Review: The Fire Wombat

The Fire Wombat is a special story.

Jackie French wrote about this wombat after her own experience and observations of the 2020 bushfires. 

It's imbued with a strong sense of her love for land and animals.

The story begins as the dry, brown countryside is being enveloped by summer heat and smoke.

A small wombat sees and smells the change. The other animals do, too.

All seek safety. The only safe place is underground, and it's a place that the wombat knows well.

Her tunnels are long and cool, and all the animals follow wombat beneath the ground. She shares her home with them.

Australian Children's Laureate, Jackie French writes descriptively of the bushfire and the animals' response to it. 

Her words, which are like classic bush poetry, empathetically express the sights, sounds, and smells of the bushfires and their aftermath. 

This is the animal's perspective, and a kind of homage to the wombat whose determination inspired the author, but it's also a human perspective, as both the animals and people begin to see things come to life again.

The Fire Wombat may tell of the devastation of bushfires, but more than that, it's a story about survival and helping each other, and the hope, renewal and growth that follows. And the eventual rain.

Danny Snell's beautiful illustrations don't shy from the reality, but they also bring a sense of calm and camaraderie to the situation. They will appeal to children and adults alike.

For children who may be anxious about bushfires, reading this story is an excellent way to explain, or prompt discussion.

The Fire Wombat is an uplifting story highly recommended for families everywhere.

Visit the HarperCollins website to download a teaching guide with ideas and activities for before, during and after reading.

Note: Some of the proceeds of the sales of The Fire Wombat go to support The Wombat Protection Society.

Title:The Fire Wombat
Author: Jackie French
Illustrator: Danny Snell
Publisher: HarperCollins, $ 19.99
Publication Date: November 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781460759332
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Pea and Nut Go For Gold!

Pea and Nut are back in a sporty new story.

Pea and Nut Go For Gold! is another humourous tale from Matt Stanton starring Pea the panda, a calm and cool character, and Nut the flamingo who is hyperactive and all go, go, go.

It's a case of opposites attract when it's hot and Pea wants to stay in the shade, but Nut wants to have some fun playing around in the pool.

Nut wants to race from one end of the pool to the other, and although Pea isn't particularly interested, they are soon both in the water.

Pea is determined to do her best, despite hiding her physique under a lot of fur.

Nut has a secret though, and his flamingo flippers are much more suited to swimming. Will Pea be able to make a comeback and win the race?

I like the way the use of typeface, and its placement on the page, help to create the sense of movement and activity throughout the story.

This combines with the expressive and colourful cartoon illustrations and perspectives to draw the reader into the middle of the story, and feel as if you're right there with Pea and Nut.

Whether you're cheering for Pea or Nut, or both of them, you will enjoy reading about their antics in the energetic, Pea and Nut Go For Gold!

Title: Pea and Nut Go For Gold!
Author/Illustrator:  Matt Stanton
Publisher: ABC Books, $ 17.99
Publication Date: August 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780733340680
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Dragon!

What do you do if your good friend Sam has to move far, far away? 

Well, if you’re Lena and Luke (and you’ve already once found a Unicorn! and met a magical Mermaid!), there’s really only one thing to do…

Wish for a Dragon!

We held hands and wished together for something wide-winged and wonderful with room enough of three.

Oh boy, does Sam get a shock when Lena and Luka turn up on the back of a dragon. But fantastically fun times are had and the three friends get to spend time together again.

Dragon! is the third instalment in this magical series by Maggie Hutchings and Cheryl Orsini. All fans of magic, fantastical adventures and mystical mysteries will adore it! It symbolises possibility and imagination — it’s about believing in the impossible and making it happen with that special kind of ‘kid’ magic that parents don’t understand. 

In that way, when you read Dragon! (and the other books in the series), you feel as if you are reading about a secret world that Lena and Luka have discovered. It’s a special adventure that is sure to spark some fantastic imaginative play.

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. Cheryl Orsini’s illustrations are simply divine. Just look at that cover. How can you resist it? With added sparkle embellishments, it’s a cover that makes a big impression. Inside, every page is filled with joy. Stunning colours fill every page to the edges. And, of course, there’s lots of glorious dragon green.

I am in love with this picture book series. It is fun, imaginative and full of magic. 

Dragon! will make you believe in the impossible and the power of friendship. There’s no place in the world a friend can move that can’t be reached with the help of a special, scaly hero.

Title: Dragon!
Author: Maggie Hutchings
Illustrator: Cheryl Orsini
Publisher: Affirm Press, $19.99
Publication Date: 27 October 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781925972931
For ages: 3 - 6
Type: Picture Book

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Guest Post: George Ivanoff Part One

George Ivanoff has written over 100 books for children and teenagers in all genres including non-fiction. He is considered a legend by his countless fans. 

His latest publication, the highly interesting and detailed The Human Body Survival Guide is a spectacular look at the human body with all its gross and awesome parts.

His You Choose series has been highly successful with thirteen titles in all. His equally popular Gamers series has now been re-released, boasting fabulous new covers that reflect the changing times. 

George shares with us, some interesting information about his latest release, how it came about, plus other snippets on writing.

The Human Body Survival Guide is a comprehensive look at the way our bodies work. How was the book conceived?
It came about during a conversation with my publisher. After The Australia Survival Guide came out, I expressed my interest in doing a second Survival Guide and we started to throw around ideas. With the first book the focus was on death and danger, a popular topic with kids, so we needed something different for the second. And everyone knows kids love anything gross and disgusting… and what’s grosser that the human body with all its blood and guts, secretions and excretions, not to mention parasitic infestations.

