Meet The illustrator: Tannya Harricks

Name: Tannya Harricks

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less. 

Textured, painterly, loose and expressive. 

What items are an essential part of your creative space? 

- Natural light!
- I have all of my art materials on hand, including lots of scrap paper and a pile of art books.
- a huge crate of empty glass jars that I collect for storing my linseed oil and solvents and the pile gets out of hand and there are jars everywhere.
- colour pencils and charcoal are always at hand.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium? 

Oil paint 

Name three artists whose work inspires you. 

Elaine De Kooning
Cecily Brown
Richard Diebenkorn 

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

Bay Area Figurative Painters in the 1950’s/60’s I find the art that came from the group of painters in this period very liberating and exciting. The San Fransisco Bay artists inspired and influenced each other, often meeting at each others studios for life drawing/sketching. Their style was very expressive – influenced by the post war Abstract Expressionist painters. 

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
When I studied Graphic Design in the early 90’s I was taught by Illustrator Dee Huxley and I thought that illustrating picture books would be the best job ever. I had no clue how to go about getting work in that area so my career took many directions within the arts. Many years later an email from illustrator/author Donna Rawlins and author Sue Whiting led me to my first picture book illustration opportunity with Walker Books. So I thank those 3 women for the inspiration and the opportunity!

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

I have had lots of different studio spaces over the last 10 years including a corner in the garage, a spare bedroom and a vacant corner shop. I am about to move into my current studio space that is a little cabin in my garden which I am very excited about. 

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
I love the beginning of the process – research, sketching and storyboarding. The ideas are bubbling and it requires thinking and problem solving. 

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator? 

Connect with industry organisations and groups. Take every opportunity that you can because you never know where it will lead.

Tannya is an artist/illustrator based in Sydney and has illustrated Dingo, Mallee Sky and Kookaburra for Walker Books and Waru for Ventura Press.

Dingo was joint winner of the Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature at the NSW Premier’s Literary Award (2019); won the Royal Zoological Society of NSW’s Whitley Award (2018); and was shortlisted for the 2019 CBCA New Illustrator Award.

For more information. please visit Tannya's website 

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Review: The Austen Girls

The Austen Girls is a fictional story featuring real life people, written into a plot inspired by the times.

Writer and presenter, Lucy Worsley (you might have seen her on TV), is the Chief Curator at Britain's Historic Royal Palaces and has many historical facts and experiences to draw upon.

In The Austen Girls, she's set her story in Georgian England.

As it opens, cousins Fanny and Anna are making their debut in society, and are expected to find husbands and 'marry well'.

As they navigate the waters of coming of age, they face the pressure of expectations and people who are not always what they present themselves to be.

All the while, they also have the example and advice of their Aunt Jane. 

She tells Fanny and Anna that they should consider themselves in training to become heroines, like those in novels.

Aunt Jane has never married and lives as independently as a woman could at that time. She is Jane Austen, who we know today as the author of Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and other novels.

In The Austen Girls, it's not known that Aunt Jane is an author, and the revelation of that secret to one of her nieces has a particular place in the story.

Meanwhile, Fanny and Anna learn lessons about life, make choices and forge their own paths, with bumps along the way.

There's gentle romance, and a touch of intrigue, as the author integrates historical elements of the period, particularly social norms which may prompt thoughts or discussion of the differences between then and now.

The Austen Girls weaves a story that transports you to a period that is foreign to 21st Century readers, and will make you thankful for the opportunities we have today. 

A few pages on what was real are provided at the end, and offers some context for anyone wanting to know more.

Title: The Austen Girls
Author: Lucy Worsley
Publisher: Bloomsbury, $15.99
Publication Date: May 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781526605450
For ages: 12+
Type: Young adult fiction

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Review: Matthew Flinders

It was a copy of Robinson Crusoe that inspired adventures at sea in Matthew Flinders, but his hero was Captain Cook.

After becoming friends with surgeon George Bass, the two both longed for the same thing – to explore the New South Wales coast that Cook himself had left unfinished.

The Tom Thumb was very small boat but it was all they had. This was the beginning of a lifetime of discovery and exploration for both men and the continuation of a great epoch in Australian history.

