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. 

 

 

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

 

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. 

 

Storybook Corner Book Review: Rosie Leads the Way by Renee Irving Lee

 

Rosie Leads the Way

by

Renee Irving Lee 

Illustrated by Lisa Coutts

 

 

Publisher: Empowering Resources 

Publication date: 24th February 2020

Pages: 38

RRP: $17.00AUD

Format read: Softcover

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

About the book

 

 After talking with her Mum, Rosie believed she was the most beautiful girl in the whole entire world - but the day she met Penelope Pennington she wasn't so sure. Penelope Pennington had the perfect hair, perfect clothes, the perfect shoes and even the perfect cat! So, when Rosie and Penelope unexpectedly walk home together, they both make some meaningful 

discoveries along the way.

 

My review

 

Rosie's mum tells her she is smart, strong and has a beautiful heart. I love the concept of building self esteem without concentrating on outward beauty and skin deep perfection.

 

Penelope is the perfect princess and she won't let Rosie play because she doesn't look like a princess. Rosie turns away and starts to walk home but then Penelope needs Rosie as she doesn't want to walk home alone. The road is blocked but Rosie knows another way home. Penelope acknowledges that Rosie is smart. They encounter a few more misadventures on the way home and Penelope always falls apart. Rosie is calm and finds a solution to each problem. Penelope acknowledges with each problem that Rosie is smart, strong and kind.

Rosie tells Penelope she can be smart, strong and kind if she just tries.

 

We can see that Penelope isn't all that bad because she does acknowledge that Rosie helps her and is willing to try and be better.

The story teaches children to be kind and helpful to someone even if they are mean to you and that true beauty is on the inside in the way you act.

I think the ending was a bit abrupt. Penelope offers to teach Rosie to be a princess in return for her help. Rosie rejects this offer saying she is off to make mud-pies in the sandpit. I think they could have incorporated the two games by playing princess and serving royal mud pies or something that wasn't quite as dismissive. 

4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Renee is passionate about writing children’s books that promote life-long learning, social inclusion and improve self-esteem.   She has always loved working with children, so writing for children has been a natural progression from her work as a teacher and educational freelance writer.

 Her diverse background in education extends to teaching primary school aged children, young adults, and children with special needs.   Renee was awarded the Young Achiever of the Year Award by TAFE Queensland for her work as a dynamic, student focused teacher who is highly respected for her skills, intellect and dedication.  Renee was also inducted into the International Golden Key Honour Society while studying for her Bachelor of Education (Special Education) where she graduated with a Distinction. 

Renee lives on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Queensland with her husband and three children.   When she is not writing, you can find Renee spending time with her family, running around on the Oztag field, climbing Emu Mountain, swimming, or sipping on a green tea!

Challenges entered:  Australian Women Writers Challenge #AWW2021

                                 Aussie Author Challenge #AussieAuthor21

 

  

Storybook Corner Book Review: I Know an Old Lady by Edward Miller

 I Know an Old Lady

Written & Illustrated 

by

Edward Miller

Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing

Publication date: 5th January 2021

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 20

RRP: $12.99AUD (Board Book)

Format read: eBook

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley

About the book

An updated and slightly different take on a classic folk song “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” with a new, kid-friendly ending, I Know an Old Lady is a humorous picture book for children featuring the iconic old lady that can’t stop eating the strangest things! With memorable lyrics, absurd illustrations, and die-cut elements that gradually build and build upon each other until the old lady’s stomach is filled with bizarre objects, from a small fly all the way up to a horse, this silly children’s book of a timeless tale will delight both kids and parents alike! 

 

My review

 

A new take on an old classic that many readers would have grown up listening to, or reciting themselves.

 

The images are colourful and wonderfully detailed in a cute cartoon style. I enjoyed the depiction of the old lady who always seems to have a cup of tea and a cupcake on the go.

 

With a conservative move away from the original verse of "perhaps she'll die" Miller ends each stanza with a different rhyming match to "fly" such as "It makes me cry" and  "I'd rather eat pie."

