This week we are commencing adding featured members as contributors on the Blue Dingo WordPress blog.  You will receive an email from WordPress asking you to confirm your subscription. You will then be able to blog at your convenience they will then be approved (possibly edited) and published by management.  If you have any questions about your blog or contributions feel free to leave a footnote on your blog for the editor or email at bluedingopress@bigpond.com.

Image via Wikipedia

To create her True to Life Books Jan follows wild animals every day, taking photographs and writing about them in their natural habitats.

Read her amazing writing journey.

http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com/2012/02/19/chatting-with-jan-l…

Thanks

Helen

blog: http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com

web: http://misshelenbooks.com

 

 

 

Amnesty Speaker announced

• Posted by Rebecca J Timmis on February 17, 2012 at 7:32am
• Send Message   View Blog

Very excited that Amnesty International have confirmed QLD/Northern NSW Branch President Paul Toner will be the speaker at the book launch of ‘The Brothers of Turoc’… what amazing support!

 

 

My children’s book is listed in Highly Recommended section at Biblio Reads.

• Posted by Helen Ross on February 16, 2012 at 2:00pm
• Send Message   View Blog

My children’s picture book, 10 Yellow Bananas is listed in the TOP PICKS, Highly RecommendedSection (4 /5 stars) at Biblio Reads 0-12 Children’s Book Review.

Direct link:  http://biblioreads.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Highly%20Recommende…

OR
http://biblioreads.blogspot.com/2011/10/10-yellow-bananas-ages-0-4-…

Book review by Lisa Barker, BiblioReads.com http://biblioreads.blogspot.com.au/

 

Helen

web: http://misshelenbooks.com

blog: http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com

 

 

Welcome again readers,

Some great updates have arrived in the Blue Dingo blog yet again, well worth checking out. A big thank you to Karen Tyrrell, Helen Ross, Julie Murphy and Vicki Griffin who are regular contributors.
Did you know that you only need to post a blog on the blue dingo network to get this promotion?

The Blue Dingo Network eMag:

We are growing!! So please don’t miss out on your chance to contribute to BDN news. The following is our launch dates for the year:

• 1st Feb (contributions by the 15th of January)
• 1st April (contributions by  the 15th of March)
• 1st July (contributions by the 15th of June)
• 1st October (contributions by the 15th of September)

Queensland Health invited me to be part of a cutting edge Mental Health media campaign!

READ about the Change our Minds website and my FULL STORYhttp://karentyrrell.com/?p=2995

 

 

This week I chat with Peter Carnavas, award winning children’s book illustrator and author

• Posted by Helen Ross on February 12, 2012 at 10:30am
• Send Message   View Blog

Meet the delightful, Peter Carnavas, author/illustrator of Jessica’s Box, Sarah’s Heavy Heart, The Important Things, The Great Expedition and Last Tree in the City.Published by New Frontier Publishing.

Direct link: http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com/2012/02/12/chatting-with-peter…

Thanks Helen

web:  http://www.misshelenbooks.com

blog:  http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com

 

 

 

Made my day

• Posted by Julie Murphy on February 10, 2012 at 9:43am
• Send Message   View Blog

 

Here in Australia, 2012 is the National Year of Reading. So I have been thinking about ways to encourage children to read. A thought sprang to mind recently as I was leaving home for a routine doctor’s appointment. On the spur of the moment, I signed a couple of my older hardcover books (some particularly robust ones) before walking out the door. I thought I would donate them to the doctor’s waiting room.

At reception, I offered my books to the grateful receptionist, who told me to put them in the reading basket straight away. I did that, and sat down to wait for my appointment.

As I read my own book, I kept half an eye on the reading basket. I reckon every author dreams of seeing their books being read by complete strangers! Imagine my disappointment when the first “customer” pushed aside my shiny new books to pick up a battered old “Thomas the Tank Engine”. I told myself not to worry about it, as the boy was only about two years old and my books were written for an older audience. The next child – another toddler – also passed on my books. But YAY! the third one – a boy aged about 8 or 9 – picked them up and took them back to his seat.
(At this point, a few writers may be saying to themselves, “Yeah right, this isn’t a true story – she’s using the rule of three”, but this is really true!)

As I continued my own reading, I heard the boy’s mother reading “Arachnids” from cover to cover. Sure, a child in a doctor’s waiting room is kind of  a captive audience. How much choice does he have if he gets bored and wants to go out and play? However, I was delighted to see how engaged the mother was as she read to her son, and how the boy was also getting involved in the words and pictures. Mother and son were pointing out to each other various aspects of both.

