Dimity Powell's Blog

Ifyou’ve got a truck, car, vehicle mad toddler in the house, find yourself a copyof these two brilliant picture books, stat. I love the sheer vibrancy and verveof Wheels and Tractors – two separate standalone titles thatfulfill every wheeling, tractor obsession you could want.

Wheels is my personal favourite butthe other titles by these best-selling creators in the Roadworks seriesare equally compelling. Two kids are witness to a never-ending parade of wheels.Rumbly, grumbly wheels, yucky mucky wheels, tiny shiny wheels. We aretold wheels go fast and wheels go slow, but the trick is guessingexactly which vehicle belongs to each spread of wonderful wheely verse. Andwonderful it is. Perfect rhythmic, onomatopoeic descriptions draw youngsters inand set them up for the fun reveals. Visual clues provided by Lovelock’senergetic pigmented inked illustrations further enhances this excellent guess-what-it-isexperience.

Tractor is equally attractive in soundand visual allure. Colours pop on each page as readers are escorted through aday in the life of farming equipment, all revolving around the all-important,tractor. Again, guesswork comes into play giving the reader so much more purposeand ownership over these clever, fresh and extremely entertaining titles.

Bothare high on my recommended reading list.

Title:  Wheels
Author:  Sally Sutton
Illustrator:  Brian Lovelock
Publisher:  Walker Books Australia, $24.99
Publication Date:  February 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760651589
For ages:  2 – 6
Type:  Picture Book

Buy the Book: Walker BooksAustralia, BoomerangBooks

Title:  Tractor
Author:  Sally Sutton
Illustrator:  Brian Lovelock
Publisher:  Walker Books Australia, $24.99
Publication Date:  February 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760653385
For ages:  2 – 6
Type:  Picture Book

Buy the Book: Walker BooksAustralia, BoomerangBooks

          

 

 

Hi guys! Remember me? The part-time blogger (what’s a blog?), erstwhile reviewer. This post title sounds like a new novel, doesn’t it? I wish it was. Truth be known, not a lot of new words have been written this year, either as a burgeoning story, or blog post, or even in my diary. It’s just been one of those years. We’ve all had ‘em. But about this (as yet) unwritten novel … Let me explain.

An Apology
Remember how it was one of those years? Loss, shock, anger, frustration. Realisation, resignation, enlightenment, hope. A veritable rollercoaster of ups and downs and those horrid tummy-turning tight bends. I normally don’t mind an adrenaline filled experience but 2024, seriously! So, the gazillion reviews I’d hoped to clear this year got somewhere left behind in the G force of life. Apologies to the creators, publishers, publicists and me who expected more. But ...

‘Sometimes not getting what you want is the best luck of all’
A Promise
It’s not all gloom and doom, though. Far from it. In between not quite living the dream and not quite achieving my 2024 expectations, I explored a myriad of other side streets. I found solace in unexpected places, have broadened my understanding and knowledge in areas that have improved my health; body, soul and mind. Refilled my wells of patience. Renewed resolve and purpose. And so, I endeavour – to promise less and deliver more.
A Quest
Stick with me if you can! Adventures, no matter how brief and meek, are always better shared. Always. There are still oceans of great stories to be enjoyed, shared and, written. My quest is to pursue them all more actively in 2025. Or at least, sweat less about how the pursuit pans out.

As I slide into the Silly Season with less chaotic dread than ever before and clear tiny book mountains with the commitment of Sir Edmund Hillary, I leave you with an eclectic smattering of titles that made the good list. There are dozens more, naturally, but their time will come. It always does. HAPPIEST OF CHRISTMASES – Dim!

Good List goodies

Warning! These Jokes Will Annoy Everyone You Know at Christmas Puffin Graphic Jokes Book
Seriously, they will and have. I couldn’t be more delighted or amused. The penultimate collection for Dads (or anyone else) in need of festive season flavoured jokes.

My Brother Ben by Peter Carnavas UQP Middle Grade Fiction
Birds, boats and brothers. All the feels expressed with the unique Carnavas caress of creativity. A bliss bomb of brilliance.

