November 2014 - The Boomerang Books Blog

‘When I see Grandma’; A Compelling Account with Author, Debra Tidball

I love the way award-winning author Debra Tidball describes her view on valuing connectedness across the generations. I also love the sentiment in celebrating people’s personal histories and appreciating who they are now, and then. Having had a grandmother with whom I had a strong bond, ‘When I see Grandma’ really resonated in my heart. It is the perfect book to share with young and old, and what better time to do so than Christmas time.

Debra Tidball’s ‘When I see Grandma’ is a beautiful, poignant story of life, love, family and compassion. It will make you smile. It will make you teary. It will touch your heart in many ways. So thoughtfully and delicately illustrated by Leigh Hedstrom, the images evoke an array of emotions, and tie in magically with Debra’s gentle phrasing.

When the children visit their sick and elderly grandmother in the aged care home, it is their glowing presence that elicits grandma’s fond memories of her past.

”I’m sometimes sad to see her but I’m always glad that I can brighten her dreams.”

The little girl and her brother bring joy to the elderly through elements of music, ”for her dreams to dance on”, through their laughter and their youthful innocence. She nurtures her grandmother with a little pampering and cuddling, which strengthens the love in her heart. The story ends with a kiss for Daddy until he returns from work, and a kiss for Grandma, to say goodbye. The final image of the family sharing grandma’s old photos, which can be viewed in the endpapers, give the book the perfect uplifting conclusion.Wombat Books 2014.

Debra, congratulations on winning the CALEB Prize, and for being shortlisted in the Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards for ‘When I see Grandma’! What wonderful achievements!
Thanks Romi.

How did you feel when you heard the exciting news of your nomination and win?
To be short listed for the same award category as the legendary (and our family favourite, Bob Graham) blew me away – he won the Speech Pathology award, but I certainly get bragging rights! And winning the CALEB prize was more quietly and personally gratifying.

All the royalties of ‘When I see Grandma’ will be donated to the Hazel Hawke Alzheimer’s Research and Care fund, which is amazing. What does this connection mean to you personally?
My mum had dementia and the book is dedicated to her: it is based on visiting her with my two daughters when she was in an aged care home – so it seemed appropriate to donate my royalties to an organisation working in the dementia area. Hazel Hawke was a courageous and warmly regarded public personality and this fund seemed to be the right fit. The fund is administered via Alzheimer’s Australia who have been very supportive.

Do you have any special childhood memories of your own Grandma?
It’s interesting you ask that, Romi, because the only contact I had with my grandparents as a child was receiving birthday and Christmas presents from them (which my mother actually bought with money sent from overseas) and writing ‘thank you’ letters in return. My mum was a ‘£10 pom’ and left her family in London in the 1950’s, so I didn’t meet my grandparents until, at a very elderly age, they came for a visit to Australia when I was a teenager, and it was actually very awkward. Having grown up without that grandparent connection, I was keen for my children to have an ongoing relationship with theirs, and for them them to know my parents as people with full and amazing lives.

The illustrations in your book, by Leigh Hedstrom, are just beautiful, and instrumental in guiding the story. How involved did you need to be to create these specific images, and how much did you leave to Leigh?
Leigh felt the story for the start and captured its essence with creativity and with some goose-bump moments of serendipity. The first sketch she sent through was of grandma by the water hole in her swimmers – and I knew from that moment she would be perfect. The manuscript I sent to her had illustrative ideas which she took on board but the dream sequences were not an easy concept to illustrate. The idea I initially had didn’t work, and I loved the way Leigh wrestled with how to portray these pages – she sent a number of rough ideas, through the publisher, to me for comment – I appreciated the way I was consulted through the whole process and how Leigh valued feedback. I was thrilled with how it ended up – particularly the symbolic trail of flowers, laughter, hearts etc that link the bedroom scenes to the dreams. And I love the cartoon like characters and the vibrant colours which I wouldn’t have imagined but engage children so very well, adding fun and vibrancy to the narrative and giving the story it’s uplifting feel.
I wrote the visual narrative of the young boy and his interactions with the residents into the story but Leigh was initially unsure that she could squeeze that onto the page – I’m so glad she managed it as it adds another layer to the story, about community, that I think is so important.
As for serendipity, the little touches that had a huge emotional impact for me were Leigh having grandma dancing with grandpa in uniform – unbeknown to her, my father was in the Air Force and my parents started going out dancing when Mum started nursing; and the father in the story, both as a little boy and an adult, is a replica of my husband (glasses, hair colour, build, musical interest) whom Leigh had never met.
It has Leigh’s personal touches too – the toys on the page where the grandmother is playing with her child are an expression of Leigh’s love of Disney, and she sneakily made the book that the mother reads with the class another of her collaborations (Marty’s Nut Free Party). The use of the endpapers to replicate an old photo album and to recognise some of these photos on pages throughout the book is an inspired way to weave a thread that wraps the whole together. I could go on….

‘When I see Grandma’ is a lovely tribute to all Grandparents, but also fosters an appreciation for family connectedness. What message do you hope for readers, young and old, to gain from reading your story?
I hope that readers get a sense that people are so much more than they seem at any one point in time, that everyone has a history and personal stories that are rich and vibrant and make up who they are – even when they are handicapped by age or illness. I hope, too that readers understand the importance for everyone to include children in an aged care community, and that a sense of connection can be made across generations despite apparent barriers.

What does the festive season mean for you and your family?
Christmas is a time for reflection and recharging after a busy year. We love to spend quiet family days and attend church. It’s also a nice time to catch up with extended family and friends who’ve been neglected during the year. Having spent last Christmas in the northern hemisphere, I realised I’m very much an Aussie girl – nothing says Christmas to me like summer – sleepy reading days relaxing outdoors with the smell of sunscreen and smoke (only from the BBQ hopefully!)

Do you have any special traditions that you follow every year?
As my children have grown up a lot these past few years (they are now adults) it is interesting to see what traditions have stood the test of time. We like to go to choral services at our local church together, beginning the with advent service of lessons and carols. We are excited to exchange presents on Christmas Day and Peter Combe’s Christmas album is still the album of choice to accompany this ritual. We may have a feast or famine of decorations – the gloss goes off glamming up the house or Christmas tree when the children realise that the pulling out the bling is always easier than packing it away. But remembering Christmas past is always part of the fun! I’m not a fruit cake fan, but I look forward to my Ice Cream Christmas Cake all year.

What is your favourite Christmas children’s book?
One with many happy memories from my younger years is a beautiful pop-up book of ‘The Night Before Christmas’ by Clement C Moore and Tom Patrick – it was marvellously interactive both physically and narratively. More recently, it would be a tie between The Nativity by Julie Vivas and Wombat Divine by Mem Fox.

You’ve had great success with your writing in 2014. What do you aim to achieve in 2015?
I have a few other manuscripts out to publishers as well as some other writing projects, so next year it would be great to have something accepted for publication – fingers crossed! I will also continue to search avenues to promote ‘When I see Grandma’ because it is such a pertinent and topical story, and it has the potential to be enduring.

Thank you so much for answering my questions, Debra! Wishing you a safe and joyous holiday season with your friends and family!
Thanks Romi 🙂

Connect with Debra Tidball:
http://www.debratidball.com/
https://www.facebook.com/debratidballpage

Interview by Romi Sharp
www.romisharp.wordpress.com
www.facebook.com/mylittlestorycorner
www.twitter.com/mylilstorycrner

Anne Rice and The Vampire Chronicles

I’m a huge fan of Anne Rice, and her novel Interview With The Vampire is one of my favourite books of all time. Published in 1976, Interview With The Vampire stands the test of time, even surviving a film adaptation in 1994 starring Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Kirsten Dunst, Christian Slater and Antonio Banderas. The book was the first in what would become The Vampire Chronicles, a series of now 12 books, with the latest, Prince Lestat just released.

With this new release, the first in more than 10 years, I thought it was a good time to take a retrospective look at the series and hopefully inspire a few of you to pick up a book by Anne Rice, if you haven’t done so before.

The Vampire Chronicles series of books in order of year published:

Book 1. Interview With The Vampire (1976)
Interview With The Vampire is where it all started, so, what’s it about? The vampire of the title is Louis, and he tells his life story (all 200 immortal years worth) to a young reporter. Made into a vampire by Lestat de Lioncourt for a companion in 1791, Louis’ life takes on many unexpected twists and turns across the decades and themes of love, companionship, loneliness, betrayal, suffering, revenge, horror, value of human life and immortality are all present.

Louis finds that he is tired of being immortal but at the end of the interview, the reporter asks to be made into a vampire, obviously having learned nothing from Louis’ personal story and infuriating Louis beyond belief.

Book 2. The Vampire Lestat (1985)
As the title suggests, the second novel in the series is the story of Lestat de Lioncourt, as he narrates his own life story. He was given the Dark Gift by Magnus. He later meets Armand (see Book 6) who tells Lestat he was made into a vampire by a very old vampire called Marius. Lestat becomes fixated on finding Marius to ask him questions about the history and origins of their kind. He does get answers (no spoilers here) and by the 1980s (time of publishing) Lestat is living life as a rockstar vampire.

Book 3. The Queen of the Damned (1988)
Following on from The Vampire Lestat is The Queen of the Damned, the third in the series (also made into a film). Akasha is the mother of all vampires and the Queen of the Damned and has been ‘woken up’ by Lestat after sleeping for 6,000 years. The reporter, Louis and Lestat are back and find that Akasha has her own agenda. We learn how the mother and father of vampires were created, and Akasha threatens to destroy all vampires.

Book 4. The Tale of the Body Thief (1992)
Lestat is depressed and lonely and takes great risks which almost cost him his immortal life. The body thief of the title is Raglan James who offers to switch bodies with Lestat. Lestat’s relationship with David Talbot (Head of the Talamasca Caste) is explored and he eventually reunites with Louis.

Book 5. Memnoch the Devil (1995)
In one of my favourite novels in the series, Memnoch the Devil, Lestat is approached by the Devil (calling himself Memnoch) and is offered a job of sorts.

Memnoch ‘takes Lestat on a whirlwind tour of Heaven and Hell and retells of the entirety of history from his own point of view in an effort to convince Lestat to join him as God’s adversary. In his journey, Memnoch claims he is not evil, but merely working for God by ushering lost souls into Heaven.’ (Source: Wikipedia) Memnoch the Devil ‘reinterprets biblical stories to create a complete history of Earth, Heaven and Hell that fit neatly with the history of vampires given in The Queen of the Damned.’ (Source: Wikipedia)

This is a book to make you re-think everything you know, consider life after death and our purpose on the planet and is one of my favourite books by Anne Rice.

Book 6. The Vampire Armand (1998)
In Book 6, we learn more about Armand’s back story, first featured in Interview With The Vampire. Telling his life story to vampire David Talbot, we learn Armand was born 500 years ago and was living and painting in a monastery before being kidnapped by slave traders and later purchased by the vampire Marius. There’s a lot of sex and sexual references in this novel, and when Armand is given the Dark Gift there is a repeat of the theme only to feed on evildoers and the struggle between good and evil.

Book 7. Merrick (2000)
Merrick Mayfair (of the title) is a witch, and features in the Mayfair Witches series also by Anne Rice. Louis, Lestat and David Talbot are back in Book 7 and the novel contains the backstory of Merrick’s relationship with David as well as her yearning for the Dark Gift.

Book 8. Blood and Gold (2001)
Another of my favourite novels of all time by Anne Rice, is Book 8 in The Vampire Chronicles, Blood and Gold. The reason I love it so much is the amount of art and history that is featured. Essentially, it’s the story of Marius.

Book 9. Blackwood Farm (2002)
Book 9 is unusual in that it introduces an entirely new character in Quinn Blackwood, a young boy haunted by a nasty spirit he calls Goblin. Quinn seeks help from Lestat who then contacts Merrick when he can’t rid the boy of the spirit.

Book 10. Blood Canticle (2003)
Quinn is back in Book 10, Blood Canticle, a story narrated by Lestat. Quinn is in love with Mona, a Mayfair Witch and Lestat has a love interest of his own. Mona is dying and Lestat turns her into a vampire to save her.

Book 11. Prince Lestat (2014)
Fans have been waiting more than a decade, but all the key characters are back in the newly released Prince Lestat, the latest book in The Vampire Chronicles. Apparently the vampire world is in crisis and their only hope of survival is our beloved Prince Lestat. (I can’t wait to read it).

Book 12. Blood Paradise (expected in 2015)
Said to be a sequel to Prince Lestat.

I hope this summary has given you a reading pathway into this series, and I’d love to hear from readers already in love with Anne Rice’s Lestat and other characters. It’s not hard to believe that in November 2008, The Vampire Chronicles had sold more than 80 million copies worldwide, and I’m sure that number will continue to increase with new books 11 and 12.

Enjoy!

What I’m reading this Christmas: Claire Smith, Walker Books

Thanks for talking to Boomerang Books, Claire Smith.

You’re the marketing assistant at Walker Books, Australia, and you’re going to share your Christmas picks with us. But first let’s find out about you and some books you’ve been working with.

Walker Books (based in Sydney) is known for its children’s and YA books. Which do you work on/prefer?

Being in marketing and publicity, I’m lucky enough to get to work on most books that we publish. Children’s publishing is one of those great industries where you really do see a variety of work from a wide variety of people. We often have to stop in meetings and ask “Are we really having this intense discussion about a book on the history of poo?” It really does make for some good stories when people ask what you do. From a reading perspective, I really get into our dystopian YA like Rachael Craw’s Spark, but I also love a beautiful picture book and am a big Jon Klassen fan.

You’re a marketing assistant – what does a marketing assistant do?

A marketing assistant is really a team all-rounder. I get to liaise with our international offices in London and Boston which allows me a sneak peek at some of the great international titles we sell. I’m also lucky enough to work on our community partnerships and get to donate our books to amazing causes and help to get our authors out to smaller community festivals and charity events. The children’s book industry is so incredible and supportive, it is amazing to be a part of and to keep meeting so many great people in the industry.

How did you get this job?

In 2012 I completed a Masters of Publishing at Sydney Uni. This involved getting to know the business and allowed me to complete an internship as part of my studies. I interned for a few months in the publicity department at Hachette and fell in love with the hustle and bustle of being part of a marketing and publicity team. That experience helped me get the job at Walker, which I am incredibly grateful for. For anyone looking to work in publishing, an internship really is the way to get your foot in the door and find out if this industry is one you can see yourself in.

I suspect you love all the books you promote, but could you tell us about some that you are particularly proud of.

I do love all the books we promote! I am especially proud of Spark by Rachael Craw. It was one we all loved as soon as we got our hands on the manuscript. After some incredible work by our editorial team, it was even more spectacular. And my friend Amy did an amazing cover for it that everyone raves about. We met with Rachael and talked about what we can do for her marketing wise, but also what she can do for herself. She took like a duck to water with social media and has been winning fans left, right and centre. We are all really proud of how well Spark and Rachael have done, and so excited for the next book in the series!

What is different/special about Walker Books?

Where to start with what is special about Walker?!? It is honestly one of the most inclusive and joyous places to be. The people are hard-working, funny, kind and above all so passionate about what they do and the children’s book industry. It is these wonderful people that really help to make the books what they are – their creativity, their eye for quality and their drive to produce the best children’s books available. We are all grateful for the opportunity to work and learn at Walker, and even if we sometimes feel tired or busy, we will all strive to do the best work we can. It really is an awesome place to work, especially for someone just starting out in the industry – getting to learn from these people every day is so wonderful. And getting to be friends with them? Cherry on top!

What are some awards Walker has won that have particular significance for you?

I recently got to attend the KOALA Awards with Bob Graham who won Honour Book for A Bus Called Heaven. It was so exciting to attend an awards ceremony in a hall full of kids who had been reading all year and who had voted for their favourite books. That really is why we do what we do – so kids can continue to read quality books. It was also really exciting to get to spend time with Bob Graham – who is an absolute master at what he does and one of the sweetest people you will ever meet.

What do you see as the way forward in the book industry?

I think the book industry – especially the children’s industry – has a bright future ahead. Seeing how hard authors, illustrators and publishers work can only mean good things for the industry in general and great things for readers. The children’s industry is also so well connected that everyone who is a part of it is constantly doing their part to make it vibrant, inclusive and fun to be a part of.

What are some must-reads over Christmas?

Christmas reading for me is always those big tomes that were a little too daunting earlier in the year. Last Christmas I managed to get through The Luminaries before the new year started – it’s great to be able to give all your attention to a book without anything else getting in the way.

What is your secret reading pleasure?

At the moment I’ve become a little obsessed with crime fiction. I flew through all three Gillian Flynn novels, including Gone Girl, and am now reading anything I can get my hands on by the wonderful Irish author Tana French. Her prose is fantastic and I love anything with a good twist at the end. I don’t know that much about Ireland, but her novels are great regardless.

Thanks very much for speaking with us, Claire.

Hey Corinne Fenton, What’s Your Christmas Wish?

Corinne Fenton is established as one of Australia’s treasured authors of beautiful picture books. They often contain an element of social history, and her knowledge and passion for writing is regularly shared in schools, libraries and workshops.
This Christmas, there are TWO Corinne Fenton picture books that are unmissable and will have children from birth to eight feeling enriched and cherished for all of the holiday season; Little Dog and the Christmas Wish and Hey Baby, It’s Christmas! Let’s find out a little more about Corinne Fenton and her books!

What do you love about writing children’s books?
I love being taken away with the words, those times when in my head I’m spinning and flying on a carousel horse, but really I’m at my desk staring into space.

Much of your writing involves a great significance to social history. Is there an element of personal meaning when incorporating these topics?
Yes, in a way I believe I write about animals whose stories must be told – for me there’s a certain responsibility to tell them. When I visit students in schools it gives me a great feeling to share information with them through my stories. I strongly believe that children are learning this information in an enjoyable and almost effortless way. This is another reason why I feel so strongly about picture books.
Queenie: One Elephant’s Story came about by accident (I was actually writing a story about sparrows) but when I found her I knew immediately her story had to be told. Her story raises many issues about animals in zoos today, compared to what zoos were like back when elephants were giving rides not only here in the Melbourne Zoo but in zoos all over the world. Queenie walked for almost 40 years through the depression and through two world wars carrying up to 500 people a day.
The Dog on the Tuckerbox tells of a dog called Lady and her loyalty to her master, but there is also a host of information about bullockies, bullocks, wagons and pioneers and what it was like to live in the days when it took a bullock team up to 4 months to travel a journey which today takes a truck only 4 hours!
Flame Stands Waiting is a fictional story about a carousel horse called Flame, set in a real place – on the carousel at Melbourne’s Luna Park. This story takes place in the years of the depression, the bright lights and happiness of the carousel contrasted strongly with the drab clothing worn by the children. The discussion about this story centres on being different but students can take it further by comparing carousels throughout the world and their differences and by studying further about the depression.

