VIVIAN’S ADVENTURES DOWNUNDER PART3

Posted on 28/02/2019 by Diane Tulloch

To finish off the Day of interesting speakers at the Sydney SCBWI Conference Susanne Gervay sprung into action providing heaps of laughter with an illustrator duel and charity auction for Room to Read between Sarah Davis and James Foley. It was hilarious fun. Where on earth does Susanne get her energy from?

Here are some pictures of the two and the lovely work they did. Children’s Picture Book Writers are so generous!

Some more lovely photos… and Essie White’s Keynote Speech and Rachel Noble.

The last day of the conference was full of Master Classes and Critique sessions. Vivian, Marie Marshall and I were in Essie White’s The Marriage of Text and Art Master Class.

Some more fun photos to finish off the last day of the conference with friends such as Dhana Fox and wandering the Botanical Gardens and walking the streets back to the hotel.

Up early next morning Marie, Vivian and I headed with our bags for the airport. Marie back to the US and Vivian and I for Auckland New Zealand.

Tune in for the next post of first days in the sunny city of sails Auckland, NZ.

VIVIAN’S ADVENTURES DOWNUNDER PART2

Posted on 26/02/2019 by Diane Tulloch

Wow! This was a moving heartfelt presentation yesterday by the sweetest and most generous person I know, my dear friend and critique buddy Vivian Kirkfield. It was a hit and I was also blown away by the positive reception and love that followed. What a fun time all day with other great presentations

From Alison Tait and Valerie Khoo’s fun filled presentation on How to make yourself more marketable as a writer – and sell more books. From their past life as “orgasmic” writers to presenters of building platforms for new and emerging writers. This was hilarious and had us primed for what followed.

From Gecko Press Julia Marshall presented the craft and passion of inspirational books. Another interesting session.

Mira Reisberg US editor and art director was an interesting Keynote speaker on the Craft and Business of Getting and Staying Published.

Vivian catching up with Mira after Mira’s talk.

For Author Lunch break-out there were publishers who talked Vision! Are your story elements all working together? They were Linsay Knight, Heather Curdie, Mary Verney and Eve Tonelli. It was great how through answering questions from a moderater we learned tips on strong elements, making it relatable, plot and much more.

Agents and Publishers also did a feedback on Pitches from eight selected authors work. The authors had to pitch and read a chapter or first page manuscript and then listen to feedback. This was very interesting and well worth sitting in on.

Here are some pictures from Vivian’s presentation.

Pop back for more interesting posts as we follow Vivian on her trip down-under.

Posted in Children's literature, Vivian's Adventures down under | Tagged Children's writers, SCBWI AUST EAST/NZ, Storm Literacy Agency, Susanne Gervay, Vivian Kirkfield, Vivian's Adventures down under | 5 Comments

VIVIAN’S ADVENTURES DOWNUNDER

Posted on 25/02/2019 by Diane Tulloch

Hi everyone, welcome to the first instalment following Vivian on her travels to Australia and New Zealand.

I promised to post videos and pictures and I’ve decided to leave the videos till I’m at home or at least post in facebook, but here are some photos for you to enjoy. Since Vivian has already landed and been in Sydney for the last couple of days sightseeing on and off the buses, cruising the harbour and enjoying a personal tour of Sydney with Susanne Gervay the RA for SCBWI Aust East/NZ , I thought I would quickly show you our first night together. Catching up with fellow 12x12ers and the kidlit community along with meeting the lovely Essie White of Storm Literary Agency and some of the Storm family. (what a lovely bunch they are) Enjoy!

Roomies with Maria Marshall and Vivian Kirkfield. What a blast and so wonderful to finally meet up with my dear sweet friend and critique buddy. So looking forward to the adventures we will have over the next few weeks.

12×12 Kaye Baille and Susanne Gervay.

Above with Essie White of Storm Literacy and the Storm Australian and New Zealand family.

After meeting so many wonderful kidlit people we nipped out for a bite to eat at a local Thai restaurant.

