Writer and Dreamer at work

Update!

Posted on 20/08/2013 by Diane Tulloch

Hi there!

It’s been awhile since I have been here. While the northern hemisphere enjoys their summer we are in the midst of winter. It’s been wet and woolly, with slippery roads and road works, power cuts, and with the odd beautiful sunny day thrown in, we have also experienced down south, two earthquakes. The second only a couple of days ago. It was good to hear drivers picking up stranded commuter passengers, when all public transport had been closed while aftershocks continued. It’s true kiwis do have big hearts. Spring however, is not far away as you can see by these lovely flowers in my garden, so hopefully the weather will pick up and everything else will stay calm.

During my absence from here I have been busy, having written drafts of two new picture book stories and they have been critiqued and reworked and also attended the NZ SCBWI held a few weeks ago when our guest was Jocelyn Watkin of The Storybridge, talking about successfully promoting your book on social media. There was a good turn out and I am looking forward to the next meeting in September. A very interesting afternoon. The Storylines Children’s Literature Foundation held it’s 20th Annual week-long festival this past week ending with a family day in the city centre. It is a day for the kids to show their talent entering drawing and writing competitions and reading aloud their work. There is a poetry corner and workshops for writers. Fun for all the family.

Music and entertainment has played a part in these past few months as you know. Including a Food Show, I also enjoyed an unusual evening at Slava’s Snowshow which was totally like nothing I had seen before. Entirely unconventional, one is taken on a journey that was frightening, exhilarating and touching. There is no one defining story but many skits by a main character, a yellow clown often the butt of jokes by the other green clowns in painted sad faces. It consists of intense feeling, excitement, and exquisitely subtle humour. Slava’s is a world in which the tiniest tilt of a head or wrinkle of a nose can have a theatre erupting with laughter. Expect the unexpected could not be more true. In a snow scene one is truly blown away… literally. The powerful opening and the ability to magnify the smallest detail I expected young ones to be terrified, but I heard no crying. Even sitting near the back as we were the clowns drew us in to this strange world. The ending, had the audience on their feet, not clapping but joining in gentle play and drawing the kids young and old from the balconies. Not one I would go again to. But I was glad I had been.

Well that has brought you up to-date with what I have been up to, and now back to some more revision…. See ya soon!

Posted in Literature | 9 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 15/06/2013 by Diane Tulloch

It’s the last day of Perfect Picture Book – Friday for a while, as it closes for the northern summer. Sad, I know, I do love the series, the company that passes my blog to read my reviews and the joy I get out of visiting others. Spear-headed by the fun-loving Susanna Hill. I was so torn wandering through my local library, wondering which book I should pick for this weeks review, and I just couldn’t decide between these two. They each have their own special message, depicting the kind of writing one dreams of. Forgive me for being greedy and posting two reviews (I did miss last weeks), but I think you will find them just as special, as I did.

River Song with the Banana Slug String Band

Author: Steve Van Zandt

Illustrator: Katherine Zecca

With the: Banana Slug String Band

Published by: Dawn Publications, USA.

Ages: 6 years and over

Themes: Nature, animals, seasons, music

Opening lines: It happened one day on the mountain so high, a river was born from out of the sky. The rain and the snow came falling down, and started to run as they hit the ground.

Blurpah pa-shoosh rumbly pound, a white rapid river makes a wonderful sound.

Synopsis: From the front flap.. Rivers make beautiful music – from the trickle of snowmelt to the roar of a waterfall – and here it is joined by the music of the Banana Slug String Band “River Song” celebrates rivers as a fascinating, ever-changing source of life and joy. The attached CD presents the Slug’s vibrant rendition of “River Song,” accompanied by bluegrass-country singer (and “river rat”) Laurie Lewis and “folk-cellist” Barry Phillips.

Why I like this: Katherine’s beautiful big pictures, capturing nature in every season moves the enchanting story along. From the clouds above snow-capped mountains we are swept on a journey through ice rivers, over rapids, river stones, through still lakes of autumn, down waterfalls to the sea below. Throughout we are treated to the delights of wildlife and learn the wonder of nature in an ever-changing season. The text beautifully glides along on a song! The accompanying CD is a treasure and I found myself stopping to listen and singing along with the book many times. Kids will love this. I loved also that the last page actually takes us back to the beginning of how the river is formed, a never-ending cycle… Very cleverly done. A must for young and old!

