#picbookaday November 2015

I just loved participating in EK Books' Picture Book A Day on Instagram during November. It's not only a wonderful to source new and inspiring books from others, but I'm slowly gathering a rather large collection of picture books from all over the world and it's so great to share my finds. 

Plugging books for authors and illustrators is also a very good thing!

Here is my #picbookaday for November . . .

Day 1: family. Line 135 by Germano Zullo and Albertine (Chronicle) is a landscape book featuring a very long train as it meanders through striking linework landscapes, taking a wee girl to visit her grandma. A joyful book of family.

Day 2: friends. Imaginary Fred by Eoin Colfer and Oliver Jeffers (HarperCollins) is a lyrical tale about friendship like you've never seen it before. And the illos are to die for. #typicaljeffers

Day 3: pets. Prudence Wants a Pet by Cathleen Daly and Stephen Michael King (Scholastic) is the sweetest tale of a young girl and her desire for a pet. Alas, her parents are not so keen, so Prudence resorts to sticks and branches and tyres - just too cute. And SMK images are charm personified.

Day 4: colours. Classic classic classic Alain Grée - at his best. A must for concept book lovers.

Day 5: numbers. Numerical Street by Antonia Pesenti and Hilary Bell (New South). Brand new book from this talented duo - all about numbers ... and lots of artistic quirk! Cool rhyming prose, too.

Day 6: food. You Are What You Eat, and other mealtime hazards by Serge Bloch (Sterling Juvenile). A delightful play on food-related adages, complete with Bloch's iconic line drawings and photographic elements, too. A fave.

Day 7: buildings. Young Frank Architect by Frank Viva (MoMA). Simply adore Frank Viva's books, especially his quasi-biographical books like this one. Both text and illos immensely rewarding.

Day 8: imagination. What's Hidden in the Woods? by Aina Bestard (Thames & Hudson). One of those books that make your heart flutter then gallop, this gorgeous creation epitomises the imagination in full flight, with interactive elements that stun and delight. Using the enclosed coloured magnifying glasses in green, blue and red, kids will marvel as animals and flowers and houses are revealed, hidden away in the astonishing patterning that makes up each page. One of my favourite books this year.

Day 9: clothes. That's My Hat! by Anouck Boisrobert and Louis Rigaud (Thames & Hudson). Who knew a small item of clothing could cause such chaos! Gorgeous, gorgeous pop-up paper-cut book featuring a whimsical chase through various parts of town. A stunning color palette of illos on fresh white pages.

Day 10: seasons. Tree: Seasons Come, Seasons Go by Britta Teckentrup (Little Tiger Kids). Talk about high production values - this amazing book features scene after scene of the same tree, with strategically placed cut-outs that reveal all manner of seasonal changes - from leaves and snow to an abundance of critters coming and going, both within the tree foliage and in the grounds around the tree. Clever, thoughtful and visually superb.

Day 11: indigenous. Hide and Seek by Charlene Man (Laurence King). This glorious hard cover picture book takes kids on a journey to vast and varied parts of the world, to visit indigenous animals in their native habitat. Oftentimes, these animals are found nowhere else in the world. Sumptuous illos make this a visual delight.

Day 12: music. The Conductor by Laetitia Devernay (Chronicle). A visual magnum opus, this stunning book combines a conductor and a bevy of birds and leaves that take flight upon an imaginary melody.

Day 13: travel. A Trip to the Bottom of the World by Frank Viva (Toon Books). Eye-popping illos so typical of Frank - along with an equally typical tale of humor and cleverness and sheer fun. Both an eye fest and a great adventure. 

Day 14: environment. Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal (Chronicle). A divine journey through the changes the garden experiences through the year - both above and below the soil, where myriad creatures maintain an ecosystem all children should immerse themselves in. Beautiful, uncoated paper is the perfect canvas for these striking and heartwarming illustrations.

Day 15: mess. Sky High by Germano Zullo and Albertine (Chronicle). This sky high book tells the tale of two competitive sods who scrabble to create the tallest, most outrageous house possible. Until, of course, the mess to end all messes occurs! Sensational line drawings by Albertine; I LOVE this book.

Day 16: endpapers. The 50 States by Gabrielle Balkan and Sol Linero (Wide Eyed Editions). Endpaper pages are valuable real estate. They're the first internal pages seen and really set the tone for what's to come. Having quite the endpaper obsession, I love it when they're pretty, clever and elaborate but I also love it when they use the space for More, as is the case with The 50 States - the front endpapers feature a brightly coloured map and the rear endpapers feature state flags. Brilliant.

Day 17: holidays. Madame Eiffel by Alice Briere Haquet and Csil (Little Gestalten). When I think of holidays, I don't think of lying on the beach sipping cocktails. I think travel. Any excuse to travel to Paris in this surreal and achingly wistful book about the healing power of love and the magnificent Eiffel Tower. The textured illustrations are out of this world.

Day 18: vehicles. Otto in the City by Tom Schamp (Tate). You want vehicles? You got it, baby. There's dozens upon dozens in this large format 'loop' book - where the road starts on page one then meanders all the way to the back of the book before turning around and coming home again. Kids can follow Otto and his dad through all manner of towns and cities and freeways, with gorgeously eclectic illustrations and so much 'busy', eyes will boggle. Love.

