Review: Haywire

The setting is Hay, rural Australia, 1939 and narrated in two parallel stories; one by Tom in Hay, the other by Max in Germany.

WW2 has broken out. Volunteers are eager to join up to fight for their country.

Tom is the youngest of three boys. Still at school, he is intelligent and diligent enough to get into Uni. But when his brothers Mick and Pete sign up, he’s forced to fill their role at the family bakery.

An internment camp is being built in Hay to house Enemy Aliens. 2000 of them – Italians and Germans, are on their way.

Many people hate them already as they have limited water supply. Plus, their other resources will be drained.  But it is also an opportunity for some to make money.

Max is secreted away to England and his Uncle Ferdy, only to find that he lives in a tiny basement and cooks on a kerosene stove. As things escalate, the two encounter hostility. Their origins and accents become a threat. They are taken along with other Enemy Aliens to an internment camp, then onto a ship bound for Canada. Many drown after it’s torpedoed. The survivors are returned to where they started.

On the Dunera, this time bound for Australia and the internment camp at Hay, Ferdy and Max experience another attack. Max arrives alone, for Ferdy, traumatised by the first bombing, jumps overboard and drowns.

Tom’s home life has become a war zone. His mother is filled with anger and hatred for everyone and everything that took her sons away. She doesn’t stop harping about it, as the family buckles under the work load. Then tragedy strikes.

Max and Tom meet during the daily bread delivery. A tentative friendship is formed. They find they have a lot in common. Although Max acknowledges that not everyone sees the internees as the enemy, his grief and loss over Ferdy’s death consumes him. Impossible as it seems, all he wants is to get back to his parents. The eternal optimist Willy, who travelled on the Dunerawith Max, comes up with a crazy idea.

Superbly written and presented, Haywire is a powerful read. It focuses historically, on the prelude to WW2 and the crumbling of people’s lives.

Claire Saxby’s prose is crisp. Short and sharp sentences provide bold, vivid images that carry urgency and tension equal to the characters’ actions and emotions. Perfect for young readers interested in learning about Australian war history, Haywire is part of a fabulous series, Australia’s Second World War.

Title: Haywire

Author: Claire Saxby

Publisher: Scholastic, $16.99

Publication Date: 1 March 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781742769196

For ages: 9+

Type: Historical Fiction

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Review: Littlelight

Littlelight is an enriching story about a town which transforms barriers to bridges entwining the power of people, culture and an open mind.

The town of Littlelight is clearly lacking excitement. Grey buildings, grey clothes, grey everything shows readers of a drab town in need of change. When bricks start to go missing from the town walls, the stern looking mayor is not impressed, he immediately convinces the town people that they are in danger.

As more and more bricks disappear, bright neon colours enter the pages and show a little of what lay outside the town walls. The story rolls forward with flow, rhythm and repetition showing that the proposed danger is anything but. A clever, amusing ending gives the mayor plenty of time for thinking.

I adore the loose watercolour style ink illustrations, they set the scene and tell much of the story as does the unique use of grey tones contrasting with neon colours. Along with the brilliant artwork, the repetition of text and sophisticated vocabulary is intriguing for curious minds and will leave readers enlightened.

Perfect for classrooms, Littlelight stands out on a shelf and could lead to many discussions on topics from art and culture to politics and more. Adults and some children are likely to spot it as being a clever and timely take on the infamous Trump border wall.

Kelly Canby is an author illustrator based in Western Australia, two of her other brilliant books are Rodney, and The Hole Story.

Title: Littlelight
Author/Illustrator: Kelly Canby
Publisher: Fremantle Press , $24.99
Publication Date: 15 April 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN:  9781925815764
For ages: 5 – 7
Type: Picture Book




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Review: Ellie's Dragon

12 Curly Questions with author Hilary Robinson

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
My 8x grandfather was Henry Foljambe. According to some medieval records, the Foljambes descended from King Eric of Sweden. I don’t know if it’s true but it’s fun to think that I may be part of Viking royalty!

2. What is your nickname? 
 My nickname is Billy because my uncle, instead of calling me Hilary, called me ‘Hilly Billy’. Other family members then started then to call me Billy too – including my husband!