(Be Smart About) Screen Time! by Rachel Brian Hachette Non-Fiction for Kids
Comic styled and a whizz to assimilate, this self-help offering maintains and focuses attention on a topic that should be compulsory learning.

Bunny and Bird: How To Make A Snowman by Nick Bland Harper Collins Picture Book
Outstanding new addition to this series that pulses with clever humour and post-modern picture book wit. Recommended reading.

Song Of The White Ibis by Phillip Gwynne & Liz Anelli Puffin Picture Book
Striking imagery, compelling text, and a thought provoking endnote that rocks sustainability. Loved it. Viva la Ibis!

Grandma’s Treasured Shoes by Coral Vass & Christina Huynh NLA Publishing Picture Book
Sublimely subtle representation of what being a refugee feels and looks like. A beautiful addition to any classroom.

Raised by Moths by Charlie Archbold & Michelle Conn Midnight Sun Publishing Picture Book
Spectacularly surreal look a who we are, identity and self-appreciation. Gorgeous.

The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Extinct Animals by Sami Bayly Lothian Illustrated Non-fiction Picture Book
Magnificently rendered collection of weird and wonderful animals and their woeful untimely demises. Makes one wonder if we humans will ever end up in a compendium like this one.

Everest: The Remarkable Story of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay by Alexandra Stewart & Joe Todd-Stanton Bloomsbury Books Illustrated Narrative Non-Fiction
Truly magnificent portrayal of Sir Ed’s life, passion and ultimate achievement, reaching the roof of the world along with his revered companion, Norgay. There is much to learn and absorb from this adventure. Highly recommended reading.

I Heart The World by Tania McCartney Hardie Grant Travel Illustrated Non-fiction Picture Book
I didn’t think so many interesting facts, figures and FOOD could be mastered into one complete volume, but McCartney somehow has done so. Artful, informative and packed with delicious illustrations, I imagine the pages will be well worn with repeat visits. An excellent reference source.

One For the Adults

Wellbeing on a Budget: The Inner Ninja Handbook by Dr Alice MacKinnon
I normally shun self-help titles like the plague, mainly because of a highly prioritised reading time or lack thereof. This year however, a seismic shift occurred in my appreciation for the thoughts and gentle nudges from others in similar boats to me. One of those nudges is this book. It centres around your complete wellness but not the kind that is represented by active wear, fad diets, or expensive spa treatments, rather the wellness that comes from a deeper awareness and active appreciation of your own self including your incredible capabilities. It is calming and calm inducing. It is practical and most of all, it is achievable. Do yourself a favour and indulge in the practise of self-care – indulge in yourself. This book is a great place to start. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Oliver Jeffers' exciting and thought-provoking picture bookstories orbiting around the Boy, have a new out-of-this-world addition, WhereTo Hide A Star. Among the boy’smany loves is his predilection for playing hide and seek with his two besties,penguin and the star.

Neither of them is much good at counting or hiding imaginativelybut that hardly matters when the real gain behind the game is spending timewith your friends. Until one day, through an unplanned misadventure, the boyloses track of the star. Try as he might, he genuinely is unable to find the starso decides to call in the big guns, aka the Martian, who unquestionably knowsmore about stars than him.

Thanks to a neat bit of Martian tech and a good deal of happenstance,they trek star’s whereabouts all the way to the North Pole, where it turns out,it is very much not lost. Star had found a new friend; a girl who has alwaysdreamed of having a star as a playmate. An inevitable Mexican standoff ensues.How does one share something one wants and loves so personally with another? Fortunately,our trusty Martian illuminates them both with a brilliant solution.

WhereTo Hide a Star, reveals a universe of delights suffusing whimsy with wonder,space and time, imagination with reality, and desire with realisation. Withfriendship as the anchoring force, this tale explores the frontiers of loyaltyand integrity in the most supernova-filled way. Almost slapstick in delivery, theboy’s story balances the space between strong emotion and limitless fun. It isdefinitely not difficult to find the joy within this beautiful adventure.

Title:  Where To Hide A Star
Author /Illustrator:  Oliver Jeffers
Publisher:  HarperCollins Children’s Books, $27.99
Publication Date:  16 October 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780008579685
For ages:  3+
Type:  Picture Book

Buy the Book:   HarperCollinsAustralia, BoomerangBooks

 

 

We're doubling down on reptilians today,both of which continue to create rapturous wonder in young hearts and minds.