It was on the leaky ship Norfolk, with George cataloguing plants and animals, that high seas threatened. Matthew Flinders named Bass Strait after his friend.

 
But they soon parted, each going their own way to follow the path they loved. Matthew lost his best friend. But he had Trim, his cat.

 

This is the story of Matthew Flinders’ short life; of all his explorations and discoveries, always in leaky ships. His secret marriage to Ann had her waiting ten years for his return. They had very little time together as he was very sick when he returned.

 

He died at forty years old, the day after his journal came back from the printers.

 

Written in language accessible to a younger audience, Flinders’ story tells of a determined and courageous man that allowed nothing to keep him from his dream of exploring the New South Wales coast, a journey that Captain Cook had left incomplete.

 

End pages are filled with maps of Matthew Flinders’ voyages. A gorgeous map of Flinders’ circumnavigation of Australia winds up the excellent narrative. The navigational equipment employed on the ships are featured and named with an explanation of their use.

Beautifully illustrated in fine line detail, it also includes in the text, how all the areas Flinders discovered were named and also, the naming of Australia.

Title: Matthew Flinders: Adventures on Leaky Ships
Author: Carole Wilkinson 
Illustrator: Prue Pittock
Publisher:Wild Dog Books , $24.99
Publication Date: July 2020 
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781742034935
For ages: 8+
Type: Junior Non Fiction



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12 Curly Questions with author Sally Murphy

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.  

I have a fear of making phonecalls – especially to people I know! I have an irrational fear that they won’t want to talk to me.

2. What is your nickname?  

A bit boring, because I’ve never had a nickname that stuck, although people do call me ‘Sal’ (which I don’t mind in passing, but don’t like as regular thing).

3. What is your greatest fear?  

That climate change, and the influence of big businesses who insist on profit over care for our planet, will take away the future for the world’s children.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.   

I write a lot and hope that it works out.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.  

Eclectic, enthusiastic, emotional, poetic, warm.

6. What book character would you be, and why?  

Funnily, I would probably be Pearl, from my own Pearl Verses the World. This is not because of what happens to her, but because my husband once told me that I am Pearl – which was a very wise thing for him to say, because our lives are not the same, but her insecurities and world view are very much mine, especially at her age.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?  

Maybe to 1969. I have heard so many people tell the story of how they felt/where they were when the first astronauts landed on the moon. It seems it was a day when anything seemed possible. I was too little when it happened to have any memory of it, so I’d like to see if it really was a day of unrivalled optimism.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?  

Learn to like yourself.

9. Who is your greatest influence?  

That’s a toughie. I think I am influenced by the total of all the brilliant authors I read in my childhood, and still do, as well as by the readers who engage with my books and tell me they like them.

10. What/who made you start writing?  

My family. Mum made sure were surrounded by books, and I started making up my own stories even before I could write. I was encouraged to keep going, so I did.

11. What is your favourite word and why?  

My favourite word changes based on mood, recent experiences, and what I’ve read recently. Today my favourite word is ‘arrant’ because I’ve been rereading poems from my childhood. Arrant is used by RL Stevenson to describe his shadow, and now I keep trying to find a way to use it in my speech.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?  

Oh. Hard one. But I think, because a collection of poetry could cover all my moods and be dipped in and out of, it would have to be a poetry collection. Perhaps. Volume one of the Childcraft Library (from the 1970s) which was called Poems and Rhymes. I spent so many days just dipping in and out, and still do so now.

 

 

Sally Murphy is an author, poet and educator, who lives and breathes all things book. When not reading, or writing, or talking about reading and writing, she loves spending time with her family, and walking on the beach. For more information, see www.sallymurphy.com.au.

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Review: Vlad's Bad Breath

Vlad’s Bad Breath is an amusing, rhyming story about dental hygiene and a young vampire who refuses to brush his teeth.

It’s been years since Vlad brushed or flossed his teeth. His mother is distraught and even his cat looks concerned. When other relatives start to comment on his bad breath, Vlad feels upset and mistaken. The story dives deeper into Vlad's emotions to discover he has a decent reason for this neglect to his dental hygiene.

