Alphabet Soup

Sharon Giltrow on Samara Rubin and the Utility Belt

Posted on January 24, 2024August 27, 2024 by Alphabet Soup

The cover of a children's book: Samara Rubin and the Utility Belt

Sharon Giltrow grew up surrounded by pet sheep, sandy beaches, fields of barley, and her seven siblings. Sharon is the author of three picture books – Bedtime, Daddy!, Get Ready, Mama! and Let’s Go Shopping, Grandma! – and a chapter book, Samara Rubin and the Utility Belt. Today we’re chatting to Sharon about that latest book, illustrated by Thu Vu.

The publisher provided Alphabet Soup with a reading copy of Samara Rubin and the Utility Belt.

From the publisher:

Samara knows wishes don’t come true. But if they did, her wish would be to have the courage to stand up to Toby King, the meanest boy at school. On her eleventh birthday Samara is given a mysterious utility belt. A belt with magical tools. But the belt comes with a catch …

As the author of three picture books, what led you to write a novel?

That is a great question. The Utility Belt series started as a picture book manuscript. When I shared it with my critique group back in 2019, they suggested it would make a great early middle grade book. I loved that idea, although it was a bit scary. I examined the story to see how I could turn 500 words into 10,000 words. Then I enrolled in an online middle grade course to learn the skills needed.

Samara’s utility belt holds a range of interesting tools. How did you decide what went into her utility belt? Were there any tools you included in earlier drafts that were scrapped in later drafts of the book?

It all began with Samara’s sidekick. I brainstormed possible sidekicks for Samara. The sidekick had to be super cute, friendly and small enough to fit in Samara’s pocket. A gecko! Then I researched geckos to see which one would be best for the story. I chose a Madagascar Day Gecko because they are awake during the day and are beautiful. I researched all the superpowers geckos have. From there I invented tools for the utility belt. For example, many geckos can camouflage so one of the tools is camouflage drops. I thought about how and when Samara could use these tools. At the start of the story Samara had to clean her room. But she didn’t want to so she used the camouflage drops to make the mess in her room disappear. Some of the tools that didn’t make it into the utility belt were a regenerator, rebreather, coloured looking glasses, flashlight, thermal rock, and a duplicator.

If YOU were given a utility belt for 2024, what are the tools you’d hope for in your own belt?

My sidekick would be a sugar glider because they show us what it means to take a “leap of faith” soaring to new heights, where we can the behold the view and gain a whole new perspective. The tools in my utility belt are already working because in 2024 I have decided to become a full-time author. I’ve taken the leap and given up my daytime job.

Do you have a tip for children who’d like to write their own chapter books?

Think about the whole story. The beginning, middle and end. What happens during these parts of the story. Then work out what happens in each chapter. If the book is to have ten chapters, two chapters would be for the beginning, six chapters for the middle and two chapters for the end. Also be sure to end each chapter on a cliff hanger. So, the reader wants to keep reading.

Can you tell us a bit about what you’re working on next?

Sure thing. I’m working on another early middle grade series about human evolution. And of course, there is a sidekick in this story, but I don’t want to give too much away.

Samara Rubin and the Utility Belt is out now! Ask for it at your favourite bookshop or local library.

AWESOME EXTRAS

Watch a short book trailer for the book

Look at some of the illustrations from the book on Thu Vu’s website

Visit Sharon Giltrow’s website for more about her and her books

Book review: Wonder

Posted on January 19, 2024January 16, 2024 by Alphabet Soup

REVIEWED BY AASHI, 9, VIC

Wonder by RJ Palacio, Random House UK, ISBN 9780552565974

Aashi reviewed her own copy of this book.

Wonder is a multi-award-winning book by RJ Palacio. It features August Pullman, a boy with a facial deformity. August faces bullies, fake friends, and lots more disastrous, catastrophic events. How will he survive fifth grade?

August doesn’t just face bad stuff; he also faces good stuff. He has a loving family and a courageous dog who will always be there for him. He is a lovely character who has challenges.

