagram.
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Review: Sick Bay

It’s easy to walk down a hallway and make assumptions about someone.

We have no idea what’s going on in other people's lives, if they’re having a bad day, if they’re struggling through hard times and challenges.

Meg and Riley are both keeping secrets about their lives from the people around them. 

Both are walking the hallway with classmates having no idea about the things they must deal with.

Two very different girls — the same age but with different friends — who probably never would have interacted much at all. 

And then they both end up in sick bay at the same time, and things change.

Sick bay is a very different place for each of them. Meg is going through things at home and needs somewhere to escape. Riley has diabetes and has to go there at times to manage her condition. 

At first they think they have nothing in common, but as they get to know each other, they learn that while their struggles are different, they have more in common then they thought. The learnt they are both trying to discover who they are and who they want to be.

Sick Bay is a story if friendship, courage and life. The plot is gritty, complex and so, so real. This is the kind of book kids can really see themselves in. They will connect with the struggles, understand the challenges and relate to the characters on a deep, deep level. 

This book is all about the characters — their feelings and thoughts, actions and reactions — and to say Nova Weetman brings Meg and Riley to life on the page is an understatement. 

Weetman doesn’t shy away from the real and raw emotions and situations kids experience. It’s all in here: crushes, friendship battles, family struggles, disability, sickness, school pressures.

This really is a story about life and everything it entails from a 12-year-old’s perspective. But at its heart, for me, the story is about discovering your identity and finding the courage to stand up for what you believe in. This isn’t an easy thing to do, and I love that the story shines a light on the benefits of following your heart/soul/gut instead of following the crowd. 

This is the perfect book for young girls on the verge of becoming young adults — a novel to reassure them that the chaos is normal and there are solutions to every problem.

Title: Sick Bay

Author: Nova Weetman

Publisher: UQP, $16.95

Publication Date: 4 June 2019

Format: Paperback

ISBN:  978 0 7022 6032 2

For ages: 11+

Type: Middle Fiction, Young Adult Fiction

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Review: Around the World Craft & Design Book

The Around the World Craft & Design Book celebrates many cultures and traditions.

It brings together thirty different craft activities for children (and adults) to enjoy. Each is connected to a particular culture or tradition.

Around the World Craft & Design Book is bright and colourful, just like the crafts it promotes, and will appeal to a range of readers. 

The crafts are grouped into regions, each of which has an introduction featuring a map and summary of the activities to come.

You'll be able to explore: North America, Central and South America, Europe, Africa, East Asia, Australia and South East Asia.

All the crafts have photos and step by step instructions. Lists of materials you will need and craft and design notes are also provided.

There are some templates included in the book for you to draw your own designs (e.g. for a quilt, Peruvian-style beads, or Welsh love spoon).

You can also learn from a variety of facts scattered throughout. One piece of trivia is related to the horse hair woven crin dolls and jewellery made in Chile. The hair is cut from horses' tails where it will grow back, though local legend says the weaving originally used fine tree roots.

Cultural crafts are a fun way to experience the world without getting on a plane. From origami, painted eggs and mosaics, to fabric printing, kites, and up-cycled toys, there is something for everyone to try in Around the World Craft & Design Book.

Grab a copy of the book, and a box of materials, and get crafting!

Title: Around the World Craft & Design Book
Author: Kait Eaton and Laura Baker
Illustrator: Eva Byrne
Publisher: Lonely Planet, $14.99
Publication Date: June 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781788681131
For ages: 6+
Type: Junior non-fiction




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Review: Dave the Lonely Monster

A rhyming story about a big purple, lonely monster named Dave, friendship and being kind.

Dave was once a young, obnoxious monster, so unruly that the town he lived in banished him to Echo Rock where he lived for 60 years with only his guitar for company. These days, Dave takes bubble baths and strums his guitar rather than cause any chaos, alas local knights tease and poke Dave in attempt to make him fight. When Dave stands up to one of the young knights he gets an apologetic response and an unlikely friendship blossoms, the two have a lot in common.

Later, as a true friend would, six-year-old Percival defends Dave when mean town folk throw rotten vegetables at him because they are bored; they seem bully like, not thinking of Dave’s feelings or considering that he has any. Embarrassed after Percival’s defence, the town folk understand their mistakes and soon discover a much better way to have fun, of course, with Percival and Dave included.