How much input did you have in the content and structure of The Human Body Survival Guide?
After that initial conversation, I went off and wrote an outline. So the content and structure were completely up to me. Having said that, I did want to make sure that the structure followed the same pattern as the previous book.

The book is classed as educational, a label which at times can be a handicap, regardless of the fantastic amount of information that is involved. Can you please comment on this?
The book is actually classified as commercial non-fiction for kids. Yes, it is educational and Puffin is certainly promoting it to schools, but its main focus is bookshop sales. I’ve aimed to make this book fun, humorous and creative, as well as informative. And the designer, Astred Hicks, has given the book a unique look that is far removed from the appearance of most education titles.

Entries for this title, as for your previous The Australia Survival Guide, must be precise. Share with us how you research your information to assure its correctness?
I began with some fairly general internet research, to get an overview of things, which allowed me to write the outline. Then the nitty-gritty research was a combination of internet research and my local library. I had two general rules: 1. Two sources for each fact. 2. Facts found on the internet needed to be verified in a book. Number 2 wasn’t always possible, particularly with specialised information on new medical procedures. Once I had finished the draft, my editor went through it and did fact checking. I also got a nurse friend to read it and give me some feedback.

The categories have a grossness scale attached. Are you squeamish, and if so, how did you feel about writing the gross bits?
YES, I am squeamish. I found this book more difficult to research/write than The Australia Survival Guide (as an arachnophobe, it was only the section on spiders that I found difficult with that book). Some of the research for this book was quite traumatic. May I recommend never doing a Google image search for necrotising fasciitis (otherwise known as flesh-eating disease). But despite the grossness levels, the information was also quite fascinating. So, I was simultaneously repulsed and compelled to keep digging up more info.

You have a natural spontaneous childish exuberance in your approach to life which endears you to your readers. Would you attribute to your inner child, your ability to relate to kids and therefore your success?
I don’t think I’ve ever really fully grown up. My inner child takes centre stage in my approach to many things. And kids seem to relate to that. There’s one particular encounter that sums it up for me. I was doing a school visit, and during my presentation I mentioned being a fan of Doctor Who and that I play Pokémon Go. After the session, a young boy came up to talk to me about those two things, as he was a fan as well. After our chat, he looked up at me with utter amazement and said: ‘Oh my god, you’re like a grown-up version of me!’ 

Please return on the 3 November to our site, to read Part Two of this scintilating interview with the amazing and talented, George Ivanoff.

http://georgeivanoff.com.au

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Video Review: My Culture and Me

Join Yvonne Mes for a short and snappy video review of My Culture and Me, a picture book for children aged 4 - 8 years old. Written and illustrated by Gregg Dreise.

Title: My Culture and Me
Author/ Illustrator: Gregg Dreise
Publisher: Puffin Books
Publication Date: 7 May 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780143789376
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture Book

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Meet The Illustrator: Renée Treml

Name: Renée Treml

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Delicate and detailed, full of humour and personality.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
I have a very special mechanical pencil that is no longer being made that I covet for sketching and writing. I also need natural light, chocolate and music or podcasts (depending on what I’m working on).

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I love working in black-and-white – primarily ink on scratchboard or the digital equivalent – and collaging with traditional watercolour.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
I’m currently obsessed with graphic novel artists and my favourites include Luke Pearson (Hilda), Ben Hatke (Zita the Spacegirl), and Kazu Kibuishi (Amulet). 

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
I would fast-forward a year or two to post-Covid times – the diversity of styles and mediums of the artwork being created today is phenomenal. There are no rules for how we create art and I’m curious to see what emerges from this time spent in isolation. 

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator? 

I grew up thinking that you could not make a living as an illustrator. In my twenties, my husband (then boyfriend) quit his great job to study science. The change brought him so much joy and peace. I think seeing him take that leap gave me the courage to stop dreaming about illustrating and start doing. 

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 a dedicated studio space in our house. I have two creative work desks – one for messy traditional artwork and another for digital works. I work on a Wacom Cintiq drawing tablet and am learning how to use Procreate on the iPad.

My cupboards are packed full of stationery and fine art prints, as well as random art supplies. At this moment, the bookshelves are very tidy (and staged with books and props) for Zoom presentations and my son has a desk in the room for distance learning. 

What is your favourite part of the illustration process? 

There are times in every project where I really struggle… I think my ideas won’t work, or my illustrations don’t look good and I’m not the right person for the job, but if I push through it and keep trying then suddenly it all comes together and the ideas start flowing and the work takes on a life of its own. That last bit is my favourite part… but it’s often a very stressful and hard road to get there. 

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Draw what you love and do it every day – let your drawings reflect your personality and interests and don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. 

Renée Treml is the author and illustrator of several picture books for young readers, including Roo Knows Blue and Ten Little Owls. She is also the creator of two junior fiction graphic novels starring the intrepid Sherlock Bones. Renee has a degree in environmental science and a love of natural history.

Photo credit: Indie Lane.

For more information please visit Renée's website or follow her on facebook and instagram.

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Review: Aussie STEM Stars: Georgia Ward-Fear

Georgia Ward-Fear has always loved animals. As a kid, when everyone else wanted to avoid the snakes slithering through the bushland, Georgia only wanted to get closer.

She took her fascination with wildlife with her as she grew older. It led her around Australia as she studied and worked in conservation to find ways to protect animals. She conducted ground-breaking research to protect native Australian animals from the threat of cane toads. 

Georgia is a biologist, an explorer, an inventor and a world-leading scientist. But once… she was a young girl playing in the bush, reading as much as she could about snakes and other animals.