DinosaurIn My Pocket by Ashleigh Barton& Blithe Fielden

In a clever incongruous coincidence,James loves two things beyond all else: dinosaurs and miniatures. Hiscollection of both is vast and impressive but lacking a Triceratops. So, whenon his school excursion to the museum the perfect Triceratops is spotted, Jamesis besotted. Except, he can’t afford it.

After a little light-fingeredacquisitioning, the wee dinosaur is escorted back to school in James’ pocket,then home then into his bedroom. Only, dino is not so wee after all. With eachpassing moment, the dinosaur grows as does James’ shame and guilt.

The beautiful thing about this taleis how the crime is uncovered simply because it can no longer be concealed or confined.Lies, guilt, misdemeanours; all have a way of amplifying if left unchecked.When James’ parents discover his dinosaur, they don’t rant or rave or punishhim rather they help him return the dino and present James with a way to makeamends. James is able to gain an appreciation for value and effort as well ashis biggest tiny desire.

Tender, touching and terriblyrelatable, Dinosaur In My Pocket is a great conversation starter aboutdoing the right thing and balm for those with a case of the guilts. I loved it.

Title: Dinosaur In My Pocket
Author:  Ashleigh Barton
Illustrator:  Blithe Fieldon
Publisher:  Hachette Australia, Imprint Lothian Books, $24.99
Publication Date:  March 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 978734422668
For ages:  3 – 8
Type:  Picture Book

Buy the Book: HachetteAustralia, BoomerangBooks    

Dragon Folding by Christopher Cheng and Lucia Masciullo

Dragons are an infinite source of wonder, magic and mystic, especially so for certain cultures. And, as it turns out, for the Singers who reside in Dragon Hall as it’s known in Evan’s neighbourhood. Mr Singer baked cakes. Mrs Singer painted colourful pictures. It was a place Evan held dear and loved to visit.

But recently, the colours and verve of Dragon Hall have drained away leaving Mr Singer prickly and unkempt. Try as everyone might to rekindle Mr Singer’s dragon spirit, dust continues to gather and flames grow weak. Until, one day, Evan strives to reach his friend with a slip of an idea and piece of paper. Despite Mr Singer’s despondency and arthritic hands, together, they persist, folding, tucking, creasing, creating … winged dragons. Soon a flight of dragons commands the living room bringing with them colour and magic and eventually, cake!

Dragon Folding is a deeply personal tale of falling and losing one’s way through grief and loss. It is also a magnificent tribute to love and light that the kindness of others can reignite in the darkest of times. Life can be prickly and harsh but dragons possess enough fortitude and strength to rediscover hope as Evan helps Mr Singer remember.

Cheng’s powerful narrative layers artfully alongside Masciullo’s intricate illustrations. Loosely drawn lines and solicitous use of watercolours create a sense of fragility which oscillates from despair to delight. And of course, the essence of the dragon is carried throughout. In an attempt to find solace and peace within oneself, this team have created a touching intergenerational tale that is essentially an ode to life and beyond.

Title: Dragon Folding
Author:  Christopher Cheng
Illustrator:  Lucia Masciullo
Publisher:  Penguin Random House, $24.99
Publication Date:  10 September 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761340948
For ages:  5+
Type:  Picture Book