Will be back with more soon. Keep an eye out for me. )

Posted in Literature, SCBWI, Vivian's Adventures down under | Tagged Essie White, Kiwi-SCBWI, SCBWI Aust, Vivian Kirkfield | 13 Comments

Oh, Guilty Heart! – The 4th Annual Valentiny Writing Contest!

Posted on 15/02/2019 by Diane Tulloch

Yep it’s that wonderful time of year. When hearts are a fluttering, love is in the air and someone somewhere is holding an expensive bunch of red roses and a delicious box of chocolates. (Well I can only hope) It’s Susanna Leonard Hill’s Valentiny Writing Contest. The rules are it must be no more than 214 words (not counting the heading) in which someone feels guilty. Age appropriate for Picture book and posted on your blog and linked to Susanna’s blog by February 14th by 11:59 PM EDT

Here is mine…

Podgy’s Guilty Secret.

Podgy a tubby mischievous little dog, loves to eat anything and everything!

He loves his neighbour Clarkie too.

Afternoons Podgy nose flattened against fence, waits for Clarkie.

Podgy notices the gate a jar.

Thinks Podgy I’ll wait at Clarkie’s letter box.

But a square prettily wrapped box with red bow and heart attached smells too tempting for Podgy .

Podgy sniffs until OOPS! It fell.

Yummy chocolates everywhere.

Podgy wolfs some down.

Hears Clarkie approach and sneaks back to his yard.

Feeling ill, drops wrappers and curls up on his front porch.

His master takes him to the vet.

In the early evening Podgy now home and feeling better sees Clarkie in his bedroom window looking sad.

His mother standing over him.

“You are grounded after school for a week, having eaten my chocolates.” said Clarkie’s mum.

Podgy’s eyes mist over. His tender stomach rumbles. He felt bad for poor Clarkie.

I know thinks Podgy and races through his house out the front door picks up wrappers as he passes.

Scrapping and barking at Clarkie’s front door alerts Clarkie’s mum.

When she sees the wrappers and Podgy’s master explains that Podgy had been sick. They all realised who had eaten her Valentines chocolates.

All was forgiven and Podgy and Clarkie ran out to play.

*********************************

Whew! Done… Now hop over to Susanna’s Blog and check out all the other fantastic entries. Oh and did I tell you there are great prizes up for grabs too.

Thanks for stopping by.

Posted in Susanna' s contests. | Tagged Annual Valentiny Writing Contest!, Susanna Leonard Hill | 5 Comments

Anticipating the Sydney SCBWI Conference 2019 and a dear Kidlit friend, Vivian Kirkfield’s Adventures down-under!

Posted on 09/02/2019 by Diane Tulloch

There is nothing like a conference to bring people from around the world together, and Sydney’s SCBWI Conference in two weeks is no different. While some will come from countries where they are still shovelling snow in 6degC or 42F the rest of us down-under are enjoying soaking in 26degC or 78F at the beach while fires rage in some areas near houses where vegetation is timber dry in both Australia and New Zealand.

As the weeks quickly slip by, packing fever kicks in. What to wear? Casual or smart? Will it be cold or hot? Dress up or down? One or two pairs of shoes? Will it rain or not? Umm… well, all of those. The trick is to take as less as possible. Your day wear could become your nightwear so make sure it doesn’t crease easily… no one will notice…*cough* that much. I’m packing only for three days but my dear friend Vivian, is packing for a month long trip and I chuckled to myself when she mentioned she had been watching Youtube videos on how to pack an overnight bag to last a month. Her suitcase wouldn’t shut, so having to redo it again for the, oh… umpteenth time. Been there done that! Good tip especially beneficial if travelling to countries of differing temperatures… Line your suitcase with a huge flattened paper bag big enough so you can roll your unwanted clothes in and post home to yourself on the day you fly onward, Ie .. shorts, swimsuits and goggles post home if heading on to colder climate or snow gear post home if going on to warmer climate… you get the picture?

Vivian is arriving a few days earlier and will have time to sightsee in Sydney, I on the other hand will be wringing my hands during my three hour afternoon flight, wandering through customs and hailing a taxi. I’m hoping someone I know will be at the hotel when I arrive. It’s nice to see a friendly face when you arrive after travelling alone.

