10 Quirky Questions with author Mary Anastasiou

 

1. What's your hidden talent?
Most people wouldn’t know that I sing, or at least I used to. I recorded back-up vocals for a kids' album when I was eight and my first demo tape when I was 12.

2. Who is your favourite literary villain and why?
The Big Bad Wolf of course. Who else gets to eat both Grandma and the Three Little Pigs in two children’s classics?

3. You're hosting a literary dinner party, which five authors would you invite? (Alive or dead)
Edgar Allan Poe, Hafez (Persian Poet), Margaret Atwood, Roald Dahl, JK Rowling

4. Which literary invention do you wish was real?
Harry Potter’s Invisibility Cloak! Oh, the mischief and mayhem I would get up to.

5. What are five words that describe your writing process?
Concept. Brain-dump. Procrastinate. Edit. Re-write.

6. Which are the five words you would like to be remembered by as a writer?
Inspirational. Engaging. Funny/Fun. Mindful. Empowering.

7. Picture your favourite writing space. What are five objects you would find there?
The ocean or a pool, my laptop, my headphones (because music), a journal, essential oils, and my favourite crystals.

8. Grab the nearest book, open it to page 22 and look for the second word in the first sentence. Now, write a line that starts with that word. (Please include the name of the book!)
Book: One of us is Lying by Karen McManus
Word: drinks
Sentence: Drinks were served in elegant cocktail glasses; the kind my parents used only on special occasions.

9. If you could ask one author one question, what would the question be and who would you ask?
Author: (Theodore) Dr Seuss
Question: What’s more important? Rhyme or meter and why?

10. Which would you rather do: 'Never write another story or never read another book'?
That’s tricky. Probably never read another book. Writing for me is an opportunity for self-expression. A moment of silence to clear my thoughts, put ideas to paper, create characters and make new friends that explore new worlds and adventures. 

Mary Anastasiou is an Advertising Creative who tells stories through her award-winning marketing campaigns. She’s also a passionate children’s author imagining stories that engage, inspire and empower. Her role as Creative Director for Larrikin House sees her responsible for the creation of all new titles. She works with authors and illustrators to create books that (she hopes) will one day become classics. For more information, see www.lilrebel.com.au.

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Video: Author Interview with Lynette Noni

Our avid well-read junior reviewer, Lily Weigl took time out from her busy school schedule to video interview the delightful, Lynette Noni, author of the enthralling Medoran Chronicles. 

Today they discuss characterisation, writing for your audience and the inspiration behind Lynette's thrilling, The Prison Healer series.

Sit back, get cosy and enjoy!

Reader Lily's KBR review of, The Blood Traitor along with Karen's review of, The Prison Healer.

You can connect with Lynette via her website or follow her on Instagram.

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Review: Bluey and Bingo's Fancy Restaurant Cookbook

Bluey fans will be excited to see the release of Bluey and Bingo's Fancy Restaurant Cookbook. 

It starts with a page of tips (safety, hygiene, allergies, etc) which is a good reminder to cooks young and old of things to be careful of. And for young cooks, the safety reminder includes making sure they have a grown up helper.

Then there are a selection of recipes with a connection to Bluey and Bingo. There are little narrative pieces spread throughout, which feature Bluey, Bingo and their family and friends.

Each recipe comes with a 'trifficulty' rating, a list of the ingredients needed, extra things that might help (generally optional and sometimes humourous), plus step by step instructions about what to do to make the recipe.

Recipes include those which are relatively simple, like an omelette and orange juice iceblocks, to intermediate recipes like prawn kebabs, and more complicated recipes like curry and spring rolls. You'll also find recipes for things like pizza, fish and chips, and Shadowlands cupcakes, amongst others.

One thing that perplexed me was the choice to include recipes with pre-made items (like a pre-made pavlova base) instead of how to make your own, when full recipes were used for other meals (like the curry). Perhaps it was to provide an overall mix of 'trifficulty' levels.

Design descisions for Bluey and Bingo's Fancy Restaurant Cookbook appear to have been carefully made to enable pages to be easily turned (spiral binding) and kept clean (the pages are laminated so they can be wiped down).

The middle of the cookbook includes a double-page spread with a template for budding cooks to create their own menu (choosing a starter, main, dessert and specials), and to write their own recipe (listing the ingredients and method). They can be used repeatedly by using a whiteboard marker which can be wiped off when finished.

Get your chef's hat and cooking utensils ready, gather the whole family with a copy of Bluey and Bingo's Fancy Restaurant Cookbook, and get cooking!

Title: Bluey and Bingo's Fancy Restaurant Cookbook
Author/Illustrator: Bluey
Publisher: Puffin, $ 19.99
Publication Date: June 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761045769
For ages: 5+
Type: Activity Book

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Giveaway: Double Prize Pack - The Wearing of Green and Interned

Junior Review: Wings of Fire: The Flames of Hope

The world is changing fast, and not for the better. Luna has always wanted to change the world, to repair it and make it better then it has ever has been - even when the task seemed impossible to do alone.

But now that Luna’s friends, family, and all of Pantala are in danger, she must fly home on a rescue mission with an team of close friends. Luna is sure she can remain calm and useful for her friends’ sakes. 

However, with the prophecy’s instructions sounding easier said than done, Luna is beginning to lose hope. As she, burns, claws and jabs her way toward a future where humans and dragons can all live peacefully with one another, Luna realises she must unite friends, family and enemies and ignite her powers further if she wishes to save the world. If not, she might have to wave goodbye to it forever.