[Little Dog and the Christmas Wish is a truly charming book. It is a story of loyalty, love and family belonging. This gentle, beautifully written tale is set in 1957, with Corinne Fenton’s own nostalgic memories evident, as is her love of dogs!
Little Dog, a white West Highland Terrier, escapes from home in a thunderstorm on Christmas Eve and finds himself in the heart of the city. He passes familiar Melbourne landmarks, scouring through the tall buildings, watching people bustling around, searching for his best friend and owner, Jonathan. With the hope of finding his way back home, will Little Dog get his Christmas wish? With stunning drawings by illustrator Robin Cowcher, appropriate for this setting and era, readers will enjoy the soft watercolours, smooth lines and textures of every scene.
Little Dog and the Christmas Wish is a heartwarming, engaging story that will have children from aged three, as well as older generations, in anticipation of the ending’s reveal and for future readings every Christmas.
Black Dog Books 2014]

Your current story, ‘Little Dog and the Christmas Wish’ is set in Melbourne in the 1950s. What does this time and place mean to you? What was your inspiration behind the story?
This book is special to me for many reasons. A child of the 50’s, it was actually nice to know, first hand, what I was writing about – to remember the enormous Foy’s Santa on the corner of Swanston and Bourke Streets, calling children toward him like this . . .. (finger) and to remember coming into the city on the green and cream rattly trams to marvel at the Myer windows every year – and walking under the portico of the Melbourne Town Hall. I also remember the clip-clopping of the Clydesdale horses as they delivered milk or bread to our front gate.
I believe I am privileged to have such precious Christmas memories and to be able to tie that in with a lovable ‘Little Dog’ character was a special Christmas gift for myself.

The illustrations by Robin Cowcher are simply stunning. How much of the artistic content is based on your own ideas, and how much came from Robin?
As with all of my books I did a lot of research on this particular book, which Robin was able to refer to. The story is set in 1957 so the Myer windows that year displayed The Nutcracker Suite and on Christmas Eve that year the Regent Theatre were screening An Affair to Remember (one of my favourite old movies) so I imagined all of this when I was writing. Yes, Robin did a magical job on telling the other half of the story with her superb illustrations.

A love letter became ‘Hey Baby!’, dedicated to her own babies. ‘Hey Mum, I Love You’ was written for her own special mum. ‘Hey Dad, You’re Great’ was released in time for Father’s Day and is dedicated to her ”dad, grandpa, pop, great grandpa, all of whom I was privileged to know, and to my husband for being such a great dad.”
”This final book (‘Hey Baby, It’s Christmas’) is dedicated to my sister and brother who shared with me wonderful and precious childhood Christmases, which are printed on our hearts.” – Corinne Fenton.
Hey Baby, It’s Christmas includes an adorable array of animal images, accompanied by equally beautiful text by Corinne Fenton about enjoying the exciting lead up to Christmas.
”Hey Baby. Hang on tight, count the sleeps. Christmas is coming.”
This book touches the heart with tender moments between mother and baby, with cute, cuddly ducklings and a ‘quiet as dreaming’ sleeping puppy. There are also moments that make you giggle. Hey Baby, It’s Christmas is perfect for those calm, soothing times, when you can steal plenty of sneaky kisses and cuddles with your little one, whilst teaching them the true meaning of Christmas… Love!
Black Dog Books 2014]

Congratulations on the release of your most recent book, ‘Hey Baby, It’s Christmas’! How did you celebrate the launch?
This launch was celebrated on Sunday November 9 at the Watsonia Pre-school with readings, books, babies, small children, cake, Christmas crafts, face painting and lots of laughter. It was the perfect place to launch such a book.

What has been your favourite part of creating this book, and all the ‘Hey Baby!’ books in the series?
In all picture books I believe each word must earn the right to be there and in these short books (the original Hey Baby is only 53 words long) it’s even more important that each word is as perfect as it can be and that’s my favourite part, finding that perfect word, no matter how long it takes.

Did you have a long term plan to publish all your titles in the series when writing the first ‘Hey Baby!’ book?
Not at all. I actually wrote the first one, Hey Baby! as a dedication in another book, which is not yet published. It was one of those happy accidents that grew.

What is your favourite thing about the festive season?
Christmas memories and making more and being with the people I love. This Christmas will be special writing-wise as I have many book signings and readings in the lead up to Christmas (see my website under events – and my regular Wednesday blog post.) http://corinnefenton.com/blog

Thank you so much for sharing, Corinne! Wishing you a safe and joyous holiday season!
And the same to you Romi. Thank you for this opportunity. Corinne

Connect with Corinne:
http://corinnefenton.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Corinne-Fenton-Author/

Book it in! Sunday 30 November – 11.00 a.m. –
Little Dog and the Christmas Wish Window Launch Event at The Little Bookroom, 5 Degraves Street, Melbourne –

Check dates for other appearances by Corinne Fenton on her blog: http://corinnefenton.com/blog

Interview by Romi Sharp
www.romisharp.wordpress.com
www.facebook.com/mylittlestorycorner
www.twitter.com/mylilstorycrner

The Anzacs: 100 Years On in Story and Song by Ted Egan

A unique contribution to the commemoration of the centenary of the Anzacs. Ted Egan weaves personal stories and songs into a highly readable history of the Anzacs and the two nations, with amusing anecdotes and tales of great courage and ingenuity serving to leaven somewhat the brutal truth exposed, of a tragic and senseless war. The soldiers, nurses, politicians, wives, and the mothers who lost their sons, or welcomed them home severely damaged, all feature in this book and its songs.

Egan’s stories and poignant songs infuse the facts with the pain and loss (of life and innocence) and suffering that this war created both on the battlefields and in every Australian and New Zealand home.

Listening to the songs is an unmissable, profoundly illuminating experience–you cannot fail to feel deeply and viscerally every chapter of this historical period, as if you were there–the excitement of the big adventure, the horrendous reality, the ultimate betrayal by the leaders of the day, the grim legacy of the aftermath for so many.

From boyhood, Ted Egan was deeply affected by the stories of the Great War as it affected his own family–his mother’s three brothers went to war. Ted Egan’s uncle, Jack Brennan, was one of those young men who never made it back home. Like the famed John Simpson, he was a stretcher-bearer who served at Gallipoli. Like Simpson, Jack died serving his country, too young, at the age of 27. His story is told poignantly in The Anzacs: 100 Years On in Story and In Song.

In reflecting on the loss of innocence, and remembering the Anzacs on the centenary of the beginning of the war, Egan combines never-before-seen diaries, private letters, 120 photographs and deeply moving songs. It is a personal and honest appraisal of the war and its aftermath. Ted Egan’s superb commemorative book uniquely blends the Anzac story with 20 songs.

Buy the book here…

Meet the Man Who Makes Learning any Language Possible!

FLUENT IN 3 MONTHS

Break down the language barrier with Benny Lewis’ Fluent in 3 Months

Benny Lewis has been described as a tech-nomad; an e-entrepreneur; a language hacker, and a digitally fuelled globetrotter… In his new book, Fluent in 3 Months, Benny shows how anyone anywhere can learn any language without leaving their home, using a simple toolkit and by harnessing the power of the Internet.

31-year-old Benny definitely wasn’t born with the ‘language gene’. After graduating in electronic engineering in his native Ireland he spent six months in Spain struggling to learn Spanish. This frustrating experience fuelled his determination to take a different approach to learning foreign languages.

Today he speaks over ten languages including Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, French, German, Portuguese, and Hungarian. At present, he’s learning Japanese in Spain. This typifies one of his ‘3-month challenges’ where he targets a new language and proceeds to become fluent in it within just three months. He charts his progress on his blog, proving that his techniques allow anyone to learn a language from anywhere.

The key principles of Benny’s method:

Speak from day one: find mother-tongue speaking partners online. Don’t be self-conscious — keep the flow going!
Change your mindset: ditch the excuses, you can do it!
Stay focused and determined: even if you don’t have much time, never forget the goal you’ve set yourself and work at it.
Learning a language doesn’t need to be expensive: there is a wealth of free resources out there, if you know where to find them
Reap the rewards! Learning a new language is not an end in itself, but a means to meeting new people and discovering new cultures. Curiosity will fuel your determination.

Fluent in 3 Months distils Benny’s methods and shows that learning a language can be great fun. The book starts by debunking myths such as ‘I’m too old to learn’ or ‘I don’t have time’. It goes on to list many useful apps and websites which can be invaluable in the learning process – finding Skype practice partners, streaming radio from all over the world, and so on. It also explains how to make the most of this technology to learn your target language.

Benny encourages people to speak from day one and to discard any fears of looking ridiculous. He also offers a wealth of proven techniques and shortcuts to master a language fast.

Benny’s infectious enthusiasm runs through the book and informs his method. He shows that in addition to many practical benefits such as career enhancement, learning a language has the potential to introduce you to many new friends and to ways of life you didn’t even know existed. Foreign languages greatly widen people’s horizons (both personally and geographically) and by putting new people and cultures within your reach they can potentially change your life.

Who is Benny Lewis?

Benny is a 31-year-old tech-nomad with a passion for foreign languages and cultures. Gifted with an unstoppable energy, he travels the world — he has no place he calls ‘home’ — learning new languages and meeting new people. He lives off the profits from his hugely successful blog: www.fluentin3months.com and also advises other entrepreneurs on how to set up and run digital businesses whilst roaming the planet.

Benny is an excellent speaker and talks regularly at conferences and events such as the TEDx talks.

Check out some of these TEDx talks here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZqUeWshwMs – first TEDx talk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x2_kWRB8-A – second TEDx talk

Buy the book here…

Dim’s Top 25 Cracking Christmas Reads for Kids

All righty, you’ve noted what others are reading this Christmas. You are possibly getting a little woozy from a department store diet of flashy titles and quick fixes but you still haven’t managed to locate that special literary treasure for the younger person or young at heart person in your life.

The following list is by no means definitive or complete but it includes some of the past year’s most inspiring, evocative and memorable reads for me. It’s a composition of glorious, emotion packed picture books, laugh-out-loud midgrade readers, and heart stopping YA thrillers. In short, a real mixed bag of goodies, mostly Australian, many of which I’ve been fortunate enough to review this year. Use it as a reminder of some of the more notable releases of 2014 (and beyond) and a springboard into the vast, ever expanding reservoir of Kids’ Lit. Here we go:

Top 25 Cracking Reads (in no particular order)

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein – An extraordinary uniquely told story of good versus evil, the essence of power and knowledge and the meaning of true conviction. It’s ultimately also a tale about the strength of love at every level; portrayed through the eyes and thoughts of Enzo, the family dog, with exceptional reality and heart. Written with uncompromising warmth and wit, this is a novel I could easily pick up and start all over again for the sheer sense of freedom it stirred up and the wonderful realities it forced me, as a mere human, to take stock of.
Figgy in the World by Tamsin Janu – Gorgeous tale of courage, tenacity and humility and an outstanding example of simplicity that truly impacts, set in Africa’s heartland. Ideal for idealistic 7 + year olds.
The Duck and the Darklings by Glenda Millard and Stephen Michael King – A whimsical journey of despair, discovery, renewal and hope that is indeed a little bit strange, a little bit dark and a little bit different. It is also a lot of wonderful. Click on the title for full review of this devastatingly brilliant picture book.
Are You Seeing Me? by Darren Groth – Utterly utterly utterly deserving of the investment of your time and heart. Searingly beautiful and funny and sad and real. Like life itself.
Smooch and Rose by Samantha Wheeler – A tale of one girl’s courageous and staunch attempt to stand up to the big guns of development in hope of keeping at least part of a local koalas’ habitat intact told with moving conviction.
Weir Do series by Anh Do – A heavily illustrated cartoon-like, side-splittingly humorous series of novels that will cause kids to smash open their piggy banks. A real rib tickling and surprisingly tender look at today’s social diversity, family make-up, and how little kids with unfortunate names fit into the mix.
Oliver by Judith Rossell – Superb. Clear, clever clarity. Oliver is everyone’s younger brother, kid next door, beguiling 6 year old, and he is perfect. I wanna go jet packing with him for ever. Because every one wants to fly.
Word Hunters Trilogy by Nick Earls and Terry Whidborne – Ingenious, action packed trilogy oddly but most effectively centering on the etymology of English. A tour of history clothed in modern day witticism. Loved it. Exhilarating and gripping. Lovers of words, history and adventure will revere this series.
Eric Vale Series by Michael Gerard Bauer – Mr Bauer’s books are never ever short on style, wit or substance. A definite epic WIN for Eric. Kids can prolong their enjoyment with the spinoff series, Derek Danger Dale.
Once a Creepy Crocodile by Peter Taylor and Nina Rycroft – An entertaining Aussie mash-up of The Gruffalo meets the best of billabong bush lore. Absolutely adored this easy to sing-a-long with picture book rendition of Walting Matilda.
The Croc and the Platypus by Jackie Hosking and Marjorie Crosby-Fairall – An ingenious retelling of a childhood classic, The Owl and the Pussycat however, much more loose and flowing and bizarrely, even easier to read than the original. A great picture book to include on your classics shelf with heavy accent on Australiana.
My Mum Says the Strangest Things by Katrina Germein – The Katrina Germein and Tom Jellet team that gave us My Dad Thinks he’s Funny and My Dad Still Thinks he’s Funny, train their humorous cross-hairs on mum’s idiosyncratic refrains this time, with deadly accuracy. For adult readers, the sweet irony of mum’s idiomatic expressions is difficult to ignore and impossible not to relate to. This books cracks me up every single time.
Awesome Aussie Things to Do with Mum by Ed Allen and Simon Williams – A lovely little (hardcover) book full of lovely little things to share with mum, especially if you are in need of a creative, recreational past-time other than looming. Some old fashioned fun favourites to share with your kids (like Knuckle Bones!) with the underlying message that the most awesome thing of all that you can do for mum is…’to let her do absolutely nothing at all.’ There’s a Dads’ version too.
PS Who Stole Santa’s Mail? by Dimity Powell (How did that get in here?) Quite possibly the dinkiest little Christmas mystery you’ll find this side of the Christmas tree packed with more laughs than you’ll find raisons in your fruit mince pies. A must for your stockings!
Jake in Space Series by Candice Lemon-Scott and Celeste Hulme – Galaxies of intergalactic fun. Space-aged adventures mid-primary school kids can really get carried away with – providing they have their space suits on. And there’s six in the series which gives young readers plenty of time and incentive to explore the entire universe! The covers are truly out of this world.
Monster Chef by Nick Bland – Nick Bland has moved on from bears to monsters in this spicy little offering about challenging ones fears and striving to stand out with delicious rhyming verse and illustrations. A kind of Master Chef meets master storyteller.
The Nights before Christmas illustrated by Tony Ross – The penultimate Advent Calendar for bibliophiles and true lovers of Christmas. Click on title for full review. My Christmas pick of the season.
Edward and the Great Discovery by Rebecca McRitchie and Celeste Hulme – A picture book tale about hope and daring gently exposing young readers to the wonders of natural history. Both exciting and touching and a wondrous introduction to scientific discovery whilst fostering a deeper understanding of true friendship.
Vanilla Icecream by Bob Graham – Any list would be incomplete without a Bob Graham offering. Click on title for full review. You will be hard pressed to find a better way to introduce the complex ideals of human rights, fate, and immigration to young ones where a lightness of touch is more readily comprehended than harsh dry facts than with this beautiful picture book.
Violet Mackerel Series by Anna Branford and Sarah Davis Impossibly brilliant seven book series, exquisitely illustrated and divinely humorous and touching. My primary schooler soaks up Violets’ stories with infinite delight. Highly recommended.
Bully on the Bus by Kathryn Apel / Roses are Blue by Sally Murphy Simply must include two in this verse novel listing. Both incredibly poignant and beautifully crafted novels dealing with bullying and loss respectively from two of the best verse authors in the biz. Sustained, moving storytelling that will leave you with wet eyes and an overflowing heart.
Little Chef Big Curse by Tilney Cotton – Possibly one of the most exuberant reads I’ve enjoyed in ages. I’m not sure if it’s because of the foodie in me or the zealous, ribaldry with which Cotton writes but Little Chef, BIG Curse is utterly delectable and insanely moreish. Click on title for full review.
The Boy on the Page by Peter Carnavas – An exceptionally good picture book about a small boy’s life journey as he attempts to fathom that most ponderous of human dilemmas: the meaning of life. Existentialism stripped bare and very beautiful.
Midnight by Mark Greenwood and Frane Lessac / The Horses Didn’t Come Home by Pamela Rushby – Again I must include two titles, one a picture book, one a YA novel, that each focus on the the great First World War campaigns involving the Australian light horse regiments. Each of these books deals with the campaign in the Sinai desert in a way that young readers will resonate with even though the story is over 90 years old. Heart-wrenchingly evocative with strong patriotic and historic appeal.
The Simple Things by Bill Condon In a world that I find increasingly more and more complicated, The Simple Things is a refreshing and realistic breath of fresh air. Click on title for full review. Easy to read and easy to like, it’s ‘smiley face perfect’.

There you have it. Agree or disagree, it doesn’t matter. What matters is the beauty these words and sounds and images create for our children’s worlds. Nurture their imaginations, enrich their knowledge, and embolden their dreams with as many books as you can get your hands on for them this Christmas!

Secrets from a Celebrity Makeup Artist

The one beauty book every girl and woman must have

With over 20 years’ experience in the makeup industry, Liz Kelsh has captured the hearts of a long list of celebrities, as well as the fashion elite, charming them with her warmth, wit and impeccable makeup artistry.

Now she shares the secrets that have made her one of the most sought-after and celebrated makeup artists in Australia today.

In this straightforward, refreshingly honest guide to makeup, Liz aims to empower today’s women to be their own makeup artist.

Each chapter has thorough, step-by-step, concise directions for makeup application, and easy-to-follow photographs and line drawings. Covering everything from choosing the right foundation and tips on blusher, bronzer, eyelashes and lipstick, right through to the most common beauty mistakes, you’ll find everything you need to get that celebrity and runway look as well as great everyday looks. Lavishly illustrated, Makeup by Liz Kelsh is a celebration of makeup and will be the only makeup book women will need to feel knock- out gorgeous every day.

Liz has worked on state-of-the-art campaigns and directed runway looks for the country’s leading designers, including sass & bide, Easton Pearson, Ksubi, Josh Goot and Yeojin Bae, and her work can regularly be seen in publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire and InStyle.

Liz and her makeup artistry are coveted by some of the most beautiful women in the world, including Jennifer Aniston, Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Rihanna and Jennifer Hawkins.

For more on Liz visit www.lizkelsh.com

Buy the book here…

Player Profile: Karen Foxlee, author of Ophelia and the Marvellous Boy

Karen Foxlee, author of Ophelia and the Marvellous Boy

Tell us about your latest creation:

“Ophelia and the Marvellous Boy”. It’s the story of a lonely young girl who finds a three-hundred and three year old boy locked away in a museum room. It’s a fast paced adventure story with lots of twists and turns.

Where are you from / where do you call home?:

I call a little miners cottage in Gympie, Queensland, home. I share it with too many animals to mention and my adorable daughter.