I enjoyed getting to know Dave’s endearing, humble character through both text and illustrations of his pink guitar, music posters, knitting and other details. There is definitely more than meets the eye when it comes to Dave, adult readers may relate to him in someway just as kids may relate to or be inspired by Percival and his brave actions.

Fabulously bright coloured illustrations which firstly drew me to this book, work perfectly with the rhyming text and stand out on the high quality cover. The story delivers a great message about friendship, kindness, judgement and considering others' feelings.

Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie are also the author illustrator team behind The Worst Princess, and Sir Lilypad.

Title: Dave the Lonely Monster
Author: Anna Kemp
Illustrator: Sara Ogilvie
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, $25.00
Publication Date: 4 October 2018
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781471143670
For ages: 3 – 7
Type: Picture Book




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10 Quirky Questions with author Pip Harry

1. What's your hidden talent?
I can swim long distances in the ocean and I’m not even afraid of sharks.

2. Who is your favourite literary villain and why?
Alison Ashley from Hating Alison Ashley by Robin Klein, though I think she turned out to be super nice!

3. You're hosting a literary dinner party, which five authors would you invite? (alive or dead)
Stephen King, JK Rowling, Jane Austen, Haruki Murakami and Carrie Fisher.

4. Which literary invention do you wish was real?
A time machine.

5. What are five words that describe your writing process?
Haphazard, occasionally inspired, immersive, slow.

6. Which are the five words you would like to be remembered by as a writer?
She never missed a deadline.

7. Picture your favourite writing space. What are five objects you would find there? 
Chocolate, air conditioning, writing pals, coffee and my laptop.

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!)
Sophie was terrible at going to bed. (Roald Dahl’s The BFG. Incidentally, Sophie is the name of my own daughter, who incidentally is terrible at going to bed!)

9. If you could ask one author one question, what would the question be and who would you ask?
Hey, Shakespeare – do you really think teenagers should be studying your plays in 2019?

10. Which would you rather do: 'Never write another story or never read another book'?
Never read another book.

Pip Harry is a writer and editor. Her YA novels include I’ll Tell You Mine (2012), winner of the Australian Family Therapists Children’s Literature Award (2013). Head of the River, longlisted for the Gold Inky award (2015) and shortlisted for the Adelaide Festival Literary awards (2016) and Because of You, shortlisted for the CBCA Children's Book of the Year Awards, Victorian Premier's Literary Award and Queensland Literary Awards (2018). Pip lives in Singapore with her family and currently works as Editor for the Australian and New Zealand Association (ANZA). Her latest book, The Little Wave (2019), is a middle-grade verse novel. For more information, see www.pipharry.com. You can also read Pip's 12 Curly Questions interview here.

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Review: Enola Holmes Mystery: Book 4 - The Case of the Peculiar Pink Fan

The story opens on Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes having a heated argument about their sister Enola and her ability to remain undiscovered. 

She continues to go out at night, serving the poorest people of London with life’s basic necessities, all funded by the money her mother has left her. This time she is disguised as a midden-picker.

Lady Cecily, who had gone missing in The Case of the Left-Handed Lady, and was tracked down by Enola, enters the picture again.  

Their strong friendship forged then due to their connecting free-spirit, independence and strong mindedness, reignites at a glance. 

Cecily is been dragged by her two aunts through the newly created Ladies’ Lavatory during a shopping spree for a trousseau. She is in danger and cannot speak. Her pink fan becomes her voice.  The clever Enola is familiar with fan language. But Cecily is whisked away before any detailed exchange can be made.

Enola sets out to find and save Cecily for the second time. As always, she meets up with dangers, obstacles, and experiences adventures that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. She discovers Sherlock is on the same trail as she is. Can they work together to discover the mystery surrounding Cecily?

We see a shadow of change in Sherlock. Admiration for his extremely bright sister is evident. Her success in cases where he has failed, has forced a shift in his view of, and attitude to, her and her intended life. There is also a change in Enola towards Sherlock whom she has always loved dearly but stayed distant toward. For to reveal weakness would put her freedom in jeopardy. Are they moving towards a meeting place somewhere in the middle?