With passion and dedication, we can grow up to be Aussie stars, just like Georgia Ward-Fear, and the Aussie STEM Stars series delivers the evidence to make kids believe it.

Each book in the series focuses on a different Aussie star who has done amazing things in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. The books highlight their lives from childhood, so you get to know these amazing people when they were kids. 

This is a glorious feature of the series. You get to know these people from a young age, discovering their interests and hobbies and uncovering what might have led them to be the amazing people they are today. 

Georgia Ward-Fear was a girl just like you and me. She was (and is) curious and passionate, and she worked hard to achieve her dreams. And you can, too! That’s the message that shines through in this book, and I adore it. 

Each book in the series is written by a different award-winning author — this one by the super talented Claire Saxby. Saxby takes us inside Georgia’s head and reveals her likes, dislikes, hopes and fears. Her words showcase Georgia’s strong passion, and Saxby weaves this passion through the pages, so as you read, you are cheering Georgia on as she reaches her goals.

The book is mostly text, but there a few illustrations peppered throughout, and I love the helpful definitions that appear when a technical word is used. Kids interested in amazing Australian people or kids with dreams to one day be one will adore this book. It’s an easy and engaging read for junior readers aged 8 to 13.

And make sure to check out the dedicated website for the series, Aussie STEM Stars. There are more books available in the series now, plus more coming next year. There are also videos, teacher resources and links to super fun STEM stuff.

Follow your curiosity, express your unique self and always stop to observe the wonders of Nature; we are just one species amongst millions. Georgia Ward-Fear

Title: Aussie STEM Stars: Georgia Ward- Fear
Author: Claire Saxby
Illustrator: Diana Silkina
Publisher: Wild Dingo Press, $14.95  
Publication Date: 1 September 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781925893342
For ages: 8 - 13
Type: Junior Fiction, Middle Grade

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Review: Puffin Little Historian: The ANZACs

Although much has been written about the ANZACs, this book reaches out to a young audience through the brilliant Puffin Little Historian series, published to celebrate 80 Years of Puffin books.

This is a beginner’s guide to the ANZACs set up with easy-to- read language, in bright purple and white layouts and excellent design. 

It introduces both men and women that served in any capacity in WW1. Who were they and what was their role in the history of the Great War?

Used as a starting point to each chapter, are words and phrases that define the reasons volunteers signed up to fight; words such as duty, alliance, mother country, and Empire amongst others.

A rich Glossary at the end repeats and defines these words for clearer understanding.

The chapters begin by explaining when WW1 started and why, quoting the reasons men signed up, as many of them had never left their home let alone their country before.

Rich in historical content, maps, statistics, letters and poems are used to portray the lives of the men in their preparations for war and later, life in the trenches.

It speaks about the ANZAC Legend, the significance of the slouch hat, makes reference to Louise Mack, Tasmanian born journalist, and one of the first female war correspondents, and includes other pioneering women. It also refers to the role children took on during the war years and how they shifted into the responsible and necessary spaces left vacant by their brothers and fathers.

The book concludes with chronological fast facts about the War; has a recipe for Anzac biscuits, an excerpt from the poem, For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon, plus another moving poem, Not a Hero by Clyde Hamilton.

Overall, this small book imparts a great deal of information that can easily be absorbed, understood, and remembered by youngsters, due to the considerate way it has been presented. 

Title: Puffin Little Historian: The ANZACs
Illustrator: Regina F, Silva et al
Publisher: Penguin, $ 12.99
Publication Date: 29 September 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760897024
For ages: 6+
Type: Historical Non Fiction

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Review: Catch Me if I Fall

In the strangeness of a changing new world, shifts are so subtle, they are embraced as normal and progressive. Within this disguise, people slowly become redundant. The chain effect on everyone and everything is brilliantly encompassed in this stunning new novel by the award-winning author, Barry Jonsberg.

Identical twins Ashley and Aiden are products of a privileged family. Aiden has been his sister’s protector from birth. At twelve, they have just begun face-to-face learning at an elite school, having had tutors and School of the Air till now.

Their mother is the richest person in NSW. An Artificial Intelligence (AI) designer and producer of drones, robots and other computer operated species, she has raised her children totally unaware of, and protected from, the real world., away from poverty and child homelessness.

The rich ruling class now governs the world. The frightening difference between the haves and have nots continues to expand. A silent war of survival is being fought by homeless children of which the rich twins are unaware. Until they come across them in a park.

A camp excursion is agreed to by the twin’s parents. During kayaking day, Ashley’s kayak is overturned by a mini tornado. Aiden falls in to the swirl to save her and is severely injured. He returns from hospital totally different.

Ashley’s world is turned upside down. She is torn between her love for her parents, and the decisions they make, and her love for her brother. This becomes the shattering moment in her life and in the book, when the why is revealed.

Jonsberg with his slight reference to Alan Turing, and John Searle and the Chinese Room experiment, offers a depth of knowledge and understanding about his novel to the reader, without saying a word more.

I loved this book as I am a Jonsberg fan. He awakens in the reader, areas of their mind, and the world, which perhaps they have never explored till the moment they opened one of his books.

Title: Catch Me If I Fall
Author: Barry Jonsberg
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $ 16.99
Publication Date: 3 November 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760877613
For ages: 10 – 14
Type: Middle Grade Fiction








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12 Curly Questions with author Hana Tooke

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I can’t say the word ‘effortlessly’.

2. What is your nickname?
‘Hanky’ – people have trouble pronouncing my full name (Hanneke) and ‘Hanky’ was one person’s attempt at pronouncing it, which amused me. I made the mistake of telling my friends, however, and now the nickname has stuck.