3. What is your greatest fear?
I have a fear of being trapped in a small space. I don’t know what has caused that but it’s a reason why I would never go potholing! And if there were mice or rats in that small space I would be even more upset!

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Intermittent. I don’t have a disciplined approach.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Quick, organised, reactive, neat, efficient.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
I would love to be Anne of Green Gables. Her vivid imagination, her love for life, how she responded to adversity and the way she cared for others was inspirational.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
If I could travel back in time I would like to meet Lady Mary Wortley Montagu in 1721 who developed the technique for the inoculation of smallpox. She learned it from small communities in the Ottoman Empire, where her husband was the British Ambassador. She was never given the credit for the technique, which involved taking pus from a blister and scratching it into the skin of another. That would then cause antibodies in the other person and protect them from the disease. If it hadn’t been for her then Edward Jenner might never have found the cure for cowpox.
I would also like to see the Bronte sisters, in 1845, sitting around their table, writing their stories.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
I would say practise your piano more! I got to a high standard but I didn’t practise nearly as much as I should have done and I’m trying to pick it up again now. It’s much harder to learn when you’re an adult!

9. Who is your greatest influence?
My dad was my greatest influence. He was clever, wise, funny, kind and much admired by many. A natural diplomat, he helped many who were in difficulty and everyone trusted him.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I was already writing for television when my three-year-old daughter developed a fear of spiders. I couldn’t find a book about a friendly spider and so I wrote one. That story led on to another and another and 25 years later I am still writing. Sophie is now a teacher in London and still a little bit frightened of spiders!

11. What is your favourite word and why?
My favourite word is supercalifragilistic because it’s a happy word and everyone smiles when it’s said.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I could read one book for the rest of my life it would be the delightful Winnie the Pooh. I love the uplifting and inspiring quotes as Pooh Bear walks about with his little words of wisdom.

Hilary Robinson is the author of over 60 children’s books including Mixed Up Fairy Tales, Where The Poppies Now Grow and The Gregory Goose series. She has won awards for several of her books, which have also been translated into several languages. For more information, see www.hilaryrobinson.co.uk.

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Review: Taking the Lead - How Jacinda Ardern Wowed the World

Here is a story about an amazing woman and leader, Jacinda Ardern, whose compassion and open-heartedness made a lasting impression on the world.

Red dominates in the illustrations. It’s the colour of energy, determination, strength and power amongst many other virtues. It announces all that is Ardern. Phoebe Morris has made a bold statement with her striking cover and equally striking additions through the book, beginning with the end pages.

As a young girl, Ardern learnt to drive a tractor on her parents’ farm. She also wanted to help people.

An opportunity to do that came in the form of working for the Labour Party in the 1999 General Election.

It seemed that all she did in life from then on paved the way to what she was meant to become. Each progressive experience was intermingled with social and public service of some kind.

She was New Zealand’s youngest MP elected to Parliament. There were those that believed women were unable to fill such an important role. When she became Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, views changed.

The things she stands for are documented in this biographical picture book made accessible to younger readers. Jacinda Ardern stands tall as a role model and inspiration for all young girls and women that know they can but are told they can’t because of their gender. She has proven that motherhood has no boundaries and if anything, it strengthens one’s patience and endurance in all things.

Ending poverty, women’s rights and improving their working lives, peace and climate change, are passionate goals to her.

Who can forget Jacinda Ardern embracing a Somali-born woman after the attack by a gunman on Muslim civilians?

There is a double spread at the end with a timeline of special successes by women from 1918 onward which incorporates Ardern’s achievements among them from 1984 till today.

Title: Taking the Lead: How Jacinda Ardern Wowed the World

Author: David Hill

Illustrator: Phoebe Morris

Publisher: Penguin Random House, $19.99

Publication Date: March 2020

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9780143774518

For ages: 6+

Type: Non Fiction

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Guest Junior Review: The Undercover Princess

Giveaway: Ellie's Dragon and Barkley Picture Books

From the new release vaults of our good friends, Walker Books, we have two gorgeous new picture books to giveaway: Ellie's Dragon by Bob Graham and Barkley by Rebecca Crane.

The message of Ellie's Dragon is that no friendship is imaginary, and Barkley is all about a Best Friend Dog. Both are moving stories about the powers of companionship.