I loved reading Wonder and I recommend it to 8–12-year-olds. They will truly love reading about August’s story. It teaches kids about important life lessons which they will never forget about.

I hope you read Wonder as it is an amazing book. I’m sure you will love it!

Aashi is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read more of her book reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

authors, interviews

Kitty Black on The Starting School List

Posted on January 17, 2024August 27, 2024 by Alphabet Soup

Kitty Black has a background in psychology and teaching and believes stories are at the heart of who we are. Kitty is the author of many picture books, two of which have been translated into German and Turkish! Today we’re chatting to Kitty about her latest picture book: The Starting School List, illustrated by Cate James.

Kitty Black, a woman with red hair and glasses

The cover of a children's picture book: The Starting School List

The publisher provided Alphabet Soup with a reading copy of The Starting School List.

From the publisher:

It’s Little Brother’s first day at school tomorrow. Luckily, Big Brother knows what that feels like. And what’s more, he has a list of what to expect …

You’ll learn where the loos are, and all about bugs.
You’ll learn a sad friend could do with a hug.
You’ll learn the best spot for sand that is slushy.
You’ll learn that tomato makes sandwiches mushy.

How did you come to write about starting school?

I was actually asked if I wanted to write a picture book about starting school by my publisher, I’d never thought about it before, but I instantly loved the idea. We knew that we wanted the book to be full of good advice, and who’s better at telling younger kids what to do than their older siblings. In a loving, helpful way of course!

What’s your favourite memory about starting school?

I wouldn’t call this my favourite memory, but it’s definitely the strongest memory I have of starting school, I got left behind on my first day. My older siblings told me to wait outside my classroom and they’d come get me on the way to the bus stop, but they forgot! A teacher drove me home, and just as we were pulling into the driveway my Mum was marching out of the house, car keys in hand, shouting at my siblings about how could they forget their little sister. They never forgot me again!

You’re the author of many picture books … and this one is written in rhyme. When you get an idea for a picture book, how do you know whether a story should be told with or without rhyme?

This is my first rhyming book, and I was honestly surprised that I wrote it in rhyme. I tried writing the book without rhyme over and over again, but it just didn’t feel right. There was something about the first words in the book ‘Hey little brother, are you asleep?’ that just WANTED to rhyme. So, I guess I don’t know when a story should rhyme or not, but the story knows.

Do you have a tip for young writers who’d like to try writing their own picture books?

Go for it! Writing should be fun, so if an idea makes you giggle, make it into a book!

Can you tell us a bit about what you’re working on next?

I am working on ANOTHER rhyming picture book, which was inspired by my cheeky dog.

The Starting School List is out now! Ask for it at your favourite bookshop or local library.

Awesome Extras:

The cover of a picture book The Starting School List

See some sample pages from the book at Booktopia’s site

Grown-ups can enter a competition to win a Starting School pack with QBD books, closing 31 January 2024.

Check out Kitty Black’s website for more about her and the books she’s writing.

Check out Cate James’s website for more about her and her illustrations.

Book reviews by Aashi, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Positively Izzy

Posted on January 11, 2024January 11, 2024 by Alphabet Soup

REVIEWED BY AASHI, 9, VIC

Positively Izzy by Terri Libenson, HarperCollins Publishers, ISBN 9780062484963

Aashi reviewed her own copy of this book.

Positively Izzy is about two girls – one named Brianna and the other named Izzy. It is a beautiful story that takes you through the ups and downs of two interlinked stories.

Izzy is a girl who loves drama but isn’t the best at other subjects. She has been preparing for a talent show for months. Her mum is a nurse who works weird shifts so Izzy and her sisters must do lots of chores. Lately, Izzy has been getting bad grades and since her mum is all about grades, it is not going well for her.

Brianna, on the other hand, enjoys academics and always gets good grades. Both her parents are teachers, her dad works at a local high school while her mum works at Brianna’s school! Her mum is a fabulous drama teacher who everybody loves. She is always encouraging Brianna to join the Drama club.

Positively Izzy is a fun book to read as it provides the reader with a good sense of humour and gives two different but linked stories. It could improve on giving a bit more information about Brianna.