Wings of Fire: The Flames of Hope, is a great end to the third arc of the Wings of Fire series. Despite me being older than the books’ target demographic now, I still find myself enjoying one of my favourite series. 

Although the protagonist my favourite of the characters, I still enjoyed reading from Luna’s point of view toward the events that unfolded. I highly recommend this series for anyone from 8 - 12 years of age.

Title: Wings of Fire: The Flames of Hope
Author: Tui T Sutherland
Illustrator: Joy Ang
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication date: 2022
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761203442
For ages: 8 - 12
Type: Middle Grade Fiction

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Guest Post: Irina Bock on Writing a Children's Book - As Easy as A-B-C

Review: Ghostie

Ava is bored. And when she's bored - so is her elusive friend, Ghostie. And what do ghosts do when they're bored?

They howl and screech! They float and flicker! And their absolute specialty? Slime!

Pets terrorised, bathrooms flooded, an indoor mud-pie mess - naughty Ghostie!

... or is it really Ghostie?

This eerie romp for little ones is a howl of a hoot - skittering along with humour and charm. 

A spattering of  onomatopoeia punctuates the pages, bringing ample opportunity for some screeching and howling - the perfect soundtrack to this kooky, bouncy tale. 

With just the right dose of spook for this age group, there's plenty of cuteness, too. Mel Armstrong's adorable illustrations are bright and textured, with plenty of characterised emotion, from frustration to joy to bottom-lip sadness.

Stephanie Owen Reeder's text is pure fun. Punchy and full of movement, it gallops along with the onomatopoeia - winding, figuratively and literally, its way around Ava and her cheeky friend. Her short sentences and word choices show a deep understanding of the way children think and speak, and there's plenty of narrative twists to keep kids engaged and anticipating the next round of action.

Based on the real-life shenanigans of Stephanie's granddaughter, Ava, and her imaginary friend, this delightful book is something many children will relate to ... and giggle over. Fabulous for kids who have an imaginary friend.

Title: Ghostie
Author: Stephanie Owen Reeder
Illustrator: Mel Armstrong
Publisher: Windy Hollow, $25.99
Publication Date: 1 March 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780645323511
For ages: 2 - 5
Type: Picture Book

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10 Quirky Questions with author Vikki Conley

1. What's your hidden talent?
Ability to mimic the birdcall of the Grey Shrike-thrush bird.

2. Who is your favourite literary villain and why?
The Queen of Hearts from Alice In Wonderland because who wouldn’t want to scream, “off with their heads” once in a while!

3. You're hosting a literary dinner party, which five authors would you invite? (alive or dead)
Roald Dahl, Emily Bronte, Enid Blyton, David Walliams and Dr Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel).

4. Which literary invention do you wish was real?
Frobscottle – the green bubbly drink from Roald Dahl’s BFG, because it looks like whizzpopping fun!

5. What are five words that describe your writing process?
Organic, brave, edit, edit, edit.

6. Which are the five words you would like to be remembered by as a writer?
Lyrical, original, inspiring, wonderous, bestselling!

7. Picture your favourite writing space. What are five objects you would find there?
Pretty teacup. Writing journal. French doors open onto wilderness. My cat all curled up. A lush overgrown plant.

8. Grab the nearest book, open it to page 22 and look for the second word in the first sentence. Now, write a line that starts with that word. (Please include the name of the book!)
Albert’s nose was as big as a turnip. (The Yield by Tara June Winch)

9. If you could ask one author one question, what would the question be and who would you ask?
Roald Dahl, could you please read over my next manuscript?

10. Which would you rather do: 'Never write another story or never read another book'?
Never write another story. But that’s an excruciating question to answer!

Vikki Conley is a CBCA short-listed author with eight internationally published picture books. She writes children’s stories that celebrate the spirit of wonder, adventure and freedom that she wishes every child could enjoy. Her 100-year-old mulberry tree still grows at her childhood home. For more information, see www.vikkiconley.com.

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Review: Super Duper

Review: Seal Child

Meet The Illustrator: Janneke Ipenburg

Name: Janneke Ipenburg

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Colourful, humorous, sometimes poetic, with a love for painting animals.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
When I don’t have to concentrate too much, lately I prefer listening podcasts while painting. Additional, I have my paint (acrylics, gouache, watercolours), my coloured pencils and a scanner for editing.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I am into acrylics these days, often combined with coloured pencils. But in the end, it depends on the story what medium fits best to depict the narrative.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Simone Rea: I love his animals, his textures and his somehow surrealistic worlds. I love his compositions, his characters.
Carll Cneut: he is a real (messy) painter, with a lot of paint layers and very detailed. His colour choices are peculiar, and the images are sometimes strange and gloomy, in a very good way.
Shaun Tan: his worlds are surreal and yet so recognizable and realistic in a way. I love his books, the atmosphere, I am always touched by the story and his characters.
Rebecca Dautremer: (bonus, I couldn’t skip one) Her work is extraordinary, she is so insanely detailed, and again, I love the worlds she creates. Her colours are beautiful, and her angles are magnificent.

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

Hm, difficult one… Sometimes I would like to have a more loose style, so I could use some lessons from an expressionist. But to be honest, in my opinion picture book art is the most intriguing art there is.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?

