Book Review: Dash and Nikki and the Jellybean Game by Anthony C. Delauney

 Dash and Nikki

and the Jellybean Game

by

Anthony C. Delauney

Illustrated by Chiara Civati

 

Publisher: Mascot Books
 

Publication date: 7th December 2021

 

Genre: Children's Picture Book

 

Pages: 38

 

Format read: Hardcover

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Smith Publicity 

 

My review

 

Dash and Nikki are introduced to a new game by their mother. The jellybean game is a game to nurture patience and working together. Each child is given 10 jellybeans and if they don't eat any in 1 hour they will be given an additional 5 jellybeans and so on each hour until dinner time.

 

Nikki couldn't wait out the hour and ate her jellybeans. Dash went out to play so he wouldn't be tempted, after 1 hour he had 5 more jellybeans and 5 more the next hour. Nikki seeing all his beans was very upset. Seeing his sister upset, Dash gave Nikki 10 of his beans so she could also get more beans under the proviso at the end of the day she give him 12 beans back. (A little lesson on borrowing and interest here). The jellybeans mount up as the hours passed and  at the end of the day the children ate half their jellybeans and saved half for later.

 

Dash and Nikki and the Jellybean Game has important themes of saving, patience and helping each other. The children learn that sometimes delayed gratification can lead to greater rewards.

 

The children enjoyed this rhyming picture book and immediately Dot wanted to play the game. She knew Jay didn't like jellybeans so she would easily get them all. Hmmm maybe we will change it to smarties. 

Dot had a few questions at the end of the book one of which was; What if Nikki ate the 10 jellybeans Dash gave her and then couldn't pay him back? (that's a whole other story about debt recovery). 

 

The author doesn't use money as currency in this book and although the idea of saving jellybeans is fun I think that children understand the concept of money from an early age.

 

The bright illustrations will appeal to children and the rhythm of the text flows well when read aloud.

 

My rating 3 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Anthony Delauney is a financial advisor in Raleigh, North Carolina, who has a passion for helping families take control of their financial lives. he is also the founder of Owning the Dash, LLC, an organisation dedicated to helping educate and inspire families as they work to achieve their financial goals.

Dash and Nikki and The jellybean Game is Anthony's first book in the Owning the Dash children's series. With the help of his daughter Abbie, and son, Jason, he wrote the book both to entertain children of all ages and to teach them an important financial lesson that will help guide them in years to come.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Storybook Corner Book Review: Where's My Dinosaur? by Ashling Kwok

 

 

Where's My Dinosaur

by

Ashling Kwok

Illustrated by Jasmine Berry 

 

Publisher: Yellow Brick Books

 

Publication date: 30th September 2021

 

Genre: Children's Picture Book

 

Pages: 32

 

RRP: $26.95AUD

 

Format read: Hardcover

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 

Back cover blurb

 

Daddy told me I'm getting a new playmate.

 

I'm so excited!

I hope it's a puppy. Or even a little chick.

Ooh, it might even be a bunny.

But most of all I hope it's a dinosaur - I love dinosaurs!

 

As mum's tummy gets bigger and bigger, a little girl dreams about what could possibly be growing inside....

 My review

 

Where's My Dinosaur? is a fun story about a misunderstanding. When daddy tells his daughter a new playmate is growing in mummy's tummy she starts to speculate about what that playmate would be. She would love a dinosaur but mummy's tummy is too small.

 

As mummy's tummy grows so does the idea of the new playmate; a chicken, a rabbit, a bear, an elephant. Until mummy's tummy is soooo big she is convinced it is a dinosaur. 

 

When the new baby arrives she is not happy but soon the baby grows and loves dinosaurs just as much as the little girl.

The story ends with mum expecting again and the once baby, now a toddler, is hoping for a dinosaur.

 

We all loved this funny, engaging and heartwarming story. Told through the eyes of a young girl as she awaits the new addition to the family.

The story features a culturally diverse family and the vivid full spread illustrations are imaginative and colourful. I loved how the story ends back at the beginning!

Where's My Dinosaur? would make the perfect gift, not only for young children awaiting the arrival of a sibling but also little dinosaur enthusiasts.