We follow Enola through the intricate maze of her mind as she winds her way towards a solution to this new challenge.  

London life of the late 1800s is presented vividly through descriptions of the divide between the rich and poor. Through Nancy Springer’s excellent use of common language and Enola’s many disguises, the reader is treated to a journey through dress codes and styles of the classes, surroundings, food and daily routines, entertainment and modes of travel of the era.

The role of women, which is a strong theme in this series, is defined as being valid only if under the care of a man, and then, obedient, servile and silent. Enola is a heroine with a voice and mind of her own, which she is determined to keep.

I love this series for its intelligence, and the blending of mystery and adventure with spectacular themes that educate and inform while offering entertaining reading.

Title: Enola Holmes Mystery: Book 4 - The Case of the Peculiar Pink Fan

Author: Nancy Springer

Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $14.99

Publication Date: 5 February 2019

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781760637408

For ages: 12+

Type: Middle Grade Fiction

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Review: The Boy Who Steals Houses

The Way I Love You

In 2004 David Bedford wrote The Way I Love You, for and about his daughter. Readers can now enjoy sharing this heartwarming story in a  board book version.

Bedford's story captures the friendship between a girl and her dog in a delightful way.

The pair are perfect companions that care for each other. When the little girl falls over dog comes to check on her.

They play and share together, holding a dress-up tea party, with biscuits, yum.

Ann James' warm, gentle and dynamic illustrations clearly show that dog is the little girl's best friend.

They understand each other. Dog asks to play fetch by dropping the ball at her feet.  He listens to her when she tell him that he cannot jump in the bath with her.

The duo are inseparable. They romp together, sharing hugs and kisses. Then as the day winds down they share quite time together; drawing, reading and at bed time they sleep together.

Dog is adored by girl. They make my smile as wide as one their smiles. 'That's the way I love you.'

If you want to share more stories about dogs and pets see the Kids Book Review label, pets.

Title: The Way I Love You
Author: David Bedford
Illustrator: Ann James
Publisher: Little Hare, $14.99
Publication Date: 1 January 2019
Format: Board Book
ISBN: 9781760503383
For ages: 1 – 4
Type: Board Book, Picture Book




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Giveaway: Alex Rider

'One teenage spy. Seven adrenaline-charged, detail-filled short stories. That's Alex Rider: Secret Weapon.

Anthony Horowitz previously declared he was finished with the adventures of Alex Rider, but found himself drawn back to Alex's world.' KBR review of Howrowitz's latest Alex Rider release, Secret Weapon by Sara Steed.

Allow yourself to be drawn back into these thrilling tales, too 

Thanks to the dynamic people at Walker Books Australia, we have two incredible prize packs to giveaway each featuring signed copies of the first three books in the series plus a signed copy of Secret Weapon!

To enter, simply tell us in 25 words or less what your dream adventure activity is.

Email your answer along with your name and postal address to dimity. The two responses we like best will each 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 29 July 2019.

Competition runs from 5 pm 20 July 2019 to 5 pm 27 July 2019. 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: Gary's Banana Drama

A laugh out loud story of a gorilla named Gary whose love for bananas lands him in a spot of bother.

Gary loves bananas, in fact I’d say he's obsessed. One day when there are no bananas left, he sets off in search for some and a fabulously funny journey begins. It doesn’t take long before he finds some barking bananas, only to realise they are actually dogs, next thing we know Gary sees bananas everywhere but unfortunately it’s all just his wild banana loving imagination. Surely he will find more bananas, or will he? Either way, you will have a good giggle.

Written with short sharp sentences, pauses, excitement and anticipation Gary’s Banana Drama really feels dramatic and can easily be built up further with reader excitement and engagement.

Jane Massey has done a wonderful job of suiting her humorous text and bright bold illustrations to each other, and although seemingly simple Gary’s expressions and movements deliver an endearing character who you feel hopeful for the whole way through.

Jane has illustrated over 50 books including Daddy is My Hero, Gary’s Banana Drama is her first author illustrated title and I hope it’s the first of many.