For a chance to win both of these heart-warming new Australian picture books, tell us in 25 words or less, which fictional animal or mythical creature would you most like to be friends with?

Email your answer along with your name and postal address to dimity. The response we like best will win a copy of each of these fabulous new releases. 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 June 2020.

Competition runs from 5.00 pm 20 June 2020 to 5 pm 27 June 2020. 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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Video: Andy Griffiths answers children's questions

Andy Griffiths is one of Australia's best known authors for children. His books, like the 'Just' books, the 'Bum' books, and the Treehouse series created with Terry Denton, are bestsellers. In this video, complete with special effects, Andy answers questions from his young readers. Some of them are just as wild and wacky as the storylines of Andy's books, while others are about his favourite things, and serious advice on becoming an author and where to get ideas for stories.




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Review: Martin Luther King Jr. (Little People, Big Deams)

The Little People, Big Dreams series delivers mini biographies for kids. Each book provides children an opportunity to learn about important people in our world and in our history in an engaging way with simple text and lots of bright colours.

I’ve read a few of these amazing books (Maya Angelou, Stephen Hawking, Maria Montessori).

But this one — Martin Luther King Jr. — is an extremely important read.

You’ll learn about the day Martin, as a young boy, went to a friend’s house and was told he wasn’t allowed to stay and play because of the colour of his skin. You’ll learn about how Martin and his friend had to go to different schools because of the colour of their skin.

But Martin believed he shouldn’t accept these things that were happening in his life. He studied hard, he learnt many things and he spoke out about the injustices he saw happening around him.

When Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus because of the colour of her skin, Martin helped inspire action against this horrible injustice, and so began the first major civil rights action in America.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a speaker of powerful words. He dreamed big and he shared his dreams with his country and the world. He inspired action, hope and belief — belief that no one should be treated differently based on their skin colour.

This is a book for kids, and it’s been written with great care. All the important messages are included, and there is additional information at the back of the book, but it is sensitive to the fact that the audience is children.

Kids need to read this book. Everyone needs to read this book. It’s a brilliant starting point for kids to find out more, to spark curiosity, leading to questions and discussions with family and classrooms.

We can’t forget our past and we can’t ignore our present if we want to change the future.

Title: Martin Luther King Jr.
Author: Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Illustrator: Mai Ly Degnan
Publisher: Francis Lincoln, $15.99
Publication Date: 7 January 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780711245679
For ages: 4 - 6
Type: Picture Book

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Look What I'm Reading! Steve Spargo

Steve Spargo is Head of Marketing at Walker Books Australia. He has worked in publishing for almost 15 years and can’t think of anything better than working with kids’ books.

Which children’s book are you currently reading?

Burn by Patrick Ness

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

It’s set in an alternate 1950s USA, where Sarah and her father hire a dragon to work on their farm, unwittingly playing their part in an ancient prophecy.


Meanwhile, there are dragon-worshiping cult members closing in who are being followed by two FBI agents. All eventually meet with Sarah and the dragon, turning the story on its head.

How much did you enjoy/are enjoying this title?

I absolutely loved it! It was fast paced and fresh with some great twists. While not the main focus of the book, there was also a complicated yet touching gay story thread running through it, which is something I always appreciate in books I’m reading. Patrick Ness has a way of treating characters (and his readers) with a respect that shines though on the page. He can push characters to their limits without ever heading into contrived plot points.

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

Although it was a book I had to read for work, I was a Patrick Ness fan long before I started at Walker Books and I’ll read anything he puts out.

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

I have the unhealthy habit of stopping books part-way through, possibly never returning to them, even if I was enjoying them. I often drop something I’m reading for pleasure, to read something for work and then something shiny and new will come along and grab my attention. I’ve just started the second in the Book of Dust series, The Secret Commonwealth by Philip Pullman. Shamefully, I’ve only just read Charlotte’s Web, having loved the movie as a kid but never actually reading the book. I’ve read about half of the stories in Growing up Queer in Australia, edited by Benjamin Law; plus of course, a never-ending pile of books for work!

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

I keep a look out for new books by my favourite authors and I love getting recommendations from friends and others in the industry – but for the books I mentioned above I picked them up when browsing bookshops.

