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Meet the author: Sally Murphy

Posted on June 3, 2020May 14, 2020 by Alphabet Soup

MEET THE AUTHOR

Sally Murphy is an author, poet, speaker and educator based in the South West of Western Australia. Sally has published more than 40 books, and her latest book is a verse novel for upper primary readers: Worse Things, with illustrations by Sarah Davis.

From the publisher:

After a devastating football injury, Blake struggles to cope with life on the sideline. Jolene, a gifted but conflicted hockey player, wants nothing more than for her dad to come home. And soccer-loving refugee, Amed, wants to belong. On the surface, it seems they have nothing in common. Except sport …

Worse Things is your fourth verse novel. Your first verse novel was published in 2009. Has the way you go about writing your verse novels changed since then?
I think so. When I wrote the first one, Pearl Verses the World, I didn’t really plan – a character started speaking to me and I started writing. Pearl’s voice came in verse, and the plot emerged as I wrote. When I wrote Toppling and Roses are Blue the process was similar, though Roses are Blue took longer to get right. When I wrote Worse Things I really wanted to do something different. I still loved verse novels but I wanted to see if I could write in multiple voices and with slightly older characters. This dictated that I needed to write more self-contained poems. I also played around more with poetic form – so there are, for example, little definition poems scattered throughout which define key words from the story or the themes being explored.

Toppling by Sally Murphy and Rhian Nest James

Roses are Blue by Sally Murphy and Gabriel Evans

Worse Things includes characters who play various sports (hockey, soccer & AFL). Do you play these sports yourself?
I loved hockey and played in primary and high school and a couple of seasons as an adult. I actually wish I had kept playing for longer. I got busy as a mother and now that I have more time I am probably not fit enough. I loved soccer as a sport at school, but never played it away from school – when I was growing up there was no soccer for girls where I lived. The other sport in the novel is AFL (football) and again I didn’t have the opportunity to play, but my kids did, and so I spent a lot of time at junior matches, as well as being a mad keen Fremantle Dockers fan.

You write picture books, poetry, chapter books, and verse novels. How do you know the sort of book you’ll start writing when you have a creative idea?
Mostly the story or character presents itself and I just kind of know what is right for that story. It’s about how the story feels, although sometimes I also push myself to try a particular form, or I’m asked to. My two historical novels – 1915 and Bushfire, were both written because the publisher asked for them, and so that dictated that they would be novel-length.

Do you have a tip for young writers who would like to write a verse novel?
Read lots of verse novels to get a feel for how they work. As well as mine, there are some other excellent Australian verse novelists whose work you will love: Steven Herrick, Lorraine Marwood and Kat Apel, for starters. The other thing to do is to start by writing single free verse poems, to practice things like poetic technique, line length and portraying emotion or themes in poetic form.

Can you tell us a bit about your next writing project?
I usually have a few things on the go, and right now is no exception. I have two junior novels which need redrafting – one is set in Vietnam, and I started it when I went there for a residency. I am also doing some research for a historical idea I am interested in. And there is a voice talking to me at the moment and telling me that her story needs telling. I have a feeling she may win.

Worse Things is out now in bookstores and libraries.

AWESOME EXTRAS:

Watch Sally Murphy read the first chapter of Worse Things (YouTube)

Take a sneak peek at some Definition Poems from the book

Click here to download Teachers’ Notes

Visit Sally Murphy’s website for more about her and her books

Book reviews by kids

Book review: The Land of Stories series

Posted on June 1, 2020May 5, 2020 by Alphabet Soup

REVIEWED BY ANYA, 12, ACT

The Land of Stories series by Chris Colfer, Little Brown & Co, ISBN 9780316480840

Anya reviewed her own copies of this book series. This review was shortlisted in Alphabet Soup’s 2020 Young Book Reviewers’ Competition.

A journey into a different dimension, the truth about the Bailey Twins and their grandmother and dad is finally uncovered, which turns their whole life upside-down. Followed by lots more breathtaking adventures, Alex and Conner have experienced something that no other person in the otherworld or Earth probably has. The twins have always faced many challenges, whether it’s evil enchantresses, queens or wicked witches, they have made it through every time with their great teamwork. They have saved the fairy-tale world from many dangers that arose across time. From one book to the next, the twins’ side by side with their fairy-tale friends have never failed to impress.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Chris Colfer’s incredible series up to number 5 at this point and I have noticed he has a really good imagination when it comes to Fantasy. The incredible modern and imaginative style of writing by the author really helps you imagine the book.

Each adventure and characters’ personalities are unique and there is always something waiting to be discovered. Personally, my favourite book of the series was the 3rd, since that was where the bigger problems arose. This book definitely has some positive role models that are brave and fearless.

The way these books have been written I am sure every single person would love it, even adults! We think fairy tales are for babies, but these are not the fairy tales we know, they have been taken to a whole new level! Everything and everyone has a different story, which is what makes this series interesting.

My recommendation to kids aged 6 to 9 is that they would love the first and second book, but the length may be daunting to some. I strongly recommend the whole series to older kids aged 10+. I would recommend this book to anyone who loved fairy tales as a young child or still does. Even if you don’t prefer books in the fantasy genre, I would recommend giving the first book a try.

There are also two other great books available, too, which relate to the main series, called Queen Red’s Guide to Royalty, and Mother Goose Diaries.

Overall, I think this series is a great read and I loved reading it and will make sure to read the 6th book.

During May and June Alphabet Soup will be posting all the book reviews by those longlisted in our 2020 Book Reviewers’ Competition.

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Book review: Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

Posted on May 29, 2020May 5, 2020 by Alphabet Soup

REVIEWED BY KATE, YR 6, VIC

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend, Hachette Australia, ISBN 9780734418074

Kate reviewed her own copy of this book. This review was shortlisted in Alphabet Soup’s 2020 Young Book Reviewers’ Competition.

Step boldly…

Morrigan Crow is cursed.

Morrigan Crow is a young girl who is constantly labelled as a cursed child. That is, until she is rescued by a strange and quirky man named Jupiter North, and taken to a mysterious city called Nevermoor. Morrigan finds herself navigating through the unknown, and has to face a series of challenges testing her honesty, courage, bravery and talent.

Nevermoor is an exciting and suspenseful tale, full of puzzling mysteries and entertaining twists and turns. I would recommend this book to children of all ages, especially ones who love adventure! This book should definitely be rated 11/10!

During May and June Alphabet Soup will be posting all the book reviews by those longlisted in our 2020 Book Reviewers’ Competition.

authors, illustrator, interviews

Meet the author: Gavin Aung Than

Posted on May 27, 2020May 11, 2020 by Alphabet Soup

Gavin Aung Than with some of his characters MEET THE AUTHOR

Gavin Aung Than is a New York Times bestselling cartoonist. His current project Super Sidekicks is a fun-filled action adventure series. Book 3 in the series, Trial of Heroes hit bookstores in April 2020.

From the publisher:

The Super Sidekicks just saved the world and now they’ve been invited to join H.E.R.O. – the Heroic Earth Righteousness Organisation – an exclusive club for the planet’s most famous superheroes. But before they can become members, the team must pass the hardest challenge in the universe, a test so scary and difficult only the truly heroic can survive.

The Super Sidekicks are back! Prepare for another amazing adventure from New York Times bestselling Australian author, Gavin Aung Than.

Did Super Sidekicks Book 1 start out as a standalone book or did you plan the series before you started?
I always planned it to be a series. So No Adults Allowed is all about how the sidekicks meet each other and become a team. Ocean’s Revenge (Book 2) is their first big adventure together, and Trial of Heroes (Book 3) is another big and exciting challenge for the heroes.

How do you create your comics? Do you draw by hand, or onto a computer?
I use both methods. So I draw all the pictures in black and white on paper first. Then I scan those drawings into my computer and add all the grey colour and words. You can see my full process on my website here: https://aungthan.com/ssprocess

Do you have a favourite sidekick to draw?
Wow that’s a hard question! I love drawing all of them, they’re like my kids. If I had to pick just one, then i’ll say Goo is my favourite. He’s so lovable and can literally be drawn into any shape or size which is always fun!

Trial of Heroes is the latest book in the series. How long did it take you from first draft to final draft?
Each book takes about 6–8 months to complete. It’s a lot of work but I absolutely love it!

Do you have a tip for young comic creators?
Practice, practice, practice! The only way to get good at drawing or making comics is to practice all the time. Start making your own mini-comics. It’s also okay to copy your favourite artists, even to trace their work when you’re just starting. The great cartoonist Chuck Jones said that every artist has 100,000 bad drawings in them, so the quicker you get those done and out of the way, the better!

Three books in the Super Side Kicks series are out now – ask at your bookshop or library.

AWESOME EXTRAS:

Click here to peek inside Book 1

Click here to peek inside Book 2

Click here to peek inside Book 3

Click here to watch Gavin at work in his studio as part of Paper Bird Books Home Club (1/2 hour YouTube video)

Book reviews by kids

Book review: Aussies vs England: Game on!