When you were a kid, what did you want to become? An author?:

Yes, I knew it in grade two. I was going to be an author! I wrote it down in class when we were asked. I wrote, I WANT TO BE AN ARTHUR. The teacher was a little confused

What do you consider to be your best work? Why?:

I’m proud of all my works in different ways but “Ophelia and the Marvellous Boy” saved me as a writer I think. It made me want to write again. It made me remember why I write. It was an incredibly joyful story to write.

Describe your writing environment to us – your writing room, desk, etc.; is it ordered or chaotic?:

I have an office but I can’t use it. It’s too crowded and cluttered. Sometimes I perform a great ceremonial cleaning of the office and I spend a day writing there but….mostly I write in my bed, in the kitchen, or on the sofa. I keep a cat for company. There is always coffee involved. And usually cake.

When you’re not writing, who/what do you like to read?:

I read anything that takes my fancy but lately only books I read to my six year old daughter. Lots of Roald Dahl, C.S. Lewis, and just recently A.A. Milne.

What was the defining book(s) of your childhood/schooling?:

So many. “The Nargun and the Stars”, “Seven Little Australians”, “The Wizard of Oz series”, all the Enid Blyton books, especially “The Magic Wishing Chair”. Probably the book I read the most though was The Readers Digest “Strange Stories, Amazing facts”. We loved that book in our house. It fell apart with reading. Ghosts, crimes, mysteries, freakish facts…loved it.

If you were a literary character, who would you be?:

I would definitely be Gerda from Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen”. She is so brave and determined and smart and loyal. She never ever gives up.

Apart from books, what do you do in your spare time (surprise us!)?:

Grow my little girl

Tend to chooks.

Daydream

walk

Bake (cakes, scones, biscuits – infinitely calming)

swim in the sea whenever I can

oh dear, nothing exciting or surprising in there

What is your favourite food and favourite drink?:

The first mango of the summer. The first coffee of the morning.

Who is your hero? Why?:

Anyone who stands up for what they believe in. At the moment Malala Yousafzai.

Crystal ball time – what is the biggest challenge for the future of books and reading?:

I recently spent a week talking to hundreds of school kids (8 – 12 year olds) across the Moreton Bay Council region (outer Brisbane). I was blown away by their passion for books and stories, reading and writing. Keeping them reading is maybe the challenge. Do they fall off somewhere between 12 and adulthood??? Where does that passion go? How can we grow life long readers today?

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-Foxlee/139995856034130

Archimede Fusillo talks about Dead Dog In The Still Of The Night

Award-winning Australian author, Archimede Fusillo delves deep into what it is to be a man in his latest coming-of-age novel for young adults, Dead Dog In The Still Of The Night.

The story follows the journey of Primo as he attempts to navigate his way though his final year of school with an emotionally brittle mother, a father suffering from dementia, a troubled brother and a demanding older girlfriend. When Primo crashes his father’s prized Fiat Bambino he’s forced to make some difficult decisions. Without strong role models, his choices are dubious and ultimately lead to more trouble. Primo discovers that there’s more to being a man than just posturing as one.

JF: Congratulations on your new book, Dead Dog In The Still Of The Night, Archimede Fusillo. You have carved a niche in the YA market writing about boys seeking an identity. Can you explain the motivation for this?

AF: I have always thought that boys and young men were more than simply the sum of their adventures. It seems to me that too often males in general are portrayed by the mass media as being one dimensional, with little to draw upon apart from angst, self-destruction and a high tolerance for drink and mayhem.

All I ever set out to do was explore what I saw was the deeper more emotional, more humane side of the male gender. I was brought up surrounded by boys, young men and older men who were not carbon copies of one another.

What spoke to me was the breadth and depth of dignity, a sense of caring, and yes, even a degree of self-loathing that permeated the life of boys seeking to discover what it was that made them men, what the parameters and boundaries and expectations were and are that help define one’s sense of selfhood.

JF: There are some deeply flawed male characters in Dead Dog in the Still of the Night. Is this how you see society in general?

AF: Being flawed is a human not a “male” condition. Perhaps it’s just that with the male propensity to mask hurt and pain and sorrow and grief under masks of macho bravado, the flaws are more highlighted than might otherwise be the case.

I’m not a sociologist, or even an anthropologist. I don’t have answers to why some people – male and female, are flawed more obviously than others. All I know is that the machinations set in motion when people seek to hide their flaws, or cannot control them, make for powerful human stories.

In Dead Dog In The Still Of The Night, Primo’s mother is flawed too. Otherwise how to explain her inability (unwillingness?) for so many years to make a stand against all the emotional damage her husband brings to bear upon her family.

The male characters in the novel are flawed, but not damaged beyond redemption – at least not Primo. Their flaws are compounded, perhaps even brought about by, their inability to put others ahead of themselves. It takes a very strong sense of other, a willingness to look at the world through another’s eyes, and walk about in their shoes, to be able to identify clearly one’s own shortcomings. And perhaps this is the greatest flaw of all of the males in this novel – their inability to reflect upon another, let alone their own actions before those same actions bring about dire consequences.

JF: As with your other YA novels, family is at the centre of this story, rather than a peer group. Why do you focus on family?

AF: Family is the centre of the world I know and have grown up in. Italians see family as the core of who they are – as a race, as a nation. It is inbred in me to believe in the sanctity of family, and therefore in the power of family to both destroy and create, to love and to loath, to offer and to take. A peer group is by and large an artificial construct that exists outside of bloodlines and blood obligations. The most fascinating, the most powerful, the most engaging stories often begin with the individual caught within the web of the family-its expectations, its dramas, its demands, and its rewards.

With this in mind, why wouldn’t I focus on the pull and push of family life when I want to give my characters the motivation for questioning everything they have come to believe about themselves and the world around them.

JF: The novel’s main character, Primo, is forced to make choices without the benefit of strong male role models. What impact does this have on him and how do you see this playing out more generally in society?

AF: It is a natural aspect of growing up that we look to others for some signposting about where we are at any stage of our lives. Every civilization has rites and rituals where boys look up to their elders for guidance, and the role of the older male role model can’t be overestimated. Choices made without guidance can’t be measured until after the event, so role models can act as a sounding board, helping us avoid some of the pitfalls in life.

Primo’s choices are made according to his own still very limited view and understanding of the world and how it operates – so there is ample room for him to misread cues, not least of all those that require a maturity beyond his youthful years to fully appreciate. Of course he will make mistakes. How big those mistakes are, and how they will impact on him and his family is at the core of the novel’s plot.

JF: As a father, how do you handle the job of role model?

AF: All I can do, all I have ever tried to do is listen, try not to prejudge-and more significantly, try to remember what it was like to be a boy and then a young man.

JF: What’s next for you?

AF: I am working on a new YA novel about young love, poor decisions, and the comedy of being in a big, loud, unashamedly loving family-unsettled by the oddball, unsettling, blended family that moves in next door!

Oh – and Josie Montano and I have co-authored a YA novel titled Veiled Secrets which has been bought by the US publisher Solstice – due out in hard and electronic copy early 2015.

JF: Thanks for visiting, Archimede. Good luck with Dead Dog In the Still Of The Night and your upcoming books.

Julie Fison writes for children and young adults. Her books include the Hazard River adventure series for young readers, Choose Your Own Ever After, a pick-a-path series that lets the reader decide how the story goes, and Counterfeit Love for young adults.

Seeking Sanctuary in Children’s Books

I’ve spent a lot more time than usual poring over and considering children’s books of late. That’s in part because friends are starting to have babies and I am a giver of books as presents for any and all occasions that require (even if that makes me the un-fun ‘auntie’ in these early years).

I’ve possibly been considering said books (although I’d rather not think too hard about this) because my current uni study has left me short of brain space to read anything more arduous than a few words accompanied by big pictures on a page. (In my defence, I could point to the Maurice Sendak quote Brainpickings blog cites that says Sendak writes and others later apply the ‘for children’ label.)

I’ve also been children’s book hunting because there’s so much wrong with the world I am simultaneously keen to bury my head in the children’s-book sand and to understand the world through said books’ stories.

Thankfully, Brainpickings has rounded up (and reproduced parts of) 2014’s best children’s books. And hot damn if all of them exquisitely written and drawn.

The Lion and the Bird makes your heart ache, with a lonely lion finding an injured bird and nursing it back to flight. The two forge a beautiful friendship in the process. The book contains few words, but drawings so outstanding they warrant being wall art. This one is already a firm favourite, even if just for me and not the recipients who may be a little young to wholly appreciate its themes.

Hug Me is, as the title implies, about the desire for intimacy. Its protagonist is a tiny cactus whose prickliness means no one wants to get close. This book brings back traumatic memories about the time I tried as a three-year-old to ‘pat’ the prickly pear cactus because it ‘looked soft’.

The pain that followed the patting will forever be etched on my memory. That and the pain induced by the one-by-one plucking out of thorns from my now-pin-cushion palms by tweezers the incident later required *shudder*. But that’s neither here nor there. What’s important is that this book’s text and illustrations tug at the heartstrings to convey an important lesson about finding affection and friends.

My Teacher Is A Monster is a re-imagining of a stern teacher encountered outside of school. I mean, who among us didn’t consider at least one teacher we had quite the Trunchbull?

Not quite the ogre the student considers her, the teacher and student learn a little about each other and find a happy co-existence and understanding. Surely this should be a set text for all students and even all teachers?

My favourite children’s book on the list, though, and one I might buy for myself, is The Flat Rabbit. In it, a dog and his rat friend find a rabbit flattened on the road.

‘Do you know her?’ the rat asks. ‘Well,’ said the dog, ‘I think she’s from number 34. I’ve never talked to her, but I peed on the gate a couple of times, so we’ve definitely met.’

They’re unsure what to do about her or how to help. Eventually, they peel her off the road and gently attach her to a kite so she can fly. Whether it’s the best option is unclear, with this book acknowledging the difficulties around loss and grief and confronting our own mortality.

As someone who’s completely heartbroken over the recent death of Coo Chooken, a former battery hen so extraordinary in her lust for life and her willingness to trust me despite all she’d been through, this book is particularly relevant.

Gentle yet not shying away from the complexities of death and our feelings around it, this is a book that is simultaneously comforting and raw emotion inducing. It’s also one that gives credence to children’s feelings and wisdom instead of either ignoring death or trying to sweep its issues aside.

Though ranging in themes and execution, what these books have in common is their depth and ability to summon, acknowledge, and occasionally soothe emotions. They’re testament to the fact that children’s books are anything but ‘light’ and that children can—and do—grapple with substantial topics.

While these books are ample starting point for me for gift-giving or personal purchases, I’m pleased to notice Brainpickings has best-of collections for 2010 through 2013 should you (read: I) need further ideas. Those and plumbing and seeking sanctuary in the favourite books of my own childhood, of course.

I’ve heard The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Grug, and Clifford the Big Red Dog, for instance, are making a comeback. I’ve also gone back and forth on whether I should crack out the Enid Blytons or if I should leave them un-dated and therefore un-tainted in my happy childhood memory place…So many children’s books, so little time and so few children I know to actually impart them to.

Grave Mercy

You know those days/weeks/months that are so bad you just want to go to bed, read a book, and block the world out? I’ve had one/all of those. So, despite having more deadlines than I can actually keep in my head and the reminders of which fair nearly inspire a full-blown panic attack, I took to bed for a day to, well, block out the world.

Choosing a 566-page book for said retiring to bed to sulk is admittedly irresponsible. It’s one thing to bunk off on work and study. It’s another to do it with a massively long book.

Still, I don’t overly regret my decision. I’d say I didn’t regret it at all, except my barely suppressed panic at the amount of work and study I’m hugely behind on prevents me from doing so. But in terms of the book’s content, I don’t regret my decision at all.

Grave Mercy is the first in Robin LaFever‘s the His Fair Assassin young adult series, a series (I’m hesitant to say trilogy because although there are currently only three books, I hope there will be more) that essentially features assassin nuns slash handmaidens of death.

Grave Mercy’s opening pars are rich with detail, giving us backstory and historical setting and context all in one. From these pars we gather that Ismae, the protagonist, is alive but for her mother’s abortion attempt. The attempt has left Ismae’s body with physical scars and her life with emotional ones. That she survived, we’re told, is a sign she’s both a miracle and the daughter of death itself.

We’re in medieval times, if you hadn’t already guessed, with women subjugated and difference regarded with stigma and superstition. Ismae, for instance, endured a beatings and exclusion as a result of being deemed an evil miracle before being sold off into forced marriage to a violent pig farmer. It’s in escaping from said husband in the opening pages that Ismae’s story—and the book itself—is kickstarted.

Spirited to a convent for girls such as her (each of the novitiates has had personal poor experience with men prior to joining the convent), Ismae both makes friends and learns to mix poisons, perform combat moves, and (sort of) master the art of seduction as tools to draw on to ferry people to the afterlife once they’re marked by death.

‘Girls! Enough chatter, unless your plan is to talk your victims to death!’ she and friend Annith are castigated as they are caught whispering when they’re supposing to be practising their hand-to-hand combat slash grip escapes. But the nuns aren’t all that stern, and the convent and convent life is captivating.

One of this book’s many strengths is that almost all of the characters are richly envisaged. None more so than arch nemesis slash love interest Gavriel Duval, with whom Ismae finds she must work as well as spy upon. So noble, intelligent, and witty, he has firmly shunted Edward (Twilight) and Dimitri (Vampire Academy) aside as my new favourite fictional male character.

Duval (as we come to refer to him) and Ismae have plenty of banter. When she asks if he found out any information from spies who’d tried to kill them but that they’d in turn killed, for instance, he drawls: ‘No, they had no standard or signed note of instruction stuffed neatly in their purses.’ ‘Have you received no orders from the convent?’ he later asks, to which she replies no. ‘Perhaps your crow is not working properly,’ he mutters.

But there are many other impressively wrought characters. Duval’s unhandsome friend ‘Beast’, for example, refers to her as a lady when they meet. ‘I am not noble born,’ she says, embarrassed, to which Duval answers: ‘Every maid Beast meets is a lady as far as he is concerned.’ ‘Only those who do not run away from me in terror,’ Beast quips. ‘I like that he does not apologize for his looks,’ Ismae notes, ‘that he throws them down like a gauntlet.’

There are also many more tender moments throughout the book that catch your emotions (and your throat) unawares: ‘I hear there are many carrots where you are going,’ Ismae softly tells her horse as she’s forced to help it leave this world.

Grave Mercy is based on true historical events (something that’s revealed in an author’s note at the end of the book rather than at its beginning—possibly to enhance curiosity and suspense). Its plot pivots on a 12-year-old girl inheriting the duchy of Brittany and being stalked and betrothed to at least a half dozen of potential suitors.

It’s a gripping tale told grippingly well, hence my immediate jumping online to order the next two books in the series (gah, somebody please tell me it’s a series and not a too-short trilogy). I’ve since commenced the impatient wait for said books to be shipped to me. And yes, thanks for asking, even these few short days feel like an eternity. But it’s my own silly fault. I should have trusted my instincts when I ordered the first book and just ordered them all at once.

I’ve no idea how I’ll manage to read books two and three among my overdue deadlines and study without some catastrophic (lack of) results. What I do know is that when it comes to deadlines/study versus these books, the books will win hands down.

Chicken Cheeks

I took a punt ordering children’s picture book Chicken Cheeks while on my everlasting quest to find great books about chickens. I am, after all, far from being in the book’s target audience.

It was the title and the cover image that sold me. I mean, who can go past the words ‘chickens’ and ‘cheeks’ accompanied by an image of a chicken standing on a moose and staring back at us through what I call (technical term) ‘fluffy pants’?

I knew my punt had paid off when I saw the inside flap of the dustcover. It reads: ‘This is a story with a beginning, a middle, and a whole lot of ends’. It appears I ordered a book about bums. Animal bums, to be precise.

I can’t reveal the plot without ruining the end-of-book payoff, but I will say the book features animals standing atop each other. This, of course, brings animals’ bottoms into close proximity to the heads of the animals on which they’re standing. Which makes the book sound far less G-rated than it actually is. Trust me, this book is safe for kids.

From moose caboose to penguin patootie to turkey tushy to hound dog heinie to polar bear derriere to, obviously, chicken cheeks, you’ll find yourself smiling at the terminology and the accompanying brightly coloured, brilliantly anthropomorphised animal illustrations. There’s even arguably some crossfit mockery (although I could be reading too much into this—I consider crossfit and its attendant carryings on ridiculous, but for all I know, this book was already published before the authors knew about the ‘sport’ and any reference is purely coincidental).

The other animals I share my home with—bees—also feature, making this a doubly suitable and successful chance purchase. But again, I can’t say any more without giving too much away.

What I will say is that I’m endlessly fascinated about where authors get ideas for such books. Even more so that they’ve then been able to get a publisher and bookseller and audience member like me to help them realise that idea. But I should probably be less surprised. Bums and farts are eternally interesting, whether you’re a sprouting child or a fully grown adult. (I believe The Day My Bum Went Psycho, for example, is a perennial bestseller.)

It reminds me of my creative writing university lecturer once telling us budding, undergrad writers that we should forget about trying to write the great Australian novel. His frustration was that The Blue Day Book, a gift book about frogs accompanied by pithy quotes (or something—my memory is hazy and I’m less than motivated to go read it to clarify details) had sold (and continued to sell) an absolute motza.

He meant this is a bleak warning, which we all duly noted (I mean, why else would I still remember that out all these years on?). On one level I find that bookselling information as depressing as my lecturer intended. On another, I find it quite freeing. It reminds me there’s more than one way to write a book, and more than one type of book people clearly like reading. I say the more the merrier to encourage reading full stop. Which prompts the question to which I have no sales-data answer: Frog-themed quote books are clearly sought after. Surely, though, books about bums and farting would sell more?

Alex Field’s ‘Mr Darcy and the Christmas Pudding’ is a Real Treat

Alex Field‘s talents as an author, publisher and speaker, her love of Christmas pudding, and her overt enthusiasm for Jane Austen all cleverly amalgamate in the latest of her series, Mr Darcy and the Christmas Pudding. Having previously featured her beloved Pride and Prejudice characters in Mr Darcy and Mr Darcy the Dancing Duck, Alex Field, together with the ingenuity of illustrator Peter Carnavas, bring back the haughty but loveable duck in this Christmas tale about love and goodwill.

You may have already read Dimity Powell‘s fabulous review! Here’s some further promotion of this endearing book!

Mr Collins makes his debut appearance by pouncing on an innocent Maria, intended as a delicious ‘mousy’ feast. As punishment, Mr Darcy snatches her away and leaves poor Mr Collins out in the cold. It is Mr Darcy’s charitable friends that, after enjoying their pudding-bake time together on Stir-up Sunday, show concern for the cat’s wellbeing. Sweet Lizzy’s compassionate nature is finally rewarded on Christmas Day when she gets her wish under the mistletoe.

In true, delectable style, Peter Carnavas creates expression, a sense of warmth and focus with the perfect variation of colour, plain backgrounds and page layouts.

Mr Darcy and the Christmas Pudding is a fun and charming story about friendship and kindness, is a seasonable reminder that Christmas is a time of giving, with a beautiful sentiment of family traditions.

New Frontier Publishing November 2014.

Alex Field shares her Yuletide joys and her inspiration behind ‘Mr Darcy and the Christmas Pudding’ in this engaging interview. Thank you, Alex!

Your books in the Mr Darcy series are all based on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice characters. What do you love about Austen’s stories?
The first Austen book I read as a teenager was Northanger Abbey. It is her one title that has a dark, gothic twist, something all teenagers gravitate towards. From there I was hooked. I read every one of her books and go back to them often. It is her characters I adore. In two lines she tells us everything we need to know about Mr Collins. “Mr. Collins had only to change from Jane to Elizabeth — and it was soon done — done while Mrs. Bennet was stirring the fire.” I was very keen to include Mr Collins in one of the Mr Darcy picture books. At last he makes an appearance in Mr Darcy and the Christmas Pudding!

How did this inspiration turn into the development of your own picture books?
One of my friends named her family duck Mr Darcy. Sadly, much to the distress of the children, he died soon after he arrived in the family garden. I started thinking about the possibility of creating a character for children based on Pride and Prejudice. Romantically I thought I could put this character on the page and the children in the family, who had lost their beloved duck, would see he lived on in a book. Of course by the time the book was published the children were all too old for picture books!

What challenges have you found referencing Pride and Prejudice in your Mr Darcy books when considering suitability for children?
The language was a little tricky. I wanted to ensure that Mr Darcy’s pompous manner came across in the story. He is a very polite duck.
The challenge I set myself for Mr Darcy and the Christmas Pudding was to create a Christmas scene true to the Regency era. This meant doing away with the usual trappings of Christmas such as a Christmas tree and Santa. However the Christmas pudding was around in Regency times as was mistletoe so both these make an appearance.

Congratulations on your latest book ‘Mr Darcy and the Christmas Pudding’! How did you celebrate its’ release?
Thank you! I was in London at the time visiting my daughter who is currently studying there. We went to Selfridges, looked at the gorgeous Paddington Bear windows and indulged ourselves in the Food Hall. As Paddington was a favourite growing up I couldn’t resist also buying a jar of marmalade.

What did you find the most rewarding part of creating ‘Mr Darcy and the Christmas Pudding’?
I enjoyed the research leading up to writing the book. It was fascinating to discover more about the Christmas traditions we all take for granted today.

The story includes the characters coming together to celebrate the tradition of Stir-up Sunday. How is this event meaningful to you?
My sister and I always used to celebrate Stir-up Sunday with our nan. She lived in the countryside in Hampshire, very close to Jane Austen’s home. Every year we made the puddings with Nan and she then used to give them out to all the family to share on Christmas Day.

The illustrations have been consistently adorable throughout the Mr Darcy series by the talented Peter Carnavas. How do you find working with him? With ‘Mr Darcy and the Christmas Pudding’, how much of the illustrative detail did you specify and how much is left to Peter’s imagination?
I love working with Peter. Early on when he was creating Mr Darcy he watched the BBC adaptation with Colin Firth lots of times to ensure he got the hat right. When he was creating Mr Collins he sent me a few rough sketches before finalising the character. Most of it is left up to Peter. He is a genius.

Besides understanding the meaning of Stir-up Sunday, what special message do you want your readers to gain from reading ‘Mr Darcy and the Christmas Pudding’?
When I was doing my research I discovered that charity was at the heart of a Regency Christmas. I hope this comes across in the book. I still think it is an important part of Christmas.

What can all your ‘Mr Darcy’ fans look forward to seeing from him (and you) in the near future?
I have a few ideas for upcoming books in the series. Jane Austen has given me a wonderful array of characters to work with.
For the moment I am going to enjoy the festive season with my children. This weekend we begin making the puddings!
(Stir-up Sunday falls on November 23rd).

Thank you so much for answering my questions for Boomerang Books, Alex! Wishing you and your family a safe and enjoyable Christmas!
My pleasure. I wish you and all your readers a Happy Christmas.

Follow Alex Field via her facebook page:
www.facebook.com/pages/Alex-Field

Interview by Romi Sharp
www.romisharp.wordpress.com
www.facebook.com/mylittlestorycorner
www.twitter.com/mylilstorycrner

Posted on November 22, 2014January 8, 2016Author Romi SharpCategories Author Interviews, Book News, Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, New Book ReleasesTags Alex Field, Charity, Family, jane austen, Mr Collins, Mr Darcy, Mr Darcy and the Christmas Pudding, Mr Darcy the Dancing Duck, New Frontier Publishing, Peter Carnavas, Picture Books, pride and prejudice, Regency, Romi Sharp, Stir-up Sunday, tradition1 Comment on Alex Field’s ‘Mr Darcy and the Christmas Pudding’ is a Real Treat

Launching LynC’s Nil by Mouth

In June this year, at Continuum X (the 53rd Australian National Science Fiction Convention), I launched LynC’s debut science fiction novel Nil by Mouth. Today’s blog post (the third in a series of launch related posts) is an approximation of my launch speech. I say approximation, because although I had notes, I actually winged a fair bit of it. Be that as it may, here we go…

Being asked to launch a book is a nerve-racking experience. You give a tentative YES and then you go off and read the book. But what happens if you don’t like it? Will the publisher and author be offended? Will they ever speak to you again? The anxiety increases exponentially when the author is a friend. Needless to say, I was terrified when I finally sat down to read Nil By Mouth.

I’m sure you could have heard my sigh of relief from half way across the galaxy when I started reading Nil By Mouth. By the time I had finished the first page I knew I was going to like this book. A few pages later, I knew I would LOVE IT! It hooked me in, right from its mysterious title; past its opening scene; along its various twists and turns and changes of direction; through to its unexpected but very appropriate ending.

Nil By Mouth is a good, old-fashioned science fiction story. By that, I mean that it’s a story in which the science fiction elements are integral, rather than simply being window-dressing. The alien culture, the concept of human beings being used as incubators — these things are a fundamental part of the story. And yet, there is also a great deal of emotion, characters development and relationship drama. I defy anyone to read this book and not feel like they’ve been put through an emotional wringer.

Much as I like the way in which humanity is portrayed in this book, it is the alien society, its intricacies and interactions with humanity that I love most. It’s intriguing, it’s complex and it’s subtle. The layered alien characters, the subtlety of the relationships and the intricacies of the aliens’ motivations. My favourite moment is when the protagonist realises that the insulting term used by his alien master in addressing him, is actually meant as a term of endearment. It implies so much and is beautifully handled.

Nil By Mouth is a story of SF ideas, held together in a narrative context by relationships — between humans and aliens; between humans and other humans; between aliens and other aliens.

I read the eBook in preparation for today’s launch. But this is the sort of book that I will read again; the sort of book I’ll pass on to my wife to read; the sort of book I’ll stick under the nose of my daughter in a few years; the sort of book I’ll spruik to my friends; and thus, the sort of book I MUST get autographed. I’m now reserving my spot at the head of the queue so that I can purchase a print copy. Don’t get in my way! You have been warned.

Congratulations LynC, on writing an excellent book, a thought-provoking piece of science fiction and a believable and likeable set of flawed characters. And let me say here that even the antagonists are sympathetic and likeable in their own way… which is no mean feet to achieve as a writer.

So now, it is my great pleasure and honour to declare LynC’s Nil by Mouth launched. Long may it sail the literary seas.

End bit

And that brings to a close a trilogy of launch related blog posts. Want to read the others? Check out “Launching a book” and “Launching Michael Pryor’s Machine Wars”.

I promise to be back before Christmas with at least one more post. Perhaps a post some Christmas reading recommendations?

Catch ya later, George

PS. Follow me on Twitter

Check out my DVD blog, Viewing Clutter.

Latest Post: DVD Review — Land of the Giants: The Complete First Season

.

.

Posted on November 21, 2014Author George IvanoffCategories Book Reviews - Fiction, George IvanoffTags LynC, science fiction

Christmas Classics you’ve read to you kids – Christine Bongers

Fellow Boomerang Blogger, Romi Sharp recently congratulated me on hitting my first century. Gob smacked! I mean I don’t even own a cricket bat, let alone know how to hold one. She meant blogs of course. I hardly noticed. They rack up and slip by like birthdays these days. Nonetheless, even numbers deserve celebration (especially ones with many zeros), so while I wait for Boomerang to deliver the gold-embossed book prize and bubbly, I thought I’d pass the time with another lady who knows how to rack em up with infinite style and humour.

Celebrated Brisbane YA and kids’ author, Christine Bongers is no stranger to bedtime reads, having indulged in this past time with her own four children over the years. Today we discover some of the classics the Bongers family pulled out to share together at this time of year. (I’ll go the extra Christmas Bon Bon please Christine – I think it might be a while before the bubbly arrives!)

Christine’s Christmas Classics

Hubba hubby and I read to our four kids from the time they were babies: nursery rhymes, Mother Goose, and truck loads of Little Golden Books that we had left over from our own childhoods. I loved picture books – Edwina the Emu and Wilfrid Gordon Macdonald Partridge stand out in my memory – but have to say that our kids were making their own reading decisions by the time they could talk and we had precious little say in the matter!

Wacky Wednesday by Theo LeSieg* celebrate

It all began with that shoe on the wall. A shoe on a wall . . . ? Shouldn’t be there at all!
Then I looked up. And I said, “Oh, MAN!”
And that’s how Wacky Wednesday began.

After twenty-odd years, I can still recite those opening lines from memory. That’s how many times I read this madcap romp to our eldest. Preschoolers love pandemonium and spotting the twenty wacky moments captured in New Yorker cartoonist George Booth’s illustrations never got old for the wacky funster in our family.

[*A bonus Christmas bonbon for anyone who recognised author Theo LeSieg as a wacky version of Theodore Geisel – or as he is more commonly known, Dr Seuss!)

The Ca ptain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey

Our youngest adored Captain Underpants, so good old Santa could be relied on to pop the latest offering into his Christmas stocking each year. By the time he was in Grade Three he had eight volumes jockeying for position on his shelf and I swear by all I hold holy that we read each and every one of them at least one hundred times before he moved on to Harry Potter.

The BFG by Roald Dahl

Our youngest daughter revelled in Dahl’s subversive tales (particularly Matilda with the eye-wateringly awful headmistress The Trunchbull), but it was the simple giant with the deep insights, dream collecting and jumbled and inventive turn of phrase that she returned to again and again. And why not, I say. What’s not to love about little girls doing great things in league with a giant?

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

This was our big girl’s favourite childhood read ever (along with The Hobbit). Narnia has provided a magical escape, not only for Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, but for children everywhere for more than half a century and its appeal hasn’t diminished with the years. As a matter of fact, I’ve just got my hands on a beautiful boxed set – a happy Christmas present for a certain little Lucy in my own extended family. So what books will be in your Christmas stocking this year?

Good question Christine. How big is my Christmas stocking allowed to be?

I’ll be asking the same thing to other inspiring authors in the next few weeks. Get ready to flex your reading memory muscles.

Add more of Christine’s entertaining work including the recently released gripping YA read, Intruder to your new classics lists by visiting here.

Posted on November 21, 2014November 21, 2016Author Dimity PowellCategories Author Interviews, Dimity PowellTags c.s. lewis, Captain Underpants, Christine Bongers, Christmas, classic children's reads, Edwina the Emu, Intruder, Little Golden Books, roald dahl, Romi Sharp, the bfg, the hobbit, YA author3 Comments on Christmas Classics you’ve read to you kids – Christine Bongers

Australian children’s writer adds to her awards collection

Queensland author Karen Foxlee has won three prestigious overseas awards for her gothic children’s fantasy released this year.

Foxlee’s book Ophelia and the Marvellous Boy (Hot Key Books) has been selected for three awards in the Middle School category.

Ophelia and the Marvellous Boy has been named ‘Best Book of The Year’ by the School Library Journal. It was also selected as one of the best three best books by the Publishers Weekly.

Foxlee is no stranger to winning awards. Her first YA novel THE ANATOMY OF WINGS won the 2008 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, the 2008 Dobbie Encouragement Award and the Queensland Premier’s Literary Award for an Emerging Queensland Author. THE ANATOMY OF WINGS was also awarded the Parents’ Choice Gold Award (US) and was shortlisted for the Australian Society of Authors’ inaugural Barbara Jefferis award. (2008)

Her second novel, THE MIDNIGHT DRESS (2013) was selected as an American Library Association Best Fiction for Young Adults title earlier this year and was the winner of the Sisters in Crime’s Davitt Award for Best Young Adult Book.

About the Book: In a clever twist of the Snow Queen fairytale, 11 year- old Ophelia joins forces with a 303 year-old magical boy to battle ghosts, wolves, misery birds and magical swords in a nail-biting quest to stop the Queen from destroying the world. It all takes place in an enormous mysterious ramshackle museum in a city blanketed under permanent snow.

Buy the book here…

Posted on November 21, 2014November 21, 2014Author Boomerang BooksCategories Book NewsTags karen foxlee, Ophelia and the Marvellous Boy

Boomerang Books is Australia’s first online bookstore to become a Google Trusted Store.

Boomerang Books has become Australia’s first online bookstore to become a Google Trusted Store. To gain accreditation Boomerang Books passed a 30-day qualification period in which online suppliers must maintain a high level of customer service, reliable delivery time-frames and high customer ratings.

The Google Trusted Stores program was launched in Australia earlier this year and provides assurance to customers that they will receive reliable shipping and excellent customer service. The program also provides customers with free purchase protection of up to $1,000 from Google.

Google Trusted Stores are designated by the Trusted Stores badge which appears in Google search results and on the store’s website. Visitors to the Boomerang Books will see the badge at the bottom right of their browser screen.

Other Australian online stores that have achieved Google Trusted Store status are DealsDirect, SurfStitch, StyleTread, The Iconic and Kogan.com.au.

Posted on November 21, 2014November 21, 2014Author Boomerang BooksCategories Book NewsTags Boomerang Books, google trusted store1 Comment on Boomerang Books is Australia’s first online bookstore to become a Google Trusted Store.

Mockingjay: Part 1 (AKA All The Feelings)

I turned up to watch the Mockingjay: Part 1 film today, its official day of release, without any prep. I’d like to say that’s because I deliberately withheld re-reading the book or reading advance film reviews, but the reason is much more pedestrian: I’ve been so otherwise occupied with speedbumps I’ve hit in life that I almost forgot today was the day the film was coming out.

I even turned up to the cinema two minutes after the start time and breathlessly asked the attendant if I could: a) still go in; and b) go to the bathroom first. She assured me yes on both counts: there were some 20 minutes of ads before the film itself began (that’s probably the first and only time I’ll be happy to hear that).

Consequently, I was hazy on the plot points that would be contained within this film, and even hazier as I knew this would be the first of two films. That’s because the final book in the trilogy was deemed too big to fit into one (plus I’m guessing Hollywood saw an opportunity to force us besotted, addicted fans to fork out moar money for moar moofie tix).

In Mockingjay: Part 1, Katniss and Finnick are struggling. The first scene picks up with them having tormented nightmares from which they seem unable to wake even when they’re awake.

Katniss and co. are hunkered down underground in semi safety in District 13. District 12, their home, has been bombed to oblivion, with few survivors. Outside, the rebellion against the Capitol is well under way. Peeta and Annie are still captive in the Capitol, with Peeta trotted out as a kind of golden-child propaganda.

The rebellion needs Katniss to go on camera to create some pro-rebellion mockingjay propaganda, but she’s so traumatised by all she’s experienced and so pre-occupied by the thought of needing to rescue Peeta that she wants nothing to do with it. Both Katniss and Finnick wish they were dead.

This film, like the book, kicks the tale up a notch of seriousness, with propaganda—storytelling, controlling messages, reframing stories in order to invoke emotion, allegiance, and a taking up of arms—central to its adrenalin- and emotion-wringing success.

It’s tense and oppressive. We see and feel it from the expressions on the characters’ faces and the enclosed, concrete bunker-like accommodation they’re cooped up in. The stellar cast that includes Woody Harrelson, Julianne Moore, and Donald Sutherland is also up to the challenging of conveying all these senses and issues and emotions (unlike, cough, the cast of such films as Twilight).

As a side note, I felt all the feelings when Philip Seymour Hoffman was on screen. My general lack of preparation meant I was especially less prepared to see him than I would otherwise have been, and he appears early in the film and pops in regularly throughout. He is magnificent, bringing depth and warmth and humour to a character that was for me rather two-dimensional in the books. The film’s final credits include a dedication to him, which he richly deserves.

Likewise, Woody Harrelson reprising Haymitch and Elizabeth Banks reprising Effie Trinkett bring new gravity to their characters. Neither can rely on the over-the-top acting options they had in the previous films, as in Mockingjay the usually sauced Haymitch is sober and the usually flamboyantly attired Trinkett is forced to wear the same androgynous, definitively unfashionable khaki garb as everyone else. Yet through muted performances, both actors managed to convey key information and humanise and endear us to their characters more than ever.

While this film is somber-er than the previous films (not that I’d ever call them ‘light’), there are some well-timed moments of wit. One moment includes a condition Katniss issues for agreeing to being the mockingjay propaganda lackey: her sister ‘gets to keep her cat’ (pets are forbidden in the largely militarised zone). Another includes the muttered ‘We interrupt your regularly scheduled horse manure’ as the rebels temporarily take over the Capitol’s broadcast. Yet another is Haymitch saying he ‘can never fully support the woman [President Coin, the District 13 leader] in light of the prohibition’ she has in place.

I can’t tell you where they split the book/films in two, but I can tell you I’d forgotten all about the moment so was suitably surprised when it happened. Now I commence the long wait until Part 2 comes out and wraps up the trilogy altogether. I imagine I’ll feel all the feelings when that occurs, albeit for entirely different, please-don’t-let-it-end reasons…

Posted on November 20, 2014November 22, 2014Author Fiona CrawfordCategories Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, Book Reviews - Fiction, Fiona CrawfordTags Film Adaptation, Mockingjay, The Hunger Games

Renée Treml Reveals Answers About Her Picture Book, ‘The Great Garden Mystery’

Renée Treml is a talented artist and author, originally from the States, now residing in Melbourne. She creates her stunning illustrations primarily using the scratchboard technique, setting her work apart with its unique qualities. Her artwork can also be seen at design markets and art exhibits through a range of gorgeous products. Renée has three equally delightful picture books published with Random House Australia; One Very Tired Wombat, Colour for Curlews, and her most recent, The Great Garden Mystery.

Review – The Great Garden Mystery
Those curious curlews are back, and already set on the trail to solving a most mysterious problem. A menagerie of suspects are called to order. Who is stealing all the beetroots? What a conundrum!

In playful rhyming prose, Renée Treml and her exquisitely drawn animals take us on a journey to decipher each clue as they add up to solve the case.

First, hare finds a sign. It’s a poo that is square. Clearly, he is not guilty. As they discover a hole under the fence, some snagged fur, a wide trail, and a dislike to beetroots, each animal gleefully asserts their innocence. But when the roo bounds away, humorously, those suspicious creatures believe the puzzle has been pieced together.