Title: Gary's Banana Drama
Author/Illustrator: Jane Massey
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, $16.99
Publication Date: 31 May 2018
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781471147845
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book



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Review: A Mouse Called Julian

Guest Post: Taryn Bashford: Life Begins At The End of Your Comfort Zone

Taryn loves to write about elite teens, focusing on how they may excel at one side of their life, but socially and emotionally, they’re fairly flawed. While her first book The Harper Effect explored the world of professional tennis, The Astrid Notes delves into the world of elite teen musicians. 

Here’s what she has to say about why she writes these sorts of books.

I recently had a chat with a writer friend about why I cannot read crime fiction. The friend explained that he writes crime because he likes to explore the darker side of human nature.

That’s when I had a lightbulb moment. 

I prefer to pretend that humanity does not have a darker side – I only want to explore the good, the inspiring, the lighter side of human nature. 

This clarifies why I write the books that I write: I want to inspire, give hope, lend a helping hand at the difficult coming-of-age stage of life, and encourage readers to dream big.

Anyone who knows me will say I’m a ‘glass is half full’ type of gal, but what they don’t know is that as a teenager I was an aspiring Olympic athlete and a hopeful concert pianist (and I wanted to be a novelist on the side). This illustrates my optimistic nature – why can’t I have all three careers? – but it’s also a source of ideas for my books.

One of the big issues a teenager faces is peer-pressure and the need to be accepted. I was never that cool teenager. Faced with the fact that classical music was not cool, I had to decide what type of music I would play. This is the dilemma that Jacob faces in The Astrid Notes – his love is indie pop, but without giving away any spoilers, he’s suddenly unable to be part of his band. That’s when Astrid helps him discover that sometimes there’s a difference ‘between the music you’re mad about and the music your voice was meant to sing.’

I believe it’s very important to write stories of hope, stories that inspire teens to go after their dreams. Whether it’s because of a new style of parenting or a more dangerous world, teachers and librarians tell me we live in a world where fear of failure has numbed teens into not trying at all. They’re afraid to follow their dreams and don’t realise that life begins at the end of their comfort zone.

I sincerely intend that both my novels inspire teens to do what they love and to never quit. There’s a reason why we all love TV series like The X Factor, or why we watch movies like The Karate Kid, Eddie the Eagle and Soul Surfer. We want to be inspired, we love to see others grab hold of their dreams, we live vicariously through their joy. But what my writing tries to show is that their joy can be your joy too.

Having met many gifted teens, it’s inspiring to know that they are not born superheros. They have no special superpowers. They are ordinary teens who worry about their weight and pimples. They have boyfriend and friendship issues. They argue with their parents. They struggle at school. They seek to fit in with their peers. The only difference is that they choose to never give up what they love doing, be that sport or music, art or cooking ... that’s what makes them elite. And if that’s the case, then everyone can be elite at something.

Taryn Bashford’s YA novel The Astrid Notes is due out next Tuesday, 23 July.

Follow Taryn via her social media channels: website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

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Review: Lizard's Tale

Guest Post: Jeanne Chemla on Jolie Galerie

Guest Post: Story Box Library Reflects on NAIDOC Week Theme: Voice. Treaty. Truth.

Cover reveal: Little Puggle's Song

Little Puggle’s Song is an enchanting picture book about finding your place, chasing your dreams and overcoming fears.

Puggle wants to sing. But when he tries, no sound comes out. 'I wish I had my own sound, like all the other animals.'

But Puggle knows that echidnas cannot sing. Can Puggle find his voice in time to join the bush choir?

Australia’s stunning bush landscape and its most lovable animals come together in this delightful lyrical narrative. Brought to life through the brush strokes of renowned illustrator Helene Magisson, this beautifully visual story captures our country’s natural world in a delicate and wondrous way.

Little Puggle’s Song takes the reader on a heart-felt journey as Puggle struggles to be something that he can never be, but then discovers his ‘song’ in the most unexpected way. It is a celebration of those moments when you fulfill your dreams in ways never imagined.

The magical Little Puggle's Song is due out with New Frontier Publishing on September 1, but we couldn't wait to give you a glimpse of this gorgeous book. So, put your hands together for the great cover reveal...