Day 19: school. Marshall Armstrong is New to Our School by David Mackintosh (HarperCollins). Witty, charming, quirky, full of heart. That's why I love the books of David Mackintosh. Marshall Armstrong does fit any mould. Most people would take great delight in bullying this child - that's how different he is. Yet Marshall's insistence on remaining true to himself soon makes him the most popular kid in school. Priceless.

Day 20: weather. Nature's Day by Kay Maguire and Danielle Kroll (Wide Eyed). This beautifully detailed and illustrated book is a nature lover's dream. As it takes the reader through the seasons, we revisit several sites that change and grow over time. Weather is featured for each site, as is flora and fauna and even what those pesky humans get up to. Divine in detail and gorgeous illos. A seasonal feast. 

Day 21: animals. Animalium by Katie Scott and Jenny Broom (The Five Mile Press). Enormous format and astonishingly illustrated with pictures of illustrious, scientific detail, this wander through a world class 'museum' of animals will have any reader wandering in wonder. 

Day 22: letters. Wumbers by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld (Chronicle). Typical Amy KR cleverness and sheer fun, Wumbers is a whole new take on the use of words, with digits taking place of letters (in a sort of a Rebus way) to create a super fun narrative. Kids will adore this. 

Day 23: flowers. No Roses for Harry by Gene Zion (Red Fox). Was, and still am, completely obsessed with the Harry books. Probably my favourite is this iconic rose sweater story--where Harry will do anything to get it off his back. Love love love.

 

Day 24: machines. Doug Unplugged by Dan Yaccarino (Knopf). Set during a time when robots and humans live in harmony, this gorgeous story studies the human condition, as robot Doug unplugs himself and explores the real world, real emotions and real relationships. Timely in this plugged-in world.

Day 25: adventure. Shackleton's Journey by William Grill (Flying Eye Books). This truly gorgeous, evocative and visual adventure traces the extraordinary journey to Antarctica, led by explorer Ernest Shackleton. Astonishing in tale and with illustrations to ooh over, it's little wonder this book won the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal this year (making Grill, at 25, the youngest winner in over 50 years).

Day 26: art. Seen Art? by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith (Viking). I love this book! It's a true treasure. Virtually a tour through the MoMA (do I need to go on?), it follows a gorgeous character as he searches for 'Art' and is consistently directed to the Museum, when all along, he was only really looking for Art. If you don't know what I mean, you'll have to read the book! It's truly heavenly.

Day 27: occupation. Mr Elephanter by Lark Pien (Candlewick). One of the joys of growing older is realising that there are some pretty cool jobs in the world, and none cooler than Elephant Carer. Mr Elephanter is in charge of the baby elephants, and oh he adores them! This book is quirky, cool and too cute for words.

Day 28: diversity. Charley Harper, An Illustrated Life, collated by Todd Oldham (AMMO). A different take on 'diversity', this astonishing book showcases the jaw-dropping diversity and beauty of the work of illustrator Charley Harper, whose career stretched over seven decades. An absolute must for anyone with an adoration for illustration.

Day 29: movement. Wave by Suzy Lee (Chronicle). This wordless picture book is astoundingly beautiful in its simplicity. A dance between a young girl and the movement of the ocean, it will leave children silent and mesmerised. Adults, too.

Day 30: sport. Cheetah Can't Lose by Bob Shea (Balzer + Bray). This gorgeously-designed, action-packed and funny story is an absolute winner. There will be no pouting if you lose! Bob Shea at his best.

Such a lovely moment to have my son bring home the latest Scholastic Teacher's Bookshelf from school, and see Australian Kids Through the Years on the cover!

Tales After Dark event

Local Canberran book crusader (she does so much, there's no other word for her!) Suzanne Kiraly is behind this glorious new monthly initiative--an evening out for adults--Tales After Dark, sponsored by Aussie Writers.

Held at Saffron restaurant in Kingston, guests will enjoy a sparkling literary evening of entertainment, as actors read short stories aloud.

I'm absolutely thrilled that Suzanne chose my short story--The Bad Boy--from recent Ford Street anthology Rich and Rare. Another local author will be having his short story read, too.

You can come along just for the show, or for both dinner and a show. See the above poster for more, and click on it to book at Eventbrite.

Hope to see you there!

One Word Wisdom with author Jen Storer

1. What is the best thing about being an author?
Stories.

2. What’s the worst thing? 
Midriff.

3. How did writing the first book in the Danny Best series make you feel? Mischievous.

4. What do you hope it brings its readers?
Joy.

5. What else do you like to do?
Art.

6. Who has influenced your writing the most? 
Enid.

7. What has been your biggest career reward?
Readers.

8. What is the most important contribution an author can make to the world?
Soul.

9. What’s your biggest writing goal?
Tensy 2

10. What’s next?
MORE!

Learn more about Jen's fabulous books at her website, and her Baxter Street blogspot is brilliant--you simply must!

happy merry everything!