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

I have a few favourite genres.  I like to mix them up a bit. I love really whimsical junior fiction and middle grade, I’ve had a long-standing love of horror (I was a non-reader as a kid – I discovered Goosebumps, then quickly went to the Fear Street series, then on to Stephen King). I’m keen on a bit of pop-nonfiction like Jon Ronson and as I mentioned earlier, something with a strong queer storyline.

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

Print is always the first choice and I usually have an audio book on the go as well. Reading for work is usually digital.

https://www.walkerbooks.com.au/

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Guest Junior Review: Fantastic Mr Fox

Every now and then we are lucky enough to visit an old favourite. Fantastic Mr Fox certainly is one of them as reviewed by another of our guest junior reviewers, Aanya Dhariwal, aged eight.

Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl is adventurous and scary. This book is about Mr Fox trying to get food from the farmers for their family. 

The farmers find out and make a plan to kill Mr Fox. 

The book gets better and better as Mr Fox meets friends like Mr Badger who help him lead their families to food and fun. 

Mr Fox lives underground beside a tree with his wife and four children. 

Tired of being outsmarted by Mr Fox the farmers devise a plan to ambush him as he leaves his burrow, but they succeed only in shooting off his tail.

Recommended for kids ages 6 to 9 who like adventure books.

Title: Fantastic Mr Fox
Author: Roald Dahl
Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Penguin Books, $16.99
Publication Date: April 2016
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780141365442
For ages: 6 - 9
Type: Junior Fiction

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Meet The Illustrator: Julian Charlton

Name: Julian Charlton

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.

Humorous, cute, sometimes quirky, fun loving and simplified at times,

What items are an essential part of your creative space?

Less distractions the better. Enjoy background music and the odd cup of tea or coffee.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?

Ipad Pro running Procreate, although would like to dabble in watercolour at some point.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.

I couldn’t possibly limit it to three, sorry. So many artists inspire me, be them professional, hobbyists or starting their journey into the world of illustration.

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?

To be honest, I would be more interested in seeing how art develops far into the future.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?

As a child I enjoyed drawing and dreamed of one day becoming a cartoonist as not only enjoyed reading comics but also poured over the artwork. Life took over once left school and as time passed I never made time to draw. A number of years back I dipped into drawing again but only for a matter of weeks. Then in Nov 2018 due to certain circumstances in my life I realised I needed to make the time to do something for myself. This being picking back up the pencil, albeit now an Apple Pencil. I’ve been drawing daily ever since.

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 creative space is primarily the living room floor : ) often accompanied by our pet dog, Kipper AKA Mr Kipling. I actually find it more comfortable laying down drawing than I do sitting. If not the living room floor, I’ll be laid on the bed (less distractions).

                                           

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?

The blank page. At this point it can go anywhere. The initial point of creating the character(s) is what I enjoy the most, bringing them to life on the page.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?

As an aspiring illustrator myself, I’d say make the time to do what you enjoy doing. I’ve found Instagram to be very helpful to not only share my work with others and discover so many talented and creative individuals but I’ve also picked up illustration work including my first children’s book and stamp design work.
No matter how old you are, it’s never too late. Don’t be afraid to allow your style to develop and evolve. I actually don’t restrict myself to one specific style. Stay true to yourself. Never give up. Only you can make it happen, so make it happen.

Julian is self-taught and lives with his wife, son and pet dog (eldest two daughters have flown the nest). He’s currently working on his first children’s book – How Does Time Work? (Nui Nui) and creates stamp designs for Purple Onion Designs. Julian also runs a free artist promotion page on Instagram @childrensillustratorsart .

For more information, please follow Julian on his instagram.

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12 Curly Questions with author Ashling Kwok

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I’m a terrible skier. I actually got stuck on a mountain once and had to beg the rescue team to help me get down because I kept falling off the T-bar. I can still hear the group of five-year-old professional skiers chanting, 'Don’t give up. Don’t give up.' Let’s just say I never, ever want to go anywhere near a ski field again.

2. What is your nickname?
I usually just get called Ash or Ashes. Actually my sister calls me Cat – but that’s a whole other story.