For more information on Little Puggle's Song, or to pre-order your copy, visit New Frontier Publishing.

Vikki Conley has worked as a professional writer, with diverse communities in Africa, Asia and Australia, for over 20 years. She is an intrepid traveller, nature lover and creative all-rounder. Vikki writes and shares stories that celebrate the spirit of wonder, freedom and adventure that she wishes every child could enjoy. She is one of the fastest emerging children’s writers, with five picture books being released within the next 18 months. Vikki is also the creator of the popular children’s literature social media pages, CourageousPages.

Helene Magisson started her artistic career as a painting restorer in Paris, where she was also trained in the art of medieval illumination.Helene has lived in Africa, France and India. She is now settled down in Australia with her family. Her travels both inspire and enrich her work. In 2013, she started a new career in children’s book illustration. Since then, she has illustrated several books including classics like The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco and more contemporary stories like Slowly! Slowly! by TM Clark, CBCA 2018 Notable Picture Book of the Year.

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Look What I'm Reading! Dianne Wolfer Children's Author

Hello, I live on the south coast of Western Australia but love travelling across Australia to visit readers.

Six weeks ago I broke my foot while walking the dog. That’s slowed me down with school and library visits, but I’m a bookworm and so have enjoyed the extra reading time...

Which children’s book are you currently reading?

I’ve just finished Shine Mountain by Julie Hunt.

Can you tell us in two sentences what the book is about?

It’s a quest story about a girl called Ellie who needs to return a magical button box to mystical Gleam Mountain. Her companions are a brave horse and a talking nanny-goat.

How much did you enjoy/are enjoying this title?

I loved this story, especially the chatty goat character. I spent five years researching anthropomorphism for my PhD and love quirky animal stories. 

What made you choose this title? Was it a review, advertising, the cover, the blurb, the author/illustrator, or the subject/genre?

Last month (on the day of my foot surgery) two of my books were listed as CBCA Notables. The next day The Dog with Seven Names was also shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s award – what a week - and so I’m now reading the books of my fellow shortlistees before the announcement on April 29th. Fingers crossed.

What other titles are on your bedside table /To Read Pile?

Maya and Cat by Caroline Magerl, Dingo by Claire Saxby and Tannya Harricks and Leave Taking by Lorraine Marwood. I’ve already read and enjoyed the other shortlisted title, Jessica Townsend’s Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow. After I finish these I’m keen to read Black Cockatoo by Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler and finally, Megsy Caddy’s new book, Devil’s Ballast. Phew! 

How did you come by these titles: personal choice/request, publisher’s review copy, or other?

Personal choice.

Do you have a favourite genre? If so, what is it, and why do you prefer it?

I have two favourite genres; historical fiction and animal stories. Historical fiction because it’s a fun way to learn about the past, and animal stories because animal characters can give unusual and deeper insights into human behaviour. Some of my own books like The Dog with Seven Names and Light Horse Boy combine these passions. 

Do you read from printed books or some other medium? Please expand a little on the why of your choice.

I definitely prefer printed books, turning the pages and flicking back and forth is part of the joy for me, but when I’m travelling I sometimes read on kindle.

If you’d like to find out more about me and the backstories to my books, my website is www.diannewolfer.com. Hope to see you there!

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Review: Puffin Nibbles Blast Off

Review: Ella May Does It HER Way!

From the first pages it is clear that Ella May is a girl who loves to do things differently. In a world of legs all heading in the same direction, Ella May is walking backwards and even climbing a tree upside down!

Mick Jackson has created a feisty character, with heart and determination, who notices the tiniest details in the world around her. Andrea Stegmaier's illustrations show Ella May and her mum living in a houseboat, moored beside a town full of unique and interesting characters. Each page contains visual details that readers will love and Ella May would approve of. 


The story begins when Ella May discovers how much she loves trying new things.  Ella May takes that idea to a whole new level and starts doing everything backwards. Ella May's determination to see things through leads to inventions and some tricky situations.

When Mum realises Ella May is not going to stop walking backwards, Mum turns around too, just to see how it feels, and before long everyone is having a go. Then, just as suddenly, Ella May turns around. While walking forwards, Ella May sees a poster on a wall of someone doing something she has never tried before. Ella May does like to try new things.

