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Three Quick Questions: Aleesah Darlison (#10)

Posted on October 14, 2011October 8, 2011 by Alphabet Soup

All through October, Alphabet Soup is celebrating turning three. We have heaps of writers and illustrators stopping by to answer THREE QUICK QUESTIONS and today’s visitor is Aleesah Darlison, author of many books including the Totally Twins series and new series, Unicorn Riders.

1. Where do you like to write?

I usually write in my study where it’s quiet and cosy and where I can display photos, posters and props, etc about what I’m writing about.

2. Can you name a book you’d recommend to our readers?

A book I read recently—The 13-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths. Very funny.

The 13-storey Treehouse (cover) — Aleesah recommends The 13-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths

3. Can you offer a word or phrase that kids could use for inspiration if they have writer’s block?

Magic.

Find out more about Aleesah Darlison and her books—visit her website.

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Aleesah Darlison” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

(Psst … see you back here tomorrow, when author Katrina Germein answers our Three Quick Questions.)

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Three Quick Questions: Sheryl Gwyther (#9)

Posted on October 13, 2011October 8, 2011 by Alphabet Soup

All through October, Alphabet Soup is celebrating turning three. We have heaps of writers and illustrators stopping by to answer THREE QUICK QUESTIONS and today’s visitor is author Sheryl Gwyther—her most recent book is Charlie and the Red Hot Chilli Pepper.

1. Where do you like to write?

I have a study to write in, but I can write anywhere (if I’m in the writing mood). Funny thing, though, the place where I write a first draft reminds me of that time whenever I go there—like on our back deck, where I wrote the first draft of Singing the Wires and the words poured out of my head. Luckily, it’s all good memories.

2. Can you name a book you’d recommend to our readers?

Just finished John Heffernan’s book Battle Boy—Spying on the Past, written under the name of Charlie Carter. It’s the first in a series of exciting, short adventure books for young readers. Easy to read, gripping and cleverly bringing the past alive when a young boy—Napoleon Augustus Smythe—hurtles back through time and into … the big battles of the past. Lots of techo stuff (and illustrations) to intrigue kids.

Battle Boy (cover) — Sheryl Gwyther recommends Battle Boy by Charlie Carter

3. Can you offer a word or phrase that kids could use for inspiration if they have writer’s block?

Rather than one word or phrase, I use my ‘Double Trouble Game’—think of two words that are ‘bad roommates’, put them together and ask, ‘What If? I used this method to get the ideas flowing for my story Princess Clown. Also for my work-in-progress, Fangus Fearbottom (fang and banana—yes, bad room mates!)

Find out more about Sheryl Gwyther and her books—visit her website and check out her 4Kids blog, too.

Sheryl’s most recent book, Charlie and the Red Hot Chilli Pepper is available from Pearson Australia.

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Sheryl Gwyther” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

(Psst … see you back here tomorrow, when author Aleesah Darlison answers our Three Quick Questions.)

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Three Quick Questions: Cristy Burne (#8)

Posted on October 12, 2011October 8, 2011 by Alphabet Soup

All through October, Alphabet Soup is celebrating turning three. We have heaps of writers and illustrators stopping by to answer THREE QUICK QUESTIONS and today’s visitor is Cristy Burne, author of the Takeshita Demons books.

1. Where do you like to write?

In a café, on my laptop, with a chilli hot chocolate somewhere nearby. I like writing in cafés because it usually means I have two or three hours of uninterrupted time.

2. Can you name a book you’d recommend to our readers?

I usually read action-adventure-fantasy stories, but lately I’ve been trying some different genres. Most recently, I loved Meg McKinlay’s Duck for a Day … it’s quirky and clever and fun. I also loved Warning! Aliens are Invading the School! by Dinah Capparucci—it’s Very Funny!

Duck for a day (cover) — Cristy Burne recommends Duck for a Day by Meg McKinlay

Warning! Aliens are invading the school! (cover) — Cristy also recommends Warning! Aliens are Invading the School! by Dinah Capparucci

3. Can you offer a word or phrase that kids could use for inspiration if they have writer’s block?

“headless”

I like to write scary stories about strange monsters and spooky demons, so “headless” is a great start for imagining a new kind of creature. It opens up lots of nice questions: Why is it headless? Does it miss its head? Does it have any extra bits to make up for its missing head? Is it attacking me? Is it making me a cup of tea?

Find out more about Cristy Burne and Takeshita Demons—visit her website and check out her blog.

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Cristy Burne” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

(Psst … see you back here tomorrow, when author Sheryl Gwyther answers our Three Quick Questions.)

Book reviews by Pippa

Book Review – Evangeline: The Wish Keeper’s Helper

Posted on October 11, 2011January 6, 2015 by Alphabet Soup

Evangeline: The Wish Keeper’s Helper, by Maggie Alderson, ill. Claire Fletcher, ISBN 9780670075355, Viking (Penguin Group Australia).

