Blue: Dragon of the Sea

Blue: Dragon of the Sea by Aleesah Darlison, illustrated by Tamlyn Teow (Wombat Books) HB RRP $26.99 ISBN: 9781761112706

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Blue is a small sea slug, a nudibranch. Nicknamed the blue dragon, Blue is well camouflaged while roaming the ocean. But there are hazards: tangled tentacles, ripping rubbish and pollution that ‘seeps through delicate skin’. However, when a venomous man-of-war appears, Blue is not afraid. Blue can steal the siphonophore’s toxin to use for future protection.

Aleesah Darlison brings to life a magnificent mini beast of the sea that most children aged four to eight would never have heard of, let alone seen. By infusing Blue with a charming personality, the story encourages empathy and compassion for the teeny creatures that steadily struggle to survive in the vast ocean. Engaging information about nudibranchs is entwined with evocative language, making learning lots of fun.

Tamlyn Teow’s vibrant illustrations flow across the spreads with a fluidity that matches the drift of the briny deep. Dynamic lines guide young eyes, while visible pencil strokes add splashy texture. The cute characterisation of Blue will appeal to kids, as will the comical crab that crops up in the most unexpected places.

Fact and fiction flitter through Blue: Dragon of the Sea, taking youngsters on an educational and entertaining voyage beneath the waves. With so much to dip into and discover on every page, this book is perfect for repeat readings.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS!

Call Out for Books to Feature at New Zealand TL Conference

By Aleesah Darlison

I’m presenting at the 2024 School Library Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (SLANZA) Conference in October. Attendees will be a large audience of primary and secondary school teachers and teacher-librarians from across New Zealand.

As such, I’ll be sharing recent children’s and young adult books that fit into two key topic areas:

Topic 1: Books that Portray ADHD, Mental Health, Anxiety, and the Spectrums in Children’s & Young Adult Literature.

Topic 2: Little Darlings of Literature: Picture Books that serve as ‘leaders’ in their sphere, that express fresh ideas, tackle ‘difficult’ issues, and shape the thoughts and ideas of the modern generation.

Specifically, I’m seeking books that have been published in the last two years. They must be commercially published and readily available for purchase online or from bookstores in Australia AND New Zealand.

If you have a book that fits into Topic 1 re neurodiversity etc, please check my Resource List at http://www.aleesahdarlison.com/resources.html to make sure it’s not already on the list before getting in touch. For information on how to have your book included in the presentation, please email me at aleesah@bigpond.net.au.

If you have a picture book you’d like me to present at the conference and include in a Picture Book Resource List, please email me at aleesah@bigpond.net.au and let me know how it fits the brief as per Topic 2 above.

Please Note: books MUST be commercially published within the last 2 years OR be an upcoming release in 2024.

 

Grace the Amazing

Grace the Amazing by Aleesah Darlison (Wombat Books) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN: 9781761111174

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

“I know some people don’t believe in magic, but I do.”

Eleven-year-old Grace Marshall loves magic, animals and her art teacher, Pamela. On the flip side, she also has an annoying brother, a few anger issues and no friends her age – but, she reasons, she does have Pamela and that’s all she needs.

Grace’s day starts badly when she wakes up thinking it’s Sunday, only to discover it’s Monday – and a school day. The only good thing about this is that Pamela is due back from her holidays … and Grace’s class have art today! Except, when they all show up at Pamela’s art room door, there is no Pamela.

Then, Grace overhears some teachers talking in the staffroom. Pamela is dying.

Grace’s world falls apart and her only thought is that she must make Pamela well again.

In Grace the Amazing, author Aleesah Darlison explores a topic that is rarely discussed, let alone written about – the bond that many children develop with their teachers, and how these children are often left out of the loop if the unthinkable happens to their teacher.

In navigating her emotions as she comes to terms with what her future is going to look like – without Pamela – Grace also has to learn more about herself. When you’ve been hurt before, and now live behind a protective shield, this is a difficult task. Even with her mother’s encouragement, her father’s support and the enthusiasm of ‘new boy on the street’, Fromelles, Grace isn’t sure her life will improve – or that she wants it to.

Aleesah Darlison has approached the special relationship between teacher and student, and the concept of how we all deal with trauma and death differently, with sensitivity, raw honesty and a touch of humour. In doing so, she does justice to both topics and has crafted a beautiful coming-of-age story that many will relate to.

I loved this story, partly because I could see myself in Grace – the resilient loner who gets along better with adults than her peers. But, as an ex-teacher, I could also see myself in Pamela with the bond she forged with her students and her willingness to be open and honest with them – treating them as the intelligent, sensitive humans they are. More than my connection, however, I admired the fact that Aleesah has given a voice to the normally voiceless children around the subject of dying, death and grief is an important step in children’s literature – a genre that often shies away from the ‘hard topics’.

Grace the Amazing is targeted at a readership of 8 and older but should also be read by adults – parents and teachers – as a way of opening discussion around the key themes and their implications in today’s world.  

