Michelle Worthington's Blog, page 17

Illustrator Spotlight: Chris Haughton

  

Irish designer and illustrator Chris Haughton is becoming a bit of a rock star.  His first book A Bit Lost has been translated into 20 languages and has won awards in 7 countries including the Dutch Picture Book of the Year. Oh No George came out in 2012 and won the Junior Magazine Picturebook of the year award. His third book Shh! We Have a Plan came out in March 2014 and won the AOI award for children's books for 2014. He has mad skills.


His illustration style is unique and spunky. You almost expect them to start moving on the page with his design style strongly influenced by his interest in fair trade and a global mindset. I think there might be more than a pinch of Irish sense of humour in there as well.

 Check out his website for more details and links to his social media pageshttp://www.chrishaughton.com/www.michelleworthington.com

Book Review: Edward and the Great Discovery by Rebecca McRitchie and Celeste Hulme

  Today's book review is Edward and the Great Discovery, courageously written and illustrated by Rebecca McRitchie and Celeste Hulme. Do you let your kids make their own discoveries? Edward comes from a long line of archaeologists, but he hasn't made a great discovery yet. This beautiful book is teeming with teasers in the words and pictures about using your imagination mixed with what you already know and sprinkled with bravery and determination to uncover the amazing mysteries this world has to offer a question asking child. The perfect bedtime story for budding archaeologists, inventors, explorers and dreamers of all ages.   Product detailsFormat Hardback | 48 pages Dimensions 240 x 275mm Publication date 01 Jun 2014 Publisher New Frontier Publishing Publication City/Country Epping, Australia ISBN10 1925059006 ISBN13 9781925059007http://www.bookdepository.com/Edward-and-the-Great-Discovery-Celeste-Hulme-Rebecc-McRitchie/9781925059007?ref=grid-viewwww.michelleworthington.com

Book Review: Lisa Absolutely Loves Art by Sophie Norsa

  Today's book review is Lisa Absolutely Loves Art by author/illustrator Sophie Norsa. Do you have a budding artist in the family? This book will be perfect as a gift or library borrowing. It introduces them to classic styles and works of art in an age appropriate format that will inspire them to find out more about the paintings featured in the book, with an information page in the back to help. This book is a must have bedtime story for the little Picasso in your life. Unique and inspirational with a story that is not only in words, but also in pictures!   Product detailsFormat Paperback | 32 pages Dimensions 210 x 280mm Publication date 01 Feb 2015 Publisher New Frontier Publishing Publication City/Country Epping, Australia ISBN10 1925059278 ISBN13 9781925059274 http://www.bookdepository.com/Lis-Absolutely-Loves-Art-Sophie-Nors/9781925059274?ref=grid-viewwww.michelleworthington.com

Book Review: The Terrible Suitcase by Emma Allen and Freya Blackwood

  Today's Book Review is The Terrible Suitcase by Emma Allen and Freya Blackwood. A book about belonging, friendship, expectations and imagination, all kept in a tattered old suitcase. My very first school bag looked just like this and I still have it! A book for kids who find it difficult to fit in and have trouble expressing the right emotions at the right time. Is there every a right time for angry emotions at school? But finding a friend can happen over time, even when you never think it will. It's ok to be terrible and tattered on the outside because the right people will see you for what you are on the inside and that's what counts. A great book for children with ADHD, Asperger's, Anxiety and who are worried about making friends.   
Product detailsFormat Paperback | 32 pages Dimensions 240 x 250mm Publication date 01 Dec 2012 Publisher Scholastic Australia Imprint Omnibus Books Publication City/Country Central Coast, Australia Illustrations note colour illustrations ISBN10 1862919623 ISBN13 9781862919624 http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Terrible-Suitcase-Emm-Allen-Frey-Blackwood/9781862919624?ref=grid-viewwww.michelleworthington.com

Book Review: King Pig by Nick Bland

Today's book review is King Pig by author/illustrator Nick Bland. This book had me giggling long before they started flinging sheep. A great lesson in what it means to be a leader, about why some people are popular and how to belong to a group. The illustrations capture the comedy perfectly and this would especially suit reluctant readers, children with Asperger's and bossy boots who can't figure out why people won't play with them.