Probably the books around me. My mom always took care of a variety of children’s books and picture books. Before I became an illustrator I graduated as a theatre designer, and although I loved the field, I didn’t love the workflow much (lot of practical stuff). Working on picture books is less complicated but still about creating and depicting a narrative. It’s both storytelling and as I said before, I LOVE picture book art.

Can you share a photo of your creative workspace or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
I have a small workspace at our home (with a view at our neighbour’s cattle). It is always kind of messy and I would love to have a bit more space, but it works good enough for now.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
Mostly I work with a plan, I am not good at freestyle illustrating where you just see where the paint gets you. So, I need to know what I want to depict, and then I start painting. This is my favourite part, the colouring, where the illustration really comes to life!

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
I think these days it is more difficult to stand out with all the digital platforms and the amount of (amazing) illustrators around the world. It is a curse as well as an opportunity. It is easy to be an invisible fish in the ocean, but when you manage to stand out, digital platforms are a great way to find your audience. Be inspired by other artists, learn from their work, try to understand what works and why, and try to find you own style and techniques. Keep learning and keep being curious! And be a storyteller! Picture book illustrations is not about pretty pictures, but about narratives and intriguing scenes, even a single illustration.

 
Janneke lives in a former farm in a small village in the Netherlands. In 2002 she graduated Art School (HKU) as a theatre designer. Now she works as a freelance illustrator of picture books. One of her life goals is to become an author/illustrator and have some of her books translated (that must be so cool!).


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

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Review: Kind

I am a huge fan of picture books about our world and nature, and lucky for me there are loads of brilliant books available that dive into these topics. 

Kind is another one to add to my collection, but it is… more and different from the others I have so far explored.

And it’s a stunner.

Written in rhyme, Kind takes us on a tour of the animal world with a message on each page not to forget the world’s special creatures.

Be kind to those with shells
It’s where they like to hide
The hardest on the surface
Are softest deep inside.

The critters are grouped on each page (fluttery friends, wicked weavers, slithery snakes and more), and author/illustrator extraordinaire Jess McGeachin has included the most special, spectacular and interesting beasts on each of the pages.

All the animals are labelled so you can learn what they are, and the fun to be had in exploring each colourful specimen and choosing a favourite is beyond huge. My children adored exploring this book together and learning about species we had never heard of before. It’s filled with the most amazing creatures from across the globe, and it brought so much joy to our story time.

And after the tour of stunning creatures, the book moves in a different direction. It goes BIG and takes a look at our planets, with a message to be kind to our world. And then it goes small again, and reminds readers to save some kind for themselves.

McGeachin’s illustrations are something super special. They are both accurately detailed and superbly funky — a joy to explore with every page turn. And the specialness extends to the cover. It’s got a beautiful fabric-texture feel, with gorgeous glossy animals on top.

It’s a stunning book for nature lovers everywhere + a book that really everyone should read!

Title: Kind
Author/Illustrator: Jess McGeachin
Publisher: Allen and Unwin, $24.99
Publication Date: May 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761066047
For ages: 4 - 7
Type: Picture Book

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Review: I Feel the World

Review: Alfie The Brave

Review: Interned

As the world teeters on the brink of war in 1914, two young girls of German heritage will have their entire worlds turned upside down. Based on true events this historical story centres on a forgotten moment in history.

Greta is the daughter of a successful German businessman and enjoys a privileged life in Singapore. While Tilly is the daughter of a German born baker living a modest life in Brisbane.

With the outbreak of war in Europe, friends and neighbours treat them like the enemy. Harassed in the streets, possessions defaced, and unwelcome gifts left at their doorsteps. Both girls are taken away from lives, their homes as they know it are confiscated and they are interned in a camp in rural New South Wales.

Well researched, this evocative novel highlights the cruelties of war and how integral our sense of community is in when faced with adversity.

Greta’s prized possession is her violin, this is stolen when they are transported back to Australia. Whereas Tilly watches her father being taken away to be imprisoned and her mother retreat from the world – this sense of loss shapes their lives.

Written from the point of view of the two girls, Greta and Tilly’s challenges, heartache and friendship will resonate with readers.

As the end of the war approaches, the Spanish Flu will make its appearance. Nothing and no one will be left untouched, every aspect of their lives will be impacted. Will Greta and Tilly survive, along with their families? Will they ever be together again?

Author Pamela Rushby has woven a multi-faceted story through the pages of history to capture the prejudice and adversity war has on our lives and the remarkable sense of triumph that can be achieved as a community.

Title: Interned
Author: Pamela Rushby
Publisher: walker Books, $17.99
Publication Date: 1 March 2022
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760653019
For Ages: 10-14
Type: Middle Grade Fiction


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Review: Miimi Marraal Mother Earth

Miimi Marraal Mother Earth is a truly stunning picture book about land, culture and motherhood.

Miimi Marraal,
she created us, you and me.

She birthed the nyami;
she’s the giver of life and created all that we see.

Brought to readers through beautiful flowing poetry, the story is a message from a mother to her child, imparting wisdom about life, love, family, land and responsibility.

My precious baby,
know you are protected by your ancestors,
your totems and me.
And you belong to this land —
she will take care of you, you see.

Reading this book is like being invited to share an intimate moment between mother and child. The book welcomes readers into a special conversation and leaves you feeling warm, protected and inspired to live your best life. It’s simply beautiful.