When they finished the book, the boy passed over my other book for his mother to read. But just then they were called in see their doctor, and they walked into the surgery with “Seabirds” still in the mother’s hand. (I hope she returned it to the basket later!)

That experience made my day. The expense of the books (I had bought them myself – in my experience, authors don’t get many free copies) was more than compensated by seeing a child reading them and learning a bit about spiders, which are really fascinating creatures.

And the writer in me got to hear the mother ask her son, “Did you like that book?”, and his impartial reply. “Yes”

The experience also showed me that one small action has the potential to go a long way. It has prompted me to ask YOU something… do you have any lonely books at home that could be donated to children during Australia’s National Year of Reading?

 

 

 

How to PER-FECT your Short Story… NOW published in a Print MAG

• Posted by Karen Tyrrell on February 7, 2012 at 3:32pm
• Send Message   View Blog

Check out my #6 Secrets on How to improve your Story right NOW!

 http://karentyrrell.com/?p=2980

 

 

 

Tips on submitting to writing competitions.

• Posted by vicki anne griffin on February 7, 2012 at 12:46pm
• Send Message   View Blog

Writing contests good or bad.

 

There are a lot of writing contests here in Australia and overseas. When entering writing contests ask, is this contest reputable. Always check them out for longevity and their reputation.

1. Check sponsors organizations and judges. If you can’t find out what you’re looking for on the site don’t bother submitting.

2. Would winning any particular contest augment your current writing skills? Is it something you wish to have on your CV? Check with what is worthwhile and what is a flash in the pan before entering your labour of love.

3. What are your chances of winning? Competitions like the ‘New Yorker’ are high quality writing competitions and to get an idea of what type of calibre their after look at past winners. Also take into account the number of entries. It may be just as easier to enter smaller competitions that have a good reputation. As with any competition always check the rules and guidelines. If your entry that you have worked on and it is complete it may be rejected if it is not in the correct format that the Competition guidelines state. It will be deleted without even being looked at. What a waste of a good story.

4. Look at the prizes on offer are they worth what you believe your writing is worth? Does it offer a mentor or writing scholarship, or publication?

5. Above all have fun writing and entering competitions however bear in mind some competitions will not let you submit your work to anyone else for a certain time frame depending on terms and conditions.

 

 

 

The SECRET of Submitting your Manuscript to Publishers

• Posted by Karen Tyrrell on February 2, 2012 at 8:22am
• Send Message   View Blog

How do you develop a kick-ass submission package that will eXcite and ignite a Publisher?

**I wrote this blog to unblock my paralyzing FEAR of submitting to Publishers. For too long I’ve allowed my completed Manuscripts to loiter in my computer files …

Here’s my Self- Motivational Tips for ACTION …

#10 Secrets in Submitting your Manuscript to Publishers …READ MOREhttp://karentyrrell.com/?p=2939

 

 

“I want to make sure that participants have all of their questions answered. The workshops will be delivered partly thought emails but also through locked online forums so that writers can chat with each other and see each others’ questions and the answers as well. I made a lot of mistakes when I was starting out. I’m happy to share these experiences to hopefully prevent others from making the same ones!”

Katrina is the author of the best selling Australian picture book Big Rain Coming as well as many others. Last year her book My Dad Thinks He’s Funny was highly commended in the Prime Minister’s Literary award. Her next book Somebody’s House will be published by Walker books next year.

To find out more about Writers Quilt Workshops visit http://thewritersquilt.wordpress.com/ Also on the site you’ll find links to lots of free tips from picture book authors. The next workshop begins on Monday February 13. (Next Monday) Writers can register any time before 9pm on Sunday.

 We have one free place to give away valued at over $200.00. To enter write a comment about your latest project below, include your email please so you can be contacted should you win. Hurry entries close 9pm 10/2/12!!!

This is a fantastic 6 week online workshop, don’t miss out on your chance to participate!

Just in case you missed the eMag here is the link: http://issuu.com/BuginaBook/docs/blue_dingo_press_vol1final/9

2012 new release books

• Posted by Julie Murphy on January 20, 2012 at 12:14pm
• Send Message   View Blog

I am very pleased to announce the release of two non fiction books for children PreK-2.Whose Baby is This? and Whose Home isThis? are in the “Nature Starts” series, published by Capstone Press, USA.