3. What is your greatest fear?
Amusement park rides! I can’t think of anything worse than going on a rollercoaster or anything similar. The logical part of my brain just doesn’t understand why anyone would want to do that.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Sometimes emotional, sometimes funny but always straight from the heart.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Curious, playful, experimental, instinctual, heartfelt.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Paddington Bear. He has a big heart but he isn’t perfect. He also gets to wear a cool outfit, go on exciting adventures, and he always has a snack on hand when he needs it.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Definitely the 1980s! Great music, cool clothes, and a much simpler life in so many ways.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Why did you waste so much time? To which I would reply – so I could really appreciate what I have now.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
My family. My husband, for supporting me quietly from the sidelines, and my children, for being an endless source of inspiration. Without their encouragement and belief, I would never have made it to the other side.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I’ve always loved listening to people’s stories and analysing why human beings act the way they do. Writing allows me to explore this on a deeper level. It’s such an interesting way to explore the human condition.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Perception – because it determines what we see and how we act in the world.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Gosh, that’s hard. I’m going to say The Heart in the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers. Reading that book changed my life. It’s a brilliant example of how difficult subjects can be tackled in a beautiful and sensitive way.

Ashling is a children’s author and freelance journalist from Sydney. She spends her days dreaming up new ideas, working on her latest manuscripts, and browsing local bookstores, marvelling at all the wonderful books created by talented children’s authors. Her debut picture book, Lola and Grandpa was published in May 2020. The Battle was released in June 2020. For more information, see www.ashlingkwok.com.au.

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Video Review: When the Whales Walked

Join Yvonne Mes for a short and snappy video review of When the Whales Walked, and other incredible evolutionary journeys, written by Douglas Dixon and illustrated by Hannah Bailey. This video includes other recommended titles for children on evolution.

Title: When the Whaled Walked
Author: Douglas Dixon
Illustrator: Hannah Bailey
Publisher: Australian Geographic
Publication Date: 2018
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781925695236
For ages: 8 - 12
Type: Nonfiction




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Review: Henry Turnip

An adorable story about Henry Turnip; a shy and peaceful panda, whose world is soon enlightened by his friendship with an adventurous rabbit named Reuben.

Henry is an endearing character, he happily eats the same breakfast and wears the same outfit each day, he likes jam sandwiches, reading and he doesn’t like crowds, loud noises or mess. Mostly, Henry seems contently introverted, but he doesn’t really know otherwise.

When Reuben Moon, a confident playground explorer, befriends Henry, things change, just a little, for the better. Both friends learn from each other and Henry discovers fun that he never knew existed before, like the joy of stomping in muddy puddles and the exhilaration of his first ride on a fabulous playground slippery-slide.

Henry’s experiences are expanded through the power of his new friendship, fears he had seem to dwindle and he learns things about himself that he may not have discovered on his own. Best of all, he has a friend by his side to share his experiences with.

I adore this book, Henry reminds me a little of myself and would be relatable to many readers. The traditional watercolour illustrations make my heart sing, they show Henry and other loveable characters amongst bright but soft, beautifully detailed scenes. The text and illustrations perfectly suit each other.

Henry Turnip feels like a classic with a beautiful message about friendship, life and the wonder of the unknown. It would be great to share with shy individuals or in a group and could lead onto discussions about friendship, personalities, unknown experiences, comfort zones and more.

Chloe Jasmine Harris is an Australian author illustrator, Henry Turnip is her second book after her debut Maple the Brave.

Title: Henry Turnip
Author/Illustrator: Chloe Jasmine Harris
Publisher: Walker Books, $25.00
Publication Date: 1 June 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760651114
For ages: 2+
Type: Picture Book




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Review: Willow The Armadillo

Guest Junior Reviewer: The Land of Stories: Beyond The Kingdoms Book 4

Review: The Great Big Brain Book

The Great Big Book series brings us the eighth title that celebrates our marvellous brain. Mary Hoffman’s clever, light-hearted and humorous text is surrounded and supported by Ros Asquith’s superb cartoon-style, watercolour illustrations.

Frame by Frame, the children’s artwork reaches its target audience in the best way possible.

Kids will see and learn how the brain develops, its role, and how it is the command centre that sends messages to the body using neurons. It features the weight of the brain, the amount of cells, brain food, and the senses. (There is more!)