Title: Ella May Does It HER Way!
Author: Mick Jackson
Illustrator: Andrea Stegmaier
Publisher: words & pictures, $21.99
Publication Date: 18 June 2019
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781786039040
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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12 Curly Questions with author Weng Wai Chan

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I took my first puff on a cigarette when I was five years old. Our old gardener lived behind our house in Singapore and I asked to try his cigarette one day and he let me. I only told my mother recently, and she looked as if she wanted to discipline me, then realised that it had happened decades ago... guess I got away with that one! I never bothered with cigarettes after that.

2. What is your nickname?
Beebs.

3. What is your greatest fear?
Lizards.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Striving for engaging characters, heart, humour, action, jeopardy and depth.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Daydream, problem solve, research, fun

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Maddy from Maddy West and the Tongue Taker, by Brian Falkner, because she can speak any language in the world. I would love to be able to communicate fluently in any language, as each one would give you another perception of the world, which would be completely amazing.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I would go back to 1940 and see what Raffles Hotel and Chinatown looked like back then, and maybe take a surreptitious selfie with Lizard, the main character in my novel.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
You mean reading so much is actually a good thing? Groovy!

9. Who is your greatest influence?
My mother, for fostering a love of reading by giving us kids comics when we were little: Beano, Dandy, Whizzer and Chips, Casper and Wendy, Richie Rich, Mickey Mouse etc. She said she didn’t mind what we read as long as we were reading. I had to remind myself of that when one of my kids wouldn’t read anything except Archie comics.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I used to draw a lot when I was young, but eventually found making story worlds with words more interesting and chose to focus on writing. When my kids were little, I couldn’t find many books that reflected their heritage so I thought I would try to write one.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Weltering, because it’s old fashioned and funny. It means to wallow in something.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I was told not to say the Bible, even though it’s 66 books in one, so I’ll say My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell. His warm, funny, inclusive view of the world and his care for the environment continues to be inspirational.

 

Weng Wai Chan was born and grew up in Singapore. She now lives in Auckland with her husband and three children. Lizard’s Tale is her first book. For more information, see www.textpublishing.com.au.

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Winners: The Hate U Give

And our lucky winners are...

Serge Smagarinsky, NSW
Kearin Guziak, VIC

Congratulations!

You have each won a copy of the incredible The Hate U Give prize pack including a copy of the book and DVD of the movie.

Enjoy!

Thank you to ALL who entered.

(One winning entry even included one of my all time fave books and films! Ed.)

Read our KBR review of The Hate U Give.

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Review: The Bee Book

Who is not interested in bees? They are hard-working insects with interesting lives.  

In 2018, the number of domesticated hives was between 80 million and 100 million, each of them containing 10,000 to 60,000 bees. Bees cross-pollinate approximately 30 per cent of the world’s crops and 90 per cent of wild plants. 

Our lives depend on them. Under 22 sub-headings in The Bee Book, we learn a great deal about these precious insects of which there are 20,000 different species. The most famous is the honey bee.

In this beautifully designed life story of bees, illustrated in colourful images and presented in stunning sequences, children and adults can learn about bees and how they communicate.  How they collect pollen, what they use it for and how they survive during the cold seasons are the starters for the host of information contained within the 47 pages.

Only the female bee stings. The reason it dies when it stings us, is because the stinger has jagged spikes that get stuck in the skin and pulled out of the bee. Bees can’t survive without their stinger. The queen bee is an exception to this rule. She can sting repeatedly without any threat to her.

This excellent book is a must-have for any library – school or home. It talks about the relationship between bees and beekeepers and explains what is happening in the hive. It describes all the different types of bees and their roles in life. The life-span and role of the queen bee is dissected and how she controls whether an egg will hatch into a worker bee (female) or a drone (male). Then there are the many roles of the worker bees, how the bees make honey, and the process they follow.

What is a swarm and why does it form? Which animals eats honey bees and why are they declining? Bees also help support a wide range of wildlife. What would happen without this support? There are countless facts and statistics in this amazing book of 47 pages. You will never again view bees in a negative way after learning about their lives and how necessary they are to the whole planet.