Here’s the link: Nature Starts

My Pro-Active Journey to REAL Self Publishing … Part 1

• Posted by Karen Tyrrell on January 21, 2012 at 8:12am
• Send Message   View Blog

SQUEE! I’m celebrating my Birthday with Bubbles and promises of what2012 will bring with publishing ME AND HER: a Memoir of Madness!

Yesterday I presented myself with the most PERFECT birthday gift imaginable. I registered my unique …READ MORE

http://karentyrrell.com/?p=2896 Have you ever considered *REAL* self publishing?

digitalart

 

 

Interview with Clancy Tucker, author of Gunnedah Hero

• Posted by Helen Ross on January 24, 2012 at 8:16pm
• Send Message   View Blog

I kick off 2012 with an interview with Clancy Tucker, author of Gunnedah Hero, an historic Australian adventure novel for children and young adults. Follow his blog tour at http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com

Direct interview link:http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com/2012/01/24/interview-with-clan…

 

 

New Writing Gig: Guest Blogger @ TOP Writing Website

• Posted by Karen Tyrrell on January 25, 2012 at 3:09pm
• Send Message   View Blog

Guess where I’m Guest Blogging today? …

How to MAXimize your Book Readings to Children

Tania McCartney, founder of Kids Book Review requested I write a series of Guest Posts on ‘Kids books, education or writing for kids’… ReadMORE

http://karentyrrell.com/?p=2910

 

 

Radio Interview Exposé on ME AND HER: a Memoir of Madness.

• Posted by Karen Tyrrell on January 25, 2012 at 3:46pm
• Send Message   View Blog

On Monday, 4BC Radio Brisbane (111.6 AM) interviewed meLIVE about my gutsy memoir, ME AND HER: a Memoir of Madness. I revealed how parents at my school harassed me, teacher Karen Tyrrell, to breaking point and Beyond. I gulped deep breaths throughout the interview … Could I really be that Brave?

Why the Interview NOW?

This week Queensland teachers and students returned to school.

Hear the LIVE interview recorded HERE 

 

 

‘The Brothers of Turoc’ is here!

• Posted by Rebecca J Timmis on January 25, 2012 at 6:01pm
• Send Message   View Blog

Not even a week after they went to print, 150 copies of my second novel, ‘The Brothers of Turoc’ have just been dropped off at my doorstep. Short-listed for the 2011 Text Prize, ‘The Brothers of Turoc’ is a standalone young adult novel for readers 14yrs+ set in an ancient land of deserts, domed cities and mystical gypsies. It follows the thrilling journey of Aari and Theo, two child slaves who work in the diamond mines of the false god King Allure. Read more here!

100% self-published, the book was edited by the amazing Helen Maurus after a thorough assessment by Sally Odgers through her Affordable Manuscript Assessment service. You can buy the book online or learn more about my self-publication journey in one of my workshops next month. Click here for more details!

The official book launch will be held at Alexander Clark Park on Saturday February 18, between 4 & 6pm. It is an open event and all are welcome! There will be great food, some light-hearted entertainment and great prizes, PLUS $5 from every book sold will be donated to Amnesty International.

If you’d like to come along, please RSVP to author@rjtimmis.net

 

 

PaperGirl Brisbane needs you!

• Posted by Helen Ross on January 30, 2012 at 6:05pm
• Send Message   View Blog

Calling all poets, writers, lyricists, artists, photographers, comic writers …..

For more information about this wonderful idea to support Brisbane’s artistic communities, please follow the links at:

http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/papergirl-brisbane-…

 

 

Green Tea Haiku – submissions open for next month

• Posted by Helen Ross on February 1, 2012 at 10:37am
• Send Message   View Blog

 

 

Each month,  Delightfully Haiku will  post selected Haiku on their Green Tea Haiku page.

My poem, Clouds is featured for this month, as well as Donna Smith’s lovely poem, Summer Shower.

Submissions close on the 27th Feb for their  end of February post. Submissions can be emailed tojelli_beanzbooks@aol.com.au 

To find out more about Delightfully Haiku, please visit their website: http://haikupoetry.wordpress.com/

http://haikupoetry.wordpress.com/green-tea-haiku/

Thanks Helen

http://www.misshelenbooks.com

 

 

Hello Readers,

Just a quick note to direct you to our latest and greatest, new and improved Blue Dingo Network News or BDNN:

CLICK HERE: http://issuu.com/BuginaBook/docs/blue_dingo_press_vol1final/9

Thank you to:

Jamie Sullivan
Scott Chambers – Ask Dudley
Amanda Greenslade
Karen Tyrrell
R.J. Timmis.