Buy the Book: PenguinRandom House

A is for aeroplane, all-gone and antAnd the apple you bit and then dropped in a plantB is for bubbles and bee-buzz in blossomsFor bruises and bottles and bare bathtime bottoms
Toddler days are gone all too quickly, although as noted in S is for ... sometimes-it-feels-like-this-day-goes-forever ... the reality of tearing through toddlerhood is often testing beyond measure - for both parties at times! This picture book is a beautiful reminder of what was past, for some of us and what is present for many still in the first few rounds of parenting. 
Spectacularly illustrated with warmth, whimsy and wit, this beautifully curated and crafted collection of ABCs is a standout when it comes to alphabet books. Keen observation entwined with first hand experience add to the heart melting authenticity of the lilting narrative. There is an eye and earful of wonderfulness, cheek and delight on every single page. 
Rhyme is never forced and often accommodated across back to back pages creating a fluid flowing reading experience that is easy to revisit again and again. 
The Cheeky Toddler Alphabet is a creation that will resonate with all those cheeky little humans because they will recognise themselves in nearly all of the cheeky antics and scenarios depicted, as well as their sleep-deprived, love-riddled, long-suffering big humans; for the same reasons. 
Relatable. Realistic. And a really useful and clever way of introducing stimulating new words into a toddler's repertoire because each example is woven into an engaging contextual, almost anecdotal situation. I almost want to relive those years again just to read this to my toddler! Almost.
Highly recommended.
Title: The Cheeky Toddler Alphabet
Author: Davina Bell
Illustrator: Jennifer Falkner
Publisher: Hachette Australia - Imprint Lothian Children's Books, $24.99
Publication Date: 25 June 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780734422101
For ages: 2 - 5
Type:  Picture Book

If you follow Sam Mac on his socials, you'd understand his motivation for wanting to express the poignant joys of parenthood. Her name is Margot. This picture book chronicles the birth of his daughter in a holistic inclusive way, featuring a number of parenting combinations, their bubs and their babies' milestones. It begins with a statement: time is a treasure. 
So true. Precious, unrepeatable firsts are scattered throughout which may seem pedestrian to the non-parent but resonates with the same incredulous quality a child experiences when witnessing, mastering or performing a new life wonder for the very first time. It's pure magic. Human firsts are never so abundant than in the first year of life as revealed in each page turn.
Baby's firsts are beautifully showcased with gently hued illustrations surrounded by plenty of white space that allows eyes and hearts to fully focus on each milestone baby makes. Honestly, it has a Baby Book kind of vibe; it's for baby, speaking to baby but really is a heartwarming insanely poignant reminder for new parents just how wonderful the first 12 months really were despite the sleepless nights and explosive mood swings.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of this picture book is its value-adding inclusivity, which encourages its keepsake value and allows room for personal touches = best endpapers ever! Recipients of this book can add a special keepsake or picture of their newborn in the special see-through sleeve on the front endpapers and then again at the end once their child has aged a year. Making this picture book about babies a truly clever, cute and brilliant book to gift and treasure.

Title: Suddenly One
Author: Sam Mac
Illustrator: Deb Hudson
Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia, $19.99
Publication Date: 17 September 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761347849
For ages: 0 - 99
Type: Picture Book

Buy the Book:   Penguin Books       

This book needs more than five stars. It is a universe of stars, magnificent and absolute. For me, it possesses all the qualities outstanding narrative works possess rendering them utterly impossible to articulate just how magnificent they are. See what I mean. Hopeless.How does one describe a thing that fills them, tears them, speaks to them so intimately, so personally, so honestly? Therein lies the true beauty and unfathomable skill Dalton has: he sees things. He notices us. He gets it all and then, quite astoundingly, has the ability to write to YOU the individual with undiluted clarity and unashamed compulsion.

Dalton's novels feel as though they are tailored specifically for the individual, every single one of us. His characters slam feet first, boots and all, against your emotional armour with such force, it makes you gasp. This is not a bad thing. It's a magnificent and absolute and real sensation.

So, yes, I loved Lola. Everything. The anguish. The agony. The sorrow. The way sorrow was finally possessed not possessing. The love story. The irony. The tragedy of reality and the ethereal magic of uncertain hope. The commentary on life. Walking by everyday. Enduring every moment. Dancing every note.

Being a resident of SE QLD, I felt at once at home in the novel's setting. Able to relate to the flotsam and jetsam the Brisbane River is keeper to. Witnessed first hand the raging appetite of misery and catastrophe it and the city can unleash. Savoured (some of) its unique scents and secrets. But as Dalton points out, Brisbane and its brown serpentine river is much more than the locale of the story. The river serves to anchor and transport, destroy and nourish the lives that it snakes around and through. It is Lola; her sorrow, her solitude, her sanity. Her story - of salvation.