Finally, there is what you can do to help which covers of tips about bee friendly plants, becoming more knowledgeable about bees and certainly, learning not to be afraid of them.

This valuable book will initiate conversation between teachers and children, parents and children, children and children, and give birth to a bee conscience so they can be conscious of what bees offer to all living things.

Title: The Bee Book

Author: Charlotte Milner

Publisher: DK, $24.99

Publication Date: October 2018

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9780143769897

For ages: 8+

Type: Non-fiction

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Review: Roald Dahl's Creative Writing with The BFG

Review: Window of Hope

Oh! What a glorious, emotional, quite story, with a strong message that goes straight to the heart.

Window of Hope is the perfect title for this story. You know instantly that something is not right with Max because she is viewing the world from her window, but you equally know from the title, that everything will be okay by the end of the story.

The reason for Max's isolation is slowly revealed upon the arrival of  a little one legged bird. Max thought, 'The bird is broken...' and wondered, 'Is the bird sad...'.

However, the bird didn't act broken. It sang and danced. The bird was able to pick itself up when it fell over and fly again. Max began to feel hope and opened her heart to the little bird and life outside of her bedroom window.

Robert Vescio's words weave a wonderful story about how even with a disability life is still open to possibilities. His story uncovers the deep emotions created by disability. Vescio conjures the isolating nature of disability by placing Max in her bedroom with the window being a barrier between her and children from the outside world. He parallels the open window and letting the bird inside to the vulnerability of opening your heart and mind to a world of opportunities.   

These emotions and messages are accompanied by the breath taking illustrations of Demelsa Haughton. Her style creates a mood that is wistful, soft and gentle. Her illustrations of Max's eyes is like a doorway to her soul; sadness, despair, loneliness, hope and joy.

Haughton has a way of adding little details into the illustrations that gives us more. The dreams of a girl are echoed in the origami birds hanging on the wall. Then later a sheet draped between Max's arms, gives her wings that could help her fly, a symbol of soaring hope and freedom.

It is also the things that illustrators leave out of the pictures that can inform readers and create mood. Max's room is devoid of many objects one expects to find in a child's room, there are no toys or pictures on the wall or clutter, creating a feeling of sparseness like a hospital room where she can feel '...safe and conformable...'. 

Window of Hope encourages readers to be brave and step out of the safe and comfortable place, so you can discover a world of endless possibilities.

More stories by Robert Vescio include The Box Cars and Finn and Puss. For another heart touching story illustrated by Demelsa Haughton, read Ella.

Title: Widow of Hope
Author: Robert Vescio
Illustrator: Demelsa Haughton
Publisher: Little Pink Dog Books, $24.95
Publication Date: 1 July 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9780648256366
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book




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Review: The Utterly Indescribable Thing That Happened in Huggabie Falls

Guest Post: Dee White on Letters to Leonardo: A Second Chance

When Matt Hudson turns fifteen, he receives a birthday card from the mother he thought was dead. Why has his father lied to him for the last ten years? Matt doesn’t know who or what to believe. 

He sets out to find his mother, and the reasons behind her abandonment soon become clear. Assigned a letter-writing project at school, Matt writes to his idol – Leonardo da Vinci. 

This simple act helps him work through his feelings of betrayal, and understand how neglected mental illness can tear a family
apart.

Join Australian author, Dee White as she revisits an old friend and shares how she resurrected a story close to her heart. 

When I started writing Letters to Leonardo in the late 1990s, I was determined to do it my way. Nine years later when it was accepted for publication by Walker books Australia, I was lucky to have an amazing editor (Sue Whiting) who helped me realize that getting my YA novel accepted was just the beginning. I still had a lot of work to do.

Letters to Leonardo is the story of Matt Hudson who receives a fifteenth birthday card from the mother he thought was dead. He decides to go looking for her and find out why she has been absent from his life, and why his father lied to him about her death. Matt helps make sense of his feelings of betrayal and confusion by writing to his dead idol, Leonardo da Vinci.

Initially, Letters to Leonardo was all letters, but my editor, Sue persuaded me that the book would work much better as a combination of letters and text, which it did.

