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… Continue reading Tips for writing picture books part 1
Footy dreaming
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… Continue reading Footy dreaming
Seven steps for choosing picture books
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… Continue reading Seven steps for choosing picture books
Molly and Pim and the millions of stars
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… Continue reading Molly and Pim and the millions of stars
The eye of the sheep
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… Continue reading The eye of the sheep
The importance of stories
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… Continue reading The importance of stories