Interview with author Marg Gibbs

Marg Gibbs, a writer, poet and blogger has released a new picture story called Arriving Home. It promotes the tourist towns of the Sunshine Hinterland and showcases nine local artists, called Mapleton Art who have contributed to the illustrations of this children’s picture book.

What is your story about?

When Maggie, the Magpie Goose and Eric Echidna return from Italy back to Mapleton, they discover new happy memories. From old tractors to sweet, syrupy pancakes, art to waddling ducks, this picture story celebrates friendships, community, home and belonging. The book concludes with facts about animals and the places from the eastern water dragon to the purple swamphen. Overseas visitors can learn about the long nosed bandicoot and marbled velvet gecko.

I have written teacher notes to accompany the story. Intended for families and children ages 3+, Arriving Home, is available for purchase at the Mapleton library or from Marg Gibbs, for $10. (m.j.gibbs@bigpond.com)

What inspired you to write this story?

When my husband and I returned from a trip to Italy, I thought how lovely it was to come home to a beautiful part of the world in Mapleton. It occurred to me that arriving home means feeling a sense of belonging and love. I thought about the attractions we have that make the Sunshine Hinterland a special place. I used animals and places to show the fun, beauty and appeal of our country towns.

What influences helped in making decisions while writing?

Using popular tourist names like Maleny Showgrounds and The Barn on Flaxton helped me to shape the story. Mapleton Lilyponds park is a place where my grand- children play, therefore it seemed important to include it in the story. I love Australian animals and thought children could identify with them easily. Our native animals are popular overseas too.

How did the collaboration work with the artists?

I approached a group of women one day who come together regularly at the Mapleton library to paint, sketch and do botanical art. They agreed to take on the story. We then had to co-ordinate nine different styles to create the vision for the book. Watercolour scenes, coloured pencil and ink resulted a vibrant Maleny Showgrounds, the wood ducks crossing the road,  and children playing at the Lilyponds park.

What do you think works well in the story?

Probably the variety of places the animals visit, the scenery, plants and quirky conversations between Maggie and Eric. I hope children enjoy the action and description of the animals, paying attention to the hidden lizard on nearly every page. The story promotes the region as a positive place to create happy memories. It is light- hearted and entertaining.

What do you want your book to do for readers?

To enjoy making memories wherever you are. To celebrate community and friendships. To pay attention and respect the animals, flora and fauna. Mostly, I would like the book to bring a sparkle to someone’s day.

How long did you have to wait from the dummy draft to publication?

I met with the group to discuss layout, design and art. It took five months and was published just before Christmas.

Tell us about yourself, Marg as a writer.

I love connecting to children through story, poetry and picture books. I belong to a writers group called The Round Table, attend many literary conferences and workshops, write a blog, and share my love of children’s books with my 10 grand- children who live in Brisbane. My trip to the Bologna Book Fair in Italy was the highlight of 2019. I have published poems in 2 anthologies and The Hinterland Times. I talk at primary schools about authors and illustrators of kid’s books. Currently, I am working on a manuscript for adults that will be self- published in 2020.

How can readers learn more about you?                                                                                                                       My Blog www.themoderngrandmasmanual.wordpress.com instagram@marg_gibbs

Mob 0412362947

m.j.gibbs@bigpond.com

My new website is currently being revamped.

The Hungry Isle: Star of Deltora Book 4

The Hungry Isle: Star of Deltora Book 4 by Emily Rodda (Omnibus Books) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN 978-1-74299-133-7

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

All trades are completed, the contestants have done as much as they can, and it is now time to turn the Star of Deltora towards home. But the magic Staff of Tier has sensed Britta and her companions and is drawing them all towards the Hungry Isle. The shadowy wraiths who dance around Britta are growing in their excitement, becoming more visible, and increasing the tension between the ship’s crew and Trader Mab and her would-be Trader Rosalyn apprentices. What should Britta fear more, mutiny or the King of Tier? Is there any escape from the Hungry Isle?

The Hungry Isle is the fourth book in the wonderful Star of Deltora fantasy series, by popular Australian author Emily Rodda whose writing is varied and prolific. The Hungry Isle is a thrilling action-packed adventure, but it is also evocative and richly richly written.

The wraiths swooped around him, wild in their mourning, bright as exotic birds in the rainbow light. Their grief had made them daring. The king knew     he had to quell them.

Britta and her companions continue to grow throughout the series. As secrets are uncovered, intricate webs of untruths are picked apart.

Britta, Jewel and Sky were all characters I wanted to keep reading about when the story ended. In fact, I wanted to follow their lives beyond the pages of this book, even though the ending was totally satisfying with a wonderful twist I did not see coming.