Every year, my Christmas decorating becomes more and more simple . . . in fact, I relish adding the merest lick of shimmer and Scandi-inspired pop of red and + white into the year-long mix of greenery in our house. Not only is it stress-free, it just looks fresh and pretty and light.

I've used a small handful of gold metal ornaments this year. After dragging in a large, bare branch from the garden and upending it in a large pot, I wondered how it might look snaked in fairy lights. I then added white paper ornaments from Kikki-K and these little gold ornament treasures which include a fire engine and a rocking horse.

I'm slowly adding to my collecting of mercury glass ornaments, and have added these to our little table-top feather tree. We have a monster faux pine in our garage, hidden away. It's become a fine home for spiders these past three or four years but that's not why we're neglecting it ... it just seems so HEAVY and 'too much'. So, we're sticking with the feather tree which provides a light little signpost atop its perch in our living room.

I've also taken to using gift bags rather than wrapping paper, as much as possible, and this type of recycling is not only kind to our wallets and the environment, it makes cleaning up, post-present-ripping, a breeze. I'm already smiling at how easy it's going to be!

So, herewith a peek at our house this Festive Season. A little earlier than usual this year, but I'm glad of it. I so love flicking on the fairy lights and seeing everything glow.

Closer to Christmas, I'll be lighting the candles on our spinning balsa wood creations. They are an absolute joy to behold--and count among my favourite Christmas treasures, especially the multi-tiered house (from Dusk, but wait till I've finished in there before going and snaffling them all, please!).

Enjoy this peek . . .

(PS: many of the orchids are faux . . . I made them from a downloadable and printable orchid flower template, and attached them the bare orchid stems while I await new blooms!)

One Word Wisdom with author Hazel Edwards

Just delighted to welcome Hazel Edwards to my blog to answer my One Word Wisdom challenge, and to show you her new memoir, Not Just a Piece of Cake, which is packed with humorous anecdotes and plenty of insider info and priceless advice from decades of industry experience. 

Typical writer—she simply could not stick to one word per answer, but I’ll allow this because she’s so utterly fabulous (and I also know how hard that is).

1. What is the best thing about being an author?
Variety.

2. What’s the worst thing?
Time-lags.

3. How did writing Not Just a Piece of Cake make you feel?
Challenged.

4. What do you hope it brings its readers?
Realistic creativity.

5. Name your greatest writing achievement.
Mentoring my 'hazelnuts'.
f2m;the boy within
Astrid Lindgren nominations.
OAM for Literature.

6. Who has influenced your writing the most?
Family.

7. What has been your biggest career reward?
Poignant fan mail.

8. What's the most important contribution an author can make to the world?
Tolerance.

9. What’s your biggest writing goal?
Collaborating on significant projects.

10. What’s next?
Hijabi Girl junior chapter book.

Head to Hazel's website for more about her work, and to purchase your copy of Not Just a Piece of Cake.

52-Week Illustration Challenge Christmas Auction

The 52-Week Illustration Challenge is launching another milestone--our very first online art auction!

Almost 30 artists have both original works and prints up for auction, with hugely reasonable start prices. And they are gorgeous! So diverse and beautifully-done.

If you love collecting original art or even limited edition prints, do check it out. Previews start today and the auction goes live on Sunday night.

Click the poster to check out the artworks up for sale, and info on how to bid.

Happy shopping!

the elusive grant

A little while ago, I learned I had won my first grant. I put on a blue dress, heels and a peach paper crown, and ran around the house while pink sparkles popped all around. It was a lovely, lovely thing--thank you, ArtsACT!

This Grant was awarded to serve as an income for six months' work on my very first self-illustrated book, and it's meant I'll be able to truly put my head down and focus instead of teaching, speaking, running workshops, editing, writing articles, hosting book signings, and the myriad other things most creators do to earn an income (other than, er ... create).

happy accidents

Creative work often comes with accidents. And no, I don't mean leaving it too late to go to the loo because you're so engrossed. I also don't mean that time you spilled a full cup of freshly-brewed coffee all over your WIP--I felt your heart break from here.

I mean 'happy accidents' that strike you by surprise but don't involve a crashed laptop or irrecoverably deleting something (these things always end in guttural howling--have you backed up recently???).

This week, I drew a quick image for the 52-Week Illustration Challenge for Week 44: SCANDINAVIAN (couldn't resist--am Scandi-obssessed). You can see the image, above, rendered in watercolour and fineliner.

Before I coloured the image, I scanned the line drawing so I could play around with it in Adobe Illustrator.

ANNOUNCING THE WINNER! Australian Kids Through the Years

Thank you to everyone who entered our fabulous colouring comp! The entries were truly divine and you all made it SO HARD TO CHOOSE!

But biggest congratulations to:

Eden, age 6

I found the colours in this piece absolutely exceptional. I loved it. In fact, the scan has washed out the colour--it's a lot brighter and darker in real life!

Well done, Eden, your signed book is on the way, along with your original Andrew Joyner artwork from the book. Lucky thing! We hope you love it.

I also wanted to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to two other amazing entries that I particularly loved:

Bianca, 10

Vanna, 8

Keep up the amazingly creative work, kids, and happy reading!