 

My rating 5 / 5   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Ashling Kwok is a children's author from Sydney and loves immersing herself in worlds where anything is possible. Ashling has been dreaming of creating stories for children since she was 14. In the time since, she has become an accomplished journalist, magazine editor and freelance writer. Her previous books include Lola and Grandpa and The Battle. 

 

About the illustrator

 

Jasmine Berry is an illustrator and graphic designer from Perth, Western Australia. Jasmine has over 10 years of experience creating masters and artwork for a leading Australian Educational Publisher.

Where's My Dinosaur? is her debut picture book. 

 

 

Book Review: The Rhythm of the Beach by Russell Irving

 The Rhythm of the Beach

by

Russell Irving

 

Publisher: Russell Irving

Publication date: 2nd August 2021

 

Genre: Children's

 

Pages: 22

 

RRP: $14.99AUD (Paperback - author website)

 

Format read: eBook

 

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

About the book

 

A joyful, poetic exploration of the changing seasons, moods and natural wonders to be discovered at the beach. A celebration of the serenity found when we connect with ourselves through nature.

 

 

My review

 

The Rhythm of the Beach is a contemplative and beautiful picture book that focuses on the changing seasons around an Australian beach.

 

It is spring and plovers lay their eggs. Summer sees plovers hatching dolphins swimming and children splashing. Autumn the crowds are gone, a man walks his dog and surfers ride the waves. Winter the beach is quiet, the occasional visitor rugged up against the cold comes to build sandcastles.

 

Through Japanese zen inspired water colour washes and simple verse Russell Irving builds a connection with nature and the cycle of the seasons in a simple to understand format that will be appreciated by children and adults alike.

 

I found this calming, serene  poem a good way to introduce poetry to children and remind ourselves to slow down, look around and enjoy nature.

The book concludes with a couple of poems inviting the reader to connect with nature as a way to learn about and connect with themselves.

 

Recommended age: 7 - 12 years

 

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Russell Irving has worked for many years as an environmental educator and manager, including with Indigenous ranger groups at the Kimberley and Northern Land Councils in Broome and Darwin respectively. He currently works with the Bandjalang Rangers on the North Coast of New South Wales, one of the most biodiverse regions of Australia.

 

This experience has reinforced his passion for educating people, and children in particular, about the many benefits of building meaningful connections with nature. This is a core theme of his writing and drives his continued production of high-quality, educational children's books. 

 

Visit the author's website where you can purchase the book and download nature themed activities.

https://www.russell-irving.net/ 

 

Challenges entered: Aussie Author Challenge #Aussieauthor21

Storybook Corner Book Review & Giveaway: Afloat in Venice by Tina Wilson

Afloat in Venice

Monkey's Great Adventures

by Tina Wilson

Music by Matt Ottley Knitting by Joan Wilson

 

Publisher: One Tentacle Publishing

 

Publication date: 1st September 2021

 

Series: Monkey's Great Adventures #1

 

Genre: Children's Picture Book

 

Pages: 40

 

RRP: $27.95AUD

 

Format read: Hardcover + CD

 

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

About the book

In Monkey’s first adventure, Afloat in Venice, Monkey wakes to find he has been given a brand new camera. He can’t wait to use it during his holiday in Venice ... but after he is separated from his camera and he becomes lost, he discovers something more precious than sightseeing. This book includes original music composed by the highly acclaimed, Matt Ottley and an additional version specifically narrated for the visually impaired.

 

About the series

Imaginative, nostalgic and quirky, the Monkey’s Great Adventures series, with bespoke hand-knitted toys, is beautifully photographed in locations around the world and captures the innocence of childhood. Monkey, an endearing soft toy, finds himself in all sorts of scrapes where he learns about himself and the world around him. In this first book, Afloat in Venice, Monkey is entranced by a “magical floating city that seems to grow straight out of the sea.” The book includes original music composed by highly acclaimed artist, Matt Ottley, with text narrated by the author. There is an additional version of the music specifically narrated for the visually impaired.

 

My review

 

Monkey is off on a holiday and he is given a camera as a special gift. There are relatable photos of monkey  packing and the items you would take on a trip which opens discussion on holidays and travel. Wilson includes humorous shots that will appeal to children with monkey sitting in a drawer. A photo of monkey with his shorts on his head elicited a few laughs.