Last chance reminder for anyone wishing to contribute to the eMagazine. Contact me ASAP – Our new email is bluedingopress@bigpond.com. Last minute contributions and advertisements must be in by the 20th (that is 2 days folks).

The Blue Dingo Team.

Mapping Stories

• Posted by Wendy Orr on January 14, 2012 at 1:25pm
• Send Message   View Blog

The usual meaning of story mapping is charting the shape of your story: how the smaller chapter peaks and cliff hangers build up to the great climax. Personally, that’s not something I can do before the first draft is done, and even then it’s more something I’m aware of than a formal, written chart.
What I mean is literally drawing maps for each story. Anyone who knows me and my sense of direction might find this amusing  – but actually it’s even more important if you don’t have a great natural directional sense. Even if you do, it’s still easy to forget exactly how you first imagined everything fitting together.

 The map I created of Nim’s island was up on my wall the whole time I worked on the book, and later sent to Kerry Millard, the illustrator, to be prettied up for publication. (I love the antique puffy-faced winds she added! The “not to scale” was my husband’s comment, which Kerry thought was so funny she added it too.

For Raven’s Mountain (Coming out in Canada next month as Facing the Mountain) I had large scale maps of National Parks in British Columbia, then my own drawings of the mountain, her path down it, the camp site… if you’ve got a character out in the wild, you need to know which way the sun comes up over the lake, and remember that it’s not going to set in the same place.
Today I’m drawing a temple-palace – I’m not quite sure yet which it’ll be called, though I have a feeling that  I’ll know when I work out the drawing.  It’ll take a while – drawing is another of my not-so-gifted gifts – but I learn a lot about what I need to know as I do it. I get a better feeling of the materials; I know the colour of the stone now, and it’s not what I thought it would be. It’s all part of digging yourself into the character and the story.
I can’t share these now, but here’s one I made for Raven’s mountain: a salt dough conception of the peak, to see if my idea of how it could have eroded would work.
It doesn’t have to be just for fantasy kingdoms or eroded mountains: if you’re not sure of some of the logic in your story, or your character isn’t coming to life, pick up a pencil and start doodling ideas about their home, their street, their town. If you can picture their kitchen, their bedroom and garden, you’ll know a lot more about them. You’ll probably never use those details, but knowing them will give your character greater depth, and a better chance of coming to life on the page.

New Year New writings

• Posted by vicki anne griffin on January 10, 2012 at 3:27pm
• Send Message   View Blog

Well another year has gone by and time to start fresh. New beginnings and with that comes new writings. 2012 will be the year I finish all projects, ( some have been laying idle for years) re-read half finished manuscripts and be ruthless with the editing process. Then fine tune the text ready to send off to market.

Most importantly send off lots of manuscripts off and wait for feedback (if any) enter writing competitions and finally have ‘My mob at Christmas’ published by Black Ink press. When I am tired of writing I find it always helps to read, the more I read the more I write and vice-a-versa. Another strategy I use is to give my MSS to a friend to read who can be honest without thinking they may ‘hurt my feelings!’ Writers are a tough bunch we get rejected every day but continue on with our craft and loving every minute of it! Happy new Year fellow writers!

How to Nurture the Writer Within in 2012

• Posted by Karen Tyrrell on January 10, 2012 at 10:06am
• Send Message   View Blog

How do we start 2012 with pure Creative Writing energy?

Enthused, motivated and  Refreshed? … Ready to create stories that jump off the page?

How do we keep the creative channels forever flowing?

Cuddle up with our muse?…  Prevent writers burn out?…  And maybe dissolve writers block?

Here’s the Answer! … READ MORE! http://karentyrrell.com/?p=2881

Related articles

• Blue Dingo wants YOU! – Guidelines for submission and other news. (bluedingonet.wordpress.com)

Just a quick reminder about the Blue Dingo News eMag. Please get in touch asap if you are interested in contributing and check out this blog for more info.

Todays contributors are: Jo Hart, Karen Tyrrell and Llewellyn Morris.

12 x 12 in 2012

• Posted by Jo Hart on January 3, 2012 at 7:56am
• Send Message   View Blog

New year. New challenge. Goal: to write a picture book a month for 12 months. Easy right?