Listed are the many areas the brain controls, including memory, muscles, movement and dreams.

How does the brain help us make decisions, multi-task and use language? These areas are all covered on outstanding, fully illustrated pages.

I must comment further on the illustrations that are truly fabulous! Both end pages exhibit all the areas controlled by the brain. It is a parade of colour and depicts the emotion-filled children that appear in the book.

The title page shows the two hemisphere’s of the brain and the cat that appears all over the place. Speech bubbles allow us to see what the cat is thinking – at times funny and others not. Kids will look forward to seeing it wherever it appears.

Many of the pages are decorated with miniature illustrations, forming borders around the three edges.

Many of the illustrations are presented in child-like drawings on boards. This immediately engages the reader by making personal contact with them. Pages full of small details allow kids to spend time searching, finding and questioning.

Visually stimulating, a lot of thought has gone into presenting a subject that otherwise would be seen as complex to this age group.

With simple text, easy to follow explanations and the vibrant images, it becomes an entertaining and valuable learning tool. Larger than the usual picture book size, the text is presented in bold type and a larger font.

It’s a book filled with energy and humour, and addresses the ageing of the brain as well as its growth from childhood. I loved it!

Title: The Great Big Brain Book

Author: Mary Hoffman

Illustrator: Ros Asquith

Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $24.99

Publication Date: 3 March 2020

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9780711241534

For ages: 5 - 8

Type: Non Fiction

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Review: Miss-Connection

Being a girl is hard. Being a teenager is hard.

But being a teenage girl? Almost impossible.

And if you’re the parent or carer of a teenage girl, how do you help? How do you support your teenager through the chaos?

Miss-Connection is the magic paper potion you need to help you help your daughter through the teenage years. 

But it’s kind of more than that.

This isn’t a book that just gives you some tips and tricks on how to help your teenage girls through challenges. It’s a window into their minds. 

This is your chance to hear from young girls, in their own words, about what they need from you.

Dr Justin Coulson is an honorary fellow at the Centre for Positive Psychology at the University of Melbourne. He also has six daughters. He also surveyed hundreds of teenage girls across Australia as he researched for this book.

The result is an insightful, honest and raw look at the views and opinions of teenage girls. What they think, what they struggle with and what they need.

Some of it is very confronting, but all of it is the truth (as evidenced by quotes from young girls throughout the book). So if you want to better connect with your girls and help them when they need you the most, you're going to want to get hold of this book.

The book covers a lot: screen time, boys, sex, drugs, pornography, anxiety, friendship troubles and school. It provide support and advice through it all, telling you how to support your teenage girls through each of the challenges they might face as they grow.

My daughters are only six and four, but I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to read this book now. A lot of the advice is based on creating a strong connection with your girls as soon as possible. The stronger the connection, the easier it is to weather the storms.

It makes perfect sense. If your girls trust you, they will talk to you, and if they talk to you, you can help them. Coulson provides brilliant ideas on how to build this trust. He gives you advice on language to use, questions to ask and ways to approach different challenges, all supported by the suggestions of young girls — their insights into what they need from their parents.

If you’re keen to better connect with your teenage daughter. If your daughter is on the verge of becoming a teenager (or even younger), I highly, highly recommend Miss-Connection.

Title: Miss-Connection

Author: Dr Justin Coulson, PhD

Publisher: ABC Books, $32.99

Publication Date: 20 January 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9780733338892

For ages: Adults

Type: Adult Non-Fiction

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Review: Derek Dool Supercool: Bust a Move (Book #1)

Derek Dool thinks he’s supercool.

His friends are not so sure, but they are sticking by him.

In book one in this fun new series by Adrian Beck, Derek is on a mission to prove he is the best dancer at Rutsmell Primary School.

The school disco is coming up, and Derek is determined to bust a move and prove to his classmates he is the coolest kid in school. 

And definitely cooler than Carmichael Cruz, Derek’s archenemy.

Derek starts working on his moves, but things just keep getting in the way. Things like a principal who’s out to get him, totally unjustified detention and, well, not really knowing how to dance.

With the help of his two best friends Booger and Big Denise, Derek is positive he’s going to win the disco dance-off against Cruz. But can he do it?