Vlad visits his monster friends and finds that they also have some personal hygiene issues. In open honesty and true friendship, the three friends help to solve each other's problems. Vlad’s help involves a visit to a dentist which leads to a satisfying ending, and a hint at what might be another book to look forward to.

Vlad’s character is lovely, he’s adamant, caring and super cute with big round blue eyes and rosy cheeks. He’s certainly not a vampire to fear other than the bad breath that is. 

I adore the bright, bold, modern illustration, it has a cinematic feel with great display of lighting and it works in perfect unity with the fun, flowing, rhyming text.

Vlad’s Bad Breath would be a great classroom resource, perfect for reluctant teeth brushers, those learning about dental hygiene and of course vampire and monster lovers will rejoice. I can’t wait for the sequel, Love’s Not Dead coming in 2021.

Rory H. Mather is an emerging Australian author, Vlad’s Bad Breath is his debut title, he has others on the way, and I for one can’t wait to get my hands on them! Jesus Lopez is an illustrator based in Madrid, Spain, he has many published books and has even worked on short films.

Title: Vlad's Bad Breath
Author: Rory H. Mather
Illustrator: Jesus Lopez
Publisher: Larrikin House, $24.99  
Publication Date: 1 September 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN:  9780648728771
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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Look What I'm Reading! Fiona Hardy

Hi there! My name is Fiona Hardy and I’m the author of How to Write the Soundtrack to Your Life and How to Make a Movie in 12 Days.

I’ve been working in bookshops around Melbourne for more than twenty years, and I also write book reviews for Readings Monthly and Books + Publishing Magazine.

How to Make a Movie was a CBCA Notable Book in 2020 and was shortlisted for other very thrilling awards that I have not stopped squeaking in excitement about!

Which children’s book are you currently reading?
The Secret Library of Hummingbird House by Julianne Negri, published by Affirm Press.

Can you tell us in two sentences what the book is about?
It’s a middle-grade book about Hattie, a girl who’s struggling with her parents’ recent breakup, and is devastated to find a beloved crumbling neighbourhood mansion is about to be knocked down.
When she finds she can travel back in time to before Hummingbird House was abandoned, she makes a new friend – and discovers some secrets within its walls.

How much did you enjoy/are enjoying this title?
I’m having a great time with it! I’m really struggling to read grownup books in lockdown (even though I’m supposed to be reviewing some of them for work, yikes) but I found Hummingbird House very engaging straightaway—it’s a really lively, exciting book and I want Hattie’s broken heart to heal.

What made you choose this title? Was it a review, advertising, the cover, the blurb, the author/illustrator, or the subject/genre?
I had the pleasure of meeting Julianne last year at a talk I gave for Kids Book Fest, and she was so effervescent and lovely that when she told me she was publishing a book I knew I’d love to read it.

What other titles are on your bedside table /To Read Pile?
I’ve usually got a big pile of crime books to review, and reading some nourishing kids books in between them is always such a relief. (I really need some happy endings after everybody dies in those) I’ve recently finished The Republic of Birds by Jessica Miller, and after Julianne’s book I’ve got Penny Tangey’s As Fast as I Can, which I’ve been happily dipping in and out of for a while, and then Lucy Knisley’s new graphic novel, Stepping Stones.

How did you come by these titles: personal choice/request, publisher’s review copy, or other?
I probably should have annoyed Affirm Press for a copy of Julianne’s book, but I couldn’t wait that long, so I just decided to buy it for myself! I gleefully got a copy of Penny’s book from the publisher’s reading copies at my bookshop after hearing such great things about it, and one of my colleagues gave me her copy of Republic of Birds after declaring that I’d love it. I picked up Lucy Knisley’s because I’ve been a big fan of her adult graphic novels and online comics for a few years now.

My daughter, who’s in grade two, absolutely loves reading graphic novels, so it was good to find one for both of us that isn’t Raina Telgemeier’s Smile series, since she’s read them so much, they’re literally falling apart. Which, as an author, thrills me so much to see!

Do you have a favourite genre? If so, what is it, and why do you prefer it?
If left to my own devices, I’ll generally read contemporary fiction. I loved real-life stories when I was a kid, and I still love them now—especially if they’re funny! Having said that, I was a judge for the Readings Prize recently and, due to that, I read a huge variety of genres. There was so much to enjoy in all those books—I even found myself having a great time with a horse book even though I have a (completely ridiculous and unfounded) dislike of horses. (Why are they so bitey? Oh, wait—maybe not so unfounded after all.)