Posted on May 25, 2020May 5, 2020 by Alphabet Soup

REVIEWED BY LISSY, YR4, WA

Aussies vs England: Game on! by Mitchell Starc, illustrated by Philip Bunting, Scholastic Australia, ISBN 9781742763194

Lissy reviewed her own copy of this book. This review was shortlisted in Alphabet Soup’s 2020 Young Book Reviewers’ Competition.

Rating: 5 stars

Recommendation: I would recommend this book for kids aged between six and ten years old who enjoy the sport of cricket, since cricket is the main subject of the book.

Genre: Fiction

Books:
Mighty Mitch #1 Aussies vs England: Game On!
Mighty Mitch #2 Howzat Heroes!
Mighty Mitch #3 Clash of the Keepers!
Mighty Mitch #4 Not Out!
Mighty Mitch #5 Day/Night Decider!

Mitch, a young player for the Wander Hill Wombats Under 10s cricket team, loves batting and wicketkeeping. His dream is to one day play for Australia and wear the baggy green. But before that can happen, he has to keep playing in the Under 10s. His bowling is not pretty; he just can’t get the hang of it! Surprise news whacks Mitch’s team into a deep panic. Mitch and his mates can’t stop talking (and worrying) about playing an England Under 10s side. At the practice game, the Wombats are wowed by the team’s impressive names and shiny cricket shoes. But Mitch has one more problem than his mates; his cricket whites have turned pink! With the big game coming up, everything is happening. Will Mitch be able to get over his bowling blues? Or will he be humiliated in front of everyone? Can it get any worse?

Find out by reading the first book in this hilarious and action-filled series created by Australian cricket superstar, Mitchell Starc!

During May and June Alphabet Soup will be posting all the book reviews by those longlisted in our 2020 Book Reviewers’ Competition.

Book reviews by kids

Book review: Awful Auntie

Posted on May 22, 2020May 5, 2020 by Alphabet Soup

REVIEWED BY AMELIA, YR 5, QLD

Awful Auntie by David Williams, illustrated by Tony Ross, HarperCollins, ISBN 9780007453627

Amelia reviewed her own copy of this book. This review was shortlisted in Alphabet Soup’s 2020 Young Book Reviewers’ competition.

Awful Auntie is a great book with funny pictures that, despite being black and white, are very detailed and vivid. You also get to see Saxby Hall and drawings of the characters so that you know who they are if they’re in a picture throughout the book. I loved the family tree – once I tried to copy it with my own family, but it didn’t work too well.

Awful Auntie has a touch of fantasy, a touch of nonsense, a touch of mystery, and lots of funniness. I have read it lots of times since last year when I first got it. David Walliams makes it funny and mesmerising, and you just want to read it again and again and again. I love Awful Auntie.

During May and June Alphabet Soup will be posting all the book reviews by those longlisted in our 2020 Book Reviewers’ Competition.

authors, illustrator, interviews

Meet the illustrator: Karen Blair

Posted on May 20, 2020May 20, 2020 by Alphabet Soup

Karen Blair MEET THE ILLUSTRATOR

Karen Blair is an award-winning illustrator and author of children’s picture books. She loves to draw characters that are young, old and in between, as well as Australian wildlife – in the bush, the sea, the outback, or at home. She has a background in painting landscapes and loves incorporating this into her illustrations. You might recognise her work from Baby Animal Farm, When Billy was a Dog (written by Kirsty Murrray), the Lemonade Jones books (by Davina Bell), Hello from Nowhere (by Raewyn Ciasley), and many more. Her latest book is Meet Eve in the Outback (text by Raewyn Caisley), which is part of the new Aussie Kids series. Raewyn visited Alphabet Soup recently to talk about writing the text. And now it’s time to hear from Karen about the illustrations!

Meet Eve in the Outback (book cover)

You illustrated Meet Eve in the Outback, written by Raewyn Caisley. How is illustrating a junior fiction book different from illustrating a picture book?
This was my first junior fiction book, which was both exciting and nerve-wracking. In a picture book, I have almost unlimited space on the page to do my visual story-telling, and the words usually fit in around the images. In a junior fiction book, it’s the opposite, with a higher word count, smaller pages and much less space. It makes you really crystallise what you want to add with the illustrations, and it comes down to how can I show an interesting part of the story – the action, the emotion, or even some visual information. That might be showing some of the Nullarbor setting, and the characters’ reaction to being in that part of the story. The shape of the illustration is also more limited, and needs to be varied throughout. It was an interesting process.

What are your favourite art tools/mediums?
I love illustrating with line, and I felt brave enough to try the very traditional dip pen and ink for this book for the first time. It’s slightly unpredictable and does some great things with a big brush and just a little water. I also love drawing with charcoal, it has a life of its own, I think because it used to be twigs it is not a uniform material and can also be a bit unpredictable. I like how you can get a line that will move from delicate to strong with the slightest change in pressure.

