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.

Junior Guest Post: Nia Shetty's Summer Reading List Recommendations!

Gifted words smith and KBR junior reviewer, Nia Shetty, gives us her top picks for sensational 'summer' reading. You don't have to be in the Northern Hemisphere to enjoy these gritty, provocative and classic YA reads though. Check them out for yourself.

Junior Guest Post: Nia Shetty in Conversation with Noel-Andrew Bennett and Roxanne Bennett

Today, our revered Junior Reviewer, Nia Shetty, invites us into conversation with the creators of Jerk Chicken Magic.  Nia's review of their richly illustrated, culturally diverse picture book appeared last week. Enjoy this equally significant and genuine discussion about Celebrating Cultural Heritage and Family Stories.

In a world where diversity is budding into literature, authors Noel-Andrew Bennett and Roxanne Bennett shine a vibrant light with their delightful children's book, Jerk Chicken Magic. In an exclusive interview, the duo shared insights into their creative process, the challenges they faced, and how they created a wholesome book with deeper implications. As an immigrant child myself, I know the importance of these books and teaching children about cultural consciousness at a young age. 

From the beginning of our conversation, it was clear that Noel-Andrew and Roxanne's passion for their cultural heritage was embedded into each page of their work. Drawing inspiration from their Jamaican roots and immigrant experiences in Canada, the couple set out to fill a void they noticed in children's literature. With two young children themself, they aimed to create a children’s book filled with vivid imagery that not only celebrated Jamaica but also resonated with immigrant families worldwide.

Introducing: New Junior Reviewer Nia Shetty!

In case you weren't aware, we LOVE to share great kids' reads at Kids' Book Review.

When kids share their favourite books, it becomes even more real and exciting, which is why we are...excited to introduce our newest KBR team member, Nia Shetty.

Nia is a 11 year old from Texas, USA. She is an avid reader, a budding author of poems and short stories and loves relaxing with TV shows and books. Nia can also be constantly found swimming competitively.

In 2020, during the start of the pandemic, she started reviewing books @niaspage2page to encourage others and does book drives to help her community. Discover more about Nia in her fabulous first 12 Curly Questions Interview.

Guest Post: KBR's Nia Shetty on New Year, New You: The Power Of Reflections

Vivacious KBR junior reviewer, Nia Shetty is not just an avid reader and reviewer, she an adept columnist and lead copy magazine editor! 

Here is a piece she penned recently about the healing and enlightening qualities of (self) reflection. 

We are delighted to see that reading and writing are some of the best ways to increase self-awareness. Great for curating creativity, too! Thanks, Nia!                                            Self-reflection is a state of mind, that with true determination and intention to reflect, we might end up learning new things about ourselves that could change our lives. 

In the new year, reflecting can help us take control of our lives by learning where we can improve and grow as people. By consistently reflecting on what we are doing right, and where we might be making a mistake, we are able to constantly make enlightening changes in daily aspects of our life.

Announcement: Farewell Anastasia!

If there is one thing that is an absolute in this world, it is the capricious nature of permanency. As with sunsets, so many wonderful things must come to an end and so we announce the departure of one of our most revered and respected reviewers, Anastasia Gonis.  

Anastasia is no stranger to reviewing with over twenty years’ experience. She has been a committed regular contributor for KBR for more than nine years and juggles her devotion of sharing children’s literature with writing her own articles which have appeared in several publications including, The Age, The Sun and Australia Book Review. 

Anastasia, not only maintained the highest of  expectations, delivering reviews, working to deadlines and procuring new content, she unequivocally frequently exceeded it. It is therefore with the heaviest of hearts that we bid Anastasia a fond farewell and wish her continued success, health and joy as she embarks on the next chapter of her own personal narrative. 

Anastasia, this is but a small tribute to your huge contributions to KBR over the years, your unfailing work ethic and steadfast ethos-driven commitment. We couldn't have done it without you. But now we'll have to! With infinite thanks from your KBR family and friends. 

Announcement: A Very KBR Christmas Wishlist 2024

As the world seems to grow more confining and life more confounding, we here at KBR take a moment to ponder, as always, the pure simplicity of childhood. It's wonderment, its curiosity. Its magic. Despite all the madness, it is hard to imagine a world without these precious notions. 

And so, this year's Team's Christmas Question was simply:

If you could ask Santa for one thing and one thing only for Christmas, what would it be? 

Grab a fruit mince pie or two or three, sit back and enjoy our team's responses. 

From all of us to all of you who have read, shared and enjoyed our reviews and features throughout 2024, a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!

May your New Year be filled with light and joy and a magic that sustains and endures forevermore. 

Junior Review: Jerk Chicken Magic

Jerk Chicken Magic is a delightful journey into the life of a multi-generational immigrant family, the Higgins, from the point of view of charming 6-year-old Lizzy. 

Set against the backdrop of Jamaica's flavorful culinary tradition, this book takes readers on a savory adventure through the magic of jerk chicken.

Authored by Noel-Andrew and Roxanne Bennett, Jerk Chicken Magic is more than just a children's picture book—it's a celebration of resilience, adaptability, and the profound significance of preserving cultural heritage. 

A Very KBR Christmas 2021 and A Delicious New Year!

As we all stumbled through another year of monumental change, frustration, despair and ridiculous joy, for the team here at KBR, one thing remained resolute: our love for story. All stories of course but, most emphatically, kids' stories. For the privilege of being able to share as many as we possibly could with you, we are humbly grateful. To all our contributors, publishers, creators, and fellow book lovers we thank you. 

And, because we too love a good Christmas tradition, this year's team question is one that raised many eyebrows and created as much polarisation as questions surrounding Covid! So tuck in your napkins, set aside your bookmarks and experience our responses to the question: Are you partial to reading while you eat or eating while you read and if so, what is your favourite thing to nibble on as you chow down your favourite book? 

Disclaimer: you may like to nibble on a wedge of shortbread or sip on a mulled wine as you read this, or not. The choice is unequivocally yours! HAPPY CHRISTMAS! 

Guest Post: Q & A with Meredith Rusu on The Creative Process by Nia Shetty

There’s a Robot in My Socks by Meredith Rusu is a light-hearted story that skillfully captures the wonders of childhood while addressing the complexities of emotions in a fun, engaging way. 

The book follows Jamie and her trusty robot companion through a delightful adventure that showcases how even ordinary items, like socks, can spark extraordinary moments. 

Rusu’s book is filled with playful humor, vivid imagery, and a creative blend of the real and the imaginary, making it a perfect read for young children and their parents who are navigating their own big feelings.

One of the standout features of this graphic novel  is how themes of comfort, emotion, and the occasional chaos of childhood are wonderfully mixed. 

Through the imaginative lens of a child’s world, Rusu touches on separation anxiety, the need for routine, and the importance of emotional expression, all with a charming robot by Jamie’s side. The vibrant illustrations by Martín Morón bring Jamie’s world to life with bright colors and whimsical designs, perfectly complementing the story.

Now, let’s hear from the author herself, Meredith Rusu, as she shares insights into the inspiration, characters, and creative process behind There’s a Robot in My Socks in our exclusive KBR interview: