The Hub for Just Kids' Lit
2016 has been a tremendously eventful year on the blog, with establishing the Directory, a cascade of amazing interviewees and guest posters, and invaluable tips and news updates made available. And I couldn’t have done it all without the support and dedication of my wonderful team of bloggers and the Australian kidlit community. So, thank […]
Title: Zombie Inspiration Author: Adam Wallace Illustrator: James Hart Publisher: Krueger Wallace Press Genre: Zombie/Comedy/Personal Development Age Group: 9-13 Please tell us a bit of what your book is about. Well, this is a totally, absolutely, fully, nearly almost true story about me when I was at high school and the zombie apocalypse hit the […]
The title of this article might seem a misnomer given the physical stature of both Margaret Wild and Julie Vivas, however there is no doubt about their giant status in the picture book world. It was an absolute pleasure to hear them speak in conversation with Belinda Murrell at the CBCA Northern Sydney sub-branch Christmas […]
Title: The Green Goggles Author: Kris Sheather Illustrator: Kris Sheather Publisher: Ormiston Press Genre: Picture Book Age Group: 2-6 Please tell us a bit of what your book is about. Pete wakes up excited because it’s his birthday. He’s disappointed with his presents until he receives a pair of green goggles. Wearing the goggles ignites his imagination […]
Meet… Nellie Melba, Janeen Brian (author), Claire Murphy (illus.), Random House, 2016 Synopsis: Dame Nellie Melba was Australia’s first classical music star. The beauty of her singing was celebrated around the globe. She was appointed Dame Commander, OBE for her enormous fundraising efforts during World War One and today she is commemorated on Australia’s hundred […]
Title: Mrs.T and the Magic Pencil Author: Elizabeth Mary Cummings Illustrator: Johanna Roberts Publisher: Elizabeth Cummings Genre: Picture book Age Group: 4-7 What kinds of themes / issues are raised in this story? The idea that someone can make a lasting impact on a child’s life is the core of this story. Themes such as […]
This is the second part of my interview with Penny Morrison, author of Captain Sneer the Buccaneer, the Hey! series and The Mighty Mighty King Christmas Book which is hot off the press! See part 1 here. In this part Penny tells about the struggles this writing life throws up and the things that encourage […]
Title: I want to be a Rock Star Author: Mary Anastasiou Illustrator: Anil Tortop Publisher: Lil’Rebel Books Genre: Picture Book Age Group: 5-10 years Please tell us a bit of what your book is about. ‘I want to be a Rock Star’ is a discovery of the many genres of music through imagination and play. […]
Today’s guest is Australian author Bill Condon who is well-known for his prize-winning YA and junior novels. Bill’s books have CBCA short-listed four times and he was the inaugural winner of the Australian Prime Minister’s Award for Youth Literature. Bill’s latest book, a gentle and sometimes heart wrenching junior novel about a loving family struggling […]
For many of creative people, it is difficult to take off the ‘creative hat’, so to speak, and put on the ‘business hat’. However, in this day and age of living in a noisy and busy world it is vital. Allison Tait interviewed Hazel Edwards in 2013 about the business of writing in her blog […]
