Collecting Stories
The princess and the pea
Rachel Isadora – author/illustrator
G. P. Putnam and Sons
2007
The story: This is the stock standard version of the classic fairy tale. The illustrations, made with oil paints, printed paper and palette paper, are vibrant and vivid depictions of African princesses. The story also uses some African words, which are defined at the back of the book.
The highlights: The illustrations show that princesses don’t necessarily look like Disney ones. [Read more…]
I met a friend for coffee today to talk about writing. She told me she has lots of ideas for picture books and wasn’t sure where to start. When I walked home, I thought of all the things I wished I knew when I started to write picture books. So here’s a list for my friend – and for myself five years ago. Today’s blog post focuses on general tips for writing picture books. Part 2 – to follow soon – covers manuscript specifics. [Read more…]
Footy dreaming
Michael Hyde
Ford Street Publishing
2015
The story: Ben Meredith and Noah Davies are fifteen-year-old boys, living and playing footy for opposing teams in a small country town. They both eat, live and breathe footy, and both have the potential to play for an AFL team, should they be selected for the Bushrangers training squad first. [Read more…]
ID:72381259
My kids always receive books for birthdays and for Christmas. And I tend to buy books for my nieces and nephews, as well as other children whose parties my kids are invited to. I figure that if those kids are in a family who love books, the book will be appreciated. And if that particular family is not into books, well it’s my responsibility to provide a quality book for them! [Read more…]
Molly and Pim and the million of stars
Martine Murray
2015
The Text Publishing Company
Children’s fiction
The story: Molly lives with her Mama in a house that is next door to the horrible Grimshaws. Molly’s Mama, who knows all about herbs and potions, decides to plant a quick-growing tree to distract the Grimshaws from the noise of their rooster. But, Molly’s Mama accidentally turns herself into the tree, and it is up to Molly to work out a way to free her Mama. Instead of trusting her best friend Ellen with her terrible secret, Molly turns to Pim, an unusual, one-of-a-kind sort of boy. Molly needs a combination of courage, tears, friendship and potions to make everything turn out for the best. [Read more…]
The eye of the sheep
Sofie Laguna
Allen and Unwin
2014
Winner of the 2015 Miles Franklin award
The story: Jimmy is the narrator – we meet him when he is six and the novel ends when he’s eleven. Jimmy sees the world differently from other kids – he counts sheep to fall asleep, he connects lines to people and he likes to repeat what others have said. His older brother Robby tolerates him with affection (sometimes), his mother understands and loves him and his father is frustrated and angered by him. The build-up of tragedy for Jimmy’s family is heartbreaking.
Stories are important. And your stories are important. I love both reading and writing stories, as well as hearing other people’s stories.
I’ve created this website and blog to share the books I’ve read, the stories I’m writing and ways to encourage ourselves and children to read and write and be as creative as we can.
Stories help us to communicate. Communication is one of the key tools for success both personally and professionally. We need to communicate well in order to stand up at a friend’s 21st or 50th and tell a funny story. We may need to deliver a eulogy – carefully chosen words to convey a sense of a dear someone’s life. A business presentation needs to be perfect in order to win the tender. Saving a marriage may need heart-laden words, with connotations of affection and love.
‘We read to know we’re not alone.’ William Nicholson, Shadowlands
Stories connect us. Let’s have more of them!