And when all is calm and quiet, in the dark of night, who emerges to fill his belly once more? Who could have guessed? Think back to the first clue and you will have your culprit!

I love the playfulness and adventure of The Great Garden Mystery, as well as Renée’s black and white scratchboard drawings against the soft, pastel background colours. Kids from aged three will delight in this curiously intriguing animal tale, too.

I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn about Renée Treml’s fascinating journey to creating her books, including her joys and challenges with illustrating The Great Garden Mystery.

Your books all include a common theme featuring the adorable, sleepy wombat, a range of native birds and other creatures. What is the appeal of these Australian animals?
I grew up in the States where I commonly saw little songbirds, woodpeckers, squirrels and deer – animals which probably sound very interesting to someone who is not from North America. When we moved to Australia at the end of 2007, I was immediately smitten with the wildlife – here we have huge noisy parrots, sleepy koalas hiding in gum trees, teeny little pademelons and big bouncy kangaroos.
The wombat that is featured in all of my stories is based on the very first wombat I ever encountered. He was at a wildlife sanctuary in Brisbane and managed to sleep soundly despite being surrounded by noisy children, adults, cockatoos and kookaburras. Every time I went to visit the sanctuary, that wombat was having a good snooze. I only wish I could sleep like that too.

What do you love about creating children’s books?
For many years I was unknowingly creating characters through my artwork – I kept drawing the same animals over and over and discovering their unique personalities. When I wrote my first story it felt like I was rewarding my favourite characters. It was so much fun. I still maintain a sketchbook full of (mostly) patient characters that are waiting for their turn in a story.

You have a unique, beautiful style of illustrating. How did you develop your style?
Thank you, but I think it is fair to say that my style found me. My style developed from practicing, experimenting and attempting to master new mediums and subjects. Over the years my style has evolved into what it is now, but I am always looking out for new ideas, subjects and materials so I can continue growing and changing.

What is your favourite medium to use?
I love working with inks and paint on clayboard, although lately I have been trying to bring mixed media and collage into my illustrations.

Who is your favourite artist/s?
Sorry – I can’t just pick one and if I tried to make a list I would worry and fret for ages trying to narrow down the list.

What was your favourite part of The Great Garden Mystery to illustrate?
My favourite scene to illustrate is where koala accuses the fox of stealing the beetroots.  I loved that koala – he was so sassy and never once thought he could be a suspect. Trying to capture his brashness, the fox’s slyness and the roo’s discomfort was just good fun.

What was the hardest part?
To be honest, this book was a hard one to illustrate. This is the first time I have worked digitally to create my illustrations. I had to teach myself how to make my digital artwork look indistinguishable from my scratchboard illustrations – that was so hard! Also, drawing the garden without cluttering up the compositions and illustrations, proved to be a very big challenge for me. Thankfully, I have wonderful editors, publishers and very honest friends who had excellent suggestions all along the way.

What was the reason for the change in your process from the last two books?
I created all of the illustrations for my first two books using clayboard. Clayboard is a masonite board that has been coated with a thin layer of clay. They are beautiful to work on, but only come in limited sizes, are a lot more expensive than paper or canvas, and aren’t really reusable (unless you paint over them completely). I squeezed as many drawings as I could onto each board, then sent the very heavy box to my publisher for scanning. A month later I received the digital images, which then required cutting and pasting each illustration back into my page spread. Working on clayboard added at least 2 months to our timeline and in the end was not the most environmentally friendly process.
I still prefer to work on clayboard when I’m creating art for galleries or shows, but for books digital scratchboard has its benefits:
(1) I can create artwork that looks very similar to my scratchboard drawings; (2) we skip the shipping, scanning and editing phase, which saves 1-2 months; and (3) I can add or change things quite easily, even after we are theoretically finished the book.

How long did the process take you to complete all the illustrations for The Great Garden Mystery?
Working part-time, the illustration part probably added up to about 3 months. I had a huge learning curve trying to master the software and we also experimented a lot with different styles. I am so happy with how it turned out that I have almost forgotten how hard it was to illustrate!

Which animal is your favourite to draw? Why?
I am totally obsessed with owls – they have so much personality. I am just waiting for the inspiration to strike for an owl story…

What special message do you want your readers to take away from The Great Garden Mystery?
As a scientist and wildlife lover, I would love kids (and adults) to become aware of all the clues animals leave behind. Take the time to look at the ground for broken eggshells, scat or footprints – you might find yourself a little mystery (even in the city).

What was the highlight for you in 2014?
The highlights for me this year were the TGGM-events where everyone got to try their hand at scratchboard and we got to talk a lot about wombat poo.

Are there any special milestones or events that you are looking forward to in 2015?
This year I am really looking forward to organizing a few primary school-visits. I love teaching and interacting with children and have some fun writing and illustrating workshops to present.

Thank you so much for answering my questions for Boomerang Books, Renée!
Thank you for the opportunity!

Enjoy Renée’s stunning website at:
http://www.reneesartwork.com
http://www.facebook.com/ReneeTremlAuthorIllustrator

Interview by Romi Sharp
http://www.romisharp.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/mylittlestorycorner
http://www.twitter.com/mylilstorycrner

Posted on November 20, 2014November 20, 2014Author Romi SharpCategories Author Interviews, Book News, Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, New Book ReleasesTags artwork, Australian animals, author, Colour for Curlews, illustrator, One Very Tired Wombat, Picture Books, Random House Australia, Renée Treml, Romi Sharp, scratchboard, The Great Garden Mystery

Launching Michael Pryor’s Machine Wars

In May this year, I had the great pleasure of launching Michael Pryor’s middle grade science fiction novel Machine Wars. The launch took place at Merri Creek Primary School in front of a room full of upper primary kids and their teachers. Here’s what I said (without all the ums and ahs and unplanned pauses as I lost my spot in the notes)…

When Michael Pryor asked me to launch his new book, I was very excited, for a number of reasons…

I’ve known Michael for a number of years, and I think he’s a nice bloke.

He launched a book for me about 3 years ago, so this was my chance to return the favour.

It provided me with the excuse to ask him to launch my new set of books in a couple of weeks (see previous post).

But most importantly…

I got a free copy of Machine Wars… before it was released! Cool!

Actually no — there is another more important reason…

I’m excited to launch this book because I’m a fan of Michael’s writing.

I loved following Aubrey Fitzwilliam’s adventures in The Laws of Magic books. I was amazed by Tara and Sam’s century-spanning friendship in 10 Futures. And now I had the chance to go along with Bram and friends as they faced a potential machine war.

Yes, I was very excited indeed!

Of course, now that I had agreed to launch the book, I was faced with a bit of problem. How do you launch a book like this? How can I convey its awesomeness?

After several weeks of head-scratching, I finally figured out what it was that I had to do.

I would get you, the audience, to use your imaginations. After all, imagination is an important part of both reading and writing.

So… you all ready? Okay?

Imagine the utter terror. Imagine the heart-pounding, adrenaline inducing fear. Imagine being attacked by a toaster! Or a laptop computer! Or maybe even a vacuum cleaner!

Got that? You imagining it? Are you feeling the fear? No?

Okay, that probably doesn’t sound all that frightening, does it? I mean really — what’s a laptop gonna do to you? Snap its lid closed on your fingers? Oh yes… that would inspire utter terror!

But…

What if that laptop got together with the toaster and the vacuum cleaner and a few other ordinary household appliances? And what if they merged? Amalgamated — to form something new. Something dangerous! Something deadly.

A robot was standing in the ruins of my home. It wasn’t some super-futuristic metal humanoid, though. This was a robot mashed up out of household appliances. It had two arms and two legs, but instead of a head, Mum’s old laptop was perched on a neck that was a bunch of springs. Its limbs were basically Dad’s golf clubs bound by electrical cords. What got me most was that its body was mostly out vacuum cleaner. That purple tornado-packed vacuum cleaner as a robot? What was it going to do? Clean me to death? I fumbled for my bike while keeping one eye on this robo-thing — this junkbot.

So, let’s imagine some more, okay? What if your home was destroyed by junkbots? What if you were being chased by junkbots, and killbots and a super-smart artificial intelligence that controlled the whole Internet? And then imagine that the safety of the entire world depended on you not getting caught.

Well, you don’t actually have to imagine it. Michael’s already done that. All you’ve got to do it read it.

And you should read it. You should all read it. I’m talking to the grown-ups as well. Because it is a seriously awesome book, with frightening robots, thrilling chases, big explosions and some really cool ideas. And at its very core… is friendship. Because if you’re going to make a stand against a machine army, it helps to have friends by your side.

And so with that, it is my great pleasure to, to, to… declare Machine Wars launched, launched, launched, launched, launched, launched, launc…

Explanation

Okay, that last bit really doesn’t work so well in print. The launch finished up with a little bit of theatrics from Michael and I, as I pretended to be a malfunctioning robot which he had to switched off. Ah… you had to be there. Trust me… it was all good on the day. 🙂

Oh yes… and Michael brought along his own personal robot to help with the book signing (see photo).

Tune next time to read about the launch of LynC’s Nil By Mouth.

Catch ya later, George

PS. Follow me on Twitter

Check out my DVD blog, Viewing Clutter.

Latest Post: DVD Giveaway — Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries: The Complete Series 1 & 2

.

.

Posted on November 20, 2014November 20, 2014Author George IvanoffCategories Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, George IvanoffTags Michael Pryor

Judith Rossell chats about Withering-by-Sea

Judith Rossell’s prodigious talents as an illustrator and writer, her inimitable wit and her obsession with Victoriana come together superbly in her latest book for children – Withering-by-Sea.

The story follows the trials of Stella Montgomery, an 11-year-old orphan, who lives with her dreadful aunts in a damp, dull hotel in Victorian England. But everything changes when she witnesses an evil act in the conservatory.

The book is the first in a series of Victorian adventures for Stella Montgomery and features the kind of beautifully intricate and magical drawings that have made Judith Rossell one of Australia’s most successful illustrators.

Judith joins me to talk about her new book and the historical period that inspired it.

JF: Congratulations on Withering-by-Sea. It’s a wonderful book and the illustrations are stunning. Which came first – the pictures or the words?

JR: Thanks Julie! I’m very happy with how it came together. (Particularly the ribbon. I’m very happy about the ribbon!). I started with the words, but along the way I did some of the drawings. Sometimes drawing the little details of the characters or the setting can give ideas for the story. Drawing the pier gave me the idea of a theatre, which gave me the idea that the Professor was a stage magician.

JF: What interests you about Victorian England?

JR: I’m a big fan of the early Sherlock Holmes stories, with the lovely atmosphere of fog and gaslight, and mysterious goings-on. And it was such an interesting era for the enormous changes that were happening, so many important inventions, and social changes. The pace of change in the 1890s was so much greater than now, people experienced the first telephones, motorcars, moving pictures, anesthetics, votes for women, education for all children… so many life-changing things. It must have been an exciting time to live.

JF: Why do aunties get such a bad rap in Victorian era fiction?

JR: Aunties and Stepmothers! You’d expect your mother to be on your side, sympathetic, reliable and looking out for you, but an Aunty might do anything! Aunties have many more possibilities, for exciting adventures, and for evil deeds. (I’m an Aunty myself, so I can say these things).

JF: There are some very fanciful characters in the story – singing cats, a clockwork beetle, and a hand of glory. Where have these come from?

I remember reading a story when I was little which had a hand of glory in it, and I found it terrifying! The clockwork beetle is a little bit steampunkish, I think. I like the idea of clockwork and magic working together. I can’t remember where I got the idea of the singing cats from… Sometimes things just come to you, and you think – yes!

JF: What are the most intriguing snippets of Victoriana that you unearthed while writing Withering-by-Sea?

JR: My favourite invention of the time is a bed that’s attached to a clockwork timer. You wind it up, and go to sleep, and all night it goes tick tick tick, and in the morning, the whole thing flips over and dumps you on the floor. What a way to wake up! I have a recipe book, too, and my favourite recipe is for negus, a kind of fruit punch, which was mainly served at children’s parties. The recipe says for 10-12 little children, a pint of cheap port is sufficient. Basically, don’t waste the expensive drink on the little kids.

JF: How long do you spend on each drawing and did you have to redraw any to suit the story that you eventually wrote?

JR: The single page pictures took three or four days each, and yes, I did have to do a couple of them again, because I rewrote the ending of the story, and there were significant changes. It’s difficult to be annoyed with the writer changing her mind, when the writer is yourself. haha.

JF: This is the eleventh book you have written. You have illustrated 80 books. Which do you find more rewarding – writing or illustrating?

JR: I like them both. I enjoy illustrating picture books, and bringing the characters to life. But it’s also been a real pleasure to write and illustrate my own book, without having to consider what another creator might want. I’ve never written something that someone else has illustrated, I think it would be difficult to put your work into someone else’s hands, and step back. I admire the writers who can trust the illustrator like that.

JF: You worked as a scientist before becoming an illustrator and writer. How does your background affect your work?

JR: The only thing I can think of is that I do enjoy the research. I love getting a new history book and reading it to find things I might use for my story. At the moment, I’m reading a book about shell grottoes, which were caves and tunnels people built in their gardens in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, decorated with shells and coral and stones. One was decorated with the knucklebones of sheep, and another with the baby teeth of the children in the house! I’d love to put a shell grotto in my new story.

JF: I remember sharing a stage with you and a group of other talented authors at a school in Rockhampton. Michael Gerard Bauer revealed that he had wanted to be a Ninja when he grew up. I shared my hopes of owning a wildlife sanctuary in Africa and you revealed that you wanted to be a rubbish collector. Why was that?

JR: I’d forgotten that! I was very little, and the father of one of the boys in our class was a rubbish collector. He used to ride on the back of the truck and jump down and pick up the bins. And it was clearly the best job in the world, this boy had a lot of status in our class, because his dad had such a cool job. I was a bit vague about what my dad actually did (he was a scientist), and so for a while I pretended he was a rubbish collector as well, so people would think I was cool too. Sadly, I don’t think they ever did.

JF: I understand you are working on a sequel to Withering-by-Sea. Any hints on what Stella Montgomery gets up to in that one?

JR: Aha! I’m working on it right now. The title is probably going to be Wormwood Mire. Stella is sent away to a mysterious house, to stay with two cousins and their governess. And there’s something lurking in the forest… Something frightening…

JF: Thank you for visiting Judith. Good luck with Withering-by-Sea. I look forward to the sequel!

Julie Fison writes for children and young adults. Her books include the Hazard River adventure series for young readers, Choose Your Own Ever After, a pick-a-path series that lets the reader decide how the story goes, and Counterfeit Love for young adults.

Posted on November 20, 2014Author Julie FisonCategories Author Interviews, Book NewsTags fiction, illustrated novel, Judith Rossell, Victoriana, Withering-by-Sea

What I’m reading this Christmas: Amanda Diaz, HarperCollins Publishers

Thanks for talking to Boomerang Books, Amanda Diaz.

Thank you for having me!

You’re a publicist at HarperCollins Publishers and you’re going to share your Christmas picks with us. But first let’s find out about you and some books you’ve been working on.

HarperCollins Australia (based in Sydney) is known for its children’s/YA books as well as its adult list. Which do you work on/prefer?

I’m the publicity manager for HarperCollins Children’s Books, which for me is a dream job as I absolutely love kids and YA books.

You’re a publicist – what does a publicist do?

Basically the job is about creating exposure for books in order to drive awareness and sales. That’s not a very sexy way to put it, but that’s the bare bones. It requires being very calm, patient and organised.

A publicist works to get attention for books through social media, blogs and websites, festivals, signings, conventions and school visits as well as newspapers, magazines, TV and radio. Media exposure can come in a number of forms – from giveaways and extracts to reviews and interviews.

How did you get this job?

While I was interning in the HarperCollins editorial department during my last semester of uni, I was in the right place at the right time to be hired for an admin assistant role in publishing operations. My dream was to work in the children’s team though, so when the publicist role came up, I went for it.

I suspect you love all the books you promote, but could you tell us about some that you are particularly proud of.

I’m very proud to have worked with Children’s Laureate Jackie French on ten books so far. All her work is so excellent, it’s a privilege to be involved in a small way. It’s also been very exciting to work on Veronica Roth’s Divergent series – especially with the recent release of the movie.

Touring with George RR Martin in November last year was also absolutely unforgettable. He is a literary rockstar and so lovely and gracious to boot.

What is different/special about HarperCollins?

In a business-sense, we have a fantastic mix of commercial and literary stories. There’s truly something for every reader. On a personal level, I’m lucky enough to work with the best team ever at HarperCollins Children’s Books. Everyone is so smart, passionate, hilarious, open and creative. Sometimes we have to pretend not to be having as much fun as we really are, lest others think we’re not actually working.

What are some awards HarperCollins has won that have particular significance for you?

The Australian Centre for Youth Literature runs the annual Inky Awards – where teen judges and readers decide on their favourite local and international YA titles – and this year, the Silver Inky was won by All the Truth That’s in Me by Julie Berry. This is a book that was very special to everyone in house and to see it receive such fantastic recognition from readers was so wonderful and affirming.

What do you see as the way forward in the book industry?

We have to work smarter in competing for people’s attention spans, but the key to doing this is always going to be finding really excellent stories.

If you’re in a book club, what book have you enjoyed discussing?

I’m not in a book club – I’ve tried it out a couple of times, but I always get too impatient with how long it takes for the other members to finish reading the book! But I do run our YA Twitter account – @HarperCollinsYA and love talking to our followers but the books we’re all reading.

What are some must-reads over Christmas?

Young kids – and their parents and grandparents – will absolutely fall in love with both Once Upon an Alphabet and Count my Christmas Kisses, while cheeky youngsters will adore There is a Monster Under my Christmas Tree Who Farts.

Withering-by-Sea is a fantastic middle-grade Victorian fantasy adventure that young girls will NEED. (It’s the prettiest book you’ve ever seen.)

(See my post on it here)

My YA summer favourites are A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray and Jessica Shirvington’s Disruption duology. You can’t go past these picks for action-packed reads with a dash of swoonworthy romance.

The ultimate must-read though is Jackie French’s stunning WWII epic To Love a Sunburnt Country (available 1st December). This is the best thing Jackie has ever written. You won’t be able to put it down, you’ll probably cry and you’ll certainly never forget it.

What is your secret reading pleasure?

My secret reading pleasure is definitely re-reading. You’d be embarrassed for me if I revealed how many times I’ve re-read favourite books like Harry Potter, The Hunger Games and Pride and Prejudice.

Thanks very much for speaking with us, Amanda.

It was a pleasure. Thank you for having me.