Derek Dool Supercool: Bust a Move is a wickedly funny junior novel, perfect for kids who love a fun read that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

With jokes galore, stacks of silliness and funky illustrations by Scott Edgar throughout, it’s a great read for junior readers. And the start of a great new series.

Title: Derek Dool Supercool: Bust a Move

Author: Adrian Beck

Illustrator: Scott Edgar

Publisher: Penguin, $14.99

Publication Date: 3 March 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781760892951

For ages: 7 - 10

Type: Junior Fiction, Illustrated Fiction

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Review: Azaria, A True History

This year, 2020, is the 40th anniversary of the death of Azaria Chamberlain at Uluru.

When this little baby disappeared during a family camping trip, the entire nation was instantly caught up in a frenzy of gossip, prejudice and judgement.

It's a story so many of us grew up with. I can still remember it: Every grown-up had an opinion on whether Azaria was taken by a dingo or murdered by her mother. And every child in the school yard echoed their parents' opinions.

This horrifying chapter in Australia's history is sensitively captured in this evocative and heartfelt retelling of a true story. From the death of the baby taken by a dingo one night, to the mistakes and media frenzy that followed. From the infamous court case that every family watched on the television each night and the incarceration of a mother for murder, to the truth that eventually emerged decades later.

Maree's exquisite prose tears open old heartaches and shines a light on the cruel reality of the natural world, while exposing the callous court of public opinion. Her illustrations shimmer with the beauty of the desert; the rich colours of the natural world juxtaposed with the sombre darkness of society and supposition.

This is a beautiful and tragic modern-day Grimm's fairytale with powerful messages that will spark so many discussions about truth and justice, media opinion and public hysteria. It allows us to examine society's treatment of women (mothers, in particular) — Why won't she cry for the cameras? She seems 'unusual' — and of Indigenous people — Of course, there were those who knew the truth, but they were not heard.

This is a story for all ages and one that should not be forgotten. Highly recommended.

Title: Azaria, A True History
Author/Illustrator: Maree Coote
Publisher: MelbourneStyle Australia , $29.95
Publication Date: March 2020
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9780648568407
For ages: 8+
Type: Non-fiction Picture Book

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Review: Lion Needs a Haircut

Review: Elizabella and The Haunting of Lizard Lake

Review: The Butter O’Bryan Mysteries #1: The Ghost of Howlers Beach

It is 1932. School holidays are dead boring. Butter is lonely and longs for something exciting to happen. And it does. When a three-legged dog digs up a skull on the beach, Butter takes it home to his dad.

Twelve year old Butter O’Bryan lives in a Very Small Castle close to the sea, built by his grandfather, one of the Jam Kings. HHe shares his life with his dad, the local GP and his three Aunts - Elephant, Cake and Peculiar. They are singular beings, as unusual as their names, modified from the originals during their brother’s early childhood speech to remain so over time.

Butter’s mother has died from Polio in the epidemic that rages through post-war Australia. Dad, being unable to save her, blames himself. Withdrawn and quiet, he none-the-less nurtures a warm, loving and generous family atmosphere.

A susso camp has slowly increased in size on the O’Bryan land. Poverty stricken families of the Great Depression have built shacks from driftwood and anything found or brought in by the tide. It is another battle; one for survival. Dr O’Bryan, compassionate and grateful for his privileged life, allows them to remain there unchallenged.

Butter (he won’t reveal his real name) encounters three children on the beach playing cricket.  Gil, Olive and Tish, are the owners of the three-legged dog. They are secretive and hostile towards him and disappear without a trace.

When the children’s Uncle dies on the O’Bryan doorstep where he goes for medical attention, Butter is determined to find out the backstory of his life and track the children down. Imaginative, curious and questioning, he also wants to know about the skull; how and why it came to be buried where he found it.

An elusive mystery unfolds around these happenings. Jackie French builds another riveting read using the hardships and poverty of the Depression years as background for this marvellous part mystery, part adventure.

The reader is drawn into the scenes; becomes part of the action. Information about the era’s society and the social structures pour into the excellent storyline and prose.

French’s mastery of historical fiction rules. She picks a time and place in Australian history, adds an incident and builds a story with a cast of outstanding characters around it that informs, educates and entertains.  I can’t wait for the next book; I long to learn what happens next with these characters.