It is hard to get the full visual effect with an eBook as the hard copy board book has peek-through die cut holes that show the every increasing animals inside the old lady as you turn the page.

Reading this book was a treat for me as well as the children. The full spread illustrations had many elements to look at apart from the mounting collection of animals in the old lady's belly. I loved that the animal that was next to be eaten appeared on the page previous to it being mentioned and the children could speculate what was coming next. The repetitive nature of the rhyming is conducive of audience participation and it didn't take them long to start joining in.

I didn't particularly like the ending with it's veer away from "She died, of course." I really don't think children take their story books so literally that they think an old lady died. Do we really need to be so sensitive? However this is a good version if you have a child that is sensitive to these things.  Anyway, I liked it enough to seek out a hard copy to add to my home library. It was a lot of fun! 

My rating 4/5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Dot & Jay 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Edward Miller is the author of many nonfiction children's titles. A prolific graphic designer and longtime art director in children's publishing, Miller lives in New York City.

 

 

 

 

Storybook Corner Book Review: The Toad From Outer Space by Faiz Kermani

 

 

The Toad From Outer Space

by

Faiz Kermani

Illustrated by Korey Scott

 

Publisher: Children's Funny Books
Publication date: 3rd July 2020
Genre: Children / Picture storybook
Pages: 26
Format read: Softcover
Source: Courtesy of the author

 

About the book

 

Fizzy Frog Swamp was a beautiful location
A croaking wonderland for rest and relaxation
Every local frog possessing cold blood
Considered it a paradise of insects and mud

An uneventful life was all that they desired
The swamp provided everything that they required
If there was food, then nothing else mattered
But the peace of their home was about to be shattered…

 

My review

 

Snotbubble (a name that elicited many giggles) was forced to leave his home as it had become overrun with pollution and human waste. He makes a rocket from refuse left In the lake. Crash landing in Fizzy Frog Swamp a quiet, unpolluted haven he spins a story to the frogs that he is an alien from outer space. Mudball is suspicious about Snotbubble’s story and does some investigating. He is soon found out to be lying and decides to come clean and tell the truth. When they hear his story of how the lake was polluted and all the inhabitants had to leave, they tell him they must all stick together and he can stay.

I really enjoy Faiz Kermani’s children’s books! They have messages of acceptance, anti-bullying, being different, honesty and being your best self. I love the use of frogs and toads in these wonderful tales featuring anthropomorphism and are a fun way to introduce meaningful, related topics.

The Toad from Outer Space is a story of acceptance and honesty with themes of displacement and conservation. This picture storybook is told in verse and the story moves along smoothly with a good cadence and wonderful imagery.

Each page of text is accompanied by a full page colour plate giving the story an extra lift in imagery. The text also has a visual effect with colour, size and font change to express noise, movement, colour and atmosphere.

 

5/5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Meet the author

 

 

Away from his serious scientific day job, in his free time, Faiz Kermani loves writing children's books that have funny and wacky themes.
A lot of his books have frogs in them but no one knows why.
His books have won awards in the US and UK and have been translated into French, German, Spanish, Italian and Russian. Faiz is also involved in various literacy projects with schools and non-profit work with healthcare charities.


For more information on his books please visit:

childrensfunnybooks.co.uk

 

 

Meet the illustrator

 

Korey Scott is an illustrator who specializes in children's books, educational material, and funny characters/cartoons.
His illustration style is perfect for capturing the attention of children and adults. Not only are they fun to look at, but they provide a beneficial resource to a child's education. He explains, "I love what I do, and try to put something unique in each project while learning something new too. When I am not drawing (and many times when I am) you can find me telling jokes, making sound effects, speaking Spanish, and trying to make people laugh".


See more of Korey's work at:

childrensillustrators.com/koreyscott/portfolio

 

 Other books I've read by Faiz Kermani

The Frog Who Was Blue 

The Toad Who Loved Tea 

 

 

Book Review: My Daddy is Different by Suzi Faed

Over the next few weeks I will be showcasing books written specifically to help children understand feelings, emotions and the ever changing world around them. 