Posted on November 19, 2014Author Joy LawnCategories Author Interviews, Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, Joy LawnTags @HarperCollinsYA, A Thousand Pieces of You, All the Truth That's in Me, Amanda Diaz, Australian Centre for Youth Literature, Christmas, Count my Christmas Kisses, Disruption, Divergent, game of thrones, George RR Martin, HarperCollins Australia, Inky Awards, Jackie French, jessica shirvington, Julie Berry, Once Upon An Alphabet, publicist, There is a Monster Under My Christmas Tree Who Farts, To Love a Sunburnt Country, Withering-by-Sea2 Comments on What I’m reading this Christmas: Amanda Diaz, HarperCollins Publishers

Launching a book

A book launch is a common way of celebrating the publication of a new book. As well as being an excuse for the author’s friends and relatives to get together for a bit of congratulating, it can also be a good way to kick start the book’s promotions. Sometimes they are organised by publishers, sometimes by the author and sometimes by third parties. Oh yeah… and they’re usually a heap of fun!

It’s traditional, at a launch, to have a guest do the launch speech — another author, a celebrity relevant to the book, maybe even a politician. There’s often food and drink. And there’s always book selling and signing.

I’ve been to lots of book launches over the years — as author, guest launcher and spectator — and they’ve always been fun. Over the course of this and two other posts, I’m going to focus on a few particular launches. At two of those launches I was the guest speaker, and in the subsequent posts I’ll write up my launch speeches for those books — Michael Pryor’s Machine Wars and LynC’s Nil by Mouth. But in this post it’s my own launches that I’m going to write about.

April 2014 saw the publication of the first two books in my You Choose series — The Treasure of Dead Man’s Cove and Mayhem at Magic School (there are more of them, now). Two launches were held to herald the arrival of these books. The first was organised by a bookstore. This is the one that my friends and family came along to. The second I organised myself to coincide with my author visit to Yarra Road Primary School. Since I was going to be at the school doing a series of writing workshops, the school offered to host a You Choose launch at their assembly. A launch in front of a massive audience — an entire school full of kids and teachers. Very cool!

At both events, fellow author Michael Pryor delivered the launch speech.

So, what actually happens at a launch? What does the guest speaker say? What does the author do? Well, I can show you. I have a vid of the launch at Yarra Road Primary School…

And, just in case you haven’t had enough, here are the launch vids for two of my three Gamers books. Carole Wilkinson launched Gamers’ Quest in 2009, but I neglected to video the event. 🙁 I made sure I was better prepared for the subsequent launches.

Michael Pryor (hmm… him again) launched Gamers’ Challenge in 2011…

And Meredith Costain launched Gamers’ Rebellion 2013…

Okay, so you’ve been overloaded with videos of my book launches. You can relax now… the next two launch-related blog posts will be about other people’s books. 🙂

Tune next time to read about the launch of Michael Pryor’s Machine Wars.

Catch ya later, George

PS. Follow me on Twitter

Check out my DVD blog, Viewing Clutter.

Latest Post: DVD Giveaway — Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries: The Complete Series 1 & 2

.

.

Posted on November 19, 2014November 20, 2014Author George IvanoffCategories Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, George IvanoffTags Michael Pryor, You Choose2 Comments on Launching a book

Player Profile: Jane Rawson, author of A Wrong Turn at the Office of Unmade Lists

Jane Rawson, author of A Wrong Turn at the Office of Unmade Lists

Tell us about your latest creation:

A Wrong Turn at the Office of Unmade Lists: it won the Most Underrated Book Award for 2013 and was shortlisted for the Aurealis sci-fi prize.

It is 1997 in San Francisco and Simon and Sarah have been sent on a quest to see America: they must stand at least once in every 25-foot square of the country. Decades later, in an Australian city that has fallen on hard times, Caddy is camped by the Maribyrnong River, living on small change from odd jobs, ersatz vodka and memories. She’s sick of being hot, dirty, broke and alone.

Caddy’s future changes shape when her friend, Ray, stumbles across some well-worn maps, including one of San Francisco, and their lives connect with those of teenagers Simon and Sarah in ways that are unexpected and profound.

A meditation on happiness – where and in what place and with who we can find our centre, a perceptive vision of where our world is headed, and a testament to the power of memory and imagination, this is the best of novels: both highly original and eminently readable.

Where are you from / where do you call home?:

I was born in and grew up in Canberra, and have lived little bits of my life in San Francisco and New Delhi. Now I live in Melbourne.

When you were a kid, what did you want to become? An author?:

When I was a kid I wanted to be tiny and have a kitten to ride on. That turned out to be unfeasible, so for a while I wanted to be a lawyer, then a music therapist, then a journalist. I’m leaning back towards the kitten idea these days.

Describe your writing environment to us – your writing room, desk, etc.; is it ordered or chaotic?:

I write all over the place. On the train, in bed, on the couch, at work (only at lunch time if you’re reading this, boss). Definitely not ordered, but most of the action goes on inside my head so the exterior world isn’t that important.

When you’re not writing, who/what do you like to read?:

Every and all books. I particularly like things with confusing endings, interesting language and puzzles that need figuring out.

What was the defining book(s) of your childhood/schooling?:

The book I read the most times was ‘Alive: the story of the Andes survivors’, by Piers Paul Read. It’s about the planeload of Rugby players who crashed in the Andes and had to eat one another. I was obsessed with it. Tragedy. Good looking young men. Difficult decisions. Heroism. Latin America.

If you were a literary character, who would you be?:

I think Misha the penguin in Andrey Kurkov’s ‘Death and the Penguin’. He’s lost and confused and people think he can solve their problems. He doesn’t know why he’s where he is, and he’s pretty sure he belongs somewhere different.

Apart from books, what do you do in your spare time (surprise us!)?:

I play the clarinet quite badly.

Crystal ball time – what is the biggest challenge for the future of books and reading?:

People have thought the same way about books for a very long time, and most of them don’t think books have much to offer. Authors and publishers can be scared of doing anything too different, but maybe books need the kind of ‘step change’ TV had with The Sopranos. I don’t know what it is, but if we play it safe we won’t find it.

Blog:  janebryonyrawson.wordpress.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/frippet

Posted on November 18, 2014Author Jon PageCategories Book NewsTags A Wrong Turn at the Office of Unmade Lists, Jane Rawson, Most Underrated Book Award, MUBA

Player Profile: Trish Morey, author of Stone Castles

Trish Morey, author of Stone Castles

Tell us about your latest creation:

Stone Castles is a contemporary romance that spans New York City to South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula. My heroine, Pip Martin, returns home from her high powered job in NYC to say goodbye to her dying Gran in a small town on they Yorke Peninsula, but find that all the things she was trying to escape some fifteen years ago are still there – Luke, the former lover, the sense of betrayal, and the heartache of knowing she’d been denied the truth.
But when the truth is found, is it any more palatable than before? And does it make leaving again any easier? Especially when there’s still that thing simmering between her and Luke…

Where are you from / where do you call home?:

South Australia has always been my home, although I’ve worked in Canberra, Wellington NZ, and lived in the UK a while too. I’m back settled with my family in the Adelaide Hills now, though, and I love it. It’s a place that feeds your soul.

When you were a kid, what did you want to become? An author?:

Funny thing – I always fancied I could write – but people didn’t become writers. They had to have proper jobs. And so I got a proper job and became a chartered accountant and that was good too. I loved what I did. It was only after the birth of our second child that gave me the chance to step back from my career and actively pursue a career in publishing. I’m not sorry at all for the diversion. I think a writer’s eye can benefit with living a little life along the way. Nothing is wasted.

What do you consider to be your best work? Why?:

This book. Stone Castles. Because it’s a book of my heart, a book that touches on my family and my history in a way no other book has or could have. It’s a book I dedicated to my father, who passed away in January this year, and so it’s a book with a huge emotional investment for me, and yet with such heart and soul and laughter, that I just love it. From the reviews I’ve seen so far, the readers do too!

Describe your writing environment to us – your writing room, desk, etc.; is it ordered or chaotic?:

It’s a disaster! Apart from the usual mess of papers, research and books, we ordered lighting for several rooms a few months back, before he electrician and builder disappeared from sight, so I have boxes piled up. But they’re behind me. In front of me is my computer screen and my character photos for my current story, so at a glance, I’m seeing them. And if I don’t look behind me, I can’t see the mess, so I’m happy. (I’d be happier if the electrician actually called and said he was ready to put those lights in…)

When you’re not writing, who/what do you like to read?:

I love anything written with with and fun. Give me Kelly Hunter’s contemporaries, or Anne Gracie’s historicals or Carol Marinelli’s dark Russians. Yum!

What was the defining book(s) of your childhood/schooling?:

I loved Little Women. It was the first book, apart from The Bible, I received as a gift at Christmas, and I adored it. I connected with the characters, even though it was an historical. I think it was a book that early on, taught me the power of the written word to connect with the reader, even though then I was too busy just lapping it up.

If you were a literary character, who would you be?:

Mrs Bennett from Pride and Prejudice. Although to be fair, we only have four daughters, all of marriageable age. It’s still a worry. Can you help, please?

Apart from books, what do you do in your spare time (surprise us!)?:

We’re currently in the process of updating our kitchen and laundry (we found another builder :)) and spare time is taken up with choosing tiles and taps. It’s a major distraction but after promising ourselves this for seventeen years, we’re so keen to get on with it now. It’s so much fun putting choices together and seeing what pops. Can’t wait to see the finished product!

What is your favourite food and favourite drink?:

Eggplant or aubergine is a big favourite of mine right now – it’s in season and it’s fabulous in ratatouille or in fritters or barbecued to smokey brilliance and whipped into a dip. So versatile. And as for drinks, I can never go past anything sparkling – from sparkling water to sparkling wine – I do love my bubbles!

Who is your hero? Why?:

My darling Dad, a jack of all trades and a master of them all and part of the inspiration for Stone Castles. Forever a hero.

Crystal ball time – what is the biggest challenge for the future of books and reading?:

For authors to keep writing the books readers want to buy. If they do that, the success of book publishing in the future, in whatever format, is guaranteed. My money says there will always be good books and the readers out there just waiting to lap them up.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/trish.morey

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MoreyTrish

Posted on November 18, 2014November 17, 2014Author Boomerang BooksCategories Player ProfilesTags stone castles, trish morey

What I’m reading this Christmas: Jane Pearson, Text Publishing

Thanks for talking to Boomerang Books, Jane Pearson. You’re a senior editor at Text and you’re going to share your Christmas picks with us. But first let’s find out about you and some books you’ve been working on.

Text Publishing (based in Melbourne) is known for its adult list, as well as its YA/children’s books. Which do you work on?

I work right across the Text list: on YA and adult fiction and non-fiction. I love having that range. It keeps me on my toes.

You’re a senior editor. What does a senior editor do?

I work with writers from the initial acquisition (in many but not all cases) right through the editorial process to arranging printing and delivery of the stock. Along the way there’s blurb writing, and working with the designer on the cover and with the publicity and marketing team who will get those copies out into the world. And did I mention reading? There’s lots of reading—I’m always in search of the next great author.

How did you get this job?

I’ve been at Text for seven years. I applied for an advertised position—I must have been lucky, or perhaps it was the shoes!

I suspect you love all the books you work on, but could you tell us about some that you are particularly proud of.

It’s hard to narrow it down but here goes. There’s the winner of the 2013 Text Prize, Diana Sweeney’s The Minnow, a gorgeous tale of a girl who has lost all her family in a flood and is putting her life back together in a very quirky and magical way. This book will always be among my favourites. And there’s the amazingly huge (it’s the size of a newspaper) A–Z of Convicts in Van Diemen’s Land by Simon Barnard. It took him about twelve years to research and illustrate the most fascinating details of this gruesome part of Tasmania’s history, and it includes stacks of stuff that’s never been published before. The highlight of my year was working with Helen Garner on her latest book This House of Grief. It’s the saddest most harrowing story, and it’s told with such raw honesty and respect. And I just have to squeeze in one more: In the Memorial Room by Janet Frame, which she held back for posthumous publication because of all the people she knew it would offend. It’s brilliant Janet Frame and most deliciously scathing, and when the Frame estate decided it was time for publication, it landed on my desk. How lucky was that!

The Text Classics have brought exceptional out-of-print Australian and NZ books back into circulation. Do you have anything to do with these? If so, which? If not, which have you enjoyed reading?

I work on the Young Adult classics. It’s been great rereading some of the books I loved as a kid, like Ash Road by Ivan Southall, and discovering wonderful new old authors, like James Aldridge who wrote The True Story of Spit MacPhee. Choosing which books to include is just one stage in the process—there is often some curly detective work in tracking down the rights holder for books long out of print, and the search for an introducer. Chong Weng Ho’s covers for the YA Classics are inspired by illustrations used for the original covers or interiors. The True Story of Spit MacPhee is my favourite at the moment. Ask me next week and it may well be something else: Joan Phipson’s The Watcher in the Garden or Nadia Wheatley’s The House that Was Eureka.

What is different/special about Text?

For me it’s the people I work with. We’re a small company—we work hard, and we laugh and cry (and drink) together. And the view from the office balcony is spectacular.

What are some awards Text has won that have particular significance for you?

Alyssa Brugman’s novel Alex as Well won the WA Premier’s YA Book of the Year this year. It’s a confronting transgender story about sexual identity and acceptance, with one of the most stop-you-in-your-tracks opening chapters I’ve ever read. It’s not one for the faint hearted, but it’s real and gutsy and super clever. Alex as Well is Alyssa’s first book with Text and her first book to win an award. So I’m extra proud of that.

What do you see as the way forward in the book industry?

Change is part of life and it’s certainly part of the book industry. But I think there’s a constant that will remain at the heart of the industry whatever twists and turns lie ahead, and that is that good books matter. We’ll always want to read good stories, whether they’re fiction or non-fiction, digital or print, literary works of art or trashy guilty pleasures.

And what are your must-reads over Christmas?

My picks for Christmas reading are Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend. This is the first of four novels about the friendship between two women in 20^th Century Naples. I guarantee you won’t be able to stop at one. Mary Costello’s Academy Street—I’ve been recommending this one to everyone since I read it earlier this year. It’s one to read slowly and savour—Mary Costello writes perfect sentences. And Well May We Say… The Speeches that Made Australia, edited by Sally Warhaft. I’ve been dipping in and out of this one since the advance copies arrived in the office and can’t wait to spend a few uninterrupted hours getting lost in it.

Thanks very much for speaking with us, Jane.

Posted on November 17, 2014November 17, 2014Author Joy LawnCategories Author Interviews, Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, Book Reviews - Fiction, Book Reviews - Non-Fiction, Joy LawnTags A-Z of Convicts in Van Diemen's Land, Academy Street, Alex as Well, Ash Road, Chong Weng Ho, editor, helen garner, In the Memorial Room, Jane Pearson, janet frame, Mary Costello, My Brilliant Friend, Text Classics, Text Publishing, The House that was Eureka, The Minnow, The True Story of Spit MacPhee, The Watcher in the Garden, This House of Grief, Well May We Say2 Comments on What I’m reading this Christmas: Jane Pearson, Text Publishing

HarperCollins Trials Print and E-Book Bundling with Boomerang Books

Boomerang Books, in partnership with Harper Collins Australia and Kobo, are trialling the bundling together of print books and ebooks.

From today until the end of January Boomerang Books customers will have the opportunity to buy a selection of bestselling Harper Collins titles that will include a copy of the ebook.

The bundled books contain an unique code that can be used to download the ebook from Kobo.

Bundling is a great idea when it comes to books. Unlike music and DVD, it is next to impossible to digitize a print book. Given some of the limitations that surround eBooks giving readers the opportunity to buy both formats together adds to readers’ convenience and gives them a handy backup for their digital library.The bundling of print books and ebooks opens a lot of doors currently closed by ebooks. People can easily gift a bundled book without fear of what device (if any) someone reads on. The rise of ebooks has eroded to some extent the art of sharing a book with friends and loved ones, bundling print books and ebooks overcomes this and reaffirms the physical book as the premier book format. An ebook reader can also have a physical copy to get signed by the author or to put on their shelf and a print book reader has a digital copy easily accessible from a computer, tablet, smartphone or ereader.

The books part of the bundling trial are:

Cleanskin Cowgirls by Rachael Treasure
Ghost House by Alexandra Adornetti
Kerry Stokes: The Boy from Nowhere by Andrew Rule
Last Woman Hanged by Caroline Overington
The Menzies Era by John Howard

The books are available now here…

Posted on November 17, 2014November 17, 2014Author Boomerang BooksCategories Book NewsTags Books, bundling, Ebooks, Harper Collins, Kobo

Rounding up the Reindeers – Frivolous Fun Reads

Okay, so the countdown is on: Chrissy pudding curing away; Christmas turkey ordered; extra chairs stacked ready for those visiting hoards. Santa’s list might even already be on its way to the North Pole but you realise you have a few more stockings to stuff. Here are a bunch of playful festive reads that may be a little low on literary beef but will deck your halls with seasonal joy and verve. They are guaranteed to keep anyone up to six years-old thoroughly amused for at least as long as it takes to roast your Christmas turkey. And the best part? You can sing-a-long to just about every one of them!

Except this one,…One Night by Penny Matthews and Stephen Michael King is perhaps the least frivolous of the bunch being a heart-warming retelling about the legend of talking animals who magically relive the night Jesus was born every Christmas Eve at midnight. The conversational narrative paired with Stephen Michael King’s divine watercolour illustrations is so dreamlike, you’ll want to wish upon a star and listen out for the animals at midnight too.

Omnibus Books October 2014

Forget about ten green bottles – Santa’s Busy Reindeer means red, as in Rudolph’s nose, is the new green. Ed Allen teams up with Sydney illustrator, Nathaniel Eckstrom as ten of Santa’s reindeer scramble madly to get a sleigh load of pressies delivered on time. Trouble is, they are too easily distracted for their own good. A jolly read-aloud counting book that embraces the sillier bits of the silly season.

Scholastic Australia October 2014

Keep an eye on your Christmas tree and everything under it because that bloke’s back and his Christmas appetite is bigger than a five year-old’s wish list to Santa.

There was an Old Bloke Who Swallowed a Present is bigger, brighter and even more ludicrous than previous Old Bloke and Old Lady books by P. Crumble and Louis Shea. Brimming with batty brilliance, this is visual gravy for your festive fare. It left me wondering though, how much that Old Bloke looks like someone I know. Possibly one of the best titles I’ve read in this series.

Scholastic Australia October 2014
Take it down a gear or two with The Twelve Days of Christmas. Alison Jay’s distinctive fine art work gives this well-known song an almost vintage feel. The sumptuous illustrations are visually stimulating yet instil a genteel tranquillity in contrast to the frenetic rising tempo of the song, suggesting that you can have too much of a good thing. Merry makers be warned!

Koala Books October 2014

For little girls who want a bit more of a bedtime story to fall into dreams with, try Amelie and Nanette: Snowflakes and Fairy Wishes by Sophie Tilley. It’s all things soft and sugary just like the tops of the girls’ fairy cakes and just as sickly sweet in parts but then Christmas is the time to allow a bit of self-indulgence. Shimmering tinsel stars, enduring friendships and fairy wings are de rigueur for these two this Christmas.

Bloomsbury Children’s Books October 2014

Need something for the mini male monster masters in your life then whack Yikes, Santa Claws! by Pamela Butchart and Sam Lloyd on your list. It has dinosaurs, Santa, the word ‘poo’ in it and a nice lilting rhythm. Winner!