He goes on a long plane ride and meets a cat named Clarabella who offers to show him around. A very adventurous day ensues with lots of sightseeing, climbing and a trip on a gondola. Monkey loses his camera and then can't find Clarabella. He wanders around asking all the animals if they have seen her. Sad and lonely he starts to cry. Then Clarabella turns up; She had found his camera. Monkey was so happy to have found a new friend.

 

 Afloat in Venice is a picture book illustrated with photos which gives children the opportunity to perceive a story through realistic images. Tina Wilson uses clever staging and beautiful photography in this sweet story teaching children about the world around them, travel and friendship. The photographs and simple text show the excitement and adventure of travel abroad.

The pictures have a certain charm about them with the warmth of hand-knitted toys and props showing everyday items that children will relate to.

The photographs of the Venice scenery are stunning and make a good talking point for older children about the different way people live and travel around the world.

The accompanying CD has a narration of the story with narrative music which enhances the story telling with changes in tempo and pitch. I really enjoyed this added element to the book.

 

We are looking forward to more of Monkey's adventures.

 

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

Dot's Review

 

I liked that it was knitted characters and you could spot Monkey's friends in the background. I want to learn how to knit the patterns in the back of the book.

 

I thought it was fun, cool and cute.

 

Dot's rating

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the author

Tina Wilson is a freelance artist moving between painting, drawing, curating, writing and illustrating books. Tina founded the Lester Prize (prev. Black Swan Prize for Portraiture) and
was its executive director for ten years.

 

About the composer

Matt Ottley is an internationally acclaimed award winning author, illustrator and composer. He is an Endorsed Yamaha Musician, plays flamenco guitar and piano and composes music for picture books.

Challenges Entered: Australian Women Writers Challenge AWW2021

 

                                   Aussie Author Challenge #Aussieauthor21 

  

GIVEAWAY

 

The author has kindly sent me an extra copy of the book to Giveaway.

Giveaway closes at Midnight on 25th September 2021 (Australia only)

 

This giveaway has now closed and the winner was announced here.

Book Review: Dinosaur Whack, Whizz, Roar & Munch!

 

Dinosaur Whack! The Stegosaurus

by

Jeanne Willis & Peter Curtis

 

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Pages: 24

RRP: $14.99AUD

Publication: 13th July 2021

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

About the book

 

 Meet Dinosaur Whack, the clumsy Stegosaurus, in this brilliant rhyming story, part of The World of Dinosaur Roar! series.

 

After accidentally knocking over Dinosaur Chew and bumping Dinosaur Boo, poor Whack finds herself all alone. But can she find a use for her wayward tail and win back her friends?

Dinosaur Whizz! The Coelophysis

by

Jeanne Willis & Peter Curtis

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Pages: 24

RRP: $14.99AUD

Publication: 13th July 2021

Source: courtesy of the publisher 

About the book

Meet Dinosaur Whizz the Coelphysis, speediest of the dinosaurs.

Whizz is quick-moving & quick-thinking. She loves to run and just can't stand still, much to the annoyance of the dinosaurs. But when the mean Spinosaurus, Dinosaur Snap, tries to catch Whizz, she finds her quick running can be very useful indeed.

Dinosaur Roar! The Tyrannosaurus rex.

by

Jeanne Willis & Peter Curtis

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Pages: 24

RRP: $14.99AUD

Publication: 13th May 2021

Source: My purchase

 

About the book

 

Meet Dinosaur roar, he is the king of the dinosaurs, ferocious and strong but when he can't find his best friend Dinosaur Squeak we see that he is a big softy after all. 

Dinosaur Munch! The Diplodocus

by

Jeanne Willis & Peter Curtis

 

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Pages: 24

RRP: $14.99AUD

Publication: 13th May 2021

Source: My purchase 

 

About the book

 

Meet Dinosaur Munch, the hungry Diplodocus.

Munch always wanted to eat, as soon as he'd eaten he wanted some more. He ate everything and left nothing for the other dinosaurs. In his hungry search eating everything in sight he munch on his own long tail by mistake.

My review

Everyone here at The Burgeoning Bookshelf loves these fun hardcover picture books! They are currently Jay's go-to picture books and he carries them everywhere.