Knowing how loved and respected Vivian is in the wider Kidlit community I have promised – hand on heart– to post videos , photos and comments of the fun and adventures she has while down under, here on the patiendreamer.com blog which will then be linked to facebook, twitter and Vivian’s blog. So know that you will be along for the ride. You have about two weeks to prepare… clean those reading glasses, organise your comfy chair, chips, dip and coffee or, if you’re Vivian, plenty of popcorn kernels at the ready…oh and hot chocolate of course.

You probably wonder why all the hype, why so special. The truth is we don’t often get many overseas authors down in New Zealand very often. Sure they may go to Australia but not often do they come further down. So when Vivian said she would come on down to see me I was blown away. Jumping on the bed, screaming excited! And when Vivian said she would be happy to speak or read one of her books to kids if ever the opportunity arise I quickly asked our Kiwi SCBWI rep Frances if she would like Vivian to speak at our next meeting. “Of course we would love it” was the reply. Although I have a number of libraries within a 10 minute drive from my home it was while waiting for my husband to finish work one day that I popped in to the small library next door and shyly asked if they would like a visiting American author to read to some kids. They beamed from ear to ear.

The lovely librarian not only is having Vivian in the library on a day she doesn’t normally work but quickly proceeded to get flyers printed for the library and delivered some to local schools as well as putting notices in not one but two local community mags of Vivian’s impending visit. Posters have gone up in windows around the library and entrance of the library and a huge poster is being erected inside the library in the children’s section along with big pictures of Vivian’s books, “ Pippa’s Passover Plate,” “Four Otters Tobogganing,” “Sweet Dreams Sarah” and “Show Me How.” WOW!

As the librarian said to me…two things are most important for Vivian’s visit. Raising awareness and creating atmosphere. Hmm well she is doing a great job raising awareness. Now creating atmosphere I can help with. She has already made some easy to do masks of otters, mice and other creatures for the kids craft so I got on to props…

Four Otters rose from my dining table and watched while I proceeded to create the ten butterflies from one of Vivian’s books.

Here they have arrived in the library much to the delight of the librarian.

Waiting for Vivian!

Under the heading of “Vivian’s Adventures Down Under” on this blog you can follow

Vivian through videos and pictures of her adventures from the 27^th of February. Links will be found on twitter, Facebook and Vivian’s blog. Also the following…

On Friday 8^th March will be an exclusive video of Vivian reading Pippa’s Passover, interview and review.

On Friday 15^th March is a Birthday special of Four Otters Tobogganing. Zoom in and join us for some celebrating in a live video with Vivian reading this book, interview, review and of course there has to be cake!

On Friday 22^nd March will be an interesting video of Vivian reading Sweet Dreams Sarah and interview and review. Although Vivian will have already flown on to Switzerland (not if I can help it), this will be a pre-taped recording on this blog. So don’t forget to tune in.

Now back to thinking about my packing…. hmm

Posted in Picture book, SCBWI, Vivian's Adventures down under | Tagged 12.12 in 2019, Conferences, Kidlit blogs, Kidlit411, SCBWI, Vivian Kirkfield, Vivian's Adventures down under | 6 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” Friday

Posted on 08/02/2019 by Diane Tulloch

When You’re Going to the Moon

Written by : Sasha Beekman

Illustrated by: Vivienne To

Published by: Affirm Press, Melbourne, Australia

Ages: 3 – 7 years

Theme: dreams, reaching for the stars. Courage, joy of adventure

Opening Lines: There’s a lot you’ve got to fit in your little green bag when you’re going to the moon.

Synopsis: Your pet iguana, tap-dancing shoes, an inflatable moose …What else might you need when you’re going to the moon? From an exciting new duo comes a heartfelt story about dreaming your biggest dream and taking it to the stars

Why I like this: In this gorgeously illustrated book a cute pixie girl dreams of going to wonderful places (she sounds just like me). Looking out at the stars on a clear night you can dream of anywhere you want to be. I know! I’ve been there! In these eye popping illustrations our main character marks the spot on the map of home so she knows where to return to. (a little of The Wild Things comes to mind) The text trips, skips and runs across the page in a lyrical fashion as if she is chatting excitedly to us and we must hurry if we are to join her on her journey along with her pet A sweet book to read.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go to the moon?