Resources: Arr well this book is full of resources in itself; with a page of definitions of terms,

a list of websites full of fun and learning such as www.projectwet.org and www.wetland.org/wowteacher.html

a list of other Creative Non-fiction Books that Encourage-Appreciation for Nature, such as The Award-winning Habitat series by Anthony Fredericks and John Denver and Kids Series by John Denver, plus many more.

Also some of the music and words are written in the back of the book along with detailed bio’s of the author, illustrator and the Banana Slug String Band.

Also here is their website for you to listen and join in the singing, complete with the words… http://bananaslugs.bandcamp.com/track/river-song

Wherever You Are my love will find you

Author/Illustrator: Nancy Tillman

Published by: Feiwel and Friends, New York, 2012

Ages: All ages

Theme: Love

Opening Lines: I wanted you more than you ever will know, so I sent love to follow wherever you go.

Synopsis: from the front flap… Love is the greatest gift we have to give our children. It’s the one thing they can carry with them each and every day. If love could take shape, it might look something like these heart-felt words and images from the inimitable Nancy Tillman. Here is a book to share with your loved ones, no matter how near or far, young or old, they are.

Why I like this: It is true, after I read this book and then re-read the front flap, this is indeed for anyone, no matter how young or how old. Beautiful words, sometimes only a line on a page, well-selected, reaching from heart to heart, it is both comforting and warm wrapped in delicate illustrations, yet it sings right off the page. Cute, colourful pictures of a boy cavorting across hue landscape with wild animals, makes this a magical book. Cuddle up with your young one, and tiptoe through this delightful book. It could be given as a birthday gift, for a new baby, from grandparent to grandchild or from child to parent.

Resources: Nancy’s website allows us to view some of the beautiful illustrations.. http://www.nancytillman.com/books/wherever/

Here’s a lovely website of gift cards kids could make and write messages of love on… http://www.busybeekidscrafts.com/Card-Crafts-for-Kids.html

Some lovely notes to giggle over… http://www.buzzfeed.com/awesomer/kids-who-are-better-at-romance-than-you

For more books with resources please head on over and visit the lovely author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with the books reviewed by many authors.

Posted in Children's literature, Picture book, Picture Book Review, Reading Aloud | Tagged Children's Picture book, childrens literature, Katherine Zecca, Nancy Tillman, River Song, Steve Van Zandt, Susanna Leonard Hill | 21 Comments

The Key and a Legend!

Posted on 14/06/2013 by Diane Tulloch

This past week I have to admit to taking time out from my writing as I have been busy playing at tour guide and hosting visitors from afar, not to mention star gazing. Rather I should say, gazing with admiration at a star of a different quality. Twinkling, sparkling bright in its purest form, the star I am referring to, is the legendary Dame Julie Andrews, a one night show, her first ever, in my country. A couple of friends had come to attend her show, for one it was their first time to my country in a flying one week visit from Spain.

Five strangers came together for one night, drawn under the spell. Dining and reminiscing, we spoke of how our lives have changed and what drew us here for this one night; writing, theatre, movies, and sitting during the performance a woman next to me spoke of her singing career taking off. All inspired in some way by this amazing woman.

For me Julie Andrews provided the key to my writing. That moment, when I picked up a pen, and started to write. I remember that night, very clearly. An interview written for, (I think), for Life Magazine back in 1968 of family values, moved me to tears. Since then it has been a wonderful snowball of events…. Not all of them so good, as that particular story I wrote that night got lost, was found, then it was stolen, then suddenly a copy was sent to me, and now after a time of sitting on a shelf it is being revised. In the meantime I had taken her daughter, Emma’s writing course, joined a couple of writing clubs, a critique group and attended conferences. Picture books and the art of writing for children brings’ with it an art of control, structure, imagination, and wonder.

It was a delight to listen to the life of not only a great legend in the music, theatre, and movie industry, but also to hear of her writing children’s books, with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton. I had the privilege of meeting this elegant, amazing woman afterwards, and letting her know what an inspiration she was to me, in getting me started, and how I enjoyed Emma’s writing course. She was the key that unlocked a door for me.

A night I will never forget!

Posted in What moves me | Tagged Emma Walton Hamilton, Julie Andrews, Literature | 10 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 02/06/2013 by Diane Tulloch

Dinosaurs Love Cheese

Author: Jackie French

Illustrator: Nina Rycroft

Published by: Angus & Robertson, Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers

Ages: 3 – 5

Theme: cheese, animals, mayhem

Opening lines: I love milk and sandwiches, but dinosaurs love cheese.