Do you read from printed books or some other medium? Please expand a little on the why of your choice.
Apart from books I’m reviewing that publishers send me in PDF form, I will always read a physical book—my whole life has been centred around the tactile joy of them since I was a little girl sniffing around markets with my pocket money trying to buy every book I could.

As a kid who wanted to be a writer, I always wanted to feel my own physical book in my hands, and it was such an intense joy when I was finally able to experience that. Also, since I sell them for a living, I want other people to buy and love them too! Of course, I absolutely see the joy, accessibility and convenience of e-readers, and I know there’s enough space in the industry for both of them.

www.fionathehardy.com











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How (Not) To Annoy Dad

Review: Bluey: My Dad Is Awesome

If you love the hugely successful  Bluey on the small screen, then you will love Bluey: My Dad Is Awesome.

Bluey and Bingo and their family have connected with many families across Australia, and their on screen personalities are full of life on the pages of this book as well.

The story is told by Bluey and Bingo themselves. 

They take it in turns (or at least try to), telling the reader all about their dad and what makes him so awesome.

Bluey loves that Dad plays games and takes them to school, and she loves all the crazy characters he pretends to be. 

Bingo loves going on adventures with Dad and when he helps with things like learning to ride a bike.

Bluey and Bingo know about all the things Dad loves (like BBQs, footy, and Mum), and they love him, too. 

Kids will love following Bluey and Bingo and their parents (Bandit and Chili) in all the pictures.

This is a small hardcover book, just the right size for little hands, and to fit in your bag and have on hand at any time.

Bluey: My Dad Is Awesome is great for a bedtime story, or to read together as a family.

Title: Bluey: My Dad Is Awesome
Author/Illustrator: Bluey and Bingo
Publisher: Puffin, $ 16.99
Publication Date: August 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760899400
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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Giveaway: Nature Storybooks: Kookaburra and Dry to Dry

Kookaburra and Dry to Dry are two new exciting new additions to the narrative nonfiction 'Nature Storybooks' picture book series.

Kookaburra, by the Dingo team of, Claire Saxby and Tannya Harricks, is perhaps Australia's best-loved bird, is shown in all her glory in a stunning and vivid landscape. Follow along as Kookaburra finds food for her young and goes searching for a nest with her mate.

Dry to Dry is the follow-up to the award winning, Desert Lake by  Pamela Freeman and Liz Anelli. In the tropical wetlands and escarpments of Kakadu National Park, the seasons move from dry to wet to dry again. Those seasons have shaped the astonishing variety of plants, animals, birds, insects ... migratory birds by the thousands, grasshoppers and owls, lizards and turtles, fruit bats and spear grass. And, gliding past them all in the rivers and waterholes, the long, sinuous shapes of crocodiles ...

To celebrate the release of these beautiful new titles, the inspirational folk of Walker Books Australia have a copy of each of these picture books to giveaway.

For the chance to win this double book prize, in 25 words or less, tell us what is your favourite Australian nature fact?

Email your answer along with your name and postal address to dimity. The response we like best will win a copy of this amazing new release. 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 14 September 2020.

Competition runs from 5.00 am 5 September 2020 to 5 pm 12 September 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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Review: We Love You, Magoo

Dogs are practically human, aren't they? 

Magoo seems to think so.

Magoo is a dog, and he's a crazy, loveable hound.

Unfortunately for Magoo, much as he'd like to do the things his humans do (like eating eggs for breakfast), there always seems to be a canine alternative.

No chewing the toys for Magoo. He gets his own ball instead.

And there's no creating havoc in the mud or toilet water. It's a soapy bath and a dog bowl for Magoo.

We Love You, Magoo is a book with a character that anyone with a dog will recognise.

Magoo's 'puppy dog eyes' will grab you from the first page. He gets into mischief typical for a dog, but his family loves him, and he will wind his way into your heart as well.

The text is short and simple, and rhyme and repetition are put to good use. Reading the story aloud, kids will be quickly reading along with you, especially the refrain, 'No, Magoo. This is for you.'