Kids are fascinated by dinosaurs and these fun, colourful bring the dinosaurs to life with their own unique personality. Each book has a subtle life lesson included.

Inspired by the classic picture book, Dinosaur Roar! by Paul Strickland & Henrietta Strickland, this series introduces a cast of fun characters to young children.

Each book contains a pronunciation guide as well as a few simple dinosaur facts at the end of each story.

About the authors

Peter Curtis is a welsh-born author, creator and producer of children's characters, books and television series, with over twenty five years experience in children's media.

 

Jeanne Willis is an internationally renowned, full time writer and has published over a hundred books - ranging from picture books including The Bog Baby and Who's in the Loo?, to YA, poetry and fiction. 

 

You can read my review of Dinosaur Flap & Dinosaur Snap HERE

 

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Luna Finds Love Everywhere by Dr. Shainna Ali

 Luna Finds Love Everywhere

by

Dr. Shainna Ali

illustrated by Catarina Oliveira

A self-love book for kids

Publisher: Ulysses Press

 

Publication date: 17th August 2021

 

Genre: Children's Picture Book

 

Pages: 32

 

RRP: $16.95US (hardcover)

 

Format read: Ebook 

 

Source: Courtesy of Pacific & Court PR 

 About the book

Meet Luna, a little girl who loves playing outside, helping her family, and learning new things. As Luna goes through her regular daily routine, she realizes how much love there is to appreciate around her and within herself too. She learns kindness, sharing, and even what to do when things don’t go her way. With simple prompts and activities scattered throughout the story, children will be able to explore the principles of self-love into their own lives. Kids will have a blast learning along with Luna as they discover the importance of loving each other and oneself!

 

My review

 

Luna Finds Love Everywhere is such a gorgeous, happy book. From it’s glorious cover to the heartwarming prose Dr Shainna Ali has written a book that exudes love, family and kindness.

 

The story is narrated by five year old Luna as she goes through her day from waking in the morning, to the sun shining and birds singing, having breakfast with her family then getting ready to play in the park with her friends. Luna is excited to share her new ball with her friends but they are busy playing with Ryder’s scooter. Luna is upset by this but practises her breathing and calms herself down. She has lots of fun in the park and when it starts to rain Luna doesn’t want to go home. This causes a major melt down when she gets home but with help from her mother Luna works through her feelings and calms down with deep breathing. Luna then looks back on all the love that surrounded her during her day and they think of more things that make them happy.

As the story is narrated Luna asks the reader questions such as “Have you every felt this way’? And “Who helps you to do things you can’t do by yourself”? This brings the children into the story for a more immersive experience prompting them to connect the themes to their own lives.

 

The concept behind the story is to empower children to embrace self-love and see the love that surrounds them everyday. The leading questions are a good opportunity to talk about emotions, kindness, sharing and exploring the love in their everyday life.

The brightly coloured illustrations are sweet and heartwarming. I love that they feature Luna’s family, with her older brother and baby sister, and how they help each other. Luna’s older brother helps her to clean her teeth and Luna teaches her baby sister to crawl.

 

Luna Finds Love Everywhere is sure to be a favourite with it’s brilliantly illustrated pages and an endearing narrator. It is sure to bring love and joy to many families.  

 

Rated by Dot & Ditto  5/5   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Dr. Shainna Ali is a mental health clinician, educator, and advocate who is dedicated to highlighting the important role of mental health in fostering happiness, fulfillment, and overall wellness. She lives with her partner and her son in central Florida, where she owns Integrated Counseling Solutions, a counseling and consulting practice. In her practice, she uses a strengths-based approach that empowers clients on their journey of self-love. Within the field of mental health, her areas of expertise include exploring identity and culture, fostering
emotional intelligence, healing from trauma, and utilizing creative counseling methods. When she isn’t working, she invests in her self-love by practicing yoga, spending time with her loved ones, teaching dance, or exploring the world.

 

 

About the illustrator 

Catarina Oliveira is an illustrator from Portugal, based in Toronto, Canada. She graduated as a graphic de-signer in 2005 and embraced illustration as a full-time freelancer in 2014, specializing in children’s books since then. You can see her work at CatarinaOliveirasSudio.com and on Instagram (@catarinaoliveirastudio

 

 

Giveaway - US & Canada only

This giveaway is now closed and the winner was announced HERE

Storybook Corner Book Review: The Woolly Bear Caterpillar by Julia Donaldson

 

 The Woolly Bear Caterpillar

by

Julia Donaldson

Illustrated by Yuval Zommer

A little caterpillar with big hopes.....