The Star of Deltora is an absorbing and spellbinding series for middle grade readers. Its occasional links with other series by Rodda are subtle but add a depth to the stories and will delight Rodda fans when they come across them.

Ducks Away

Ducks Away by Mem Fox, illustrated by Judy Horacek (Omnibus Book)

HB RRP $19.99   ISBN 978-1-76015-851-4

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

A mother duck is taking her five ducklings for a walk when a gust of wind blows one little duckling off the bridge and into the water below. One by one, as these curious little ducklings peek over the edge, they tumble into the water also, until the mother duck is left by herself wondering what to do. Her babies suggest she jump to join them, but it’s a long way down. What is Mother Duck to do?

The last book Fox and Horacek created together was Where is the Green Sheep? a delightful picture book full of humour, quirky characters/sheep, colour and entertainment. Ducks Away is just as enjoyable and engaging.

This simple story is perfect for the very young. The illustrations are entertaining and colourful, yet simple, with nothing distracting from the central storyline. It has a comfortable, story-telling voice, with repetition in the story structure as well as a repeated, rhyming refrain quacked by the mother duck.

‘What shall I do?

Where should I go,

With four on the bridge

And one below?’

The numbers in the refrain change each time another duckling falls, adding a new dimension to the traditional counting book.

Mem Fox is one of Australia’s best loved story tellers for the very young and with this new twist to the ‘Five Little Ducks’ classic it is easy to see why. This is a wonderful book to read to babies, toddlers and preschoolers at bedtime - or anytime of the day. The ending satisfyingly tips the mother/child bond on its head and sees the ducklings giving mum the confidence she needs to make the leap from the bridge.

Little Koala Lost

Little Koala Lost by Blaze Kwaymullina, illustrated by Jess Racklyeft (Omnibus Books) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 978-1-74299-128-3

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

A simple and sweet story, Little Koala Lost, is a counting book set in the Australian bush. As little koala tries to find his way home he calls out to other groups of animals:

‘Can I live with you?’

he asks three tricky turtles.

‘You wouldn’t be safe.’ they said.

‘You have no shell to hide in.’

This is a lovely book to read aloud. The counting, the repetition and the alliteration all help to create a wonderful rhythm, just right for preschool aged children. The Australian animals within the story all have their own special skill which helps them to survive and koala discovers each one as he tries to find out where he fits in.

The illustrations glow brightly in the colours of the Australian landscape and are created using a combination of acrylic paint and digital collage. They are uncluttered, and give space for the animal of the page to be counted, sitting comfortably in their own habitat.

Created by an indigenous author, this is an engaging story celebrating the Australian bush in a gentle and uncomplicated way. It is well suited as a bedtime story as well as a counting book and will provide great talking points about Australian animals, where they live and how they move about. It is a happy story about helping others to find their place.

Shadows of the Master: Star of Deltora Book 1

Shadows of the Master: Star of Deltora Book 1 by Emily Rodda (Omnibus Books for Scholastic Australia)

PB RRP $9.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-062-0

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Britta thought her dreams of becoming a trader like her father were doomed when his career ended in deceit and dishonour. But when Captain Gripp enters her name in a contest to become the next trader apprentice on her father’s old ship the Star of Deltora, she begins to hope again. Can she keep the secret of her parentage hidden long enough to win the contest? Will other secrets aboard the famous ship affect her chances? And who wants the prize so desperately they resort to sabotaging Britta at every turn?

This is the beginning of another wonderful fantasy set in a world already well known by readers of Rodda’s other series such as The Deltora Quests, Rowan of Rin and the Three Doors. Fast moving and intriguing, it is easy to get lost in the world of Deltora and become totally immersed in the journey Britta and her three fellow finalists embark upon.

Britta is a strong character, likeable, resourceful and with a solid moral core, but still not without flaws and insecurities. Her companions, Sky, Jewel and Vashti are well constructed characters too, with different complexities which leave the reader unsure as to their allegiances.

This series is well suited for lovers of fantasy – and especially lovers of previous Deltora books – from middle-grade through to early teens. This reasonably slim volume will be devoured in a short time and leave the reader impatient for the next instalment, Two Moons.  

As a bonus, there are trading cards which come with the book. I was lucky enough to receive a rare foiled card among the six in my packet.

Kerenza: A New Australian

Kerenza: A New Australian by R. Hawke (Omnibus Books for Scholastic Australia)

PB RRP $15.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-060-6

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

It’s 1911. Karenza and her family have left their village in Cornwall to begin a new life in Australia. Unhappy with this change, Karenza finds the new country and life in the Mallee strange and frightening. But she is determined to be brave for her Da and Mam’s sake so along with her two younger siblings, she helps the family to carve a farm out of the endless bush and flies, and along the way, makes many new friends.