It also shares important First Nations culture and stories, gifting knowledge to all Australians so that we can all learn more about our country and First Nations people.

Each page is accompanied by beautiful artwork is stunning peach-pink hues. It is art that speaks to the soul and helps carry the words through the book, filling you with warmth as you read.

At the start of the book, author/illustrator Melissa Greenwood invites you to learn about her heritage and the meaning of Miimi Maraal, both to her and her people. Make sure you start here when you read, because the story has even deeper meaning when you understand where it comes from. And then read it again at the end and cement learning and understanding of this stunning book.

This is a special picture book, a book I hope you will seek out and experience because I believe it can be so many things to lots of different people: a beautiful gift for new mothers everywhere, a conversation starter about First nations culture, a stunning collection of art you will be tempted to remove and put on your walls, and a song that speaks to hearts and inspires greatness.

Melissa Greenwood is the founder and director of Miimi and Jiinda, and has just launched Ochre by Miimi and Jiinda, a fashion and homewares label. She was born on her Gumbaynggir jagun (homelands) in Coffs Harbour and raised between both Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung Nations.

Thank you for creating this powerful picture book, Melissa. I will treasure it forever.

Title: Miimi Marraal Mother Earth
Author/Illustrator: Melissa Greenwood
Publisher: HarperCollins, $
Publication Date: 4 May 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780733341632
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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Guest Post: Maria Monte on Remembering Our Childhood Bikes on World Bicycle Day

Review: Gallant

Review: Miss Mary-Kate Martin's Guide to Monsters: The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm

Mary-Kate Martin can sometimes be anxious. She has a long list of things she does not like, and an equally long list of lucky items that calm her when she encounters something she does not like.

All her lucky things get quite the work out when she heads to the English countryside with her archaeologist mother, who has been asked to investigate some bones at the bottom of an old well in a town called Woolington Well (where some very strange things seem to be happening).

Lord Woolington (of the original town Woolingtons) wants to build a shopping centre in the middle of the town, but a very vocal action group doesn’t want him too. 

They don’t like giant, noisy shopping centres, and they definitely don’t want one to be built on the town well because they believe it is the home of the Woolington Wyrm — a legendary giant worm that throughout history sometimes terrorises the town.

And while not everyone believes in the wrym’s existence (Lord Woolington included), some very strange things have been happening around town since construction started on the shopping centre: broken fences, earth tremors and a large amount of brown slime left throughout the town.

Mary-Kate finds all the commotion quite intimidating, but she also cannot resist getting to the bottom of the mystery. So armed with her strawberry-scented notebook and sparkly pens, she decides to get to the bottom of it.

But can she? This mystery is rather strange, and the facts don’t always add up. Is the Woolington Wyrm real or is it just a scary story?

The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm is book one in a brilliant new series written by Karen Foxlee and illustrated by Freda Chiu. Do you know that feeling when you pick up a book, start reading and just think ‘this book has it all’? Well, this is what I felt reading this awesome new junior fiction novel.

With a mystery-filled plot that keeps you guessing until the end, action and adventure, dangerous escapes and also humour, it’s a perfect balance of everything — charming, action-packed and humorous. And with stunningly spooky-style illustrations by Freda Chiu, it just ticks all the boxes.

I just adore Chiu’s illustrations in this book. They are funky, quirky and perfectly paired for a story about a spooktacular mythical creature like the Woolington Wyrm. Peppered throughout (with a stunning town map also at the front), they set up and reinforce Mary-Kate’s world in such a spectacular way.

Junior readers are going to love this book, particularly those that love mysteries with a side of the fantastical. It’s the type of book that makes you dream that monster mysteries were a real thing. It makes you crave to become a monster investigator like Mary-Kate and solve mysteries about mythical beasts.

Readers, too, will adore Mary-Kate. She’s a quiet girl with a strong moral compass. She has a plan for everything and an inner strength she doesn’t seem to see. And she is like so many kids (particularly today), who worry about things out of their control.

Through reading the book, and getting to know Mary-Kate, readers will get some very cool insight into ways you can still be a worrier-at-heart while also learning to step into the unknown. The things we are afraid of can’t always go away, but we can find ways to cope with our fears, and sometimes it’s the little things that really help make a difference. Like writing things down, finding friends and finding comfort in our favourite things.

If you are (or you know) a junior fiction reader who loves beasty mysteries and adventure, I highly, highly recommend checking out this new series.

Title: Miss Mary-Kate Martin's Guide to Monsters: The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm
Author: Karen Foxlee
Illustrator: Freda Chiu
Publisher: Allen and Unwin, $14.99
Publication Date: May 2022
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760526627
For ages: 6 - 10
Type: Junior Fiction

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12 Curly Questions with author Amy Dunjey

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you. 
Each birthday as a child, I would wish for a piglet as I blew out my candles. (I never got one).

2. What is your nickname?
Ames. My husband calls me Chingo, which is a play on my middle name and maiden name. In high school, I was briefly called Shaggy after a particularly bad hair cut.

3. What is your greatest fear?
Time moving too quickly! The years keep coming and they don’t stop coming…

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Whimsical, rhyming, sweet and takes me a really long time!

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Considered, lyrical, emotive, determined, inquisitive.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
I’d love to be a mix of Madeline and Pippi Longstocking. I love that they are both free-spirited, adventurous, with a rebellious streak. And redheads!