Author and illustrator, Briony Stewart has captured Magoo in all his active glory. He looks about ready to leap off the page.

The illustrations are bright and simple with use of colours kept to just a few. Blue, yellow and white are spread across the pages, setting the scenes, with Magoo himself an orangey-brown.

We Love You, Magoo is a great story to share with children who are pre-readers and beginning readers.

Title: We Love You, Magoo
Author/Illustrator: Briony Stewart
Publisher: Puffin, $ 19.99
Publication Date: September 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760896904
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Puffin Little Scientist: The Solar System

The Puffin Little book series makes facts and figures super fun and super accessible for kids.

Little Scientist: The Solar System takes kids on a space adventure. 

It introduces kids to key space concepts, like orbits, gravity and atmospheres, and dives into everything you need to know about the planets in our solar system, including the dwarf planets (with an explanation about Pluto’s demotion from planet to dwarf planet!).

There are facts galore in this little book, but they are presented in an easy-to-read layout, with engaging snippets spread across the pages.

All the Puffin Little books feature one bright colour throughout. In this one, blue is the star and it’s used generously to engage and add to the fun illustrations.

Little puffin also plays a key role in the illustrations. He travels by spaceship and joins readers on the adventure, zipping around planets.

This is a delightful, fun book part of a fun non-fiction series for kids. Make sure you check out others in the series, too, like Puffin Little Cook: Snacks and Puffin Little Environmentalist: Composting.

Title: Puffin Little Scientist: The Solar System

Publisher: Puffin, $12.99 

Publication Date: 2 July 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781760897031

For ages: 7+

Type: Non-Fiction, Junior Non-Fiction

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Review: Inventors

From Leonardo Da Vinci to robots; windscreen wipers to a self-cleaning house, this brilliant collection of inventors and their inventions is a valuable reading resource for all ages.

It inspires and encourages children, especially girls, to cultivate their imagination and follow their dreams.

That is what each of these people did and succeeded.

 

Persistence and understanding that failure can be helpful, has empowered people to change the world with their designs and engineering.

With incredible stories of the world’s most ingenious inventions, this selection of over 80 entries, travels from the past through to the present, showcasing everyday things created to enhance and modify our lives and future.  Inventive adults and children from around the world, and from diverse backgrounds, are represented.

Readers learn about these people through detailed biographical information; what inspired their ingenious designs, and how they evolved into useful tools and engineering feats for humankind.

Their journeys from idea to actuality is Interesting and at times unbelievable. A few of the inventions included are: artificial hearts, laser eye surgery, the anti-malarial drug, how the first flushing lavatory was invented, the Blissymbol printer for people with Cerebral Palsy, safety pins, re-purposing materials, plumbing pioneers, toys, gadgets and games, and the solar still that used the sun’s energy to turn sea water into drinking water.

Accompanied by illustrations of each design are explanations on their progression. Each story becomes an amazing adventure into inspiring lives. Statistics are included, and lots of surprises wait to be uncovered.

It closes with a Glossary of definitions on descriptive words that children might not know, and a rich Index for easy referral.

Title: Inventors

Author: Robert Winston

Illustrator: Jessamy Hawke

Publisher: DK Books, $34.99

Publication Date: 2 July 2020

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9780241412466

For ages: 10+

Type: Non Fiction

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Review: Puffin Little Environmentalist: Composting

Have you ever wanted to start your own compost? 

It seems like an easy enough idea, but once you start looking into it, it can begin to feel a little overwhelming.

But fear not. Puffin Little is here to help us!

Another great book in the Puffin Little series, Puffin Little Environmentalist: Composting will tell you everything you need to know about starting and maintaining a healthy compost.

This book steps kids through the entire process of composting, explaining what compost is, how it works and why it’s important. 

This little gem tells you not only how to create a compost but how to make it thrive, and it does it all in simple language kids will understand, with step by step instructions that make everything really easy.

With beautiful, rich green splashed across the pages, and simple but engaging illustrations throughout, this is a lovely little book for young environmentalists.

If you know kids thirsty for information, they may also like other books in the Puffin Little series, including Puffin Little Cook: Snacks.