Bloomsbury Publishing November 2014

Let your slightly older readers snuggle up with these early reader chapter books as you digest the last of the fruit mince pies. Fans and followers of Ella and Olivia will be in raptures with their Christmas instalment of Christmas Wonderland, while EJ 10 recruits can join Emma Jacks as she discovers why Christmas can be full of surprises in Hide and Peek.

Scholastic October 2014

Glen Singleton’s illustrations just scream Australiana for me, which may explain why I tried to scream this picture book aloud to my family with such unbridled enthusiasm. Perhaps I should have relied more on the bonus CD thoughtfully included. Happy to report my rendition of this popular Chrissy carol did nothing to diminish their enjoyment of Colin Buchanan’s (along with Greg Champion) and Glen Singleton’s Deck the Shed with Bits of Wattle.

Syd Echidna is in the throes of sprucing up his shed for Christmas when a wretched willy-willy ‘undecorates’ all his hard work. Exasperated beyond exhaustion, Syd slips into a deep sleep while a troop of his best mates set to work on a bonza Christmas surprise for him.

Leg thumping, sing-along jocularity that will be getting lots of airplay around these parts this season. Because who doesn’t love a bit of song and dance at Christmas time? Make sure your kids are part of the fun.

Scholastic Australia October 2014

These aren’t even the tip of the iceberg, more a small bump somewhere near the top a North Pole-sized mountain of cool Chrissy reads available this season. Be sure to look around our other posts for more great kids’ titles.

If you’re looking for gifts with less focus on Christmas flavour but equal heart and soul, keep an eye out for my next post: Dim’s Top 25 Cracking Christmas Reads for Kids.

Posted on November 17, 2014Author Dimity PowellCategories Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, Dimity Powell, Joy Lawn, New Book ReleasesTags Bloomsbury books, children's picture books, Christmas, Colin Buchanan, Glen Singleton, Koala Books, reindeer, Scholastic Australia, Stephen Michael King, The Twelve Days of Christmas

Kim Fleming Draws on Her Experience as Illustrator of ‘Mummy, You’re Special To Me’

Kim Fleming knows how to tell a great story. She tells stories through pictures. Kim’s art creates a sense of affection, warmth and joy. Born in Canada, this now Melbournite has found her calling in illustrating children’s books. She has previously illustrated such picture books as the gorgeous True Blue Santa written by Anne Mangan, Cherish Your Skin by Amy and Jenifer Kuykendall, and Surprise! by Karen Andrews.

Her latest creation is the absolutely lovely Mummy, You’re Special To Me (Scholastic Australia) written by Laine Mitchell. Although released early this year for Mother’s Day, this book is on my gift list for Christmas.

Throughout the book, we meet a range of animal babies who give a sweet example of their extraordinary mummy. And each rhyming verse ends with the same ode, ”Mummy, you’re special to me.”

”My mummy is kind. She makes hurts alright.
My mummy is brave. She’s as strong as a knight!
Mummy, you’re special to me.”

As we follow the little giraffe on its’ journey around the world, we encounter varied species of super-mums who are patient, entertaining, playful, artistic, smart, teachers, jokers and nurturers.
Kim Fleming so lovingly captures all the care and adoration between mother and child. From soft watercolour tones to gentle brush strokes, dabs and flicks, to the cutest of animal drawings, Kim’s illustrations are just magical.

I’ve had the pleasure to be able to find out her perspective on being an illustrator; the talented artist behind Mummy, You’re Special To Me – Kim Fleming.

You have illustrated many texts from picture books to chapter books, as well as educational resources. What do you love about illustrating children’s books? Which book type do you find the most rewarding, and why?
The majority of the books I have illustrated are picture books, which I definitely find the most rewarding as an illustrator. Whereas in chapter books or educational books the illustrations are adding to the story, in picture books the illustrations ARE the story. Building a visual narrative which augments the text, or subverts the text, or adds in a sub story not even mentioned in the text is incredibly fun and exciting to conceptualise. I love it when I can really sink my teeth into a project.

Your illustrations are simply beautiful. Do you have a specific style or subjects that you prefer? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
First of all, thank you so much! I’d have to say that I most enjoy illustrating animals and themes stemming from nature and our surrounds. I also really enjoy travel in my own life so illustrations of different cultures where I need to do some “research” into different environments is always stimulating. Inspiration comes from all over – my collection of ephemera from travels and magazine flipping, a particular collage paper, an interesting billboard, a unique window display, and of course fellow artists and illustrators. Pinterest is dangerous!

What is your favourite medium to use?
Definitely watercolours. I also add into that coloured pencils, collage, sometimes acrylics, and occasionally hand-carved stamps as well!

Who is your favourite artist/s?
I find it very difficult to come to a decision on my ‘all-time favourite’ artist, so instead I talk about my CURRENT favourite artists, because they are always changing:
I love Pamela Zagarenski’s beautiful textures and evocative compositions.
I find Catherine Rayner’s fabulous characters and style are so charming.
Fabulous surface designer (and friend) Rebecca Jones has a wonderful style and sense of colour, and her characters are so sweet.

What was your favourite part of ‘Mummy, You’re Special to Me’ to illustrate?
The editors came to me with the idea of having a different animal mother and child for each page, so I think the best part was coming up with all of the different animals to illustrate each verse. The octopus mother enacting a stage play with puppets on each tentacle was a particular favourite. I also really enjoyed coming up with all the cheeky actions for the giraffe in the background.

What was the hardest part?
This will sound trite, but there really was no hard part. Normally a book will have SOME challenge in creation, but this one truthfully flowed from start to finish and was a real joy to work on. I wish every book was like this one!

Which animal is your favourite to draw? Why?
Funnily, I do love a giraffe. The giraffe has been a mascot of mine for many years, he appears on my business card and website and always has. So the fact that Mummy You’re Special To Me’s main character was a giraffe was perfect. I think they are just such funny animals. Natural selection is a curious thing!

What was the highlight for you in 2014?
The release of Mummy You’re Special To Me was definitely a highlight. I have also been getting back into animation for the first time in years, animating a children’s app which has been loads of fun!

Are there any special milestones or events that you are looking forward to in 2015?
The announcement that Mummy You’re Special To Me will be released as a board book version in English and French by Scholastic Canada next year is such a joy for me, because I was born in Canada and speak French! I’m also working on another book for Scholastic Australia at the moment, and I’m looking forward to the launch of the app I mentioned, with hopefully another app in the pipeline.

That’s great! I look forward to seeing more from you! Thank you for your time, Kim! I really appreciate you talking with Boomerang Books!
Thanks so much to you Romi and to Boomerang Books!

Have a look at Kim’s stunning website at:
http://www.kimflemingillustration.com
Follow Kim Fleming at:
https://www.facebook.com/KimFlemingIllustration
twitter: @lilkimfleming

Interview by Romi Sharp
http://www.romisharp.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/mylittlestorycorner
twitter: @mylilstorycrner

Posted on November 17, 2014November 19, 2014Author Romi SharpCategories Author Interviews, Book News, Book Reviews - Childrens and Young AdultTags Cherish Your Skin, Christmas, illustrator, Kim Fleming, Laine Mitchell, Mother's Day, Mummy, Picture Books, Romi Sharp, Scholastic Australia, Surprise!, You're Special To Me

Christmas (Back Catalogue Of) Book Ideas

It’s that time of year when we turn our thoughts to what the heck we are going to source for our loved ones without having to set foot in a physical, upselling store amid millions of similarly harried customers who may or may not have experienced or dished out some carpark rage on their way in.

The problem is that I’ve read few books of my choice this year, and I’m acutely feeling the results of that as I now wrack my brain for book gift ideas. (I only ever give books as presents and my friends and family have come to expect this. As a writer, I’m the one who’s most supposed to be across new releases and quirky finds. Rightly or wrongly, they’re happy to leave the reading recommendations and book buying to me.)

It’s not that I haven’t wanted to read. I have mini mountains of books waiting to be read not so ferreted away in my tiny, one-bedroom apartment. And it’s not that I haven’t been reading. But I’m midway through my PhD (something I rarely talk about because the mere mention of it makes me sound like a pretentious prat) and the workload and the wading through unnecessarily dense journal articles has left me little brain space and even less time for reading for pleasure.

So instead, this year’s gift collection is increasingly looking like a Christmas back catalogue of books I’ve liked and would heartily endorse. Even this is not an exhaustive list (see aforementioned note re: lack of requisite brainspace). What’s clear is that with the exception of a left-of-field reading bomb to give my brain a break (think Twilight and Vampire Academy), my reading and gift-giving preferences skew strongly to the end-of-the-world-meets-saving-the-world creative non-fiction.

I’ve blogged about most (if not all) of the books here before, so if you’re super keen you’re welcome to seek those blogs out and get a more detailed perspective. But the books are also listed because they’re one that haunt me, even through a study-induced brain fog. That’s surely a sign of a good book, right?

Suffice to say, if you’re looking for some Christmas present ideas I’d urge you towards any and/or all of the below. And if you have any suggestions for books I should be both gifting now and adding to my pile of books to be read once uni’s over (a pile that I can’t feasibly ever imagine myself getting through, but that’s an altogether different issue), feel free to mention them in the comments field below.

So, in no particular order and knowing I’ve forgotten more than a few, I suggest*:

The Secret History

Vampire Academy and the spin-off series Bloodlines

Race of a Lifetime (especially worth reading as a retrospective in Obama’s final term)

Zeitoun

Silent Spring

Animal Liberation

Eating Animals

Keeping Hope Alive

Them

The Psychopath Test

The Elephant Whisperer

Babylon’s Ark

The Last Rhinos

The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary

Emergency Sex & Other Desperate Measures

The Boy in the Moon

The People Smuggler

The Hospital by the River

I Am Malala

I Shall Not Hate.

Books I would most likely recommend had I had the time to read them would include:

Yes Please (which it seems like everyone is reading right now. If you’ve read it, I’d love to hear your verdict)

Grave Mercy (it’s about young-adult book a girl who runs away from an arranged marriage to a convent where she becomes an assassin. Or something. It had me at the tagline: Why be the sheep when you can be the wolf?).

*As a side note, I also think most of those books would be appropriate reading for the politicians and media and more descending on Australia for the G20.

Posted on November 15, 2014November 17, 2014Author Fiona CrawfordCategories Book Reviews - Fiction, Book Reviews - Non-Fiction, Fiona CrawfordTags Christmas, gifts

Gary Crew chats about The Cuckoo

Multi-award winning author Gary Crew delivers a dark, but compelling Australian fairy tale in his latest illustrated book, The Cuckoo (Ford Street Publishing). The story follows the journey of Martin, a boy on the cusp of becoming a teenager, living in the Blue Mountains. Deserted by his mother, bullied by his brothers and neglected by his father, he seeks solace in the bush. The story is a warning against arrogance and is cleverly complemented by the intricate and surreal drawings of Naomi Turvey.

Gary Crew joins me to talk about The Cuckoo and his other recent works.

JF: Gary Crew, congratulations on the The Cuckoo. The book is ultimately a tale of forgiveness and hope, but there is a great deal of cruelty in the story. Can you explain the background to the book?

GC: Having taught Murray Bale’s novel ‘Eucalyptus’ at university, I was interested in writing an Australian Fairy Tale that would appeal to boys. The extract from Perrault’s ‘Hop o’ my Thumb’ which introduces The Cuckoo proved the perfect starting point for a Fairy Tale based on sibling rivalry and sacrifice.

The Cuckoo is an illustrated book, aimed at middle school readers. What does an illustrated book offer children heading into the teenage years?

GC: Visual literacy is a vital element associated with negotiating the modern world, irrespective of the reader’s age, so that’s one reason; secondly, the image allows the basic print narrative to be extended into a multiplicity of personal interpretations and readings according to the reader’s unlimited imagination.

JF: Would you classify The Cuckoo as a Post Modern picture book?

GC: Yes, I think I would because it is a bit ‘off the wall’.

JF: There is a heavy focus on nature in your illustrated books – Finding Home, In the Beech Forest and The Cuckoo. Do you think your own environment – the Sunshine Coast hinterland, has played a part in that?

GC: For the last 20 years, I have lived on property in the beautiful Blackall Ranges which form the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. My tiny cottage is on top of a mountain; my view is sky and forest. I can’t help but be overawed by nature’s wonders.

JF: You are Associate Professor, Creative Writing at the University of the Sunshine Coast. How does your teaching background affect the way you write?

GC: This is a great question: the guaranteed income from my university teaching allows me the freedom to innovate and experiment with my writing and publications. I can ‘push the envelope’ and affect genres. I love trying new ideas in both print and illustrative forms.

JF: Do you feel the need to educate when you write as a result of your profession?

GC: No, I don’t feel the need to educate (I don’t really like the word: it means ‘to lead…’ I’m not keen on leading!), but I do like to share my enthusiasm for the uplift that writing creatively can give.

JF: After writing many books for young adults, you wrote two books for adults – The Children’s Writer and The Architecture of Song. Did this change you as a writer?

GC: As I read mostly adult literary works, the time had come for me to ‘have a go’ at writing for an older audience myself. I found a great sense of freedom in doing that.

JF: You have returned to illustrated books. What appeals to you about this genre?

GC: I read the world visually and I love the collaboration with illustrators that the genre allows me.

JF: What’s next for you – more illustrated stories, or something different?

GC: I have contracts for an historical YA novel, ‘Voicing the Dead’ with Ford St and an illustrated book with a seriously innovative ‘steam punk’ artist (Paul O’Sullivan) for ‘The Visions of Ichabod X’ (Harbour publishing). Both are for publication in 2015.

JF: Thanks for visiting, Gary and good luck with The Cuckoo.

Julie Fison writes for children and young adults. Her books include the Hazard River adventure series for young readers, Choose Your Own Ever After, a pick-a-path series that lets the reader decide how the story goes, and Counterfeit Love for young adults.

Posted on November 15, 2014November 15, 2014Author Julie FisonCategories Author Interviews, Book NewsTags Finding Home, Gary Crew, illustrated book, In the Beech Forest, Naomi Turvey, post modern picture book, The Architecture of Song, The Children's Writer, The Cuckoo

Clivosaurus: The Politics of Clive Palmer

Who is Clive Palmer, and what does his ascent say about Australia’s creaking political system?

In Clivosaurus, Guy Rundle observes Palmer close up, examining his rise to prominence, his beliefs, his deals and his politics – not to mention his poetry. Rundle shows that neither the government nor the media have been able to take Palmer’s measure. Convinced they face a self-interested clown, they have failed to recognise both his tactical flexibility and the consistency of his centre-right politics.
This is a story about the Gold Coast, money in politics, Canberra’s detached political caste and the meaning of Palmer’s motley crew. Above all, it is a brilliantly entertaining portrait of “the man at the centre of a perfect storm for Australian democracy, a captain steering his vessel artfully in the whirlpool.”

“In the first half of the year we saw Tony Abbott treated with deference to his values and beliefs, as his chaotic and lying government slid from one side of the ring to the other, while Clive Palmer, ploughing a steady course on a range of key issues, was treated as the inconstant one. No wonder no one could tell what he was going to do next – they weren’t even bothering to look at where he had come from.”

– Guy Rundle, Clivosaurus

Buy the book here…

Posted on November 14, 2014November 14, 2014Author Boomerang BooksCategories Book NewsTags Clive Palmer, Quarterly Essay

Christmas wish list

Christmas holidays are all about catching up with friends and family, and catching up on all the books that I haven’t had a chance to read during the year. I’m not a fan of reading on the beach – too sunny, too many kids to watch, too many friends to chat with. But once I settle into a shady spot with a good book, I can get lost for hours. Maybe a little too lost.

Last summer, on the hottest day of the year, I was immersed in Tim Winton’s Eyrie, under a shady ghost gum, when I noticed something moving out of the corner of my eye. A snake had made its way onto the arm of my sun lounger and was staring at me, flicking its tongue, inquisitively. I was so absorbed in Eyrie that I hadn’t even noticed, until the snake was centimetres from my face. I hurled myself off the chair and the snake took off in the other direction. A nasty interruption to my relaxing afternoon.

Once again this year my Christmas wish list will be filled with books, but I might just glance around now and then, when I’m reading, no matter how engaging the story is.

Here’s what’s on my wish list:

The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan

I can’t wait to get into this Man Booker Prize winning novel, which my fellow blogger, Jon Page, recently reviewed.

“Richard Flanagan has written a tragic love story, a deconstruction of heroism and mateship, and captured a side of humanity I’ve never read before. Wars, according to our history books, have beginnings and ends but for those who take part in wars, who are swept up in its maelstrom, there is no beginning or end. There is only life. And the damage war causes must be endured by those lucky or unlucky enough to survive it.”

The Writing Life by David Malouf

David Malouf examines the work of writers who have challenged, inspired and entertained us for generations – from Christina Stead, Les Murray and Patrick White to Proust, Shakespeare and Charlotte Bronte. He also looks at his own work and the life of the writer, where the danger is spending too much time talking about writing and not enough doing it.

The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher by Hilary Mantel

I am a huge fan of Hilary Mantel – the double Man Booker Prize-winning author of Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies. Her portraits of Thomas Cromwell’s England are epic historical tales, so I’m intrigued to delve into this collection of short stories, which promise to summon the horrors so often concealed behind everyday facades.

The Wife Drought by Annabel Crabb

Ubiquitous journalist, Annabel Crabb takes a new angle on the work-family balance debate, by bringing working men into the picture. She asks why we have become fixated on the barriers that women face progressing in the workplace, and forgotten about the barriers that still block the exits for men? The Wife Drought is peppered with candid anecdotes from Crabb’s own work-family juggling act, is a thoughtful addition to the equality discussion and a call for a ceasefire in the gender wars.

I’d love to hear what’s on your wish list. Happy reading.

Julie

Julie Fison writes for children and young adults. Her books include the Hazard River series for young readers, the Choose Your Own Ever After series that lets the reader decide how the story goes, and Counterfeit Love for young adults.

Posted on November 14, 2014Author Julie FisonCategories Book NewsTags annabel crabb, david malouf, Eyrie, hilary mantel, Julie Fison, richard flanagan, The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher, The NArrow Road to the Deep North, The Wife Drought, The Writing Life, tim winton

The Most Underrated Book Award 2014 Winner

A Wrong Turn at The Office of Unmade Lists by Jane Rawson, published by Transit Lounge, has been recognised as the Most Underrated Book of 2014.

The Most Underrated Book Award (MUBA) is presented annually to the best title released by a small, independent Australian publisher that, for whatever reason, didn’t receive its fair dues when first published.

A judging panel of booksellers and bloggers described A Wrong Turn at the Office of Unmade Lists as ‘refreshing’ and ‘full of dark humour’, and declared that it ‘bravely breaks new ground with its genre-busting nature.’

‘One of the facets of this work that made such a strong impression was that it refused to downplay a story focused in Australia as something small or niche…The characters themselves are memorable, but
ultimately it is that it feels like an Australian story for the world which makes it stand above [the other entries].’