 

 Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

 

 Imprint: Macmillan Children's Books

 

 Publication date: 29th June 2021

 

 Genre: Children's Picture Book

 

 Pages: 32

 

 RRP: & 26.99AUD

 

 Format read: Hardcover

 

 Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 

 

My review

We love everything Julia Donaldson here at The Burgeoning Bookshelf and The Woolly Bear Caterpillar is no exception. It has been read and enjoyed over and over.

 

The Woolly Bear Caterpillar has an ugly duckling vibe as the very plain, and humble, caterpillar searches for her favourite food, dandelion leaves, she happens across other caterpillars much more colourful than her. Each one has a boastful song to sing about how beautiful they are now and  are sure to be even more beautiful when they turn into a moth. The Woolly Bear caterpillar was now feeling sad and wished she could be beautiful and exciting.

Each of the caterpillars find the perfect spot to spin their cocoon. They are all in for a few surprises when they emerge as moths!

 

TWBC is a brilliantly written picture book with stunningly illustrated garden scenes, in double spread, with a myriad of insect life on each page. The story is immersive and has an element of suspense as we wait to see each caterpillar emerge from it's cocoon.

Julia Donaldson uses repetition and alliteration to engage a young audience.

The themes of boasting and pride before a fall give rise to further discussion on the topic and the use of real-life caterpillars, that can be found in the family garden, gives the picture book an educational twist.

 

At the back of the book is an additional soft cover non-fiction mini book filled with photos and facts about caterpillars and moths.

 

Jay's favourite part of the book was when Woolly Bear hatched. He was absolutely amazed by the colours and patterns on the Tiger moth.

Dot's favourite part was the mini non-fiction book at the end.

Both children loved discussing which of the caterpillars we have seen in our garden. We are very much on the look-out for a Tiger moth now!

 

TWBC is the perfect book to add some fun science based learning into your child's day.

 

Ages: 4 - 10 years

 

Rated by Dot and Jay  5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

About the author

 

 Julia Donaldson is the writer of many of the world's best-loved children's books, including The Gruffalo and What the Ladybird Heard adventures. She was the UK Children's Laureate 2011-13 and was awarded a CBE for Services to Literature. Julia and her husband, Malcolm, divide their time between West Sussex and Edinburgh. They love the great outdoors and can often be found walking on the South Downs, identifying plants and minibeasts galore... including caterpillars.

About the illustrator

Yuval Zommer graduated from the Royal College of Art with an MA in Illustration. He worked for many years as a creative director in advertising agencies before turning his hand to writing and illustrating award-winning children's books, focusing on animals and the natural world. Yuval lives and works in an old house in London overlooking a small garden that is visited by foxes, birds, squirrels and many insects, some of which later find their way into his books.

Book Review: Dinosaur Snap and Dinosaur Flap by Jeanne Willis & Peter Curtis

 Dinosaur Snap!

The Spinosaurus

by

Jeanne Willis & Peter Curtis

 

Dinosaur Flap

The Oviraptor

by Jeanne Willis & Peter Curtis

 

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Imprint: Macmillan Children's Books 

Series: The World of Dinosaur Roar

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Publications date: 11th May 2021

Pages: 24

RRP: $14.99AUD

Format read: Board Book

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

About the books

 

Meet Dinosaur Snap, a mean Spinosaurus, and Dinosaur Snap, a nervous Oviraptor, in these brilliant rhyming stories, part of the collectable The World of Dinosaur Roar! series, in association with the Natural History Museum.

My review

Dinosaur Flap and Dinosaur Snap are part of a collection of board books inspired by the classic picture book, Dinosaur Roar.

Each book features one dinosaur highlighting their unique features and personality.

Dinosaur Flap is in a flap. She can’t relax, worried about her eggs being trampled. She scares away Stomp and Bash when they venture near but Honk with her loud honking would make a good guard so Flap asked her to stay and sound an alarm when someone comes near. Now Flap can get some much needed sleep.