Reviewed by Philippa, age 9 ½ .*

Evangeline the toy elephant lives a life under the bed of her child, who now no longer plays with her. Evangeline only comes out when she is pushed out by the lady who comes to clean and vacuum every week. But when she is transported Upstairs, she experiences a whole new life, meets lots of new friends and is even selected to help the wish keeper directly to grant wishes. One by one, the toys all get selected for a special job helping to keep the hope in wishes, until Evangeline is the only one left. Will Evangeline’s wish be granted?

This is a chapter book. The writer paints the pictures in your head, and when you turn a page to a colourful illustration, they are just right!

Children aged 7 to 12 would love this amazing story.

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*Philippa is a member of our Undercover Readers Club. A review copy of Evangeline: The Wish Keeper’s Helper was provided by the publisher.

illustrator

Three Quick Questions: Mark Wilson (#7)

Posted on October 11, 2011October 8, 2011 by Alphabet Soup

All through October, Alphabet Soup is celebrating turning three. We have heaps of writers and illustrators stopping by to answer THREE QUICK QUESTIONS and today’s visitor is Mark Wilson, author and illustrator of many books, including Ben and Gracie’s Art Adventure and The Little Wooden Horse.

1. Where do you like to write/do your artwork?

At the beach or around the coast somewhere. I love rock pools and rocky headlands.

2. Can you name a book you’d recommend to our readers?

The Mr. Badger series, by Leigh Hobbs. The most brilliant little pen and ink drawing on page after page!

Mr Badger (cover) — Mark Wilson recommends the Mr Badger series by Leigh Hobbs

3. Can you offer a word or phrase that kids could use for inspiration if they have writer’s or illustrator’s block?

Two words … Stay cool.

Find out more about Mark’s books and illustrations on his website!

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Mark Wilson” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

(Psst … see you back here tomorrow, when author Cristy Burne answers our Three Quick Questions.)

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Three Quick Questions: Tania McCartney (#6)

Posted on October 10, 2011October 8, 2011 by Alphabet Soup

All through October, Alphabet Soup is celebrating turning three. We have heaps of writers and illustrators stopping by to answer THREE QUICK QUESTIONS and today’s visitor is Tania McCartney, author of the ‘Riley the Little Aviator’ series. The latest is the series is Riley and the Grumpy Wombat.

1. Where do you like to write?

In my trackie dacks. All hail the trackie dacks! I write from within these dacks … though of course, I don’t use my legs to type. I suppose I could get little teensy trackie dacks made for my fingers? I also like to write in cafés with my laptop, although I don’t wear my trackie dacks to the café. If you saw my trackie dacks, you’d know why.

2. Can you name a book you’d recommend to our readers?

I read the new Dr Seuss book—The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories—and it wasn’t even published yet, so I felt very special seeing it so early. My heart was thumping out of my chest when I first picked it up. It thumped so hard, I had to give the book a hug to calm my heart down. I know I don’t need to recommend a new Dr Seuss book, because if you’re a reader, you’ll know how good the book will absolutely most certainly be. So I won’t say a thing. Except “read it”!

The Bippolo Seed (cover) — Tania McCartney recommends The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories by Dr Seuss

3. Can you offer a word or phrase that kids could use for inspiration if they have writer’s block?

Onomatopoeia. (That’s all those funny words that sound like something—crash, tinkle, splash, squelch … you can use them to kick-start any sentence.)

Tania’s latest book—Riley and the Grumpy Wombat: a journey around Melbourne—is out now. See more on Tania’s books at www.taniamccartney.com or visit her book character Riley at his own blog—www.rileyaviator.blogspot.com. Make sure you stop by www.kids-bookreview.com for some really cool book reviews and author/illustrator interviews, too!

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Tania McCartney” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

(Psst … see you back here tomorrow, when author- illustrator Mark Wilson answers our Three Quick Questions.)

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Three Quick Questions: James Foley (#5)

Posted on October 7, 2011October 7, 2011 by Alphabet Soup

All through October, Alphabet Soup is celebrating turning three. We have heaps of writers and illustrators stopping by to answer THREE QUICK QUESTIONS and today’s visitor is James Foley, illustrator of picture book The Last Viking (by Norman Jorgensen).

1. Where do you like to draw?

My favourite place to draw is in my room, really early in the morning, while it’s still quiet, before the pets wake up … penguins can be very noisy when they’re hungry, and spider monkeys are incredibly grouchy until they’ve had a cup of tea and some toast.

2. Can you name a book you’d recommend to our readers?

Sam, Grace and the Shipwreck written by new author Michelle Gillespie, illustrated by the incredibly talented Sonia Martinez. It’s coming out this month (October) and looks amazing. It’s the true story of how Sam Isaacs and Grace Bussell saved the crew and passengers of the Georgette when it was wrecked off the South West coast of WA a long time ago.

3. Can you offer a word or phrase that kids could use for inspiration if they have writer’s or illustrator’s block?

” … and that’s why my mum joined the circus.”

