Author: Alphabet Soup

This post was added by Rebecca Newman. Rebecca is a children's writer and poet, and the editor of the Australian children's literary blog, Alphabet Soup. For more about Rebecca visit: rebeccanewman.net.au.
Posted in authors, info

The Book Chook answers kids’ questions about writing

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
Book Chook
© Greg Mitchell

The spring 2009 issue of Alphabet Soup will be out in mid August and inside you’ll find a new writing tips column from the Book Chook!

‘But who is this Book Chook?’ we hear you ask.

The Book Chook is the secret identity of an Australian writer who loves to read, write, and dress up as a chicken. (Doesn’t everybody?) She enjoys reading great stories that make her laugh, and make her feel as if she’s right in the middle of the action.

She says: it’s exciting to join Alphabet Soup (Chicken Soup would not have been exciting at all). And I’m looking forward to chatting to kids about the craft of writing.

If you have a question about writing, email it to bookchook@alphabetsoup.net.au and your question might appear in a future  issue of Alphabet Soup!*

*If we use your question, we will only print your name, age and state/country in the magazine unless you advise us otherwise.

[Dear Readers, Just in case you’re wondering, the Book Chook is NOT ME! I do love reading, but my chicken costume hasn’t been worn in years … ~Rebecca – Alphabet Soup’s Editor.]

Posted in illustrator, info

Meet our newest illustrator!

Posted on by Alphabet Soup

We’re very pleased to introduce you to Annette Flexman, the newest member of our Illustration by Annette Flexmanillustration team! Annette joins Greg Mitchell, who has been our sole (and hardworking!) illustrator since issue 1.

We asked Annette to tell us a bit about herself. And here’s what she said:

I discovered I loved drawing in early primary school. I remember drawing lots of farm animals, as we had lots of pets at home, and then moved on to space ships and space creatures as I got older!

I recently discovered watercolour pencils which are just fantastic to work with. I’m very excited about joining the Alphabet Soup team, especially because I get to read all those fantastic stories and poems from the young readers out there!

You can see a sample of Annette’s artwork up at the top of the post there. She’s been very busy with pencils, paper and scissors flying – getting pages ready for issue 4 (out mid-August 2009). Don’t miss it!

You can order copies of issue 4, (or subscribe to Alphabet Soup!) by going to our website www.alphabetsoup.net.au.

Posted in competitions

Haiku competition

Posted on by Alphabet Soup

If you like to write haiku and senryu, you might like to enter the 2009 City of Perth Library Haiku Competition. (First prize in the primary school category is a $40 gift voucher!) Entries close Thursday 13 August 2009, at 5 pm.

Entries will be displayed on the Haiku Wall in the Library during the WA National Poetry Week (31 Aug – 5 Sept). Entries will be judged by the Office of the Consulate-General of Japan, Perth.

Make sure you read the entry conditions.

Posted in competitions, info

To improve your writing skills – keep writing!

Posted on by Alphabet Soup

Well done to everyone who sent entries in for our winter ’09 writing competition!

Over the past two days we’ve read through some imaginative and entertaining stories – and we’ve come to the conclusion that you really are a talented bunch. It’s difficult to choose just one winner for each age category.

Remember that writing as often as you can is a good way to improve your writing skills. So, even if you are not a prize-winner this time, entering the competition has helped your story-writing. Keep writing!

You’ll read the winning stories in the spring ’09 issue of Alphabet Soup and there’ll be a new writing competition announced in the spring ’09 issue. (Hurrah!)

And of course, while you’re waiting for the next writing comp, there’s still time to send in your artwork for our design-a-cover competition (for kids under 12). For entry forms and more details, see the competitions page on the Alphabet Soup website.

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The Pied Piper (NSW)

Posted on by Alphabet Soup

Marian Street Theatre for Young People presents ‘The Pied Piper’The pied piper

The Pied Piper has been adapted by puppeteer Terry Ryan and will be on at The Lighthouse Theatre during the July school holidays from 13 – 25 July.

Now set in an Australian wheat town, rain breaks the drought and brings prosperity at last – but then come the rats! The Mayor offers a reward of $50,000 to rid the town of rats and this attracts some hilarious characters.

After the show children can meet the actors, have a look at the set, the puppets and costumes, and learn a little bit more about the enchanting world of theatre.

The Pied Piper is suitable for children aged 3 -10 years, and uses storytelling, original songs, music and puppetry.

Where: The Lighthouse Theatre, North Ryde

When:             13 – 25 July 2009, Monday to Saturday at 10.30am & 1.00pm
Prices:        Children $16, Adults $20, Families of four $60, Group discounts avail

Bookings:   1300 306 776 or www.mca-tix.com.au (booking fees apply)

Posted in Book reviews by Rebecca

Book review: The Hottest Boy Who Ever Lived, by Anna Fienberg and Kim Gamble

Posted on by Alphabet Soup

The first time Minton the salamander saw Hector, he was shooting out of a volcano! The Hottest Boy Who Ever Lived: coverHector is the hottest boy who ever lived.

Inside he burned like a bonfire.
When he sighed, the grass turned brown.

He lives near a volcano, with Minton for a pet. He eats mangoes and pineapples and there’s nobody to tell him when to go to bed! But he is very lonely.

One day there is a terrible storm and Hector and Minton are swept out to sea, still clinging to a tree. They drift until they arrive in a country of Vikings and freezing weather. The Vikings are afraid of Hector’s unusual heat (and red hair!), and start to blame him for the bad luck they have. Hector has to find a way to reach out to them so he can make a new home for himself.

The Hottest Boy Who Ever Lived is illustrated by Kim Gamble (Anna Fienberg and Kim Gamble work together on the Tashi books). The illustrations really help you to imagine how Hector feels as you read the story of his journey. (My favourite illustration is one of Hector holding a child who fell into the ice – you can see that he really cares, and just looking at it makes you feel warm!)

This is a good winter read!

The Hottest Boy Who Ever Lived, by Anna Fienberg, illustrated by Kim Gamble, Allen & Unwin, 2009 (first published 1993)

Our review copy was sent to us by Allen & Unwin