Dinosaur Snap is fierce with a big snapping jaw. Whack has his spiky tail to protect him and Whizz is so fast Snap can’t catch him. Snap thinks little Squeak would make a tasty treat but Roar is always there to protect his little friend.

Other dinosaurs in the series pop in and out of each story, sometimes helping and sometimes causing havoc.

Jay loves these books and we have read them over and over. When the next two in the series arrived he let out a squeal of delight. We have since purchased a couple more in the series and have our eye on the next ones we want to buy. Yes, WE! I enjoy these stories too. So much fun!

I like how each dinosaur has a name that relates to their personality. They are like a little community. Jay can name them all and points them out as they appear in each other’s books.

We have always been big fans of Dinosaur Roar and Ten Terrible Dinosaurs and this new collection adds to the delight by naming the dinosaurs and giving them personalities.

The front of each book has the correct pronunciation of the dinosaurs scientific name. Which is very helpful as some are quite a mouthful. The rear of the book points out specific features of that dinosaur.

With bright illustrations and rhyming text these board books are sure to appeal to little dinosaur enthusiasts and their parents.

 

5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the authors

 

Peter Curtis is a welsh-born author, creator and producer of children's characters, books and television series, with over twenty five years experience in children's media.

 

Jeanne Willis is an internationally renowned, full time writer and has published over a hundred books - ranging from picture books including The Bog Baby and Who's in the Loo?, to YA, poetry and fiction. 

 

Book Review: Goal!!! by Lydia Williams

 Goal!!!

by

Lydia Williams

 Illustrated by Lucinda Gifford

 

A joyous and triumphant picture book from international soccer superstar Lydia Williams, goalkeeper for the Australian Matildas and for Arsenal in the UK. 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 1st June 2021

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: $19.99AUD

Format read: Hardcover

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

About the book

Little Lydia moves from the desert to start a new adventure in a big city.
Leaving her desert animal friends behind is hard - but soon she makes some new friends at the zoo.

It takes her time to find her feet and has to practice new skills to improve her game.
She learns from the zoo animals that being different is not such a scary thing and that everyone can teach you something new!

My review

Firstly, the cover of Goal instantly attracts your attention and I think it would have wide appeal to both sport loving and animal loving children.

In her first book Saved Lydia learns that she is good at Soccer and especially the position of goalkeeper. Now she has moved from the country to the city she is missing her friends and wonders how she will learn new goalkeeping skills.

A visit to the zoo brings her face to face with animals she has never met before. These animals were fast, fierce and loud. Lydia didn't think she would ever be able to keep up with them.

Lydia soon learns that each animal had their own special skill and if she paid attention and practiced day after day she too would learn these skills.

I loved that Lydia is a goalkeeper! I know when my children played soccer no-one wanted to be goalkeeper. It's a position that requires great skill and I think needs more praise.

Goal!!! is a fun, heartwarming story that promotes friendship, teamwork, determination and being prepared to learn from others. The bold and bright full spread illustrations throughout the book are sure to engage younger children whilst listening to the story.

Join Lydia as she runs, dives, whooshes, roars and laughs her way to soccer stardom.

Dot loves playing soccer and she loved that Lydia is a young soccer enthusiast just like her.

5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Lydia Williams is an Indigenous Australian soccer player. She grew up on the red dirt of Western Australia. During her childhood, she travelled with her family to many Aboriginal communities where she learnt how to play sport with bare feet. Her family taught her how to live off the land and the values of Indigenous culture; they even had two pet kangaroos. When her family moved to Canberra, Lydia started playing soccer competitively as a way to make friends. Having played soccer for nearly twenty years, she currently plays for Arsenal in the WSL in England and is the first-choice goalkeeper for the Australian Matildas.

 

About the illustrator

 

Lucinda Gifford is the author and illustrator of many well-loved books for kids. Many years ago, Lucinda studied architecture in Scotland, where she learned to draw fancy buildings and moody scenery. She also likes to draw dragons, cats and magical frogs - despite never having studied witchcraft. Now based in Melbourne, Lucinda works from a small home studio full of books, plants, dragons' blood and newts' tongues.  

Challenges entered:  Australian Women Writers Challenge #AWW2021

                                 Aussie Author Challenge #AussieAuthor21