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Out of pure curiosity, I would travel 50-100 years into the future to see how we are faring as a planet. Hopefully, I would be pleasantly surprised.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
She would probably say that it’s pretty cool we finally started writing, but also super disappointing we didn’t pursue that dream of being a physiotherapist for the Fremantle Dockers.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
In life: My parents and husband, who are infinitely selfless and hardworking. For writing: My daughters provide endless inspiration with their quirky observations. The works of Julia Donaldson, Lynley Dodd and Davina Bell are my favourite writing influences.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I always dreamed of being an author, but never attempted writing stories until my daughters were born and I was inspired to write tales for them. I was drawn to write in rhyme and that is still my preference.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Whimsical. I love the way it sounds and how it conjures images of magic, forests, starlight and all things impossible.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Charlotte’s Web by EB White. I adore this book and feel that its themes are universal and timeless.

Amy Dunjey hails from Perth, Western Australia, where she lives with her husband and twin daughters. She loves writing in rhyme and her background in speech pathology has driven her passion for early literacy. Amy’s debut picture book is Dancing with Dragons, illustrated by Jesus Lopez and published by Larrikin House. For more information, see www.amydunjey.com.

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Winner: Pawsome Double Pack

Our lucky winner is...

Liz Dorrington, WA

Congratulations!

You have won this pawsome double prize pack of Paws and The Bravest Word by Kate Foster.

Thank you to ALL who entered.

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Guest Post: Q & A with Sneha Sabu

Child safety is a growing issue worldwide. Having conversations with children about their safety at a young age help children react in situations that compromise their safety.

Today we welcome, Sneha Sabu along to share some facts about her book Stay Safe with Ruby and Reuben and her journey.

1. When did you start writing for children?
I was 18 when I first started writing for a children’s magazine. As a sub-editor, I wrote more than 25 short stories for children. I read several books on child psychology at the time to understand how children thought and understood concepts.

2. What kind of books do you read?
I love reading comics, crime and thrillers.

 
3. What would you be doing if you were not a writer?
I am a strategist by profession. I work full time and write in my free time.

 
4. What else do you do in your free time?
I love adventure sports and travelling. It helps me rejuvenate.

 
5. What inspired you to write this book?
According to UNICEF, millions of children face child sexual abuse every year. My work for an NGO that focused on children changed my understanding and perspective of children and their needs. I felt I must do my part and write a book for children.

 

6. Tell us more about your book?
Stay Safe with Ruby and Reuben is an interactive child safety book written to create awareness among children on good and bad touches, how to be safe in school, how to be safe while going and coming back from school, safe sleepovers and secret codes. This book covers the above issues in an easy to read format for children. Profit from sales will be used to fund not for profit organisations working to protect children from child sexual abuse and print additional copies for children who cannot afford to buy the book.

7. How can we reach you?

Reach out and visit me via my website. Links to purchase my book from anywhere in the world can also be found there.

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Review: Rock Star Detectives

Australian comedian Adam Hills has delivered his debut children’s novel. This must-read story combines comedic flair with inclusive characters that celebrate our individuality. Illustrated by Luna Valentine, Rock Star Detectives won’t disappoint.

Twelve year old singing sensation Charley Parker is living the rock star dream. Along with her budding comedian, social media whizz and best friend George, the pair have achieved international stardom.

But it doesn’t always go to plan . . .

When a series of art thefts occur in the same cities that they are performing in, the pair quickly become the prime suspects. Charley and George soon find they are in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

Travelling through Amsterdam for a performance, they visit the Van Gogh Museum as they take in the sights. Arriving home in London they are surprised to learn about the theft of an expensive artwork. When the police arrive at their school, they soon learn that they are suspected of the crime. A key card from the hotel where they were staying, the Amsterdam Hilton was found at the crime scene and neither Charley nor George have an alibi for the morning after the concert.

The only way out of this mess is to solve the crime and prove their innocence. Together they compile a long list of suspects, but with all these possible suspects how will they find the real culprit?

Can the rock stars turned detectives find the real culprit or will they end up behind bars?

This delightful read has heart, laughter and will have you dancing in the aisles.


Title: Rock Star Detectives
Author: Adam Hills
Illustrator: Luna Valentine
Publisher: Puffin Books, $14.99
Publication Date: 1 February 2022
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780241505977
For Ages: 9-12
Type: Junior Fiction

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Review: The Secret of Sapling Green

Sapling Green has a secret, one she hides away in pockets. This sweet and whimsical story slowly reveals the secret of Sapling Green, a quiet girl who hides in the library and 'wishes for someone to play with'. 

Only at home does Sapling remove her hands from her pockets to reveal her verdant secret — green thumbs. Literally. Sapling's magical gift surrounds her with lush greenery and here she feels confident and free to be her true self.

In a juxtaposition of introvert and extrovert, we also meet Wynn, a boisterous and confident boy who loves 'climbing in the schoolyard tree' with a group of friends. 

When a storm hits, it is this tree that inspires Sapling to be brave and finally reveal her gift to her classmates. This is achieved through a delicate, dream-like sequence as Sapling whispers and reawakens the tree.

The Secret of Sapling Green is a quiet and gentle story about friendship, acceptance and the power of nature to bring people together. Sapling's green thumbs offer a beautiful metaphor for any condition that may make children feel different. The book provides opportunities for discussion about differences and inclusion, and serves as a reminder that we can only blossom when we accept ourselves and each other.