 

Over on Julie Hedlund’s blog she has set the challenge: write 12 picture book drafts in 12 months–a picture book a month for every month of 2012. I thought this sounded like a great challenge as I love writing picture books and am often inspired with picture book ideas, so I joined up.

 

The challenge is open to anyone interested in writing picture books. You can find out more details in my blog post about it, as well as the link to the sign up page:

 

thegracefuldoe.wordpress.com/2012/01/02/12-x-12-in-2012/

 

 

 

SQUEEE! … ME AND HER : a Memoir of Madness published soon.

• Posted by Karen Tyrrell on January 3, 2012 at 1:30pm
• Send Message   View Blog

WOOHOO!  Happy New Year 2012! …

I’m cracking open the champers! Snoopy dancing on the ceiling with my suction boots on! … I’m so excited, I could burst.

I will finally see my gutsy memoir in print and share my story of hope with the world.

I’m proud to announce …

‘ME AND HER: a Memoir of Madness’ will be published in May, 2012.

‘ME AND HER chronicles how parents repeatedly harassed a teacher to breaking point and Beyond. It exposes her psychic relationship with her psychologist and how Karen Tyrrell clawed her way back from insanity.’  READ MORE http://karentyrrell.com/?p=2866

 

Publishing Opportunity for writers

• Posted by Llewellyn Morris on January 4, 2012 at 9:06am
• Send Message   View Blog

Morris Publishing Australia is holding a competition to find the first 5 books they will publish in 2012. The competition closes on January 31st.  All entries will be judged by a panel of judges, who include two experienced editors and three avid readers. Distribution to bookstores is organised. Morris Publishing Australia will handle all cover design and setup for printing, and develop a marketing campaign for the book, all at no cost to the author.

This is a great opportunity. If you have a manuscript sitting in the bottom drawer or languishing on your computer, dig it out and submit it. You never know what the future may bring.  Go their website http://morrispublishingaustralia.com for more details.

 

 

 

Related articles

• Blue Dingo wants YOU! – Guidelines for submission and other news. (bluedingonet.wordpress.com)

We look forward to seeing you all in January. We hope you have a joyous break with your family if you are able to do so.

The Blue Dingo Team.

PS: Don’t forget to check out the new Blue Dingo Press Facebook page.

_ _ _

First Edition Book Sales is dedicated to supporting Australian authors. So with only a few days to go before Christmas why not buy books as gifts.  So do your shopping online at  First Edition Books.  They are doing away with Postage for Christmas – the offer is open till 15 January 2012.  Follow link athttp://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com

 

_ _ _

Should I Self Publish my Book Baby …Yes? or No?

• Posted by Karen Tyrrell on December 14, 2011 at 8:00am
• Send Message   View Blog

I’m facing the BIGGEST decision in my writing career!

Should I Self Publish my Book Baby …Yes? or No?

http://karentyrrell.com/?p=2821

ME AND HER : a Memoir of Madness chronicles a teacher’s harassment by parents at her school, to breaking point and beyond.

Reviewed by Kelly McDonald.

I didn’t request this book. It isn’t within my normal ‘choice’ of reading material. So it came as quite a surprise to find myself lost in the world of Jake Reese after only a few pages.

Jake Reese is a man trying to get his life back on track. Totally in love with his new bride, he is trying to move away from his violent past. He has a new job, new apartment, and everything is looking good.

Things start to turn bad when he is attacked in a parking lot, and has his ring finger cut off. The police are not exactly helpful. Then his wife goes missing. Jake revisits his past as he tries to find her. It’s a rough journey.

This book was easy to read, fast paced, and even though it was quite violent, the author gave you enough visual to ‘see’ the scene without making your belly turn. It was well written, and the plot turned unexpectedly numerous times, making it a very good read.

The many twists and turns of this thrilling novel made it quite hard to put down. I liked it!

Apparently John Rector self published his first novel, THE GROVE, and it became a number 1 Kindle best seller. Simon and Schuster snapped him up, and if this book is anything to go by, he will be on the best sellers list again!

http://www.youtube.com/user/lindaruthbrooks#p/u/3/HD-6-9fR_30

Linda found a love of reading early in life. One of her earliest memories is of reading under the bedcovers by torchlight, to finish a favourite book. She remembers the joyful discovery that anyone could write a book, and decided that one day she would write one. Because life has many journeys Linda was drawn to nursing. This became her career for over 20 years. Most of that time was spent as a registered nurse in aged care. Linda watched and listened to the rich fabric of the lives of others. She was fascinated by their stories from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Linda began to write, late at night, reliving the highlights and lowlights of life. She stored these outpourings in a box under the bed. When her youngest son was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, Linda found a focus for her writing. She was determined to fight for the spirit and heart of her son and the chance for a normal life for him. The book, ‘I’m Not Broken, I’m Just Different’, was born.