Find out more about James Foley and his books—visit his website and check out the official Last Viking blog.

(Psst … see you back here on Monday, when author Tania McCartney answers our Three Quick Questions.)

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Three Quick Questions: Susan Stephenson (#4)

Posted on October 6, 2011October 2, 2011 by Alphabet Soup

All through October, Alphabet Soup is celebrating turning three. We have heaps of writers and illustrators stopping by to answer THREE QUICK QUESTIONS and today’s visitor is Susan Stephenson, also known as The Book Chook, and author of Monster Maddie.

1. Where do you like to write?

We have a tree in our garden called the Thinking Tree. There’s a seat at its base where I love to sit, because it’s so peaceful there. I scribble and think, think and scribble, and listen to what my characters have to say.

2. Can you name a book you’d recommend to our readers?

One of my favourite books is Into the Unknown: How Great Explorers Found Their Way by Land Sea and Air. It was written by Stewart Ross, illustrated by Stephen Biesty, and published by Walker Books. I loved its stories about real-life explorers, and also all the maps and foldouts and the fantastic detailed drawings. Find out more about it in my review at The Book Chook.

3. Can you offer a word or phrase that kids could use for inspiration if they have writer’s block?

I think the very best phrase to use when stuck is “what if … ?” What if my hero falls flat on his face in front of the dragon? What if a raven swallowed the ring? What if the bully has a phobia about grasshoppers? That question has taken my stories in many surprising directions!

Susan Stephenson is a writer who lives about as far east as you can go on Australia without falling off. She loves reading, writing and pretending to be a chicken. Susan writes a blog about children’s literature, learning and literacy at The Book Chook.

(Psst … check back tomorrow, when illustrator James Foley answers our Three Quick Questions.)

teachers' resources

Book review: The Great Expedition by Peter Carnavas

Posted on October 5, 2011 by Alphabet Soup

The Great Expedition, written and illustrated by Peter Carnavas, New Frontier Publishing, ISBN 9781921042812

A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.

This story is loosely based on the expedition of explorers Burke and Wills. In The Great Expedition, the exploring party is assembled—with a leader, a navigator, a botanist, a biologist and an animal handler (to keep the dog under control). The group of young explorers needs to get a parcel safely to its destination. They set off in high spirits but soon run into all sorts of trouble … and then disaster strikes.

Although they are exhausted by their journey, obviously this adventure is not as arduous as the one Burke and Wills faced (plus, this journey has a happy ending!). This is a great picture book for kids learning about explorers—learning what happens on an expedition, and the roles of the people involved. At the end of the book there is a little about Burke and Wills, too.

Younger kids will enjoy the story as it is, older kids will appreciate the humour behind the kids’ expedition mirroring a real one. And everyone will love the quirky illustrations (look out for the dog in the endpapers!).

A fun adventure, and a springboard for learning about the great explorers of history.

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Three Quick Questions: Wendy Orr (#3)

Posted on October 5, 2011October 2, 2011 by Alphabet Soup

All through October, Alphabet Soup is celebrating turning three. We have heaps of writers and illustrators stopping by to answer THREE QUICK QUESTIONS and today’s visitor is Wendy Orr, author of Nim’s Island, Raven’s Mountain and many more.

1. Where do you like to write?

I’d love to say that it’s sitting on my favourite log out in the bush—but it’s actually at my desk. It’s a lot easier for my imagination and mind to fly free if my body is comfortable and in a good posture for writing—boring but true!

2. Can you name a book you’d recommend to our readers?

I’ve just finished City of Lies, the second in The Keepers trilogy by Lian Tanner. It was just as wonderful as the first (The Museum of Thieves).

3. Can you offer a word or phrase that kids could use for inspiration if they have writer’s block?

Midnight.

Find out more about Wendy Orr and her books—visit her website and her blog and check out the Nim’s Island blog, too. (Plus, read our May 2011 Q&A with Wendy Orr.)

(Psst … check back tomorrow, when author Susan Stephenson—aka The Book Chook— answers our Three Quick Questions.)

Three Quick Questions: Aleesah Darlison (#10)

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Aleesah Darlison” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

Three Quick Questions: Sheryl Gwyther (#9)

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Sheryl Gwyther” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

Three Quick Questions: Cristy Burne (#8)

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Cristy Burne” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

Book Review – Evangeline: The Wish Keeper’s Helper

Three Quick Questions: Mark Wilson (#7)

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Mark Wilson” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

Three Quick Questions: Tania McCartney (#6)

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Tania McCartney” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

Three Quick Questions: James Foley (#5)

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with James Foley” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

Three Quick Questions: Susan Stephenson (#4)

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Susan Stephenson” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

Book review: The Great Expedition by Peter Carnavas

© October 2011 “Review of The Great Expedition by Peter Carnavas”, reviewed by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)

Three Quick Questions: Wendy Orr (#3)

© October 2011 “Three Quick Questions with Wendy Orr” by Rebecca Newman (Alphabet Soup magazine)