Penelope Pratley's debut as an author, The Secret of Sapling Green shines with simple but stunning text. Penelope's watercolour illustrations, with their soft lines and delicious hues, are the perfect complement. Together, they form an uplifting picture book that will linger in the minds of children and adults for a long time.

Title: The Secret of Sapling Green
Author/ Illustrator: Penelope Pratley
Publisher: EK Books, $24.99
Publication Date: February 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781925820980
For ages: 3 – 8
Type: Picture Book

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Meet The Illustrator: Natasha Hagarty

Name: Natasha Hagarty

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Lots of wobbly, loose lines and gentle, whimsical characters

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
A jug of water and more than one of every art tool and piece of stationary because I’m perpetually losing everything!

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
Most of my previous work is done in watercolour, but I am slowly venturing into a mix of watercolour, charcoal, ink, acrylic, collage and digital!

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
It changes on a daily basis! But today it’s Matt Ottley, Suzy Lee and Kim Minji 


Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
Oh anywhere from the Romanticists, Impressionists or Heidelberg School would be splendid. Their use of light, colour and design is just exquisite.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
I spent most of my childhood drawing stories, so nothing has really changed! I got a bit side tracked on the way due to a love for music and chocolate, but maternity leave helped to bring my focus back to illustration.

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
I share a little art room with my husband, except I’ve taken over most of the space! There’s three tables so I can have multiple projects on the go and some kind of haphazard storage system. Artwork on the wall varies from our amazing Australian illustrators to paintings created by my family. Inspiration from all sources!

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
I love the brainstorming and sketching out ideas part! Sometimes you get stuck but after mulling it over for a while, that lightbulb moment is marvellous!

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Don’t underestimate the magic of community when on your illustration journey. Australian illustrators are the most generous, helpful, supportive group of people and I have learnt so much from them! Find your people!

 
Natasha is a Sydney based illustrator. Her fourth picture book, Wizelda, The Little Witch Who Chased A Rainbow (written by Maggie Gordon) is being released later this year. She has painted commissions for over 200 clients and is in the process of launching a new organisation, The Cardboard Box Illustrators, to help Australian illustrators connect, learn and grow (www.cardboardboxillustrators.com.au live from July 2022!)

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

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Junior Review: The Blood Traitor

Review: A Whole Lot of Lemonade Jones

A Whole Lot of Lemonade Jones by Davina Bell and Karen Blair, is a collection of three short stories about a mischievous six-year-old girl.

Lemonade Jones lives with her mum, dad, and baby brother Walter. She has a big personality, and you can expect the unexpected when Lemonade arrives on the scene.

The three stories are about everyday events, with somewhat unforeseen results.

The First Day Back is about Lemonade's first day at a new school for grade one. Lemonade is confronted with a new teacher, old and new classmates, and a bunch of new rules that she isn't sure she agrees with.

In The Zoo That Comes to You, Lemonade puts her own unique spin on her birthday party. Being dissatisfied with the lack of exotic animals brought to her house for the celebrations, Lemonade finds a way to dress up the family dog and cat, and disguise a parrot to appear more like a bat. And when the pirate rat gets loose, chaos ensues.

The final story, The Great School Fete, sees Lemonade nominate her mum as lead singer for the fete's Grade One Mum Band performance, then come to her rescue when she suffers stage fright. Lemonade also enjoys exploring the fete independently, until she gets sick from enjoying all the snacks and rides a bit too much.

With relatable characters and events, and plenty of humour, A Whole Lot of Lemonade Jones is a great book for newly independent readers.

The back of the book includes a recipe that is referenced in the final story of the collection. Making the Unicorn Poo (rainbow meringues) will likely appeal to children of a particular age, and is a fun added extra for readers.

Download the Teachers' Tips from the publisher's website.

Title:  A Whole Lot of Lemonade Jones
Author: Davina Bell
Illustrator: Karen Blair
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $ 14.99
Publication Date: 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN:  9781760526375
For ages: 5+
Type: Junior Fiction Younger

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Review: The Cult Of Romance

Review: Keeping Up With the Dachshunds

In a dog's world, which is not so different from a human's, there are things that a dog would really like to have.

Jet is such a dog. She wants to be just like the Dachshunds who are popular, and the trendsetters.

The Dachshunds have sparkly diamond collars, and stylish hair.

They also have fashionable shoes to wear, and squeaky rubber chickens to play with. Not to mention cool sunglasses and trendy cars.

Everything the Dachshunds have is cool and now and 'totally bow-wow!'

Jet does not have any of these things, and when she tries to keep up with the Dachshunds, she finds herself left behind.

Then Jet discovers that she doesn't really enjoy all the same things as the Dachshunds, and that she'd like a friend who likes her for herself and can share some of the same interests. 

In Keeping Up With the Dachshunds author Carla Fitzgerald and illustrator Rebel Challenger have created a bright and humorous story with a message. It shows us that we don't have to be trendy, that being an individual with your own sense of style and your own interests is just as important.

Adults beware: For children who are learning to tell jokes, Keeping Up With the Dachshunds also includes ten dog-themed jokes at the end.

Title: Keeping Up With the Dachshunds
Author: Carla Fitzgerald
Illustrator: Rebel Challenger
Publisher: Larrikin House, $ 24.99
Publication Date: April 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922503756
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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Giveaway: Pawsome Double Pack! - Paws and The Bravest Word

Review: Mr Price's Pet Emporium

Guest Post: Sonny and Sandy Swinhart on Collaborative Partnerships

Review: Bush Magic

Bush Magic is the story of a rainy day turned into a joyous creative adventure starring Jarrah and her grandpa.