I find picture books are a wonderful go to if a child is frightened or overwhelmed over something they don't understand. Often written in a peaceful way with simple words they help children unravel feelings on their own level.

The first book I have to bring to you is:

My Daddy is Different 

by

Suzi Faed

Illustrated by Lisa Coutts

 

  

Publisher: Empowering Resources

Publication date: November 2019

Genre: Children's picture book 

Pages: 32

RRP:$17.00AUD

Format read: Softcover

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

About the book

  

I used to have a Daddy who was like all other Daddies. One who would go to work, and play with me when he was home. But one day, something changed. He started saying strange things, doing strange things. I was confused.

My Daddy is Different is a beautiful story, written to nurture any child who may have a loved adult in their life who is suffering from mental illness.

My Review

The story is told in the first person by a young boy as he notices a change in his father, as he sinks into a state of depression, and this confuses him and makes him afraid.

The story explains the highs and lows of a person with a mental illness as our narrator feels happy and safe when old daddy is back but confused when he withdraws again. Hospital stays are explained and the natural response of a child not wanting to go because it is strange and scary. He expresses his feelings of being afraid and worried that none of his friends would understand.

The emotional illustrations compliment the story with lots of sad faces and dark clouds when daddy is withdrawn and non-respondent but the pages are also interspersed with happy days and big smiles.

In the hospital he sees other children and realises he is not alone. There are other kids whose mummy or daddy had a mental illness too.

"Daddy looked at me and said, Remember I still love you. That will never change."

Filled with positive reinforcement I feel this book will be a valuable resource for anyone looking to explain mental illness to children.

Somethings I would have liked included in the story were:

• Words of encouragement and love from the boys mother.
• Acknowledgement that his friends would still be there for him.
• That it wasn't anything he did that made his father change.

Help lines are placed conveniently in the back of the book.


Children of Parents with a Mental Illness

www.copmi.net.au

Kids Helpline

www.kidshelpline.com.au

Kids Matter

www.kidsmatter.edu.au

Headspace

www.headspace.org.au

About the author 

Suzi is a qualified teacher, wife, full-time mother to an energetic and book-loving toddler, and a budding picture book writer.

She has a Bachelor of Arts in Writing and a Diploma of Education in Early Childhood Studies, hav

ing taught pre-primary before the birth of her daughter. Recently, she has completed a course in Writing Picture Books for Children.


Suzi is making her writing debut with her picture book, ‘My Daddy is Different’. Her father suffers from a mental illness, and this had a huge impact on her childhood. Her experiences inspire her writing, and she hopes that with this story, she can help children who are struggling with similar issues. She also has an interest in fostering children’s self-esteem, and hopes that her writing journey will offer opportunities to fulfil this.

Living in the coastal city of Bunbury, Western Australia, Suzi enjoys being close to the beach. With a toddler who is asserting her independence and two little dogs with big attitudes, life is busy, but in quiet moments, Suzi likes to read, write, play volleyball and tennis, and dream of the ever-elusive sleep in.

 

About the illustrator

 

Lisa is a Melbourne based illustrator who has illustrated many books and items mostly in the children’s market thanks to her charming character based style, and because she is a bit of a kid at heart.

She studied graphic design at Swinburne and has been a freelance illustrator since graduation.

Lisa enjoys working in dry pastel for it’s light, soft texture and the colourful mess she can make. She also uses pencils and acrylic paints. With these she loves to create and draw characters and their worlds, whether real or imagined.

Her favourite things in life inspire her illustrations. She is cat crazy and has two cheeky Devon Rexes called Coco and Elsa. She loves riding her bike especially long distances and up mountains. She also has a thing for striped clothing and often her characters are wearing something stripey just as she does. Oh, and she loves making and eating pancakes. 

 

 

 

Challenges entered: Aussie author challenge  #AussieAuthor20

                                 Australian Women Writers Challenge #AWW2020