3. What is your greatest fear?
Having to say the word ‘effortlessly’ in front of an audience.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Spookily atmospheric, with humour, warmth and a hint of magic.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Visual, playful, theatrical, & effortlessly quirky.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Lyra Belacqua from His Dark Materials. I love her sharp wit, bravery and tenacity. And I’d like to ride on the back of an armoured polar bear.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
1851 – I’d go and see all the madcap inventions at The Great Exhibition in London.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
You’re a lot shorter than I imagined. (I have three very tall siblings and assumed I’d catch up with them! Alas, it was not to be.)

9. Who is your greatest influence?
Probably Neil Gaiman. His stories are spooky, funny, clever, atmospheric and timeless. Everything I could ever aspire to.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I used to write songs. Then, when I had a child, I started making up songs and poems to amuse him, and this naturally progressed into longer bedtimes stories until eventually I realised that long after he’d drifted off to sleep, I was still sitting there, thinking up stories. So, I decided to start writing them down.

11. What is your favourite word and why? 
Pamplemousses – which is just the French word for grapefruit, but it’s so satisfying to say. Perhaps it’s my musical background, but my favourite words are the ones melodic.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Probably Northern Lights, by Philip Pullman. I think I’ll be forever blown away by that story, and it’s so rich and layered that I’d probably discover something new in each read through.

Half Dutch, half English, Hana Tooke grew up near Amsterdam and moved to the south of England at the age of 12. After completing a degree in music, and then a PGCE, Hana was a primary school teacher for several years. Hana also completed the Bath Spa University Writing for Young People MA, and The Unadoptables was shortlisted for The Bath Children's Novel Award 2018. She lives in the UK with two humans and a cat. For more information, see www.hanatooke.com.


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Winner:The Wolves of Greycoat Hall

Our lucky winner is...

Finley Byrd, QLD

Congratulations! 

You have won the rib-tickling junior novel, The Wolves of Greycoat Hall by Lucinda Gifford. 

We received some truly whacky animal answers for this one from super sloths to red squirrels but Finley's idea of holidaying with a ponderously pongless panda truly appealed. 

Thank you to ALL who entered. 

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Review: Where the Dragons Live

Where the Dragons Live is the sequel to Rosie and Rasmus.

At last Rasmus can fly. He leaves Rosie behind in the village, and heads to the island of the dragons. He longs to find a place to belong.

Never having met another dragon before, he introduces himself with a smile to the flight of dragons.

But the dragons are large and loud, fiery and fierce. They kick and stomp. Their hostile response doesn’t put him off, even if they are so big and he so small and different in every way.

He watches the older dragons at play and tries to copy them. 

Perhaps he can learn to be like them so they can accept him. He practices to no avail. Can he ever be like them?

Once again he feels alone, sad and angry. He sends a letter to Rosie via pigeon carrier.

Rosie sets out to sail to the island where the dragons live. She is cross at Rasmus for his unfriendly letter. He knows he has some explaining to do. He tells Rosie how the bigger dragons mocked him; how he didn’t fit in.

As we seldom see ourselves as others see us, so Rosie’s image of Rasmus is different to the one he has of himself. She lists all his positive traits. He finds courage in her words.

They play and celebrate. Balloons and kites fill the air and cover the mountain peak. The older dragons watch on. A younger dragon joins their games. Joy and laughter fill the air.

This time when they say goodbye, it is a happy event. Rasmus has learnt the importance of being his true self.

Soft pastel watercolour illustrations follow Rasmus on his quest to belonging. Design and layouts lend an ethereal look.

The main, uplifting theme, stresses the importance of being who are and not changing so others will accept you. An ageless message, which will resonate with children (and adults), who struggle to fit in so change to be accepted. A strong point for discussion about individuality and being authentic.
 

Title: Where the Dragons Live
Author/Illustrator: Serena Geddes
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, $ 22.99
Publication Date: 1 July 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781481498760
For ages: 4 – 8
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Ling Li's Lantern

Video Review: The Tale of Barnaby Glurp, The Boy Who Burped

Join Yvonne Mes for a short and snappy video review of The Tale of Barnaby Glurp, The Boy Who Burped, a picture book for children aged 3 and up. Written by Felicity McVay and illustrated by Caroline Seltz.

Title: The Tale of Barnaby Glurp, The Boy Who Burped
Author: Felicity McVay
Illustrator: Caroline Seltz
Publisher: New Holland Publishers
Publication Date: 23 April 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760792121
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book


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Review: Scary Bird

Change can be scary. Sometimes, meeting new people can be scary, too.

In Scary Bird, the residents of an aviary are suddenly confronted with a new bird. 

The new bird is scary! 

Although he eats and cleans and rests the same as the other birds, he looks different, and sounds different.

The other birds get themselves in a flap.

They worry about the new bird eating their food, sharing their living space and bringing his different ways to the aviary.

The poor new bird, who is now known as the scary bird, feels lonely and out of place. Until one day one of the other birds decides to make friends.

Over time the scary bird becomes less scary, and he and his fellow birds learn how to communicate and share stories and experiences with each other.

Eventually, scary bird is no longer scary.

The illustrations in Scary Bird are a combination of ink and digital images. Most of the birds are similar shapes and colours, but the scary bird is quite different, angular and with spotted feathers.

Author and illustrator Michel Streich created Scary Bird as a way to tell a story with many themes. He explains that was somewhat inspired by his own experiences, and those of his parents. 