Product detailsFormat Hardback | 32 pages Dimensions 240 x 250mm Publication date 01 Jun 2013 Publisher Scholastic Australia Publication City/Country Lindfield, Australia ISBN10 1742834957 ISBN13 9781742834955
https://www.bookdepository.com/King-Pig-Nick-Bland/9781742834955




www.michelleworthington.com

Top Tips for Literacy: Author Interview with Lynette Duffy

 

Author Lynette Duffy, shares with me her journey and how she became inspired to write about the life of a Bunyip in Australia. She is a book reviewer at Creative Kids Tales, a Books in Homes Author Role Model and the Published author of 2 Children's Books and a cook book. 
 
 

 
 
 
What inspired you to write about the Bunyip?    Reading stories about Bunyip’s not existing.  I dislike limiting imagination especially in children so I gave life to a Bunyip & why everybody should believe he exists.
 
What has been your journey up to this point?    I started writing the book as a single story of Australian animals giving a surprise birthday party to someone.  This evolved into a Bunyip being the main character.  I then wondered about a series of single books which then evolved into a chapter book. 
 
As a child, what was your relationship with books?   I was one of those passionate children who could read almost from the first time I picked up a book.  (I was horrible at maths though which is usually the case)  I would hanker for any time I could be free so I could read.  In year 4, I was not merely satisfied with reading, I wanted to write stories too, so I began with short stories & plays.  By the time I was year 10 I was showing my stories to English teachers who then encouraged me to enter competitions.  I went on to win 3rd place for an Australian wide young writer’s competition.  My life as an Author had really begun.
 
What is the most important thing about what you do?   Inspiring children to read, use their imaginations & not be limited by somebody telling them they are no good or not good enough.
 
Do you believe picture books can change the world?    I realised from an early age that inspiring people especially children to read opened the universe to them.  Picture books are the first books that grab children’s attention.  Without picture books most children or even adults would not have started reading.  Even if one cannot read they can tell a story with pictures.  It would be a dark colourless world without picture books.
 
What do you hope people will take away from this experience?   I want everyone to be stimulating young children to read & comprehend.  Never discourage anyone who wants to record imaginings that are floating around in their head, but to encourage them to record them, so maybe later they can see how far they have matured in their writing skills.   Then if they want to take it further they are able to do so.
 
What is next?   I will be finishing Bunyip Tales this year.  Apart from publishing this book, I want to add other stories I have already written to be illustrated & then published as well.   
 You can contact the Book Lady via facebook on the following link www.facebook.com.au/bookladylynetteor Linkedinhttps://au.linkedin.com/in/lynetteduf...

Top Tips for Authors: Interview with Cathy Domoney

 Cathy Domoney is an author who is passionate about promoting positive thinking in children around the globe. In her first book Madeleine, Maddy & Midge Cathy uses Madeleine’s two secret friends, Maddy who is full of confidence, and Midge who is full of self  doubt, to show children how to gain the positive thoughts they require  to build a healthy self esteem. As a qualified primary teacher of fifteen years and one who holds a  Diploma in Counselling, Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy Cathy  writes with knowledge and a skill that is easy to understand and  empowers. Throw in her skills obtained when completing her Bachelor’s Honours Degree in Sociology and History along with a Certificate in Life Coaching and you have a complete package that is destined to make changes in the life of children. Cathy Domoney was born and raised in Wiltshire, England but now happily calls Adelaide, South Australia home. When teaching full time she held the position of personal, health, social and moral education coordinator which allowed her to work directly with pupils and colleagues on self-esteem issues. It was during this time that Cathy saw how positive thinking can powerfully impact on a child’s experience in the world.   
Wonderful News! Cathy is publishing her next Self-Help Children's book, 'Pop Finds His Smile.' Having had so many beautiful responses from the fantastic readers of 'Madeleine, Maddy & Midge,' contacting her and urging her to publish again it seems as though it is becoming a reality. There will be a Blog detailing this amazing journey as well as a Crowd-Funding Campaign underway to raise  part of the investment in a new positive-thinking book for kids, 'Pop Finds His Smile!' Can you spare $10AUD to help her achieve the goal and get this great book in to the hands of our precious children?
 
 This is the link to pledge;https://ozcrowd.com/campaigns/positive-thinking-for-kids/#.VsVUfvl97IV There are rewards outlined for each pledge received on the campaign page.  You can contact Cathy here:http://www.cathydomoney.com/www.michelleworthington.com

Top Tips for Literacy; Reading to Older SPD children Part Six

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Top Tips For Literacy: Reading to SPD Children Part 5

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Top Tips for Literacy: Reading to SPD Children Part Four

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