Prickling with realisms and hard truths. Tempered with simple joys, too tiny and silent for the everyday crowds to notice. Imbued with fear and pain and love that is palpable on every page, Lola In The Mirror is triumphant tale that speaks. (And begs for a movie option in its own right!)

And if this appraisal is not an intimate enough description of the storyline, that's because I don't want to spoil the revelation of wonder. Just read it for yourself.

Recommended without reserve. Suitable for older teen readers. 

Title: Lola In The Mirror
Author: Trent Dalton
Publisher: HarperCollins 4th Estate imprint, $32.99
Publication Date: October 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781460759837
For ages: 15+
Type: Adult Fiction

Buy the Book: HarperCollins, Boomerang Books

Look, it's true, I’m more of a dog person thansomeone with a fetish for felines, but Itty Bitty Kitty is so utterly adorbs and cute (although whatever you do, DON'T call her that), how could one not want to cuddle her up.

Itty Bitty Kitty features in allthree tales that appear in each of the four five books (latest in theseries out November 2024!) in this junior fiction series. She is teeny tiny.Winsome and mischievous. But don’t let her size fool you. With her tigressattitude and feline smarts, Kitty is the penultimate adventurer, even if thoseadventures extend no further than her home with her Humans.

Told in endearing first person cat-speak,each instalment is sweet and manageable for young newly independent and emerging readers. Engaginglyillustrated chapters provide plenty of visual stimulation. Text is punctuatedwith bolded words that break up the text and signify significance.

Typography aside, Kitty’s tales arefull of playful fun and cheeky abandon, perfectly encapsulating the personalityof a fun-loving kitten. Kitty’s voice is full of innocence and sincerity, oftenpeppered with indignation when things don’t quite go her way or her Humans misinterprether benign actions as misdemeanours.

With her repertoire of cunning defencemoves and innate caring nature for her favourite Human, Leo, Kitty’s antics notonly score big delight with young readers, they melt hearts, too. Cute and beguiling,Kitty’s stories cover familiar family issues like dealing with the baby sitter,going to school for the first time and, worse, visiting the vet! All from onpussy cat’s point of view. Which is why this series is so seriously amusing andalluring, just like a feather stick cat toy.

Leap into it soon! You won’t bedisappointed. Ideal for cat lovers and dog lovers who dote on a well-told tale straightfrom the animal’s mouth.

Title:  Itty Bitty Kitty #4
Authors:  Maddy Mara
Illustrator:  Noémie Gionet Landry
Publisher:  Affirm Press, $14.99
Publication Date:  26 March 2024
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781922992581
For ages:  5 – 8
Type:  Junior Fiction

Buy the Book: BoomerangBooks, AffirmPress

 

 

 Hands down, one of the most popular parts of any school presentation I perform is inevitably Q & A time. I honestly think a whole session devoted to questions from kids to authors would trump a 'how to write a story' session any day. So, imagine my delight at being involved in this super new comp by speakers' agency, CKT. Get cracking with your questions kids. Get your school to sub them to CKT and get ready for some mind-blowing revelations! 

Dive into the minds of young readers with CKT’s Curious Kids Competition, a delightful initiative that invites questions from inquisitive kids about their favourite
CKT author or illustrator.

It’s a chance for budding book lovers to ask their most pressing questions and get a glimpse into the magic behind the stories and illustrations they adore.

Every class that sends CKT a question for their favourite CKT author or illustrator, will go into the draw for their school to win a FREE 30-minute virtual session with that 
CKT Author or Illustrator.

You can even ask a question for an interstate author or illustrator.

We encourage teachers and teacher librarians to work with their students to come
up with the questions.

The more classes that submit, the more entries go into the barrel for your school.
So your school will have more opportunities to win.

Click for a list of authors and illustrators from CKT Speakers Agency
Including, moi!

Conditions of entry are as follows:

You can message your entry to CKT via Instagram or Facebook - @cktspeakersagency
or email them to info@cktspeakersagency.com.au. 

Please only submit from your school email account, not your personal account.

The submission should contain the name of the school,
submitting class and teacher and your question.

Entries must be submitted from an adult representative of the school
eg Teacher, Teacher Librarian, Principal etc.