It's about "migration and racism, of leaving home, of new beginnings and old memories. On the surface, it is a story about a bird who arrives in a new place and is met with fear and distrust, and about how he becomes comfortable in his new, unfamiliar surroundings."

Scary Bird is a great conversation starter that can be used in different ways with different readers, from a simple story about birds and differences, to an allegory about the migrant experience.

Title: Scary Bird
Author/Illustrator: Michel Streich
Publisher: Scholastic Australia, $ 17.99
Publication Date: October 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781743838594
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Sing me the Summer

Another perfect picture book pairing from Jane Godwin and Alison Lester, Sing me the Summer is a glorious celebration of the seasons — in rhyme. 

Pineapple, apricot, strawberry, peach. We have a picnic right here on the beach.

Through summer, autumn, winter, spring and back to summer again, delight in the change of seasons, the change of whether and the change of activities all these changes bring. 

Like playing on the beach, stomping through leaves, bonfires on cold winter nights and playing in long springtime grass.

The rhyme is joyful and flawless, and the illustrations are gorgeous and bright. But would you expect anything less from these two amazing picture book creators?

This is such a lovely book. So much fun to read and packed with information kids won’t even realise is there — a learning book where you don’t know you’re learning. 

A perfect book for classroom crowds, it will spark glorious conversations about the different things kids like to do through different seasons during both day and night. But with beautiful repetition, it’s also a story for the little ones — soothingly perfect for bedtime routines. 

Always in autumn 

A soft golden light

Here is the day…

And here is the night.

If you’re looking for cheer and delight in a picture book, look no further than Sing me the Summer by Jane Godwin and Alison Lester.

And for another stunning Godwin/Lester collaboration, you simply must check out The Silver Sea.

Title: Sing me the Summer
Author: Jane Godwin
Illustrator: Alison Lester
Publisher: Affirm Press, $24.99  
Publication Date: 27 October 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781925972924
For ages: 3 - 6
Type: Picture Book

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Guest Post: Serena Geddes

Gifted Australian author/illustrator Serena Geddes’ work of over fifty titles worldwide, covers the Lulu Bell series by Belinda Murrell, the Marguerite Henry’s Misty Inn series by Kristin Earhart and Hijabi Girl by Hazel Edwards. 

Her first picture books, the enchanting Rosie and Rasmus and its partner, Where the Dragons Live, are presented in soft watercolours with stunning jackets. 

Their positive themes of friendship and being true to yourself, inspire and encourage self-belief in children.

You confess to being a visual storyteller. The pictures come first then the text with you.Rosie and Rasmus is your first picture book. How were these two charming characters conceived?
Rosie and Rasmus came to life around nine years ago when I was experimenting with watercolours. I always wanted to find a lost dog and Rasmus’s character traits were based around a loveable dog. Rosie was wordless in my initial concept illustrations. There was a deep unspoken language between them which I wanted to capture in their daily interactions and they continued to develop from there. 

As an adult I kept an eye open for a wondering dog to save. Now I have my own, I realised it was never the dog that needed to be saved.

Was a second book initially planned and are there more books to come in this series?
Rosie and Rasmus was pitched as a stand-alone book but my agent at the time flipped that into a two-book deal. I was incredibly nervous; it took me over a year to write and edit book one amidst other projects. I had no idea what book two was about but Rasmus had to leave so he could embark on his own journey with his own message to share to his readers. At this stage there is no third book, but there are plenty of dragons that I could develop into other stories. 

Your themes are building blocks for children’s characters. Shy children find it hard to fit in and make friends. Does this in any way reflect your own childhood experiences?
There certainly are elements of my childhood in the characters and stories I write. At home I would stomp around, climb trees and dress up, my inner child was (and still is) very much a pirate. At school or when we were out, I was more the observer and would follow others. I didn’t always initiate the first move when there was a new child at school, even though inside I really, really wanted to say hello.

It was two years before you wrote the follow-up, Where the Dragons Live. Was there doubt about its construction?
There was, but the two years wasn’t due to the rewrites. The art work needed to be in the US twelve months before its due date for release, so I had twelve months to rewrite and illustrate my picture book. Rosie and Rasmus took four years from the submission being accepted in December 2015, to the time it was on the US shelves in June 2019. So, two years wasn’t a long wait.

Before you began creating children’s books you worked for Walt Disney Animation in Sydney. How did that, if at all, influence your current path?

It was five years after I left Disney that I submitted my artwork to publishers. Disney was my biggest creative teacher with drawing, learning techniques and working quickly. It didn’t necessarily lead me to picture books. 

I became curious about publishing around 2008. I felt my drawings resembled some of the art I was seeing in these books. The sweet connection that tied it to Disney, was my fellow co-worker and friend, Tina Bourke whose picture book Sophie’s Big Bed was at my local bookshop. She was the voice of encouragement that lead me to hit send and submit my portfolio. That was eleven year ago.

What do you hope readers will take from your books?
After Rosie and Rasmus was released last year, I found people received very different messages from the story I was writing, I was surprised, but I also loved it. I hope that my readers receive the visual messages, they hold more the feelings my words don’t always reflect.

Which media do you prefer for your illustrations and why?
I often work in traditional watercolour, gouache, pencil, ink and pen. I enjoy the feeling and texture of the paper and getting my hands dirty, but I am exploring some digital platforms. My art is very soft and gentle and working digitally will allow me to explore some bolder colours and techniques. Who knows, maybe a new voice will come through with this medium.

Have you anything planned for the foreseeable future book wise?
I have been dancing around a few picture books’ concepts the last two years that I’d like to finish and submit, and an early reader called Frankie and Finn.