When their weekly bush adventure appears to be a dismal washout, Grandpa and Jarrah craft their way into an imaginative journey instead. Sailing away in a huge leaf, they encounter giant jellyfish and discover stranded bush animals. What else will they find? Will they be able to help the animals? An enjoyable expedition prevails.

I adore the transition from life to imagination, and the characters' positive attitudes which lead into and through the adventure. A warming message about imagination and making the most of any situation shines through. 

The Illustrations are gorgeous with a mix of textures and colours that perfectly depict a joyful Australian bush environment. Pops of colour, emotion and dialect like ‘ziggety-zoo kangaroo’ kept my kids and I wanting more.

Bush Magic is perfect for groups or one-on-one reading, and would be a great inspiration to craft and other learning activities. 

Kylie Howarth is an award-winning author-illustrator based in Western Australia, some of her other books include Chip and the Fish-Kid series which begins with Fish Kid And The Ninja Lizard.

Title: Bush Magic
Author/Illustrator: Kylie Howarth
Publisher: Walker Books, $25.99
Publication Date: 3 May 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760650827
For ages: 4 – 8
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Kora Kerplunk’s Travelling Tongue

Kora Kerplunk is a wild child who loves being dirty and loves to play rough. But what she loves more than anything else is licking yucky stuff!!!!

Boogers and blackboards, windows and dirt,

Grey gum on the ground, and stains on her shirt.

But one day, sick of the disgusting things Kora licks, her tongue runs away, leaving Kora a farewell note. 

Kora tries to get her tongue to come back, but it’s having too much fun, travelling the world and tasting all the foodie delights. What will Kora do?

This is a fun and smile-triggering picture book for kids who love a little silliness with their picture books. It’s whacky and delightfully quirky, delivered in fun rhyme to drive the rhythm of the humour. I loved the places Kora’s tongue travels and the foods it tastes along the way. And kids will love this too, because it opens a door to talk about different cuisines from around the world and all our favourite yummy things to eat.

With funky and colourful illustrations to match the funky story, the book really does scream fun! Kora’s emotional journey is clear on her face as she experiences both the loss of her tongue and its return, and there’s a nice subtle message there about thinking of others and compromise, but it isn’t didactic in any way.

For a silly, funny, quirky read that will get your tastebuds tingling, check out Kora Kerplunk’s Travelling Tongue.

Title: Kora Kerplunk's Travelling Tongue
Author: Emily S. Smith
Illustrator: Peter Olczyk
Publisher: Larrikin House, $24.99
Publication Date: February 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922503206
For ages: 3 - 8
Type: Picture Books

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12 Curly Questions with author Rory H Mather

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I had my first birthday in Tonga because I spent large chunks of my childhood living and travelling on sailboats my Dad had built. Wait, is that two things?

2. What is your nickname?
My friends call me Rory the Great. Haha, jokes. I don’t really have a nickname, but when I was a rifleman in the Army Reserves it was Hammer, which is a shortened form of my surname and very ironic because I’m very mild mannered.

3. What is your greatest fear?
Geez, that’s a bit deep. I’ve been scared of lots of things such as the dark, whales (they are very big and I lived on a boat) and when I was 10 I was scared of growing a prominent Adam's apple. These days my biggest fear is probably not pushing myself to be the best I can be and regretting it later in life. Deep right?! Also words with two Rs in them… I have a lisp.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Funny, sporadic, quick, good, bad, rhyming, slow, silly, random, fun.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Fun, funny, quirky, quick, adventurous.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
I would definitely be a bear. Everyone loves them and hopefully there would be some honey in my book… honey is delicious.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Now you’re speaking my language. I have a history degree so this is something I often think about. To be honest, there are so many cool things in the past that I would love to see that I can’t narrow it down to a year… so instead I’m going to choose the year 2222 because I’m curious to see what the future holds and those 2s make it an interesting year already.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
I think 10-year-old me would ask whether I still love the movie Gladiator (it came out when I was 10). The answer is yes, it is still awesome.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
My parents and my wife. They have all had some pretty rough things thrown their way throughout life, but they have always kept going. From a writing perspective though I’d say Aaron Blabey because I started writing in 2015, which was the year after Pig the Pug came out and when he had loads of other picture books coming out. They were some of the first picture books I’d read since childhood and they were my exactly my sense of humour.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I’ve always written in some capacity – I was the king of roses are red poems for my Mum back in the day – but it was simply the art form of picture books themselves that turned me into an actual writer. In 2015 I got a job delivering kidlit programs in a public library – so I was reading loads of picture books – and I just fell in love with the format.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Synonym, because it sounds like cinnamon which I love. And also because I find synonyms useful when writing stories. It isn’t a great word for my lisp though.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Oh wow, I don’t think I’d like that at all. It’d have to be a really big book so that by the time I got to the end I’d forgotten the beginning. Or maybe a book of short stories so that there are lots of different things to read. When I was a kid, I had a Reader's Digest history book called When, Where, Why and How It Happened. I read that a lot so I am going go with that.