Title: Puffin Little Environmentalist: Composting

Publisher: Puffin, $12.99 

Publication Date: 2 July 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781760897017

For ages: 7+

Type: Non-Fiction, Junior Non-Fiction

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Review: Roxy and Jones: The Great Fairytale Cover-Up

Review: Bernice Takes a Plunge

Bernice Takes a Plunge has fast-paced action, a strong, independent female leading character, mystery and a lot happening all the time. It is a novel full of tension and surprise.

Bernice Peppercorn is imaginative, undaunted by challenges, and has a mind of her own. Strong and independent, her idol is Crystal Bell, a local celebrity who lives three blocks away. 

Bernice knows all about her life, films and activity.

She carries a notebook with her everywhere, so she can record daily observations that can be used to build the stories that she imagines, then writes.

This often gets her into trouble, as what she sees and interprets, is seldom what is actually going on. These misinterpretations happen so frequently that her reports to the local policeman, result in a smile and shake of the head.

While Crystal Bell is away oversea filming, her home is robbed and her jewellery stolen. Bernice loves a mystery! She’s determined to solve the crime and find the jewellery. 

With her friend Maggie house-bound with chickenpox, she befriends the peg-legged Ike whose boat is docked at the marina. She finds him interesting and truthful. A friendship is forged.

No one takes Bernice seriously, especially her brother Jake. So, the police ignore her report of lights flashing from the cave area at Thumbtip across the sea. She has always wanted to go there. After asking Ike to take her and getting a refusal, she takes his small boat and rows towards the cave.

Bad weather finds her in deep water, literally. Ike goes after her and they find themselves fighting for their lives after smashing against the rocks.

What follows will strengthen friendships and make any doubts about Bernice’s actions fade way.

I loved this book. It is non-stop entertainment filled with tension and tiny sub-stories that build interest in all the characters, even those with an enter-and-exit role. Fantastic descriptions of the settings in a coastal town dragged me right into the scene.

Title: Bernice Takes a Plunge

Author: Ann Harth

Publisher: Odyssey Books, $14.99

Publication Date: 5 March 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781925652918

For ages: 8+

Type: Junior Fiction

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Review: The Happy Lion

Originally published in 1954, The Happy Lion is a classic story of a cheerful, friendly Lion set in France.

In a zoo, in the middle of town lives the Happy Lion, unperplexed that he is surrounded by a moat and fence, the Lion is pleased to be greeted daily by townspeople going about their business. ‘Bonjour Happy Lion’ they would say across the water and he would cheerfully wave and smile in return. 

When the Lion’s keeper leaves his door open one day, the lion decides to visit the townspeople to return their kindness and say hello, but the response is not what the lion is used to; yelling and screaming prevail, as does confusion and a potentially dangerous situation for the Happy Lion. Luckily for the lion a familiar face calmly redirects and resolves the situation.

I love how The Happy Lion shows that context and surroundings can change people’s emotions and responses in different situations. I also loved the use of French language throughout the book as did my children who repeated ‘bonjour Happy Lion’ and ‘au revoir’ in their best French accents. 

The story is written wonderfully and illustrated with beautiful loose inked lines, textures and a muted colour palette. It certainly lives up as classic children’s literature. I felt a little uneasy about dated features including the premise of a lion alone in captivity and the mention of and presence of guns, overall though The Happy Lion left me with a fond feeling toward the lion’s character and the satisfaction of a classic tale.

Title: The Happy Lion
Author: Louise Fatio
Illustrator: Roget Duvoisin
Publisher: Scallywag Press, $16.99  
Publication Date: 1 August 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN:  9781912650064
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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Junior Review: Orla and The Serpent's Curse

Review: Mulan

Mulan’s life is seeped in customs and traditions learnt from her ageing parents. Martial arts, horse-riding and archery are skills she excels at.
Without her knowing, they will be what she depends on sooner than she knows.
When a draft notice for military service comes to her father, due to his frailty, Mulan makes a monumental decision.



She will fulfil his duty by taking his place.

Disguised as a man, and equipping herself with the necessary military supplies – including horse and saddle, she sets off to the frontier with other soldiers. She gets into the habit of sleeping with her clothes on and the mental adaption to her new gender.