Joining a local Fellowship of Australian Writers gave Linda confidence to share her writing with others. Writing under the name of ‘cobaltangel’, she uploaded many of her stories to the ABC (Australia) website, ‘The Making of Modern Australia’. Her story, ‘A Dangerous Time’, was chosen by the producers as one of the ‘Featured Stories’. Linda developed a readership on the site and through her writing for the local Gazette. She then caught the eye of a publisher, who requested an anthology of her childhood stories. ‘A Curious and Inelegant Childhood’ was the result. Linda also discovered a love of art. She paints the cover illustrations for her books. She has now also written and illustrated several children’s books.

The rich texture of Linda’s life is reflected in her writing, which is both joyful and poignant. She writes with a raw fearlessness, but an irrepressible humour is never far below the surface.

Reviews:

I’m Not Broken. I’m Just Different. – A Story of Asperger’s Syndrome.

This book is deeply touching and eye-opening to those of us who are unaware and lacking experience in the plight of Asperger’s Syndrome sufferers. For those that are aware and perhaps looking for guidance and reassurance this book would be a wonderful addition to your personal library. Linda has a wonderful way of looking at life. She uses humour to cope with the craziness that life throws at you and exposes her very humanity which many of us would find all too uncomfortable to put in a book. But Linda maintains she has done her best and even though she hasn’t always coped with a grace and dignity of the royal family she has certainly learned a lot and hopes her lessons will help others.
This is Linda’s story, warts and all, trials and tribulations, blessings and disasters. An enjoyable read, also features a chapter by Professor Tony Attwood.

Teachers, carers and parents I recommend this book for you.

A Curious and Inelegant Childhood

Step back into the childhood of Linda Brooks. Linda grew up in the fifties and sixties in a rural Australian environment and a strict religious school. This is an entertaining story about young Linda and her view of the world as she grows into a young woman. Not your shrink into the shrubbery kind of girl she has her wonderful sense of humour at a young age which makes for a great read. I particularly enjoyed the high school years and Linda’s strength of character as she regularly finds her self in the line up for the cane or outside the classroom. Not one to disappoint she always did so in a manner that would infuriate the teacher and set the class a snickering. I admire Linda’s personality and wish I had been more like her as a child. She would have been someone I would have looked up to had we shared a school which would not have necessarily been a good thing but lots of fun I am sure.
Linda’s adventures are a plenty and her life is filled with passion and eagerness.

If we gather the threads from the snapshots of our

childhood, we find the person we have become.

We find ourselves.

The Frog That Hiccupped (PB)

It is hard being the new kid (or frog) in town. For Fraser it is made even more distressing because every time he gets nervous or anxious he hiccups. All the other frogs laugh at Fraser and he feels even worse. How can Fraser make friends?

This sweet story written and illustrated by Linda is a great book for those little ones who need a bit of help transitioning to a new school or just those little souls who may find it difficult to fit in. For those other outgoing types this teaches how our actions make others feel and to be a bit more understanding of those quiet kids who need a friend.

Under the Bracken Fern – A Children’s story for Grown-ups.

Georgia is a little girl who has an abusive mother and neighbour. This story is told through her eyes. She knows not of what should and should not be, adults make the rules and she is not very good at being good or keeping herself out of trouble. A children’s story for grown-ups. What does it mean to be safe to grow and learn? It means everything. Under the Bracken Fern touches your heart and may even be a good book to share with a child who needs help finding their own way to safety.

Callan the Chameleon (PB)

To be reviewed on Bug in a Book reviews.

The theme of the book is acceptance of our differences.  The main character, Callan the Chameleon, has tendencies that parallel with Asperger’s Syndrome. The story deals with this in a subtle way and celebrates our unique personality traits and individual talents. The story revolves around Callan and his bush animal friends, Emily the Echidna, Kyle the Koala, Kimberley the Kookaburra, Wesley the Wombat, Felicity the Frilled Necked Lizard and other uniquely Australian animals.