The novel connects the story of teenagers Simon and Sarah, on a quest to see America in 1997, with the experiences of Caddy, living in a humpy on a riverbank in an Australian city in the year 2030.

Jane Rawson, who grew up in Canberra and now lives in Melbourne, is a writer and editor who has worked for Lonely Planet and The Conversation. A Wrong Turn at The Office of Unmade Lists is her first book.

Rawson’s book beat shortlisted titles Gardens of Fire by Robert Kenny (UWA Publishing) and Holy Bible by Vanessa Russell (Sleepers) to take out the award.

Buy the book here…

Posted on November 14, 2014November 14, 2014Author Boomerang BooksCategories Book NewsTags A Wrong Turn at the Office of Unmade Lists, Jane Rawson, The Most Underrated Book Award

Best/Worst Book Dedications

Deeply personal, yet so public and permanently writ, book dedications always intrigue and more often confound me. Sometimes they’re so extraordinarily touching I’m dying to know the backstory. Other times they’re so obtuse I’m frustrated I don’t understand to what they’re referring.

Often one of the last things written before the book goes to print, but one of the first things read, dedications are both incredibly important and equally difficult to get right. Similarly, and for some strange reason I can’t articulate, dedications never, ever stay with me. I couldn’t list a single one.

Obviously, I was for all of the above reasons clicking on HumourTrend’s The 26 Most Touching Book Dedications You’ll Ever Read the moment it came up on my social media feed.

The dedications include the recent or long-term struggles:

For all the amazing women I’ve met, and those I haven’t, who battle with the dark days. [Okaaaaay.]

To all the children who have ever felt different. [Earns instant brownie points with, well, all of us.]

For the girls with messy hair and thirsty hearts. [Sounds adventurous and fun.]

This book is dedicated to the sensitive Americans. May they create a sensitive America. [We need moar people like these, please.]

The dedications include the ones that have clearly become a running joke slash the author composed that dedication years ago and have been waiting for that first book to be published so they could finally pen it:

For my parents, even though they never bought me a robot. [This reminds me of how our mother gave away our set of original-era Star Wars figurines when she was packing up our stuff to move from Singapore to Australia. We bring this up at least annually, often at family gatherings or at Christmas.]

To Grandma, for being my first editor and giving me the best writing advice I’ve ever received: ‘I think you should wait until you’re done with elementary school before worrying about being a failed writer.’ [Classic. Who among us didn’t have this existential angst well before we’d ever gotten our first work published? I think all of us writers wish we had a grandmother like this.]

They include the profound (or wanky—it’s really all in the interpretation):

To those who inspired it and will not read it. [Sounds bitter.]

This is presented as a work of fiction and dedicated to nobody. [Sounds bitterer.]

Dedicated to the strongest person I know: me. [Seriously, this one is horrid. I can’t believe the publisher let it through.]

This book is dedicated to everyone you hate. Sorry, life’s like that sometimes. [Ouch.]

The surprising and often amusing:

This is not for you. [This caught me so off guard, I laughed.]

To my wonderful readers: Sorry about that last cliff-hanger. Well, no, not really. HAHAHAHA. But seriously, I love you guys. [Depending on my mood the day of reading this, I could go either way.]

Any of Lemony Snicket’s dedications. There are too many to type here so I suggest you crack those books’ spines.

JK Rowling’s split-seven-ways dedication.

All of this, of course, leads one to thinking what the heck one would write should one have the opportunity to get a book published themselves. My answer is: I have no idea. The mere thought of it invokes some seriously paralysing writer’s block. But I’d be keen to hear if anyone either knows what they’re write or remembers some noteworthy dedications.

Posted on November 13, 2014Author Fiona CrawfordCategories Book Reviews - Fiction, Book Reviews - Non-Fiction, Fiona CrawfordTags Book Dedications2 Comments on Best/Worst Book Dedications

Gothic Tales for Christmas

Three gothic novels by Australian authors will intrigue primary-school aged (and slightly older) readers who enjoy reading about danger cloaked in mystique and how children can overcome this.

Withering-by-Sea (ABC Books) is written and illustrated by Judith Rossell, whose talent is really taking wings. She has also illustrated picture books, which include Ten Little Circus Mice and Too Tight, Benito and she wrote and illustrated Ruby and Leonard. Withering-by-Sea is the first of the ‘A Stella Montgomery Intrigue’ series – what a fascinating name for a series. Stella lives in the Hotel Majestic at Withering-by-Sea with her formidable aunts. The scene is set for skullduggery when Stella witnesses new guest, Mr Filbert, bury something in the conservatory, the lush garden Stella regards as her Amazon playground. She is thrown into a diabolical situation when she witnesses a burglary and murder.

Another atmospheric gothic tale is Ophelia and the Marvellous Boy by Karen Foxlee (Hot Key Books). Foxlee’s debut was a novel for adults, The Anatomy of Wings. She followed that with The Midnight Dress (one of my 2013 best books for young adults) and now she has triumphed with an original story set in a snowy city’s museum. With a countdown to Christmas Eve, Ophelia’s father is preparing a sword exhibition. The museum where he works is a fantastic maze of exhibits and displays: the exhibition of elephants, the pavilion of wolves, an arcade of mirrors, a room full of telephones, a gallery of teaspoons, a checkerboard floor, paintings of girls in party dresses and, most importantly, The Wintertide Clock. The whole building is like an enormous cabinet of curiosities and this is where Ophelia discovers the Marvellous Boy, whose story intersects with that of the evil Snow Queen. Ophelia must race time and winter to save those she loves from the Snow Queen but she is invested with the power to be the defender of goodness and happiness and hope.

N.J. Gemmell’s sequel to The Kensington Reptilarium for both girls and boys, The Icicle Illuminarium, is also structured loosely around Christmas. The Australian Caddy children, who are living in England, are preparing an extravaganza for the Twelfth Night of Christmas when the story begins. But when their father’s health declines, they set off to find the mother who is presumed dead but may actually be alive. Their quest takes them to the mysterious, moth-eaten Icicle Illuminarium.

See more about this book at http://blog.boomerangbooks.com.au/meet-n-j-gemmell-author-of-the-icicle-illuminarium/2014/10.

These three stories are well written and imaginative, with elements of the macabre, but they ultimately reward hope, love and goodness over evil in true Christmas spirit.

Posted on November 13, 2014November 13, 2014Author Joy LawnCategories Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, Joy LawnTags Children's books, Christmas, gothic, Icicle Illuminarium, Judith Rossell, karen foxlee, N. J. Gemmell, Ophelia and the Marvellous Boy, The Midnight Dress, Withering-by-Sea

Count my Cutest Children’s Books for Christmas

What a wondrous time for the kidlets; so much sparkle, magic, excitement and curiosity in the air. Christmas time is about bringing families together, and what better way to get close to your ‘little’ loved ones than to snuggle up with some adorable books. Here we count through three delightful books that foster a love of reading, rhyming, numbers and of course, the celebration of the festive season.

Cute Book #1: Count my Christmas Kisses by Ruthie May and Tamsin Ainslie.
Another adorable book from the creators of ‘Count My Kisses, Little One’.

”One kiss for baby, under mistletoe. Two kisses for baby, catching falling snow.”

Baby is lucky to be kissed one time more each page, celebrating a joyous Christmas event or tradition, all the way from one up to ten. With pretty singing voices, toasty fires, busily making paper chains and rides on a reindeer. The children enjoy jingling bells and acting in a nativity play, lighting candles and snuggling tight in bed.

Ruthie May has beautifully written a gentle rhyming lullaby to warm the heart and settle little ones to rest after a busy day. Including absolutely gorgeous illustrations to match the words, Tamsin Ainslie’s soft watercolour tones and pencil sketches create movement and fluidity, with lovely detailed textures and patterns for extra warmth.

A counting book full of happiness, love and Christmas cheer, ‘Count my Christmas Kisses’ is perfect for sharing with babies and young children throughout the festive holidays.

HarperCollinsPublishers Australia October 2014.

Cute Book #2: This Little Piggy went Singing by Margaret Wild and Deborah Niland.
With a play on the traditional nursery rhyme about the little piggy who went to market, comes the fun Christmas tale, ‘This Little Piggy Went Singing’. It’s the perfect follow on from ‘This Little Piggy Went Dancing’.

”This little piggy went singing
This little piggy stayed home
This little piggy had noodles
This little piggy had none
And this little piggy went toot, toot, toot all the way home.”

The remainder of the book follows this cute rhyme about the five beloved piggies , incorporating funny, action-packed and tender Christmas moments each time.
Some piggies went shopping, delivering gifts, dining with friends, partying, riding and dancing.
Some piggies stayed home to create festive crafts, knit, play with toys, decorate the tree, read, bake and wrap presents.
Some piggies had delicious food, like meatballs, berries, candy canes, plum pudding, fruit and gingerbread cookies.
Some piggies had none.
And some piggies played on their instruments with a ratta-tat-tat, jingle, click, tra-la-la and ho-ho-ho all the way home.

Margaret Wild so delightfully provides many variations of the song with all the fun, frivolity and excitement of the yuletide, including a universal connection with families celebrating Christmas anywhere in the world. With bold, colourful and oh-so-cute illustrations by Deborah Niland, ‘This Little Piggy went Singing’ is a classic that sure to appeal to the young, and young at heart, for many playful sing-a-long counting games.

Allen & Unwin 2014

Cute Book #3: The Twelve Days of Christmas, illustrated by Karen Erasmus.
If you’re after a traditional festive song in a book with gorgeous, modern Australian illustrations, here you have it!

”On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a partidge in a pear tree.
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me two turtle doves and a partidge in a pear tree.”

Two children explore a nature park in the bright, sunny surrounds, discovering our beautiful wildlife and other kids playing as they progress from day one to twelve. What a ripper finding the four calling birds being laughing kookaburras, the five golden rings being cheese ring snacks and six geese laying in a native wetland scene. It’s bonzer watching eight little girls as maids milking the baby animals and ten school boys playing leap frog. With the final two days full of musical festivities, the crowd have an ace time celebrating a warm, Aussie summer Christmas together.

Karen Erasmus’ soft watercolours, pencil lines and pastel tones perfectly suit the movement and activity of the park scenery, as well as the peace that this traditional song allows us to feel. ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ is a lovely book to share with family members during the holiday season.

Hachette Children’s Books 2013

More great picture book recommendations still to come, perfect for gifts or just because we love children’s books!

www.romisharp.wordpress.com
www.facebook.com/mylittlestorycorner

Posted on November 12, 2014October 6, 2016Author Romi SharpCategories Book News, Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, Book Reviews - Fiction, New Book ReleasesTags Allen&Unwin, Australia, Count my Christmas Kisses, counting, deborah niland, Festive season, Hachette Children's Books, HarperCollinsPublishers, Karen Erasmus, margaret wild, Picture Books, rhyming, ruthie may, Tamsin Ainslie, The Twelve Days of Christmas, This Little Piggy Went Singing2 Comments on Count my Cutest Children’s Books for Christmas

Christmas Countdown – Kids’ reads to keep you calm and collected

If you’re already thinking how to fill the sleigh this Christmas, climb on in and assume the brace position because it’s only 44 more days until Christmas. Yes! As terrifying as that may sound, here are three fantastic new reads to lessen the impact. They are cheerfully Christmassy, are already, or destined to be classics and just perfect to start your countdown to Christmas in earnest with.

I don’t like to risk cavities on store-bought Advent calendars and don’t always have the time to make my own, so when The Nights Before Christmas: 24 Classic Stories to Share magically appeared, I bubbled with festive gratitude.

Twenty-four excerpts, poems, and yuletide stories even carol lyrics are thoughtfully brought together in a magnificently presented hardback anthology. Readers as young as seven will enjoy immersing themselves into this collection of traditional and contemporary tales but the real joy ignites when you spend each night with your child(ren) sharing the magic and anticipation of Christmas together.

Storytellers including Tolstoy, Hans Christian Anderson, the Grimm Brother, Dickens, Oscar Wilde and Louisa May Alcott all contribute to the festive soirées but perhaps my favourite ‘night’ is Number 22, Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus; reaffirming once again that to simply experience magic one need only believe in it.

Lavishly illustrated in glorious full colour by acclaimed UK illustrator, Tony Ross, The Nights Before Christmas is the penultimate Advent Calendar for bibliophiles and true lovers of Christmas. This is one Christmas keepsake you won’t be throwing out with the Christmas crackers. Highly recommended.

Koala Books imprint of Scholastic October 2014

My November Christmas to-do list often involves provisioning the pantry with more festive goodies than anyone can eat and making the Chrissy Pud, which is why Mr Darcy and the Christmas Pudding by Alex Field and Peter Carnavas is included on this countdown list.

The ineffable Mr Darcy adores Christmas and having mastered his former social ineptitude with the help of his friends in the previous picture books, Mr Darcy and Mr Darcy and the Dancing Duck, prepares to involve them in a splendid yuletide celebration. He invites his nearest and dearest over on Stir-up Sunday to help bake the Christmas pudding but is somewhat disconcerted by the unexpected presence of Mr Collins.

Plucky ducky, Lizzy appeals to Mr Darcy’s more charitable side until he finally relents so that everyone, including Mr Collins, enjoys Christmas time, pudding and all.

As with all these titles, Mr Darcy and the Christmas Pudding draws deliciously on Christmas traditions, mode a la Austen and how the expectation of the big event is often sweeter, more satisfying and twice as exciting as the day itself.

Pride and Prejudice fans have another one their collections. Three to six year-olds will be begging to lick the pudding bowl.

New Frontier Publishing November 2014

Another picture book that heralds the beginning of the festive season and is a definite keepsake for Christmases to come is Tea and Sugar Christmas by Jane Jolly and Robert Ingpen.

This is less of a picture book and more of a beguiling glimpse into the yesteryear life of Kathleen, a young resident of a settlement town along the Nullarbor Plain rail link back in the days when the Tea and Sugar Train travelled from Port Augusta to Kalgoorlie once a week.

Jolly’s substantial prose ably transports us into Kathleen’s world past the ‘drooping peppercorn, bent acacias and scraggy salt bush’ as she eagerly awaits the provisions train in a heat so torrid her feet sear ‘like scones on a griddle’. Chocolate could only be brought in winter when it was less likely to melt.

Ingpen’s glorious line pencil drawings belie a world of colour as each page unfolds into a spectacular double panoramic spread emphasising the breathtaking enormity of the outback and the complexity of the Mixed Goods Train No 5205 aka The Tea and Sugar Train itself.

But what is so special about this week’s train, the one that every child on the Plains waits for on the first Thursday of December every year? Take the trip and find out for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.

Tea and Sugar Christmas truly epitomises a child’s anticipation and expectations of Christmas no matter where or how they live. And as with all NLA publications, the fascinating factual inclusions ensure this is one of those special unexpected Christmas surprises you are sure to treasure.

National Library of Australia November 2014

Make room in the sleigh for more after you check out these fantastic gift ideas for kids from the Kids’ Reading Guide 2014. And stayed tuned for more fantastic pre-Chrissy posts guaranteed to keep you and your little ones inspired and excited and above all, well read!

Posted on November 10, 2014Author Dimity PowellCategories Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, Dimity PowellTags Alex Field, Avent Calendars, Christmas Books, Jane Jolly, Mr Darcy and the Christmas Pudding, Mr Darcy the Dancing Duck, National Library of Australia, Peter Carnavas, robert ingpen, Tea and Sugar Christmas, Tea and Sugar Goods Train, The Nights Before Christmas, Tony Ross5 Comments on Christmas Countdown – Kids’ reads to keep you calm and collected

Christmas Collectibles

A plethora of picture books about Christmas are published each year. Some are froth and bubble, as unsatisfying as cheap tinsel. Others are excellent, and should be shared with children and families in the lead-up to Christmas Day or join the collections of avid Christmas book collectors.

Some standouts for 2014 that are already available are One Night by Penny Matthews and Stephen Michael King (Omnibus Books, Scholastic) and The Christmas Rose by Wendy Blaxland and Lucy Hennessy (Walker Books Australia). One Night is an Australian retelling of the birth of Jesus. Stephen Michael King’s illustrations illuminate this miraculous event. The Christmas Rose is a beautiful piece of art and writing which tells the story of a girl who follows the shepherds and the star to the stable to give the Saviour a gift.

A fun Australiana addition to Christmas this year is Colin Buchanan, Greg Champion and Glenn Singleton’s Deck the Shed with Bits of Wattle (Scholastic). It comes with a bonus CD. Effervescent musician and writer, Buchanan, is accumulating a significant body of work for children. Seek him out.

Some older titles for Christmas book collectors and aficionados that are worth a look if you haven’t already come across them are –

Applesauce and the Christmas Miracle by Glenda Millard and Stephen Michael King (who also illustrated One Night), a very Australian story which achieved the distinction of being a CBCA shortlisted book, rare for a ‘seasonal’ book.

The ABC Book of Christmas is distinctive because it features art by Australian illustrators, including Stephen Michael King (the king of Australian Christmas illustration), Ann James, Judith Rossell, Wayne Harris, Greg Rogers and Anna Walker.

Jesus’ Christmas Party by Nicholas Allan, is a very funny account of the birth of Jesus, told from the grumpy innkeeper’s point of view. For those scratching their heads for Christmas play ideas, this book can easily be adapted as a performance or readers’ theatre. The Nativity Play by Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen would also be helpful to read during the festive season. And Mem Fox and Kerry Argent continue the nativity play theme with the Australian contemporary classic, Wombat Divine.

A Christmas Story by eminent UK illustrator, Brian Wildsmith, tells the Christmas story from the point of view of a girl and donkey. Other high-quality picture books told from animals’ perspectives are On This Special Night by Claire Freedman and Simon Mendez; and the original, humorous, The Lion, the Unicorn and Me by esteemed author Jeanette Winterson, illustrated by Rosalind MacCurrach.

British artist, Christian Birmingham has illustrated some sumptuous Christmas books including The Night Before Christmas and A Christmas Carol. P.J. Lynch has also illustrated Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol exquisitely.

A Small Miracle by Peter Collington was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal and is a contemporary Christmas parable.

Newbery medal winner, Kate DiCamillo has crafted a profoundly moving story of a girl who cares for a stranger at Christmas time in Great Joy. It is superbly illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline.

And The Tale of the Three Trees, retold by Angela Elwell Hunt and illustrated by Tim Jonke, beautifully combines the Christmas and Easter stories.

Posted on November 10, 2014Author Joy LawnCategories Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, Joy LawnTags Applesauce and the Christmas miracle, Brian Wildsmith, Christian Birmingham, Christmas, Colin Buchanan, collectibles, Great Joy, jeanette winterson, Jesus' Christmas Party, Kate DiCamillo, Lucy Hennessy, mem fox, One Night, Penny Matthews, Picture Books, Stephen Michael King, The christmas Rose, The Night Before Christmas, The Tale of the Three Trees, Wendy Blaxland, Wombat Divine3 Comments on Christmas Collectibles

Posts navigation

Page 1 Page 2 Next page