Review: Drift

I’m not sure why but verse novels generate all the feels. Floaty, ethereal emotions that lure you in and linger long after the last word is read. Drift is one of those novels. 

Maybe it’s Pip Harry’s prodigious ability with words. Perhaps it’s Nate and Luna’s blossoming friendship. Perhaps it’s the bittersweet discomfiture of wanting more, missing what was and having to deal with an uncertain tomorrow that makes Drift so appealing.

Nate is in his mid-teens, an ex-pat child of Singapore, recently rehomed along with his physically challenged mother in Australia which he finds as alien and isolating as being on the moon. Luna, his neighbour appears a sensitive and understanding ally however is nursing her own darkness.

When over 20,000 swarming bees decide Nate’s home is the place to be, he and Luna unite to save them along with local surfy and ace beekeeper, Tyler. 

12 Curly Questions with poet and author Robbie Coburn

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.

Believe it or not, I used to be a competitive swimmer in my childhood. My best event was the 100m butterfly and I went to the state level for it.

2. What is your nickname?
Technically, I use a nickname professionally. I’ve always been called Robbie. My birth name is Robert, but I’ve never been referred to as that, except maybe at school or work. There is this great photo of my third birthday and the cake has a toy horse on it and says Robbie. But some of my friends call me Rob, and one day I’m hoping to graduate to being called Bob.

Review: Ink And Light: Poetry Anthology

There are moments in life, fuelled by the actions of people you may barely know but have always admired from afar that bring you to your knees, and in my case, induce a surge of tearful emotions. 

This book, Ink and Light, an anthology of poetry by our very own,  Nia Shetty is filled with such moments.

Raw. Powerful. Immediate. Shetty’s subject matter strikes an impressive chord. Each line resonates energy and angst, anguish and anticipation. Clarity and an unnervingly keen conception of ‘how it is’.

She doesn’t spare the truth either. Diaspora, the forced shedding of cultural identity, racial discrimination, and the eternal search for buried hope; all chime subtly throughout each poem but amazingly, never in an oppressive nor despairing way. 

There is a force of optimism and expectation behind each verse that somehow provides light to the various patches of shade.

The resulting pieces are articulate, elegant odes to the author’s cultural roots and sharp contemporary observations. And, as mentioned, stirring enough to incite genuine emotion.

Review: Because I’m Māori: He Māori Ahau

A wee preface of explanation: I am not Māori, although I have been mistaken for one many a time. And to be frank, I’ve always enjoyed and admired the rich and vibrant culture of our cousins ‘across the ditch’. 

So, when this colour-filled, bilingual ode to Māori culture and identity kapa haka’ed (apologies for verbalising that) its way across my desk, how could I say no.

Conceived and created by the talented Kiwi born, Aussie-based, Nicolla Hemi-Morehouse, this absorbing picture book greets readers from sun’s first smile to its last repast. 

Review: Mad Cows

Kat Apel’s udder devotion to all things beautifully bovine takes yet another brilliant turn. Mad Cows, a term that is presumably alien to Gen Zers and Alphers but starts ringing the funny bell for this old cow, is a magnificent ode to cows and their various emotional dispositions.

Told in stupendously succinct rhyming couplets, we are introduced to glad cows, ostensibly the Holstein Friesians and their neighbours, the horned Herefords who unfortunately are the sad cows.

Winner: Julius Squeezer

Our lucky winner is ...

Seetha Dodd, NSW

Congratulations!

You have a copy of Julius Squeezer by Mary Anastasiou and Marina Verola, Enjoy!

Thank you to ALL who entered. We received a jungle-full of intriguing, humorous and rhythmic entries but this one took the snake, er cake! 

Giveaway: Julius Squeezer

In the deepest, darkest jungle 

in amongst the trees 

lives a python known as Julius 

who really loves to squeeze. 

What does a squeezy-loving python do when he discovers that squeezing isn’t really the best way to say hello? He enlists his jungle friends to help him find a better way!

To help you discover the art of making friends with Julius just in time for school, we have a SIGNED copy of this bubbly new picture book to giveaway courtesy of our good friends at Five Mile Books.