Title: The Butter O’Bryan Mysteries #1: The Ghost of Howlers Beach

Author:Jackie French

Publisher: HarperCollins, $16.99

Publication Date: 24 February 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781460757727

For ages: 10+

Type: Historical Fiction

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Guest Post: Jennie Englund On Surfing: Thoughts from Someone Who’s Never Really Done It

Meet The Illustrator: Chloe Jasmine Harris

Name: Chloe Jasmine Harris

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.

Retro inspired, bright, playful, naively sweet and a bit quirky.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?

Definitely my cintiq, which is a digital drawing tablet that I use for the sketching/editing part of creating an illustration. I’m a bit of a technophobe, so I was reluctant to make the switch to sketching digitally, but now I couldn’t imagine life without it, it’s completely changed my art making practice for the better!

My printer is also an essential for me as I use it to print my digital sketches out onto watercolour paper. Knowing that I can simply reprint the sketch and start again if I don’t like the way the painting is turning out, really does take the pressure off.

And finally, my sit/stand desk and drafting table. I would find drawing/painting so difficult without them, and I know my back and neck very much appreciate the set up! Especially when you’re working long days on a project, an ergonomic workplace is incredibly important.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?

I tend to work primarily in watercolour, which is the medium I used when creating Henry Turnip. Recently I’ve been exploring gouache and digital illustration, and would love to eventually incorporate these more in my art making.

 
Name three artists whose work inspires you.

Sang Miao – I love Sang’s loose, gestural and wonderfully expressive painting style 

Adelina Lirrus – The details in Adelina’s work are mesmerising, as well as her ability to create such immersive worlds for her characters.

Katie Harnett – I love Katie’s intuitive, energetic and childlike style. (Childlike in the best way possible!)

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?

I’d love to visit the impressionism period. I’m so drawn to impressionists painterly approach, and their ability to capture light, energy and movement so beautifully.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?

Probably my mum! She is a fantastic drawer and always encouraged expressing your creativity through art when I was growing up.

I was also inspired by the books we read together as a kid. Jill Barklems, Brambly Hedge series, and Shirley Barbers books were absolute favourites of mine. I was always in awe of the way both of them created such richly intricate worlds for their characters, Illustrations to get completely lost in. I’m sure reading these books helped inspired me to start creating my own narrative illustrations from a young age.

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.

These are my handmade book shelves that my partner very kindly crafted for me and are my favourite part of my studio. They are home to my ever-growing... borderline out of control collection of children's books! I find it super inspiring to work in space surrounded by artwork, particularly children’s book art in every corner.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?

The painting is my favourite part. I find it the most relaxing and fun part of the process. The sketching period often requires a lot of problem solving, brainstorming and creative thinking, so getting to see the work you’ve been drawing for months come to life through paint is always exciting!

For Henry Turnip, I was painting up to 10 spreads at one time, painting all the crocodiles in, then all the badgers etc. I did this so that the colours would stay consistent throughout the whole book, and I loved getting to see all the spreads slowly come together at the same time.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?

Be patient! It takes quite a long time to develop a style, but it will slowly evolve through lots of practice. Don’t be hard on yourself if you feel like you haven’t found it yet, or if your work doesn’t look cohesive. That’s all totally ok and it’s just part of the process.

Put yourself out there! I know it can be super daunting to share your work on a public platform for the first time, especially if you’re an introvert like me! Though I’ve found that the more you share your work with the world, the more opportunities will start coming your way.

And finally, create work that your passionate about and that fills you with joy. Try not to create work just because you feel it will be trendy or get a lot of likes on instagram!

Chloe is a Sydney based freelance and children’s book Illustrator who studied Fine Arts at the National Art school. She is a represented artist of the Illustration Room. Her debut book Maple the Brave was published in 2019 and Henry Turnip will be published 1st of June 2020.

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

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Video Review: Elephant Me

Join Yvonne Mes for a short and snappy video review of the latest feel-good picture book written by author and illustrator duo Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees, Elephant Me.

Title: Elephant Me
Author: Giles Andreae
Illustrator: Guy Parker-Rees
Publisher: Orchard Books
Publication Date: 26 May 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781408356524
For ages: 3 - 5
Type: Picture Book




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