Synopsis: A new book for the younger set from beloved author Jackie French. It follows the travels of a pet stegosaurus, his young toddler charge and harried mum, as they attempt to keep their rather large friend in cheese. From the Back of the book… Monkeys love bananas, Giraffes can’t resist the trees, I like milk and sandwiches.. But who stole the cheese? For everyone who loves dinosaurs – and cheese!

Why I like this: This is a delightful book by Australia’s award winning author Jackie French. This is a fun, simple story that kids will love to have read to them over and over again. The illustrations by the amazing Nina Rycroft are bright big and bold with every page full of action pack fun. Kids will enjoy picking out the different animals causing mayhem.

Resources/Findings: A wonderfully fun interview with the author here…. http://blog.boomerangbooks.com.au/player-profile-jackie-french-author-of-dinosaurs-love-cheese/2013/03

Reading her blog bio, one can’t help but smile at how one becomes a writer… http://www.jackiefrench.com/

A fun website to learn all about dinosaurs….. http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/dinosaurs.html

All kids need to know about cheese…. http://www.britishcheese.com/kids

Posted in Children's literature, Picture book, Picture Book Review | Tagged Jackie French, Nina Rycroft, Susanna Leonard Hill | 18 Comments

THE TOPP TWINS BOOK

Posted on 29/05/2013 by Diane Tulloch

Written by: Jools and Lynda Topp

Published by: Penquin Books

From the Back cover: Jools and Lynda, The Topp Twins, are pleased to bring you their very first book. The talented duo acquaints us with their childhood on the farm, leaving home and their early breaks into the music scene. Then, their best-loved characters, Camp Mother and Camp Leader, the two Kens, Raelene and Brenda and the Ginghams, to name just a few, take over.

Camp Mother and Camp Leader offer fashion advice. Raelene and Brenda tell you how to go from being proxy to foxy with their make-up tips. Ken Moller offers advice on everything from catching fish to catching women. And the Ginghams shed light on New Zealand’s great tradition of spoon collecting… in addition to hilarious poems, recipes, games and quizzes.

The twins manage to wrestle back control of the book in the last chapter and tell us about life on the road, their international success, being gay, yodeling, and their Mum and Dad.

Always a pleasure to listen to, cultural icons in New Zealand for over a decade, the Topp Twins have also taken the rest of the world by storm with regular sell out performances in the USA, Canada, Britain and Australia. Musicians and comedy-theatre work, with a gift for crafting song, spontaneity and stories, they are consummate performers. They have won acclaim for their television work and won many New Zealand awards. Their material is drawn from country roots and political awareness spiced with humour, visual comedy and yodelling. They love audience participation. Their natural exuberance is simply contagious, alternative to mainstream, they are received with enthusiasm and rave reviews. Their ability to make you laugh at yourself, to make light of day to day life, and to be true to yourself is what they live by and many more admire in the Topp Twins.

The Topp Twins talent goes even further than entertaining us with their music, voice and theatrical talents, they have also ventured into writing children’s books. Their first in September 2011, There’s a Hole in my Bucket, along with a CD to complete the package, it has become a real favourite. Having had so much fun with their first book the Topp Twins couldn’t wait to start another and so Do Your Ears Hang Low? Will be launched on October 28^th, at the Nelson Arts festival which is already sold out. “If we’re having fun and the kids are having fun AND it helps them to learn to read, then it’s all good,” says Jools. “It’s another classic that everyone knows the words to, but this time we hope people will do a little jig too!”

Here are some clips of their musical talents for you to enjoy, if you haven’t already heard them….. http://www.youtube.com/user/ToppTwins

Topp Twins Blog…. http://topptwins.com/category/news

Listen to the Topp Twins read and sing from their Book, about their lives, international success, being gay and family, The Topp Twins Book….. http://www.radionz.co.nz/collections/dramas/thetopptwinsbook

Posted in What moves me, YA Literature | Tagged Literature, Topp Twins | 9 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 25/05/2013 by Diane Tulloch

Zero the Hero

Author: Joan Holub

Illustrator: Tom Lichenheld

Published by: Henry Holt & Co 2012

Ages: 6 – 10 years

Themes: Friendship, mathematics, Heroism

Opening Lines: Unlike most numbers, Zero believed himself to be a hero He just needed a chance to prove it.