How long did it take you to do the illustrations for Meet Eve in the Outback?
I think it was about 3 months, but I work part time. It was a 2 part process – I had to do ‘spot colour’ digitally, which I had never done before. Also nerve-wracking and I was very grateful that my friend, and brilliant author-illustrator James Foley, helped me. His knowledge of digital illustration is phenomenal. Mine is not!

Do you have a tip for budding illustrators?
So much of illustrating is about process. Find a process that you enjoy. In the beginning I would do every part of the process – character sketches (hundreds), visual research (how DO you draw a car graveyard, or a truck, a camel etc), storyboard, dummy, roughs, colour roughs, and final artwork. I still do most of those for each book. You really have to love the process, which also includes getting feedback from the publisher, or it all might be torture. It’s a bit of torture, here and there but worth it. I would also recommend playing a lot with style and materials.

Can you tell us a bit about your next creative project?
I have started writing again, which I haven’t done properly since I had children. I’m working on a book called Train Party which will be published with Penguin next year. It’s set at the miniature railway, and is a rhyming text. It was inspired by some toddler birthday parties I went to last year, including the son of my friend Briony Stewart, another incredible author-illustrator, and incredible train-cake maker! It’s such a fun experience that I think many generations of Australians have enjoyed, and I love the community aspect of the train-drivers sharing their trains with children. There’s heaps of visual research for this one, I am realising that I don’t know much about trains …

Meet Eve in the Outback is out now! Available from book stores and libraries.

AWESOME EXTRAS:

Click here to download an Aussie Kids series activity pack

Click here for Teachers’ Notes for Meet Eve in the Outback.

Read our Q&A with Raewyn Caisley, the author of Meet Eve in the Outback

Watch Karen sketching & talking about her book creation (YouTube)

Visit Karen Blair’s website for more about her and her books.

Book reviews by kids

Book review: Magic Beach

Posted on May 18, 2020May 5, 2020 by Alphabet Soup

REVIEWED BY KADE, 6, QLD

Magic Beach by Alison Lester, A&U Children’s, ISBN 9781741144888

Kade reviewed his own copy of the book. This was the winning book review in the Junior Category of Alphabet Soup’s 2020 Young Book Reviewers’ Competition.

I like this book, it made me feel calm. Every grade, including the Kindy kids, at my school would like this book.

The words are exciting and the watercolour drawings are awesome. The main characters are kids playing at their beach. Belinda and James build sandcastles and find sticks, rocks and feathers. They’re pretending their beach is all different things like they found treasure, they’re sailing all over the world and they caught a shark.

I like the pictures and the family’s cute dog is found on almost every page. I liked the words on the last page “adrift on the evening tide”. There are parts of the story that are confusing and the picture didn’t help me.

4/5 stars

During May and June Alphabet Soup will be posting all the book reviews by the winners and longlisters from our 2020 Book Reviewers’ Competition.

Book reviews by kids

Book review: The Beast of Buckingham Palace

Posted on May 15, 2020May 5, 2020 by Alphabet Soup

REVIEWED BY HARPER, YEAR 5, NSW

The Beast of Buckingham Palace by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross, HarperCollins Children’s Books, ISBN 9780008385644

Harper reviewed her own copy of this book, and was the Primary Category winner in our 2020 Young Book Reviewers’ Competition.

Imagine the year 2120, one hundred years into the future. Evil has come knocking and Britain will never be the same. With the majority of Britain under the control of evil, it will take Prince Alfred to find the good in people. But in these times, it seems you can only trust yourself. The King’s beasts will soon be controlled by the Lord Protector, including the monstrous Griffin. Will the sickly Prince Alfred, who has never seen the world outside Buckingham Palace be able to save Britain?

David Williams has a knack of transporting his readers to thrilling new places with excitement and mystery around every corner. Even the Royal Family gets a new adventure! Readers love an unexpected hero, and Prince Alfred is just that. Sickly, small and rejected by the Lord Protector, he is proven unworthy by his Father. But he shows us that by displaying courage and making sacrifices anyone can be a hero.

I love learning about the Royal Family, so this book was exciting. This was my favourite David Williams book; I couldn’t put it down! The characters had a lot of personality and the story was very eventful. The thing I love most about this book is the different fonts that were used to show how each character felt or the mood of the scene. For example, if the character was frightened then the words the character said would be fuzzy. It was such a fun read!

During May and June Alphabet Soup will be posting all the book reviews by the winners and longlisters from our 2020 Book Reviewers’ Competition.