No entries will be accepted directly from children or their parents.
No member of the CKT Speakers Agency will liaise with participants under 18.

What the winning school will receive -

Your favourite CKT Speakers Agency author or illustrator will share a
reading from their books. 

A Q&A with your favourite CKT author or illustrator, including a response to the question submitted at the time of entry.

The author or illustrator will share basic information about their
writing or illustrating processes.

Competition commences on 1 July 2024.
Closes on 30 September 2024.

The prize will be offered virtually in Nov/Dec 2024 at a date to suit both the
speaker and the winning school.

CKT will be posting regularly about the competition through Instagram and Facebook - @cktspeakersagency.

Life's been a hodgepodge of comings and goings of late. Wins and losses. Swings and Roundabouts. Cliches aside, it's just life. One can't, or shouldn't try to, truncate it even if by attempting to do so creates a sense of accomplishment and win for time management. Regardless, because humans are contradictory beings, here I go, anyway!

It's mainly a recap of work, my excuses for failing to write one single new word of fiction for myself thus far, this year. I'm sure or at least furtively hopeful, that my writing mojo will return forthwith but, in the meantime, take great solace and a serious serving of enjoyment in presenting writing workshops, seminars and sessions for kids and grownups everywhere. 

And so, the dump:

Online masterclass presentations in multiple ending stories proved a hit with the G.A.T.E WAYS gifted and talented kidsIn school programs with yet more G.A.T.E WAYS kids never fail to entertain and enthral. Visit their site for a swag of brilliant STEM and literary based programs to choose from throughout the year.Transforming budding scribes into fully fledged storytellers amps satisfaction to the nth degree, in both camps - theirs and mine - while tickling the anxiety a bit, too - just mine! There are simply so many gifted kids out there with darn great stories to share. This was abundantly evident in the Write Like An Author (WLAA) school holiday writing camps I facilitated recently. I've really got to up my game! 😆 More camps are coming up so visit the WLAA site if you have a child keen to hone their love for writing.  WLAA Camp at Brisbane Boy's CollegeSpeaking of love of writing, I shared my 'how to be a rad kids' writer', Top Five Dos and Don'ts For Children's Authors  with the newly formed, Children's Publishing Academy. Swing over to their site if you're a burgeoning author of children's stories with serious aspirations about getting published or simply curious to know what I reckon helps.  Mastering Mindfulness session at AFCC May 2024
Time to raise the temp a bit, which I did by attending the Asian Festival of Children's (AFCC) in Singapore last month. This was my second festival with them on site although I've been fortunate to be involved with this super informative and enlightening celebration of all things Kids' Lit for the past few years online. This year I presented and moderated a magnificent panel of artists both Australian and Asian. You can read and view the many marvellous programs and events that embraced four awe-inspired days via the AFCC website. (I'd need a month-full of blog posts to do it justice). Book signing with fellow Aussie author, Sally Murphy at the AFCC
Me with Priyanka Shahra and the AFCC crew, Caroline and Wei

Hanging out at the AFCC with SCBWI chums and illustrator David Liew
The theme of this year's AFCC festival was - Curiosity. I was ably impressed to be judged a Curiosity Connoisseur as per their online quiz.   While in Rome or this case Singapore, it would have been remiss of me to forego the opportunity to present in one of the colleges there. Thanks to my agents at Speakers Ink and the dynamic, Shirley Roser of XCL World Academy International College , I got to experience this very pleasure. Spanning two days, we - the effusive, Pippa Pigeon and I - presented writing workshop and imagination spurring sessions to the entire Primary cohort. It was my first go at presenting to bilingual youngsters with limited English so the challenge was real but stimulating.  So much fun!And so, as I take a few days to come up for breath and wonder how the heck my counterparts do this (endless gig thing) so consistently well while still pumping out books, I remind myself that the pleasure of crafting stories is not a competition (although some end up there), rather a happy amble through known and unknown territory while stumbling across pleasant and arresting discoveries, so remarkable they have to be recorded. Somehow. In some time. 
Thanks for sitting through my droll little round-up. I hope it jiggles your inspiration somehow, if by doing no more than showing you where persistence, patience and hard work can eventually take you.