Synopsis: Zero believed himself to be a hero but he really didn’t fit in. Apart from the other numbers poking fun at him and not letting him play, he didn’t add anything in addition, was of no use in division and all the numbers ran from him in multiplication. Zero knows he is worth more, and when the other numbers are kidnapped by Roman numerals, he swoops in and saves them.

Why I like this: A book about nothing! Hard to believe isn’t it? I am not usually quick to pick up a concept book, but this one caught my eye. The bright clean coloured snappy illustration on the cover and the title had me intrigued. Zero the Hero is a fun and fabulous way to introduce children to the many uses zero has in mathematics. Each page comes alive with Tom Lichtenheld’s vibrant artwork as the numbers talk to one another. Children not only learn the importance of Zero but also about friendship and how everyone is special in their own way. Yes even in this cleverly written concept book there is a moving story, and amusing tit bits for everyone. Even I read it again, because I thoroughly enjoyed it. Adventure in mathematics- go figure! I am sure children will delight in this fun resource, especially in school. Joan came upon the idea while visiting a school and watching a teacher explaining how the use of the Zero increases the number beyond nine, using the Zero the Hero concept.

Resources/Findings: Here is a website and book trailer…. http://us.macmillan.com/zerothehero/JoanHolub

Here is a Zero the Hero activities.. Pinterest …. http://pinterest.com/luvmy4blessings/zero-the-hero/

This is what a teacher did with her class to help celebrate Zero days… http://kinderkidsfun.blogspot.co.nz/2012/08/zero-hero-update.html

Posted in Children's literature, Picture Book Review | Tagged childrens literature, Joan holub, Susanna Leonard Hill, Tom Lichtenheld | 19 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 18/05/2013 by Diane Tulloch

Kami and the Yaks

Author: Andrea Stenn Stryer

Illustrated by: Bert Dodson

Published by: Bay Otter Press, Palo Alto, California. 2007

Age: 5 – 8 years

Theme: communication, resourcefulness, deafness, strength and courage

Opening Lines: High in a land where winds blow snow clouds off tall mountain peaks, Kami stepped out into the early morning dark. He sniffed the moistness.

Synopsis: (from the flap) The story tells of a young, deaf Sherpa boy in the Himalaya. His family earns its living by guiding mountain climbers and carrying their gear on yaks. When the yaks cannot be found before a trek, Kami sets off in the high mountains, determined to find them. Despite his fear of being alone in a fierce storm, Kami finds the courage to keep searching.

Why I like it: The vivid illustrations are amazing and convey the majesty of the mountain terrain and depict Sherpa society. The story was inspired by a determined little boy the author met while trekking in the Mount Everest region of Nepal. Though he could not speak, he communicated well with creative gesturing. And he loved the yaks especially the littlest one, just as Kami does in this story.

I loved most that this author shared the thoughts of Kami, showed us his determination both in surving the storm, saving the Yaks, but also in being understood. I loved that his being deaf and unable to speak was shown not to be holding him back in achieving his goal. A great story showing what we can do if we put our minds to it. I loved the page where it says…. Father put him down in front of Curly Horn. Kami took the big yak’s thick woven collar in his hand. Immediately, the other yaks fell in line. Kami grinned at Father. I did it, and he knows I did it! Kami tugged on Curly Horn’s collar. This left me with a lump in my throat, a really lovely moment. I was also surprised when I finished the story and realised there was no dialogue. Cleverly written and with a back story on the last page this makes for an interesting resource for schools as well.

It is not surprising to hear of Andrea Stenn Stryer’s passion for trips to the Himalayas, trekking in Nepal, snorkelling in Great Barrier, and visiting Antarctica, and African savannah. Her previous book is The Celestial River: Creation Tales of the Milky Way.

Bert Dodson has illustrated more than seventy books for children and authored two and was an animation designer for a four-part PBS television series .. Intimate Strangers (1998). He also illustrates opera stories for children.