Pepper Creek Ponies is a series with Scholastic written by Jess Black that I am working on due for release next year and Hijabi Girl by Ozge Alkan and Hazel Edwards is in its early stages for two more books.

As an author-illustrator, what advice can you offer to other budding artists like yourself?
I found by drawing my day characters would come through. They showed up in my emotional experiences, my discussion topics. They were my doubts and my concerns; they were my humour and my tears. They were every part of me and they all became stories I am starting to tell. Draw, write, create from your experiences so readers can grow from it too.  

www.serenageddes.com.au

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Meet The Illustrator: Cecilia Adams

Name: Cecilia Adams

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less. 

Traditional, pencil, wash, with a nod to the Impressionists.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
A space I can close off. . .handy for a Zoom meeting, too small for yoga! L-shape desk for drawing board (made by my husband years ago), printer, scanner, computer. Anything I need for inspiration. Faber-Castell pencils, Winsor & Newton designers gouache and series 7 brushes, paper for roughs, A4 autograph, tracing paper, Artistico + Fabriano 300gsm traditional white paper to finish.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
Pencil and gouache since College days. Brilliant for design and wash. 

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Laura Carlin for amazing concepts, composition and execution of work. Caroline Magerl for beautiful line and wash. Beatrix Potter for her timeless illustrations. . .and many other talented people I keep discovering. 

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
Impressionism. Would love to share a coffee in Paris with Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, Berthe Morisot and I’d take Sir Arthur Streeton along too! I’m in awe of their work and practice, painting what they actually saw. So lucky to have seen original works in London, Paris and Hong Kong. 

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
Dad introduced me to drawing/shading when I was ten. All pencil points had to be perfect on his sandpaper. I attended children’s art classes at Brisbane Central Technical College for six years and concurrent year with the revered Vida Lahey in an upstairs room in George Street. I always wanted to be an illustrator. Dad told me I had to earn a living! Advertising beckoned. After studies in Commercial Illustration, my first position was in the Myer Art Department.

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
There’s finished work on the board, tools of trade, references hanging above and other things I love. A step away, my view. . .pond with granite ‘Monet’ bridge, glimpses of town through tall gums, mountains. All I need. 

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
My favourite part is collecting ideas and creating the storyboards. I attended several workshops on this process with the late Narelle Oliver in 2014. . .really the start of this journey. I love the freedom of sketching, working on ideas, characters, setting, page turns. . .then worry the finished work will lose the spontaneity. 

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator? 

Don’t give up but stay true to yourself. I’ve written and illustrated a couple of stories that are part of my life. A dalmatian with a black patch looking for his home. The expat cat wanting adventure in Hong Kong. ‘Expat Cat’ placed third in the 2019 CYA competition Aspiring – Illustrations All types. These little successes keep you going. Meet with like-minded people. I’m a member of Book Links/Write Links, Brisbane and Stanthorpe Writers Group, and keep learning. 

Cecilia Adams is a qualified graphic designer/illustrator passionate about children’s books. After a career in advertising, Government/University positions, she works from her studio, Communication Art in Stanthorpe. With three grandchildren in Brisbane, London and Hong Kong, a dalmatian and the expat cat, she is not short of inspiration. 

For more information please visit Cecilia's website or follow her on instagram and facebook

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Review: Shine Your Magic Torch: Magical Creatures and Mythical Beasts

You may already know that I love mythical beasts and legends. If you weren't aware, check out my reviews for The Book of Mythical beasts and Magical Creatures, Wild Things and The Vampire Knife.

But here’s a book about beasts and creatures that’s a little different.

Shine your Magic Torch: Magical Creatures and Mythical Beasts is an interactive adventure story that combines non-fiction, imagination and a torch. 

Page one introduces you to Professor Byron Mortimer and his daughter Millie. The professor and Millie are about to set off on a journey across the world, exploring the birthplaces of the legends of mythical beasts.

Millie is excited, especially because she found a magic torch in her dad’s library and a note that told her the torch has the power to reveal mythical creatures.

As you turn the pages, you’ll travel around the world and learn about the myths and legends from the local area. Travel to Loch Ness, Scotland and learn about the Loch Ness Monster. Head to Norway and discover the Kraken. In New York, you’ll learn about Sewer Gators, and in Moscow search for the Firebird.

At each location the Professor reveals to readers where the legends of these fantastical beasts came from and what people might have actually been seeing instead (the legend of the werewolf likely came from actual wolves).

But sometimes adults just can’t see the truth. They think they know everything, but really they don’t. And if they just looked a little closer and opened their minds, they’d see that the legends are sometimes true.

Millie is there at each location, too. But she does something different to the Professor. Millie uses her torch and searches the area for evidence of the creatures, hiding in cracks and sometimes in plain sight.

And you can search for the legends too! The book comes with a special torch that reveals the beasts as you shine it on the pages.

At the back of the book there is also a list of other mythical creatures that are hiding on the pages. You can go back and search for them all.

This is a brilliant book for all fans of the mystical and magical. It has a heap of information and its loads of fun. A perfect Christmas gift for the believers in your life.

Title: Shine your Magic Torch: Magical Creatures and Mythical Beasts 
Author: Professor and Millie Mortimer
Illustrator: Victo Ngai
Publisher: Magic Cat Publishing, $44.99  
Publication Date: 5 November
Format: Hardcover 
ISBN: 9781916180574
For ages: 4+
Type: Non-Fiction, Junior-Non-Fiction

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Review: The Unwilling Twin

Jules has a twin. His name is George and they’re identical! Identical twins!