The age group I would recommend this book for is 9–10-year-olds. They will enjoy it and cherish it. I rate it 4.5 out of 5.

Aashi is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read more of her book reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

authors, interviews

Kristy Nita Brown on Where’s My Whistle?

Posted on December 19, 2023August 27, 2024 by Alphabet Soup

MEET THE AUTHOR

Kristy Nita Brown is a Western Australian author, writing junior fiction books and delivering creative writing, independent publishing and film making workshops at libraries and schools. Today we’re pleased to be chatting to Kristy about the first book in her Mavey and Beth’s Double Act series: Where’s My Whistle?, illustrated by Alison Mutton.

A children's book with twin girls on the cover.

The author provided Alphabet Soup with a reading copy of Where’s My Whistle?

About the book:

The Year Two song has whistling in it, and Mavey can’t whistle. To make matters worse, Mavey’s twin sister Beth has a mighty whistle. Terrified her classmates will laugh at her, Mavey and her family devise a plan to get Mavey whistling. Will Mavey learn how to whistle in time for the big concert? Or will Mavey’s toot stay mute?

First things first: can you whistle?

I can whistle. I remember my dad showing me how to whistle. We lived in the bush, so I had plenty of long car rides to practise. But Mavey and Beth’s Double Act: Where’s My Whistle? isn’t about me. It’s based on my eight-year-old daughter who can’t whistle. When she found out she was the only kid in her class that couldn’t do it, she was very upset. Together we searched the Internet for different ways to whistle. Do you know some adults can’t whistle too?

The book includes some interesting facts about whistling – did you write the storyline first or did all those whistling facts give you the idea for the story?

At the back of the book I included facts about whistling, a pan flute activity and the Skipping Song to play on the recorder. These came last. The story came first, from watching my daughter struggle with the feelings that come along with being unable to do something your friends can.

We learn that Mavey’s favourite subject at school is Music. What was your favourite subject when you were at school?

Music was one of my favourite subjects growing up because I played the flute. Every Saturday, I went to flute lessons at the Fremantle Music School. Then, on some Sundays, I performed with other kids in a small ensemble. My best friend at primary school also played the piano. We both loved music together. In high school, my favourite subject was small business. Because I sold lollies and washed the teacher’s cars, and made lots of money!

Do you have a tip for young writers who’d like to try writing their own chapter book?

My tip for young writers is to read as many books as you can that are similar to what you want to write. Then pick your favourite and follow the structure as you write your own story. Most chapter books have a similar number of chapters and word count. Usually, something happens in each chapter to move the story forward. At the end, the story is resolved in a way that the person reading it learns something, or feels good. Hopefully, following this structure will help a young writer get to the end, because I think finishing the story is the hardest part.

What’s next for Mavey & Beth?

I’m toying with a couple of ideas for the next Mavey and Beth book. I know the cover will be green and blue. I can picture the twins on the cover. But I’m not sure if the story will be about Mavey getting her ears pierced, a birthday party mishap, or a swimming lesson disaster. What do you think?

Where’s My Whistle is out now! Find a list of stockists at the author’s website.

AWESOME EXTRAS

Watch the book trailer for Where’s My Whistle? [YouTube]

Visit the author’s website for more about Kristy and her books

Visit the illustrator’s website for more about Allison and her books

authors, interviews

Allison Rushby on The Christmas Wish

Posted on December 13, 2023August 27, 2024 by Alphabet Soup

MEET THE AUTHOR

Allison Rushby made a wish when she was six years old. She wished to be a ballerina with pierced ears. Not long after this, she wrote her very first book (not about a ballerina) and decided to be an author with pierced ears instead. She went on to write many more books, for both adults and children, though none of them were sticky-taped together like that first one. She lives in Brisbane with her family and her two not very useful assistants, Harry the Bordoodle and Titus the Sphynx. If you’ve ever dreamed of your wishes coming true, you’ll love Allison’s new series! Today we’re chatting to her about Book 5 in The Wish Sisters series, The Christmas Wish, illustrated by Karen Blair.