Resources/Findings: A write-up of an award by Otter Press… http://www.bayotterpress.com/kamiyaks.htm

Here are some facts for kids….. http://www.alanarnette.com/kids/everestfacts.php

Another great site on Sherpa’s … http://www.sherpakyidug.org/sherpa/sherpa_facts.asp

Another interesting fact site for kids…. http://kinooze.com/2012/08/28/who-are-sherpa-people/

Posted in Folklore / multicultural, Picture book, Picture Book Review | Tagged Andrea Stenn Stryer, Bert Dodson, Himalaya, Nepal, Sherpa, Susanna Leonard Hill | 20 Comments

The Adventures of Lai-Lai and Chub-Chub: Lai-Lai Meets Chub-Chub

Posted on 13/05/2013 by Diane Tulloch

Written by: Dr. Aaron Chokan

Illustrated by: Amy Rottinger

Published by: Halo Publishing International

ISBN-10: 1612441505

ISBN: 9781612441504 Hardback

Ages: 2 years and over

Theme: choices, responsibility, new pet, friendship

Opening line: Lai-Lai is full of joy today. She is getting a new puppy.

Synopsis: A young girl called Lai-lai is looking forward to picking up her new puppy. She has difficulty on deciding on a name. While wandering outside she learns nature can give her a helping hand with ideas for a new name. Can you help her decide?

This is a beautiful story that I have been given the pleasure to review. Children will love and understand Lai-lai’s frustration in finding the perfect name for her new pet. Amy’s colourfully bright illustrations will capture their attention with each turn of the page.

Dr. Chokan has been a successful, practicing foot and ankle specialist for 10 years. Currently, he is owner and founder of Ohio Foot and Ankle Center with 4 locations in Northeast Ohio. He lives in Hudson, Ohio with his loving wife and 5 children: Hunter, Reece, Finlay, Calais and Lucia and their dog Paisley.

Here is a lovely trailer of the book…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hBv2FY2_iY

To find out more follow the link to “World of Ink Blog Hop”

Posted in Picture book, Picture Book Review, World of Ink | Tagged Amy Rottinger, Dr. Aaron Chokan, World of Ink Tour | 10 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 10/05/2013 by Diane Tulloch

Barney and the Kitten

Written by: Hisako Madokoro

Illustrated by: Ken Kuroi

Translated by: Peter Howlett

Published by: RIC Publications Ltd Asia, Japan

Ages: 3 – 6yrs

Theme: Love, caring, responsibility, adventure, friendship and humour.

Opening Lines: One day, Barney goes to play in the park. He hears a sound coming from under a park bench.

Synopsis: Barney is a chubby little puppy who loves adventure. One day he finds a cute little kitten crying in the park. The kitten runs to Barney snuggling up, thinking he is her mother. Barney is not sure what to do but when realising the kitten is lost, sets out to find it’s mother. Barney proves himself to be a real “big brother.”

Why I like this: It is such a cute and engaging story of an older puppy taking responsibility for a young kitten. The gentle sweet story written in bold print is easy to read and children will love it’s warm fuzzy message. Children learn the value of caring for others. The warm sweet illustrations are playful and a delight. The pages of the book are thicker than normal so will wear well with the constant request to be read. The book was originally published under the title of “Korowan wa Onlichan by Child Honsha Co ltd in Japan, 2006, later translated from Japanese to English. Great as a bedtime story or an added tool to help a young child adjust to a new arrival in the home

Resources/Findings: Although there are no resources directly related to this book , here are a few ideas where this book would be useful.

A great teachers aid for teaching about looking after animals…. http://www.allaboutanimals.org.uk/primaryTeachers.asp

All you need to know about very small pets for kids, links and communities, clubs, etc… http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/kids/best-small-animal-pets-for-children.aspx

Have kids in the classroom write why their brother or sister is the best. Here is examples and quizzes, etc… http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/home_family/comments_siblings.html

For parents helping their child adjust to a new sibling…. http://www.babycenter.com/0_helping-your-preschooler-adjust-to-a-new-sibling_3636582.bc

Thought you would like to see a little of illustrator Ken Kuroi’s work…. http://www.kaiseisha.net/illustrator/ken_kuroi.html
For more books with resources please head on over and visit the lovely author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with the books reviewed by many authors

Posted in Picture Book Review | Tagged Children, Hisako Madokoro, Susanna Leonard Hill | 22 Comments

Thoughts and Quotes in life and writing!

Posted on 06/05/2013 by Diane Tulloch

“The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.” -by Edward Gibbon

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” – by Henry David

“Sow a thought, and you reap an act, Sow an act, and you reap a habit, Sow a habit, and you reap a character, Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.” -by Charles Reade

“There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors.” -by Jim Morrison