Rory Mather is the author of six absolutely hilarious picture books, and he has a heap more on the way. He is often seen staring into space or smirking because he has thought of something funny. He lives in Toowoomba with his wife, two dogs and soon his greatest creation yet… a baby. For more details, see www.roryhmather.com

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Winner: Astronaughties

Our lucky winner is...

Eloise Liddel, VIC

Congratulations! We loved your spacey interpretation of our question!

You have won a copy of this out of this world middle grade fiction, Astronaughties by Andrew Cranna.

Thank you to ALL who entered.

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Review: Flooded

Flooded is a special debut book that is the result of author and illustrator Mariajo Ilustrajo's Masters in Children's Book Illustration, and her winning the World Illustration Award in 2020.

It's the story of an ordinary city and its citizens who are depicted as animals.

The animals go about their lives, not noticing that something is happening. All except one who realises that the city is a little bit wet.

The many other animals don't take any notice of just one animal. They carry on as normal. 

The only sign they show of knowing something is going on, is a bit of gossip. Perhaps it being damp is the result of someone who left the tap on? Or maybe it's because of politicians?

Whatever the reason, the animals are surprised at some of the changes, but not enough to do anything about them. That's until, as the water continues to rise and flood the city, more of the animals realise something needs to be done. 

The water has become a much bigger problem, but is it too late to do something? And what should they do? Could they have worked together and found a solution earlier, before it became such a big problem?

Flooded is a reminder to address problems sooner rather than later. It has a clear environmental message, but themes of not procrastinating or ignoring issues, and working together, can apply to many other situations as well.

Modern, yet retro, and beautifully illustrated in black and white with swathes of blue. Flooded is about a timely and important subject, and highly recommended.

Title: Flooded
Author/Illustrator: Mariajo Ilustrajo
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's, $ 24.99
Publication Date: May 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780711276765
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Dancing with Dragons

Have you ever wandered through the trees and heard something strange? It’s probably just a rabbit or a bird, right? Maybe the wind?

But what if it wasn’t. What if it was dragons?

Well, this is exactly what happens to Rose!

While playing in the woods, she stumbles across two fearsome dragons with black eyes and terrible talons. But… 

It turns out these dragons aren’t scary. They just need to Rose to judge their dancing competition.

So the dancing begins…

First was the dragon with horns of bright red,
flaring his nostrils and bopping his head.

Grooving and shaking and tapping his toes,
then spinning around on the tip of his nose.

They are both very good. How could Rose possibly choose which is best? But then one more contender comes into the mix and changes everything.

Dancing with Dragons is a super joyful rhyming picture book for kids who love a splash of fantasy with their stories. I am OBSESSED with dragons, so this one really speaks to me, and I love how the story encourages movement and dance.

Delivered in funky rhyme, by author Amy Dunjey, the story flows from the tongue to the tips of your toes. Paired with stunning illustrations from Jesus Lopez, each turn of the page is colourful, bright and engaging. There are some gorgeous colours in this book, from golden pink morning hues to the purple-green forest palate and bright red dragon scales. It’s just really, really beautiful.

If you love a fun rhyming tales and you love dragons, you’re really going to love Dancing with Dragons by Amy Dunjey and Jesus Lopez.

Title: Dancing with Dragons
Author: Amy Dunjey
Illustrator: Jesus Lopez
Publisher: Larrikin House, $19.99
Publication Date: February 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922503299
For ages: 3 - 8
Type: Picture Book

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Review: The Voyage Of Whale And Calf

Meet The Illustrator: Tori-Jay Mordey

Name: Tori-Jay Mordey

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
People, connection, movement, emotions, and bursting with colour.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
Music is the most important part for me, it's what helps me to visualise what I want to draw in my head, to keep the creative juices flowing while also keeping me awake and motivated while working.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I love acrylic painting, but I also love drawing digitally. I always try to balance it out by working on digital illustrations for clients while also putting time aside to do acrylic painting for fun.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
James Jean, Shaun Tan, and most comic book artists

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
Probably Postmodernism, just because it was such a wild change for how we produced and looked at art, I would have loved to attend an art exhibition back then.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
For the majority of my childhood I really struggled with reading, so a lot of the books I'd borrow from the library were all picture books, I couldn't read the book but I could follow the story through the illustrations, and ever since then I've always wanted to become an illustrator.

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
This is a photo of me in my studio in Brisbane, I work right in the city not far from the Botanical Gardens, I share this studio space with street artists, fine art artists, and other creatives, every wall of our studio is painted with vibrant murals. I started painting the walls of my studio space but haven't quite finished it yet. Behind me you'll also see some of my acrylic paintings, some finished, some not. This studio is like a second home to me, it's my favourite place to come to create.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
The sketching and the finalised line art.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Don't be afraid to meet people from your creative community, get out there and attend social art events, get to know other creatives, put yourself out there, the more like-minded people you surround yourself with, the more you'll learn and grow from them. The people and friends I have met within the creative arts industry have helped shape me into the artist/illustrator that I am today, they inspire me every single day.

Tori-Jay Mordey is an Indigenous Australian illustrator whose work traverses multiple mediums, such as digital illustration, drawing, painting, printmaking, film and murals. Her Torres Strait Islander and English heritage is often reflected in her contemporary Indigenous art practice— producing work based around her family and siblings as a way of understanding herself, her appearance and racial identity. She is based in Brisbane, Australia.

For more information, please visit Tori-Jay's website or follow her on instagram.

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Guest Post: Jacinta Farragher - Jacinta's Joy!