After twelve years of distinguished service and bravery, Mulan is eager to return to her family. Declining the Emperor’s awards, she asks for nothing more than a horse to take her there.

Stunning illustrations accompany us through the legendary Mulan’s courageous life and her strong sense of family and duty.

A pleasure to read, it is a bi-lingual edition of English and simplified Chinese that would suit libraries, schools and children with a basic knowledge of this second language.   

Title: Mulan  
Author/Illustrator: Li Jian  
Publisher: New South Books, $14.99  
Publication Date: June 2020  
Format: Paperback  
ISBN: 9781602204638  
For ages: 5+  
Type: Historical Fiction





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Winner: Bear In Space

Our lucky winner is...

Norah Colvin, QLD

Congratulations!

You have won a copy the fantastic new picture book by Deborah Abela and Marjorie Crosby-Fairall, Bear in Space.

Thank you to ALL who entered. The entries were heart-felt, clever and like our winner's, delightfully witty!

If you'd like to know more about this charming new release read our KBR review of, Bear In Space.

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Guest Post: Dr. Tinita O. Kearney on Increasing Your Toddler's Language Skills

Video: Meet the Creators of Tashi

Tashi is 25! If you've not discovered Tashi yet, he's a cute and clever character who is the star of a fantastical series for younger readers. Tashi lives in a place far, far away where there are dragons and giants, pirates and princesses. He's helpful and can be quite the hero, although he gets into scrapes. In this video, author Anna Fienberg is joined by illustrator Kim Gamble's daughters to chat about creating Tashi and his world. 

Visit the publisher website for downloadable activity sheets and Tashi Books for other ideas and activities.

Title: Tashi 25th Anniversary Edition
Author: Anna Fienberg and Barbara Fienberg
Illustrator: Kim Gamble
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $ 16.99
Publication Date: June 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760525446
For ages: 5+
Type: Junior Fiction Younger

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Review: What Zola did on Tuesday

It’s Tuesday, and that means another adventure for Zola!

Zola lives on Boomerang Street with her Mum and her Nonna. Her cousin Alessandro lives in the house behind. With her big heart and curious mind, Zola’s always getting up to something. 

She doesn’t mean to cause trouble, but sometimes trouble finds her…

In What Zola did on Tuesday, Zola is trying to figure out who her new neighbours are. She knows the kids are Bianca and Omar, and she knows someone called Teta lives there — and she likes knitting, just like Nonna.

But try as she might, Zola just can’t seem to find a way to bring everyone together. And then an incident with Bianca’s cat Tim-Tam results in Nonna’s knitting getting tangled.

Will Nonna ever finish her scarf? Can Zola find a way to fix things? Will she ever get to meet Bianca, Omar and the mysterious Teta?

These are darling junior fiction stories. Zola is a lovely character and her world is relevant and relatable for kids. With large text and beautiful illustrations throughout, it’s an easy read for young book lovers. Simply delightful and a whole lot of fun.

This is a series that doesn’t need to be read in order, but if you love What Zola did on Tuesday, make sure you check out what she did on Monday too.

Title: What Zola did on Tuesday

Author: Melina Marchetta

Illustrator: Deb Hudson

Publisher: Penguin Random House, $12.99 

Publication Date: 4 August 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781760895167

For ages: 7 - 9 

Type: Junior Fiction

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Guest Post: Belle Alderman on the NCACL Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resource

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At KBR today we are pleased to introduce Belle Alderman, Emeritus Professor of Children's Literature and Director of the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature Inc (NCACL) in Canberra to tell us more about the recently launched Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resource. 

Ms Alderman has been involved with the NCACL since its establishment in 1974 by Lu Rees who envisioned it as a national collection. Today the NCACL has 46,000 books, authors’ papers, illustrators’ artworks and more. The collection is valued at $10 million dollars. The Centre collects, preserves, documents, shares and inspires all ages to engage with their cultural heritage.

Recently the NCACL launched its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resource, why this resource and why now?

The United Nations declared 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages. They highlighted the consequences of the growing loss of Indigenous languages and sought to establish the link between language, development, peace, and reconciliation. Inspired, we wanted to contribute. The Australian Government provided a grant and made this project possible.

Who do you hope will use this resource?
Everyone, but especially those working with children.