The structure of the story didn’t change much over the nine years it took to write, but I always agonized over the ending. There were a number of obvious ways to bring my main character Matt’s journey to its conclusion, but I didn’t want a clichéd finish. Letters to Leonardo was my first novel to be published and I was determined to get it right, and to do things my way. I created an ending that wasn’t clichéd or predictable, but it left some readers unhappy, and after a while, I began to understand why.

A Second Chance

Due to a number of circumstances, Letters to Leonardo took 10 years to make it to publication in Australia and New Zealand. It was so thrilling to see my long nurtured book in the hands of readers, but unfortunately, it was never released overseas. This book was so dear to my heart and I had spent such a large part of my life writing it. I felt it still had a journey to make.

In the 10 years since Letters to Leonardo was first published I became less certain about the ending. I had by now read many young adult books, and raised two young adults of my own. I realized that while young adult readers could endure many hardships for characters, there still had to be hope that these characters could overcome the odds. Readers accept that characters will be changed by what happens to them, just as real people are changed by life. But readers want to know that the characters they have connected with, have taken this journey with, will be okay in the end.

For young adults, in real life and in books, the most important people to them are their friends. Good friends can help them get through almost anything. It was this realization about the importance of friendship and hope to young adult readers that motivated me to create a new ending for my book.

Now all I had to do was find a publisher willing to take a second chance on Letters to Leonardo. This time I was looking for one who would take my book beyond Australia and New Zealand, one who would take my story into the wider world.

A US friend told me about Mazo Publishers, a small but dedicated company willing to republish books that have done well elsewhere. Thanks to Mazo Publishing, Letters to Leonardo has been given a second chance to find its way to young adult readers, and Matt has been given another chance at happiness.

Dee White is the author of more than 20 books across all genres for children and young adults. She will do just about anything (including ride a camel, jump out of a plane and walk through a Paris sewer) to explore a story.

Read our KBR 2010 review of Letters to Leonardo and keep a look out for our review of the revised edition, The Truth Changes Everything. Visit the publisher's website or Amazon to purchase the book.

Title: Letters to Leonardo: The Truth Changes Everything
Author: Dee White
Publisher: Mazo Publishers, $21.50
Publication Date: 6 June 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781946124555
For ages: 14+
Type: Young Adult Fiction

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Video: Stories Connect Us All

What does story mean to you? Stories Connect Us All is a short video from Story Box Library, released to coincide with NAIDOC Week. It celebrates and reflects on the meaning of stories for some of the indigenous storytellers who are involved in Story Box Library presents Indigenous Story Time.

Want to watch more? Many public libraries subscribe to Story Box Library for their members to access, or you can create a personal subscription.

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Review: So She Did

Condensing a person’s entire life into picture book form is no easy feat, but Simi Genzuik and Renee Treml deliver the goods in So She Did, a story about famous Australian circus performer May Wirth.

Born in Bundaberg, Australia, May Wirth came from a circus family. She had talent from the beginning, but her family was very poor. 

When she was seven, she was adopted by another circus family. They introduced May to trick riding on horses, and she fell in love with the daring circus act. 

It was difficult and dangerous to perform tricks on the back of horses, but May was a determined young girl who believed in herself and her abilities.

She practiced and trained and performed with the grand Wirth’s Circus. She did what no other woman could do, and news of her talents spread across the world. 

May Wirth became the greatest bareback rider of all time. She was courageous and daring, and she never let anyone tell her she couldn’t do what she wanted to do. 

This is a lovely picture book that introduces young kids to one of Australia’s most talented circus performers. May’s story is thrilling and entertaining, and it encourages kids to reach for the stars and believe in themselves.

Renee Treml’s illustrations are simply beautiful — fun and so engaging. It’s such a lovely way for kids to explore non-fiction, and it sparks a lovely dialogue between reader and audience as the pictures are explored and May’s story is revealed. 

And I love how the end pages have photographs of the real May Wirth, which is sure to get kids curious about May and eager to find out more about this amazing Australian woman.

Title: So She Did

Author: Simi Genziuk

Illustrator: Renee Treml

Publisher: Affirm Press, $24.99

Publication Date: 28 May 2019

Format: Hard Cover

ISBN: 9781925712926

For ages: 3 - 6

Type: Picture Book

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