For the chance to win this Julius self-titled picture book simply tell us in 25 words or less  what’s your favourite way to greet people?

Announcement: New Junior Reviewer - Meet Ayla!

Our reviewing team are passionate about sharing some of the best stories for children and teens with anyone who'll listen. 

It's one thing reviewing kids' books. It's another creating stimulating, entertaining and enthralling content for kids but it's something altogether special when kids share their true thoughts and feelings about a story with other kids. 

Which is why we are over-the-moon excited about the latest member to join our elite KBR team. Give it up for the delightful, book mad, soon-to-be-published-author, Ayla Wardrop everyone!

Review: Grandads Are The Greatest

Is he a barber, a baker, a magician, inventor, retired, or something else? 

Whatever occupation they have, Grandads are great to have around.

This superb picture book pays homage to every grandad regardless of size, shape, or ethnicity. What they offer is the experience of love and joy from their own life, which they draw on and pass on to their grandchildren. 

Love and togetherness are the main themes on every page and in each of the stunning, colour-filled illustrations by Nia Tudor. Expressions of joyous time sharing is conveyed through exciting activities, food, stories, idiosyncrasies, and weird adventures.

Guest Post: Penny Macoun on The Poetry of Christmas

Christmas is my favourite time of year. I have always found it to be special, not because of the religious aspect of the day, but because of the magic and closeness to loved ones it creates.

I wanted to write a Christmas story but wasn’t sure if I could create something new. I was worried that all the good story ideas had already been written. The Night Before Christmas has always been magical for me and I can still recite it off by heart. 

I am not a natural poet; however, I have dabbled with this style now and then, and by using The Night Before Christmas as inspiration I had a go at writing a Christmas poem. 

I wasn’t sure that I would publish it, but it turned out better than I expected so I decided to publish it as The Christmas Door.

Review: And Everything Will be Glad To See You - Poems By Women And Girls

Sometimes an anthology of poems just hits a sweet spot. With its foreword, afterword, separate lists of poetry and poets, gorgeous tactile cloth bound cover, posh ribbon bookmark and adorably lush, sumptuous, immersive illustrations - not to mention poems by the bucketload - this book is truly a feast for the senses.

A delightful collection that will appeal to both long-time poetry afficionados and newbies, there’s something for everyone here. 

Old favourites such as Maya Angelou and Mary Oliver sit alongside fresh, exciting contemporary voices in Jackie Hosking and Amanda Gorman, among others. 

Review: Miss Understood

Little Red Riding Hood is one of the most widely recognizable stories in the world. Over the years, there have been many MANY adaptations of the folk story, from movies to books and everything in between. But, has anyone really gone and thought if it was all just one big misunderstanding? 

Maybe there is no villain, but rather a set of unfortunate circumstances and a touch of bigotry that resulted in one of the most popular stories of the last 400 years?

Review: Meowster Chef

As the glitter settles on another Masterchef Australia Grand Finale and my tastebuds mourn the conclusion of this year’s season of sumptuous concoctions, I’m left thinking, hang on, have I missed something? 

For slinking on the sidelines is a clowder of cats, each keen to become the new Meowster Chef and claim the keys to the newest, most sparkly restaurant in town. Stupendous! My appetite for cooking competitions is sated thanks to, Meowster Chef!

But it’s not all that straightforward. Our favourite feline contesters each have a skill set befitting their signature dishes and are not shy about flaunting them, especially little Lou, #bestchef #influencer #wannabefamous. To keep things on an even kitchen bench as it were, judges, Melissa and Jock (Yes! MC addicts will recognise these notable namesakes) call in the big guns, Chef Purrrsey from Britain.

Junior Review: Starfish

This is a review of Starfish by Lisa Fipps. An empowering novel written in verse on a young girl’s journey of finding herself. This book will give you confidence and spark a new feeling inside of you, hope.  

Ellie, dressed in a bright blue whale swimsuit, innocently cannon balled at her own 5th birthday party. 

Little did she know that one incident would lead to a lifetime of bullying and a name that stuck forever. Her diary is not filled with personal thoughts or feelings, but a list of 'Fat Girl Rules', similar to a survival playbook. 