A photo of Allison Rushby holding a book

The cover of a children's novel: The Wish Sisters

The publisher provided Alphabet Soup with a reading copy of The Christmas Wish.

From the publisher:

A delightful, festive story in this funny, illustrated Australian series for newly independent readers: It’s Christmastime, but Flick and Birdie are missing their Granny Aggie. To cheer them up, Mum and Dad invite the neighbours over to decorate gingerbread houses. All is going well until Mrs Mortlake brings up Christmas wishes, giving baby Birdie all the wrong ideas. How can Flick spread the joy of Christmas when a gingerbread person is biting the guests?

Did you grow up with a little sister?

I didn’t! I’m a big sister. Though I always think it feels a bit strange to say that because my ‘little’ brother is very tall and I am not very tall at all! So my little brother is my big brother, really!

Do you have any Christmas traditions in your own household that you like to revisit every year?

When I was a child, our family always had a real Christmas tree, which is something people don’t seem to have much anymore. I remember it smelled absolutely delicious – lovely and pine-y and fresh. Whenever I walk past the pine trees at my local park I take a big sniff of that sharp smell and always think about our family Christmas tree! Sadly, I have a very naughty Sphynx cat (one of the cats with no hair), so my Christmas tree for the past few years has been very dull – it’s made of wood and fits together a bit like a jigsaw puzzle. I can’t even have any decorations as he’s that naughty! I tried to have some twinkly lights this year, but he chewed through the wires!

The baby sister gets to do the all wishing in this series. What would you wish for if you had an imp who could grant your wish right this second?

This might sound like something very boring and adult to wish for, but I would wish for my oven to be fixed. It broke yesterday and I’m a bit worried it won’t be fixed for Christmas. A lot of baking needs to be done at Christmas! But I’d also be a bit wary of doing any wishing, because the imp is just as naughty as my cat. The imp manages to twist every wish in unexpected ways. I can’t even imagine what the imp would do to my oven!

Do you have a writing tip for young writers who might like to try writing a series?

I always tell young writers the most important thing they can do is read. Read, read, read and then read some more! But while you are reading, also take note of the stories you enjoy the most. Are there books you’ve read more than once? What was it about them that you loved? Was it the setting? The characters? Try to work out what you’re drawn to as a reader, because this is usually a good indication of what you will enjoy writing the most.

What are you working on next?

I’m currently writing a book about a mythical creature that’s set in the late 1600s in London. I’m having to do a lot of research, but it’s so much fun to lose myself in a whole other world each day.

The Wish Sisters is out now! Ask for it at your favourite bookshop or local library.

AWESOME EXTRAS

Visit Allison Rushby’s website for more about her and her books (author)

Visit Karen Blair’s website for more about her and her books (illustrator)

Download the Teachers’ Notes for The Wish Sisters

Check out the five books in The Wish Sisters series!

Book reviews by kids, Book reviews by Reuben

Book Review: Secret Agent Mole Book 2

Posted on December 7, 2023December 6, 2023 by Alphabet Soup

Secret Agent Mole (Book 2), a graphic novel by James Foley

REVIEWED BY REUBEN, 10, WA

Secret Agent Mole, Book 2: The Boar Identity by James Foley, Scholastic Australia Pty Ltd, ISBN 9781761200168

Reuben received a review copy of this book.

When I found this book in the mail I thought it would be about a secret mission where they had to break into a place and had to disguise as a skunk and a fox. And I was right!

My favourite character is Neil Hamstrung because he is a pig version of Neil Armstrong.

This book can make you laugh your butt off. Anybody who likes graphic novels, space, ham, bugs, and naked mole rats will love this book.

I would rate this book 5/5 premium rib eye steaks. XD

Reuben is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. Check out his earlier reviews here. To send us YOUR story, poem, artwork or book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Book reviews by Ayaan, Book reviews by kids

Book review: The Midnight Manor

Posted on November 13, 2023June 5, 2024 by Alphabet Soup

The cover of the book The Midnight Manor by Fionna Cosgrove.

