Always Never Always

by Meg McKinlay, Leila Rudge (illustrator)

Always follow secret tracksThe paths that wind and wend through cracksTold in rhyming couplets, Always Never Always is a lyrical, whimsical handbook offering young people a little quirky guidance for going boldly out into the world.

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published November 2, 2023

About the author

Meg McKinlay is a children's writer and poet living in Fremantle, Western Australia.

She has published twenty-five books for young people, ranging from picture books through to young adult novels, and a collection of poetry for adults. Her work has won awards including the Prime Minister's Literary Award, the CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award, and the WA Premier's Book Award, among others.

A former academic, swimming teacher, Japanese interpreter and tour guide, Meg has accidentally lived her life in accordance with the song lyrics, "If you see a strange door to your left/then drop your things and run for it"*, which is how she found herself wrangling words for a living. Meg has no plans to drop writing, though, and is always cooking up more books.

* From 'Wildflowers', by Things of Stone and Wood

Reviews

[Dimity Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb life advice for young (and old). Simple. Melodic. Mindful.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t imagine that when you look at the title of a book you worry about its punctuation, that is, after all most likely the role of the editorial team. I do though, I know strange! But when faced with writing the title Always Never Always I was stumped as to whether to punctuate it! This is Meg McKinlay’s new book, and it is an absolute delight. A story which sets out to remind us that it is important to explore the world around us, to be curious, use our imaginations and not worry about the small details such as punctuation! With illustrations from Leila Rudge which are brimming with excitement and the thrill of adventure once you have picked up this book punctuation will be a thing of the past for all you will want to do is have an adventure… This book is for dreamers everywhere, a book to gift them which they can cherish forever.

Open the book to see old fashioned keys covering the end pages, then turn to the story to discover one small girl, wearing her wings, climbing the shelves to reach a box which she needs for the adventure she is about to embark on with her bicycle. We are told that there are things in life we mustn’t do, an important message, but one that is followed by the reminder that there are things we must do… It these latter that the story goes on to share with us. Firstly, we should always secret tracks and paths because when we get to the ‘there’ they are leading us to we will know ‘where’ we are… There are things we should always carry with us too; fairy wings, a notebook, torch, and key for maybe there will be a mystery lock waiting somewhere out there for you… Take a trusty friend and remember to always stop and look… Open secret doors so you can explore and then, finally the two pieces of advice that I love to follow... “Never follow all the rules for surely some are made by fools…” and always rest, dream of your next adventure.