Ellie has found a home in her swimming pool, but when her best friend moves away, Ellie thinks nothing will be the same again. 

She finds comfort in her new next door neighbor, Catalina as they embark on a new friendship.  

Winner: Wonderful Shoes

 

Our lucky winner is... Liz Dorrington, WA

Congratulations!

You have won a copy of the gorgeous picture book, Wonderful Shoes, by Emma Bowd and Tania McCartney, and published by Windy Hollow Books.

Enjoy!

Thank you to ALL who entered.

Giveaway: Wonderful Shoes

A timeless tale of tip-tapping click-clacking delight, Wonderful Shoes is a joyful celebration of everyday play, through the eyes of our tiniest humans, who know exactly where to find the best toys in the world!

Published by Windy Hollow Books, the delightful verse and vibrant illustrations shine a light on the timeless tip-tapping click-clacking fun to be had, when little feet find big shoes. 

 

Written by Melbourne author Emma Bowd and illustrated by KBR's Founder Tania McCartney, this gorgeous book could be tapping its way to your house, to delight any shoe lover - young or old!

For the chance to win this gorgeous picture book for little ones, tell us in 25 words or less, which type of shoe makes your child want to dance.

Review: The Perfectly Proper Grand Pet Parade

Coral Vass’ rhyme and rhythm presents a story full of activity, with its mixture of surprises, mischief, children, pets and bedlam. Illustrator Karen Sagovac, author of The Whimsical Wisdom of Phoebe, brings the story to life with her brilliant translation.

Lavender Gray is entering her miniature pup in the Grand Pet Parade at school. Everyone is taking part longing to be the winner of the Best Pet cup.

But while the children are lining up to show off their pets, mischief is brewing between Harry and Hugh. What are they planning? What secret plan is making them convulse with laughter.

Look What I'm Reading! Lorraine Marwood

Lorraine Marwood is best known for her children’s verse novels and poetry. Her latest verse novel Footprints on the Moon (UQP) was published in February. Leave Taking (UQP, 2018) was a CBCA shortlist finalist and a joint winner of the NSW Patricia Wrightson Award.

 Lorraine writes in regional Victoria and her first love is poetry, history, fantasy, inspirational historical romance, and all things children’s literature. 

She has a passion for motivating children and adults into writing, especially through poetry using simple, enjoyable techniques she has devised herself.

Which children’s book are you currently reading?
Bindi by Kirli Saunders.

Can you tell us in two sentences what the book is about?
I can really only go by the blurb at the back of the book as I’ve only just begun, but I love what I’m reading.

Guest Post: Sherry Shahan on The Challenges and Revelations of Writing a (Teen) Novel in Verse

While cleaning out my office I found a tattered shoebox filled with letters written by a friend who was in Vietnam in the 1960s. I spent hours pouring through gut-wrenching accounts of his day-to-day. I knew I had to do something with his letters; after all, I’d kept them all this time.

I started messing around with other writing styles. Journals, notes, poems. I wrote character sketches about my crazy friends in high school. Once I began scribbling, it was a constant flashback. Memories assaulted me twenty-four-seven.

I wanted to be inside the head of each character to explore their innermost thoughts and feelings, not just describe them from the outside looking in. I could have done this with an omniscient viewpoint--but bouncing in and out of so many minds could confuse readers. Instead I chose journal entries, letters, free verse and traditional poetry.

Review: Blood Moon

It might be 2020, but the double standard is alive and strong!

Sixteen year-old Frankie is a quiet, nerdy girl, who usually flies under the radar. She meets the equally quiet but extremely cute Benjamin and ends up having a spontaneous sexual experience with him.

It’s consensual, exciting and satisfying - but during their intimate moment, her period starts. He’s okay with it – after all, he wants to become a doctor. And Frankie assumes this to be the start of something beautiful.

Well, it’s the start of something! The next day, this private and otherwise loving situation suddenly bursts into everybody’s awareness via social media.

A meme that shows her face and makes her out to have disgusting sexual appetites circulates and gathers momentum. Frankie is being slut shamed.