Jules and George do everything together. From morning yoga, to matching jumpsuits and trips to the beach, Jules and George have so much fun.

But sometimes George isn’t actually a willing twin. Sometimes he likes to go his own way. He doesn’t like waves, for example, and he likes rolling in sand and mud a lot more than Jules does. 

But Jules and George are kindred twins. They’ll always love each other, no matter what.

The Unwilling Twin is a charming and whimsical picture book. It’s a book for smiles and giggles. It’s a book that energises and engages — perfect entertainment. It's a book to adore for years.

You’ll likely guess from the cover that George isn’t exactly an identical twin in the ‘traditional’ sense, but every child will get it, and every adult will smile with empathy. Because kids don’t care if their ‘twin’ is exactly the same. It’s about having a twin heart and soul. Having a connection that will never fade.

And that is the power of this book. The Unwilling Twin is about deep and everlasting friendship — friendship that feels rather than sees. 

It’s also fun — entertaining and giggle-triggering.

It ticks so many boxes!

Freya Blackwood is a picture book superstar and The Unwilling Twin is another Blackwood classic to add to your collection. Her illustrations are soft, gentle and filled with so much emotion as all Freya’s illustrations are.

A true picture book stunner.

Title: The Unwilling Twin
Author/Illustrator: Freya Blackwood
Publisher: HarperCollins, $24.99  
Publication Date: 29 October 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781460757536
For ages: 3 - 6
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Rosie and Rasmus

Everyday Rosie is alone; invisible. She wishes someone would see her. 

Then there is Rasmus the dragon who lives in a tree that overlooks their village. Like Rosie, he too waits, while he watches and wishes. He watches the birds dipping, weaving and gliding in the sky. He longs to be able to fly like they do.

They meet beneath Rasmus’ tree where he offers her a flower in friendship. A moment of silent togetherness brings them closer as they take in the change in everything that has just occurred.

Rosie teaches Rasmus new skills.

Rasmus’ teaches Rosie how lightly balloons float and about flying kites that soar with the breeze. He shows Rosie his favourite book about a dragon that takes to the skies. She reads in him the longing to take flight.

Rosie believes he will one day.

Rosie is determined to help Rasmus fly. She imagines how this dream can become a reality. She draws plans and designs ways for him to realise this dream.

But what is keeping Rasmus from flying? And what will Rosie do when he finally does? Will she be able to say goodbye?

This delicate story of friendship, sharing and togetherness is expressed in soft watercolour illustrations; poignant images that contain a lightness of spirit reflected in both characters.

The gifted Serena Geddes embraces her inner child, immersing herself in an innocence which she pours into this exquisite book.

The story also reflects on, and beautifully portrays, the difficulties shy children encounter in making friends and the hidden treasures they have to offer others that wait to be shared.

These gorgeous characters continue in the second book about Rosie and Rasmus, Where the Dragons Live which is currently available
 

Title: Rosie and Rasmus
Author/Illustrator: Serena Geddes
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, $ 22.99
Publication Date: 1 May 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781481418746
For ages: 4 – 8
Type: Picture Book

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Junior Review: The Rise of the Remarkables: Brasswitch and Bot

12 Curly Questions with author Allison Rushby

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I can ice skate. Jumps, spins, white boots, sequinned costumes, the whole bit. At least, I used to be able to.

2. What is your nickname?

AJ for Allison Jane. Jane is for Jane Austen. Writing was meant to be! I know I'm in trouble when my parents call me Allison and not AJ.

3. What is your greatest fear?  

I don't like any sorts of adrenaline sports. They fill me with horror. A while back I was 'gifted' (if you can call it that) something called a 'hot lap' in a very noisy, fast car. I was meant to do three laps, but I made the driver pull over after one lap and got out. I hated everything about it. Books and tea over adrenaline sports any day!

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.  

Ghosts with issues, tea and buns, lots of lovely old things. (I know that's eleven words, but I have always been terrible at maths.)

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

Curious, tenacious, always writing, tea-soaked.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
I'd like to be Milly-Molly-Mandy, because she seems to lead a pretty perfect existence in that nice white cottage with the thatched roof of hers. Also, she has great friends, a very fetching pink-and-white-striped dress and super-cute flicky hair. Doesn't get better than that.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I'd like to visit London in 1925 to really take in that heady time between the two World Wars. I'd love to drink in the transport, the fashion and watch people simply going about their lives. But I would also like to take some antibiotics and a dentist with me, thanks very much.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Good news! Most of the maths you learn in school you will never need again!

9. Who is your greatest influence?  

Probably my mother (Pamela Rushby, who is also an author of very similar books). I know lots of authors whose parents weren't very keen on them becoming writers, whereas I was always encouraged to write (I get all my mathematical skills from her too, unfortunately).

10. What/who made you start writing?  

I have always written (ever since I can remember, anyway), but it was probably my husband who convinced me to start writing novels. I have no idea why, but I tried to talk myself out of doing so for the longest time ("I'd be so bad at writing dialogue", "novels are so long", "good description is really difficult"). Eventually he got sick of my whining and told me to just get on with it. So I did.

11. What is your favourite word and why?  

Oubliette and ambergris (I have always had two and it would be very unfair to choose one over the other, don't you think? Also, maths again).

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

Probably The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It really does have a bit of everything, including that horrifying bit at the start where everyone dies of cholera, which I somehow always forget about and then end up reading wide-eyed, so I'd never get bored! 