Who was involved in the creation of this resource?
Over 30 people across Australia participated, representing varied cultural backgrounds including Aboriginal People. NCACL experts, Aboriginal ‘critical friends’, a reference group, project team and moderators all worked together to create this high quality resource.

Could you share some of what you consider the seminal works in the resource?
There are so many, but here are a few with special strengths: A is for Aunty by Elaine Russell; Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy; I Love Me by Sally Morgan; Alfred's War by Rachel Bin Salleh and Coming Home to Country by Bronwyn Bancroft.

What is the first entry into the resource and the latest at this time?
The ‘oldest’ book is Djugurba : Tales from the Spirit Time, written by Ralph Gumudul et al, published in 1974 and the most recent entry is Respect written by Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson and illustrated by Lisa Kennedy.

The NCACL also has a Cultural Diversity Database and now an Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource, what distinguishes a database from a resource?
We want to emphasise that these books are resources to be shared. The database is simply a tool to easily find and share books with others.

What has been the role of Australian children’s publishers in publishing Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander voices?
Publishers have raised our interest and inspired us to appreciate Culture and Country. Magabala Books and Fremantle Press bridge cultures by bringing together Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal creators. The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) inspires Aboriginal children to create stories. Allen & Unwin, Penguin Random House, Hardie Grant Egmont, Scholastic Australia and others offer high quality, culturally sensitive books. The field is growing in quality and diversity.

There has been an interest in the importance of own voices sharing stories, have you seen a change across the timeline within the resource to reflect this?
Publishers are aware of the need for ‘own voices’. There are several new awards and mentorships for emerging and unpublished Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander creators. Established creators continue.

How will the list be maintained and expanded on in the future?
We will update the Resource regularly with 20 new books waiting. We are keen to gain funding to expand the collection to include books for secondary aged young people.

And finally, what is your personal favourite in the resource and why?
Young Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe (Magabala Books 2019) offers an unforgettable story of truth, history and culture.

Thank you for your time, Dr Alderman. At KBR we recognise the importance of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resource and encourage young and old, parents, teachers, caregivers, librarians and more to make good use of this important resource.

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Review: War and Resistance

Set in 1939, it’s the lives of the characters that make this book exceptional. They are outstanding; powerful and interesting. The history of WW2 seems to fit around them and vice versa. 

Stories and sub-stories of heroic people, flavour the melting pot of seen and unseen heroes that fought in whatever way they could with patriotic diligence.

Hitler, having risen from obscure beer-hall heckler, to supreme ruler of Germany, enforces his plan to annihilate the Untermenschen - under-people. 

While Germany has been proactive preparing for this war, Hitler’s clever strategies expose how unprepared and defenceless France and other countries nearby are, against what eventuates. 

But the French Resistance and the decisive actions initiated by common people are critical in sabotaging enemy plans.

Told in two points of view, by Sasha in Australia and Dieter in Berlin, we access opposing situations and sympathise with both. We watch the collapse of lives and countries while hope burns fiercely in both the victors and the vanquished.

Sacha is an ordinary girl. But her father, Louis Jullian is a famous French-Australian public speaker, journalist and author. His talks on the futility of war take him all around the world. Her mother is a successful business woman of Paris.

Deiter in Berlin is on the cusp of manhood. He is preoccupied with time passing so he can join the Hitler Youth.  His birth father has been released from jail and wants to see him. His stepfather is livid and won’t allow it. The tension between the two, equals the secrets that Mother hides from her son.

Detailed historical information propels the story forward, with startling statistics relating to men and women, planes and tanks used in this war. Descriptive paragraphs concentrate on showcasing how people lived, suffered and survived during the war years, and their attitudes to their invaders.

This is Book #1 in the fantastic series, Australia’s Second World War. Sophie Masson’s excellent prose breathes life into the stories. The excerpts from newspapers included as part of the text, contribute enormously to the reader’s interest.

These novels can be read in any order. I found them extremely educational. They define an important era in the history of the world and contain significant material for younger readers to reach for, to learn about the War years.

Title: War and Resistance

Author:Sophie Masson

Publisher: Scholastic, $16.99

Publication Date: March 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781742769219

For ages: 9+

Type: Historical Fiction

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