A New Australian is a wonderful series telling stories of young immigrants, from a child’s perspective. Soaked in early Australian history, these are tales of fitting in, acceptance, hardship, building new lives and friendships. But above all, they are really engaging stories with strong characters and voices.

Karenza is a gutsy girl who is prepared to work hard. She is independent and thinks for herself, but is also a family girl, pining for her older sister who stayed behind in Cornwall with her fiancée. She is loyal to her friends and will stand up for what is right.

Young teenage readers will relate to her, empathise with her troubles, share her horror at the snakes in the drop dunny, and become drawn into the life of Karenza and her family.

This series also complements studies on Australian history for early high school students.

Wesley Booth Super Sleuth

Wesley Booth Super Sleuth by Adam Cece, Illustrated by Michael Streich (Omnibus Books for Scholastic Australia)

PB RRP $15.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-101-6

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Wesley Booth’s reputation at Hub Hill Primary is in jeopardy. He is a super sleuth. But if new girl, Cassidy Strong, beats him to the solution of the crime wave gripping school, Wesley may be left in her shadow. And to make matters worse, his traitorous best friend seems to like her. How’s a boy supposed to solve a case when his mum keeps confiscating his case notes and grounding him? Will his new – and incompetent – assistant be of any use? And what is going on in the family? Maybe his geologist Dad has told one rock joke too many.

Wesley Booth Super Sleuth is a fun read. Boys especially, will enjoy the antics of Wesley as he navigates his way through school, sibling disagreements, friendship upheavals and parents who just don’t understand why detective work is more important than school work!

Humorous black & white illustrations scattered throughout the chapters add to the story and appeal of the book.

This book is aimed at the 8 years plus range and I think upper primary students (or younger children with high reading skills) will enjoy it the most as, at 264 pages, it is not a quick read.

Sian: A New Australian

Sian: A New Australian by D. Luckett (Omnibus Books for Scholastic)

PB RRP $15.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-039-2

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

It is 1910 and ten year old Sian is the youngest in a large Welsh family. The unlucky 13^th child, her mother died giving birth to her and her harsh father seems to care little for her. Her older sister has always looked after her, but with Olive’s impending marriage and move from the family home, there is little escape from a miserable existence in a sunless coal mining town. That is until Olive and her new husband whisk Sian away to a new life in Australia.

From the first page, Sian’s voice was one which shone. Although life was dreary, Sian never felt sorry for herself and throughout the story, no matter what life threw at her, she remained upbeat, self possessed and independently confident. Her wonder and interest in everything surrounding her was infectious and on the journey to Australia she had so many new experiences. When stopping in Ceylon for the ship to take on more coal Sian saw an elephant.

‘I’d only ever seen them in pictures, and pictures don’t tell you how they curl up their trunks and that they set their feet down carefully, as if they don’t want to break anything.’

Fabulously written, the setting, whether in Wales, or Sydney, or Darwin, became as much a character of the story as the people. Life in Darwin in the early 20^th century was particularly fascinating.

Factually based, this engaging read is a great way to connect with our history and learn about some of the experiences Australia’s early immigrants. Tying in with the Australian Curriculum this is a historical novel perfect for upper primary and lower high school students but advanced younger readers from 8 years of age would enjoy the story as well.

Hooked from the very beginning, I was swept away by Sian, her story, and the evocative writing. Sian is part of a relatively new series A New Australian and I look forward to reading more.

Also in this series: Bridget, Kerenza, Teresa, Frieda, May Tang.

The Memory Shed

The Memory Shed by Sally Morgan & Ezekiel Kwaymullina, illustrated by Craig Smith (Omnibus Books for Scholastic)

PB RRP $9.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-034-7

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Annie is helping her grandmother to clear out an old shed in the back yard. They sort objects for a garage sale, in order to make way for a new shed to be built. But it would seem that the old shed is not happy about this. As Annie tries to guess what is in the shed it looks as if Grandma is changing her mind about knocking it down. Will Grandma and Annie listen closely enough to hear the long forgotten, dusty old things which hold many childhood and family memories?

The Memory Shed is another title in a series of early readers chapter books based on indigenous characters. This is a familiar story with twist. It emphasises the importance of listening and the value of family histories as Grandma creates wonderful stories for Annie about how life used to be.

A touch of mystery and a sprinkle of humour make this an enjoyable story with the bond between grandmother and granddaughter forming the core of a tale about family and memories, both keeping them alive and creating new ones.

The soft illustrations on every page enhance the stories and character personalities, adding to the appeal for young readers.

It’s heartening to see the inclusion and continuing growth of indigenous culture in mainstream publishing.

A lovely read for 6 year olds and up.