Resources/Findings: A lovely Teachers Guide on the story…. http://www.lamontbooks.com.au/media/128558/publishers-notes-when-youre-going-to-the-moon.pdf

I’m always happy reviewing Picture Books that come my way and share them with you. If you would like to see more please pop over to Susanna Leonard Hills Blog where there are hundreds of books reviewed by other like minded authors and writers. Thank you for popping in and I hope you return again soon

Posted in Children's literature, Imagination, Perfect Picture Book Review | Tagged dreams, Imagination, Joy of Adventure, Kids Imagination, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Sasha Beekman, Susanna Leonard Hill, Vivienne To | 15 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” Friday

Posted on 02/02/2019 by Diane Tulloch

A T-Wit for a T-Woo

Written by : Charlie Farley

Illustrated by: Layn Marlow

Published by: Orchard Books, April 2018

Ages: 3 – 5 years

Theme: friendship, self-belief

Opening Lines: There once was an owl who lived in a wood, who wanted to do what every owl should.

Synopsis: There was once an owl who sang to the moonlight and realised that his song was incomplete… a T- Woo without a T-Wit. He searched far and wide for his missing sound, but what he found was the last thing he expected.

Why I like this: Oh my just look at the face of that owl. Doesn’t he just melt your heart? With a cover illustration like this and a catchy title it’s a wonder I found it in the library at all. I would think this adorable book will be snatched up. Written in beautiful simple rhyme that made you feel as though you were flitting through the branches looking for your T-Wit. With the font being large for the T-Wit and T=Woo you can easily imagine a class of kids yelling it out during story-time. Mostly full page illustrations in the moonlight T-Woo looks for his T-Wit, asking various critters along the way and nearly falling into the jaws of Mr Fox. Layn’s clever illustrations give us the hint of T-Woo’s sadness growing in the depths of T-Woo’s eyes. With the author’s note on the last page that actually caught me by surprise also had a beautiful Aww… moment. You have just got to pick this one up. I’m going to renew it online so I can keep it a bit longer. )

Resources/Findings: Owl art for kids… https://www.pinterest.nz/expressivmonkey/owls-projects-for-kids/?lp=true

Resources regarding Owls for kids… https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=Classroom+info+about+Owls+for+kids&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjz65aBq5rgAhULM48KHRuSAYIQsAR6BAgBEAE&biw=1331&bih=547

Posted in Children's literature, Perfect Picture Book Review | Tagged Charlie Farley, Layn Marlow, owl book for kids, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Susanna Leonard Hill | 7 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” Friday

Posted on 25/01/2019 by Diane Tulloch

Happy Multicultural Children’s Book Day everyone! And since I have a lovely writing buddy due to visit me in a months time, all the way from a New England village in the USA, I thought I would share a tongue-in-cheek story about how the North Island of New Zealand came about. Since she loves fishing she will get a kick out of this.

Tales of Aotearoa HOW MAUI Fished up the North Island.

Retold by: Donovan Bixley

Advised and translated by: Dr Darryn Joseph

Published by: Upstart Press Ltd in 2018

Ages: 4 – 8 years

Theme: cultural, mythical, diverse, fishing, perseverance.

Opening Lines: Back in the day, in a time when the world was new and the sky was fresh, when ancient creatures still walked the land with gods and spirits.

Synopsis: Maui a young boy dreamed of the day he could go fishing with his older brothers. Each time they came back from fishing they bragged about their catches. Whenever Maui asked to go they shunned and teased him. One night Maui sneaked into the hull of the waka with his own fishing line and his special hook made from the jaw of his late grandmother, and the next day when the brothers were out at sea ready to fish Maui revealed himself. His brothers were horrified and angry but eventually they allowed Maui to fish. When Maui’s line pulled taut they could not believe what he had caught… the biggest fish! Te Ika-aMaui. The North Island of New Zealand.

Why I like this: This is a comical interpretation of a much loved Maori legend of Maui. It was not the only time he was known to get into mischief. From the colourful bold cover illustration you know that kids (and adults) will be curious and excited to read this story. Beautifully told in typical kiwi tongue-in-cheek such as “I can’t believe that annoying pipsqueak caught it!” and dotted with a few Maori words, the story is wrapped in bright colourful illustrations bringing humour and life to the text, make this delightful fun story easily enjoyed by international readers. Depicted as a young boy persevering to prove his worth Maui appears in many Legends in New Zealand storytelling getting into trouble and always proving that perseverance, patience, tolerance and strength wins out. As I mentioned the illustrations are colourful with great expressions and the inside front cover lists some Maori words with English translation complete with illustrations. The back inside cover has the map of New Zealand as it was first viewed by the Maoris (upside down) with a note from Donovan Bixley of why he depicted the legend as he has.

Resources/Findings: Sold mostly in New Zealand you can find this book at…. https://www.wheelers.co.nz/books/9781988516257-how-maui-fished-up-the-north-island-te-reo-edition/#desc

And possibly here… https://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/p/tales-of-aotearoa%3A-how-maui-fished-up-the-north-island-by-donovan-bixley/R2478128.html

Posted in Children's literature, Literature, Perfect Picture Book Review, Susanna's PPB Fridays | Tagged comical picture book, Donovan Bixley, Fishing, Multicultural, Mythical story, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Perserverance | 17 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 19/01/2019 by Diane Tulloch

Lena’s Shoes are Nervous – a first day of school dilemma

Written by: Keith Calabrese

Illustrated by: Juana Medina

Published by: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Ages: 4 – 8 years

Theme: Bravery, empowerment, fear

Opening Lines: Today is a big day. Today, Lena starts kindergarten. Lena is very excited.

Synopsis: In the tradition of School’s First Day of School, debut author Keith Calabrese and Pura Belpré Award winner Juana Medina share a sweet, universal story about a clever little girl whose shoes are nervous about the first day of school.

Lena doesn’t want to miss out on her first day of school, but she can’t go without her favorite shoes! How can she convince them to be brave?

Why I like this: A simple universal theme of first day of school jitters this has been cleverly pointed out not in Lena but in her shoes. Although Lena is excited about starting kindergarten her favourite shoes are not. Lena’s encouraging father allows Lena to think of solutions in solving the problem giving her empowerment while supporting her. Lovely mentor text through out with clear lined illustrations.

Resources/Findings: Here are some great before first day jitters tips for teachers, students and parents….. https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/shari-carter/tips-tame-first-day-jitters/

I’m always pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view. So pop 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 books reviewed by many authors

Posted in Children's literature, Perfect Picture Book Review | Tagged Bravery, empowering kids, Keith Calabrese, Perfect Picture Book - Friday, Susanna Leonard Hill | 8 Comments

“Perfect Picture Book” – Friday

Posted on 12/01/2019 by Diane Tulloch

Yay! Perfect Picture Book is back and boy do I have some treats in store for you this year…..

The lines on Nana’s face

Written and Illustrated by: Simona Ciraolo

Published by: Flying Eye Books October 2016

Ages: 3 – 5 years

Theme: Wonder, Memory, Intergeneration

Opening Lines: Today is Nana’s birthday! I know she’s happy because she likes it when we are all together.

Synopsis: It’s granny’s birthday, but her little granddaughter wonders why, because of the lines on her face, she looks so worried! But they are simply wrinkles, and grandma is very fond of her lines because they are where she keeps her memories.

Why I like this: I love this wrinkle in time story. This is a real treasure. When kids so often wonder at why when we get older more lines cross our face this beautiful story helps them see that they are merely wonders of times gone by. In each line this Nana tells her granddaughter of special moments she remembers from her childhood to present day. This is a heart-warming story, with soft colourful pencil and watercolour illustrations throughout.

Resources/Findings: The author’s website…. http://simonaciraolo.com/