Allison Rushby, the daughter of an author, was raised on a wholesome and steady diet of classic English literature. Some of her favourite books, re-read countless dog-eared times include Rumer Godden's The Dolls' House, Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden, Dodie Smith's I Capture the Castle and Noel Streatfield's 'Shoes' series. She has long been a fan of cities with long, winding histories; wild, overgrown cemeteries; red brick Victorian museums; foxes, and ivy. She prefers to write with a cup of Darjeeling tea by her side and a Devon Rex cat curled up in her lap. For more information, see www.allisonrushby.com.

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Review: Molly Moores Has a House Like Yours

This is the first book published as part of Raising Literacy Australia’s Emerging Author and Illustrator Mentoring Program which started in 2018.

A spectacular book full of beauty and surprise; of rhyme and rhythm in perfect prose, is the result of an exacting collaboration between Kaliah Tsakalidis and Ross Morgan, whose divine full-page illustrations are like framed paintings in a gallery.Morgan completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts at the University of South Australia in 2000. His fine art exhibited here assures that we will see more of his talent in children’s book illustrations. 

Molly has a house, a normal house like yours or mine. It contains all the usual children’s stuff. But it has a surprising difference in each and every room. We wander through the house and wonder what we will discover next.

This delightful and visually stunning picture book projects how expansive and creative children’s imagination can be. It reflects their ability to build worlds and ideas in minds uncluttered by the thoughts that preoccupy adults.

Kaliah Tsakalidis’ debut children’s book in rhyming verse and repetition, builds the momentum of the story and completes it with a bang.

Raising Literacy Australia in 2020, celebrates their 15 year birthday. During this time, picture book libraries have been established in vulnerable communities, and RLA has created new picture books for the free Reading Pack Program, gifting over 1.8 million books to South Australian families.

The two books created by the emerging artists, one of which is, Molly Moores… will be part of the RLA’s 2021 and 2022 Preschool Reading Packs given in a gifting program to 23,000 South Australian preschool children.

raisingliteracy.org.au

Title: Molly Moores Has a House Like Yours
Author: Kaliah Tsakalidis
Illustrator: Ross Morgan
Publisher: Little Book Press, $16.99
Publication Date: 1 August 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780648591566
For ages: 4 – 8
Type:  Picture Book

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Review: Hold On! Saving the Spotted Handfish

A fascinating resource about the Critically Endangered Spotted Handfish which explores marine habitats, conservation, threats and life cycles, published by the CSIRO.

In this educational story, readers follow a cute little Handfish named ‘Handstand’ through the depths of the ocean to discover all there is to know about its species. Around since the time of dinosaurs, the Spotted Handfish is named with reference to its hand like fins and occasional ‘handstands’. With details of anatomy, size, colours, patterns, comparison of close relatives, diet, breeding and more, it’s clear that this is not your average fish.

The book goes into the Spotted Handfish’s direction toward extinction, how, why, what that means and what other animals are on the same list of IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It also looks at the amazing job scientists have done to help the Spotted Handfish back from the brink of extinction through captive breeding.

Hold On! Saving the Spotted Handfish is an informative, educational resource which would be great for primary aged readers. Teacher notes with extensive additional information are also available.

Dr Gina M Newtown is a scientist, science communicator, Past National President of the Australian Marine Sciences Association, she’s also the author of Amazing Animals of Australia’s National Parks. Rachel Tribout is an illustrator based in Tasmania and is the creator her debut title was The Monsters of Tasmania.

Title: Hold On! Saving the Spotted Handfish 
Author: Gina M Newton
Illustrator: Rachel Tribout
Publisher: CSIRO, $24.99  
Publication Date: 1 October 2020
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781486311842
For ages: 6 – 10
Type: Picture Book

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Review: How to Make a Bird

Have you ever wanted to build something? Taken all the pieces of that thing you wanted to make and put them lovingly together? 

It’s hard work, and it doesn’t always work out how you want it to. But that’s part of being a creator.

How to Make a Bird is a wow picture book. It gives you tingles as you read it. It’s one of those picture books that speaks to people in different ways but leaves an impression no matter the audience. 

In How to Make a Bird, a young girl collects all the things she needs to make a bird: bones, feathers, shells and string. 

She puts the pieces together and gives the bird a heart, but it remains still and silent. It’s not the bird she was intending to make. 

But she isn't discouraged. Maybe the bird just need a little something else to give it life. The girl takes her bird and hold it in the air. She lets it see the world, and she's there, ready… for whatever happens next.

How to Make a Bird explores the glory and challenges — the ups and downs — of creativity. Making things is hard. Making them right is harder, and sometimes it’s hard to know when they are done. 

How do you know? 

How do you know what you’re doing? 

How do you make a bird?

This is a brilliant picture book from two picture book masters. Meg McKinlay takes us into the world of a young creator as she carefully, meticulously builds her bird. Slow and careful and with so much love.

Matt Ottley’s interpretation of the girl and her bird is glorious. His illustrations are detailed and artistic, filled with beautiful angles, intricate shadows and sky blues that are hauntingly accurate. 

How to Make a Bird is about imagination, hope and never giving up, even when you are unsure of where your journey will take you. It will speak to all creators of the world and inspire kids to always keep creating.

If you love a picture book that speaks to your soul and leaves thoughts and images in your head long after you close the cover, I highly recommend How to Make a Bird.

For more books by Meg, check out Catch a Falling Star, Duck!, Let me Sleep, Sheep! and Drawn Onward. For more from Matt, check out Parachute. 

Title: How to Make a Bird
Author: Meg McKinlay
Illustrator: Matt Ottley
Publisher: Walker Books, $24.99
Publication Date: 20 October 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781925381894
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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