REVIEWED BY Ayaan, 12, VIC

The Midnight Manor by Fionna Cosgrove, Lightning Source Inc., ISBN 9780645723304

Ayaan received a review copy of this book.

The Midnight Manor is the first book in the twisted trails series and was published in 2023. It was written in a ‘choose your own adventure’ style, sharing the story of the Manor and the Game.

But this is not like other stories of the same genre. Cosgrove has written the scenes out in impeccable detail and interesting side comments. Can you escape the manor before you are trapped for all eternity? Or will the mist take you all?

You must weave your way through the manor facing wolves, zombies and a creepy old innkeeper. And if you don’t like the way your story turned out, you can always go back to the start and have a do-over.

I would rate this book 5 out of 5 as its description makes me feel as if I am really in the manor. You should definitely read this book.

Ayaan is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read more of his book reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Book reviews by kids

Book review: Indigo in the Storm

Posted on November 9, 2023November 7, 2023 by Alphabet Soup

Indigo in the Storm by Kate Gordon. The cover is dark blue with the silhouette of a child with one arm raised.

REVIEWED BY BELLA, 11, WA

Indigo in the Storm by Kate Gordon, Yellow Brick Books, ISBN 9780645218039

Bella received a review copy of this book.

Indigo in the Storm is a wonderful book from the award winning Kate Gordon. Kate Gordon has won many awards for this series. One of her unbelievable, award-winning books is Indigo In The Storm and I can see why. This is a book you can’t stop reading because of how interesting, surprising, and hysterical it is.

Indigo In The Storm is an unpredictable book about a sad girl, called Indigo, struggling to find her happiness once her mum had left her. Not much happens until an annoying boy, Liam, comes along. My favourite part about the book is when Indigo and Liam are having fun together, drawing things and writing quotes.

A funny part about Indigo In The Storm is when Indigo doesn’t like what her only/not really friends are doing so the unpredictable happens …

The saddest thing about this book is when her Mum is a bad influence and they become very close together and then her mum leaves! This made me think of how it would make me feel if that happened to me, I would be very sad and angry.

I like this book because when I was getting a bit bored early in the book, I read on and I’m glad I did because yet again the unpredictable brought it back to a 4 star rating in my opinion.

Overall, I liked this book because of the use of creativity within the story and I love the story because I find sad books the most interesting, but most of the time, the story has a happy ending! 4/5 stars.

You can read another of Bella’s reviews for Alphabet Soup here. To send us YOUR book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Book reviews by Aashi, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Queen Narelle

Posted on November 6, 2023November 5, 2023 by Alphabet Soup

the cover of a children's book: Queen Narelle

REVIEWED BY AASHI, 9, VIC

Queen Narelle by Sally Murphy, illustrated by Simon O’Carrigan, Walker Books Australia, ISBN 9781760655334

Aashi received a review copy of this book.

Meet the Queen, her name is Narelle. Her subjects shall bow to her, whenever they greet her. She’s the keeper of the kingdom, ruler of the domain, and, most importantly, Maddie’s best friend.

Narelle is a cat and is the queen of her household. The household includes Narelle (The Queen of the household), Will (The Noisy Person of the household), Mum (The Court Counsellor of the household), Dad (a respected subject) and Maddie (Narelle’s princess and best friend).

Narelle is wise and caring. She loves all her subjects and makes sure they are happy. However, when Maddie’s friends, Nicole and Samira, become bullies because of a silly fight, Narelle is Maddie’s only friend. Nicole and Samira were writing mean and nasty notes in class about Maddie. When a subject is sad it is Narelle’s job to make them happy, but, in this case, Narelle is not sure what to do. Poor Maddie!

I rate this book 5 out of 5. Sally Murphy once again wrote a fabulous book. The book was detailed covering different opinions and perspectives. I recommend the book for 7 to 9-year-olds, they will truly love it. I loved it because it had a beautiful ending. It also showed that love is very important and that someone will always love you no matter what happens.

Once again, I enjoyed reading this book and I hope you will read it too.

Aashi is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read more of her book reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!