Grace the Amazing

Grace the Amazing by Aleesah Darlison (Wombat Books) PB RRP US $12.99 ISBN 9781761111174

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

It’s not unusual for a child to be in awe of – or even love -- a special teacher. In my case, it was my adored fifth grade teacher, Miss Arthur. However, it’s not usual for a child to have that teacher as their ‘best friend.’ This is how eleven-year-old Grace considers her art teacher whom she calls Pamela. Grace has no other friends – although -- in this middle-grade novel, she eventually forms tentative friendships with other children. For most of the story, however, she has anger issues and insecurities, so much so that her loving mother, with the best of intentions, has Grace attending sessions with a child psychologist.

Pamela has encouraged Grace as an imaginative artist from an early age. And so, it puzzles Grace when she doesn’t turn up at Grace’s school to continue her art lessons. Sadly, Grace overhears two teachers discussing the fact that Pamela has cancer, and not for the first time. This sends the poor child into over-drive. She simply must visit Pamela and see for herself how ill she is. This she does, only to be confronted with the idea that she might have to say goodbye to her adored teacher forever. Meanwhile, she is convinced that she can use magic to make her teacher well, even buying a book and conjuring up tricks.

This is a book filled with emotions. Grace handles her anger with her younger brother, her classmates and occasionally her mother, and too her sadness and sorrow with Pamela’s illness. Happily, her life is not all doom and gloom. There’s happiness when Dad, a fly-in fly-out work returns home. And there are special cuddles from time to time with Mum. And, too, there’s happiness to be found in the animals which are part of Mum’s work as a zookeeper and private animal party organiser.

I found myself quickly reading this engaging novel anxious to know if Grace’s teacher eventually dies (as did my teacher). Pamela’s death seems inevitable, but all I can reveal is that there are moments of great sadness -- as well as relief when the boy next door, and a girl from school become special in Grace’s life.

This is an action and emotion-packed book which is sure to be a favourite for any young reader, especially if they have a special relationship with a teacher.

Grace the Amazing

New Release: Timely and Important Middle Grade Novel

From guinea pigs to magic. From friends to frayed family dynamics. From sparkling red shoes to quiet hugs with dad and everything in between. Aleesah Darlison’s latest middle grade novel, Grace the Amazing, has it all … and it all originated from Aleesah’s own childhood and the special relationship she had with a beloved teacher.

What would you do if you were about to lose your best friend … forever. Grace Marshall is eleven years old. She’s curious and creative and dreams of becoming a magician called Grace the Amazing! Grace’s only friend is her art teacher, Pamela. When she discovers that Pamela is ill, the fragile certainties Grace relies on threaten to slip away. On her mission to find a cure for Pamela using miraculous magic, Grace asks the big questions about life, love, and friendship. A sensitive story filled with joy, heart, and special bonds that last a lifetime.

Published by Wombat Books and available online and from all good bookstores. More information at: https://wombatrhiza.com.au/grace-the-amazing/.

Revenge of the Chick-Oats

Exciting New Berk-Berk … er Book Release!

Award-winning children’s author, Aleesah Darlison, is thrilled to announce the release of the second book in her junior fiction series, Super Sloth. Revenge of the Chick-Oats is set in New York City and is an action-packed adventure featuring the brave (and often hilarious) deeds of an unbelievably brave, quick, and adorable sloth, and his vigilante offsiders.

About the Book:

Get ready for a feathered adventure with Romeo Fortez … the cutest sloth EVER … and the world’s most daring superhero!

Romeo’s nemesis, the unhinged Professor Ian Weird-Warp, is at it again. Bent on revenge, he concocts a quirky catastrophe. Mixing chicken and goat genes, he spawns a gang of eccentric chick-oats and they’re on the loose in the Big Apple, destroying everything in their path all the while chanting, ‘Berk-berk-baa!’

As the team faces off against Professor Weird-Warp’s sinister demands for Romeo’s surrender, they must hatch a brilliant plan to thwart the mad professor’s wicked schemes once and for all.

Can this unlikely crew save the city from the clutches of the chick-oats?

The series is illustrated by Cheri Hughes and published by Big Sky Publishing. More info at: https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/books/super-sloth-2/

  

Super Sloth: The Shar-Wolf of New York City

Super Sloth: The Shar-Wolf of New York City written by Aleesah Darlison, illustrated by Cheri Hughes (Big Sky Publishing) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781922896537

Reviewed by Sarah Tegerdine

Super Sloth: The Shar-Wolf of New York City is the latest publication from award-winning children’s author Aleesah Darlison. In this, the first episode, we are introduced to Romeo Fortez, a pygmy sloth from a remote tiny island in the Atlantic Ocean, called Escudo. Romeo is no ordinary sloth: his mother sensed it at his birth and again, the evening of his naming ceremony when dazzling mystical forces take place in the skies above.

Even though small in stature, Romeo stands out from all the other sloths on his island. He is speedier, craves exploration and adventure and is way cuter than other sloths. So much so, this cuteness has hypnotic superpowers and Romeo can cause entrancement from casting a simple smile.

His parents fear that Escudo and the island life just isn’t enough for Romeo: he is smarter, faster, and stronger and though he tries to play with the other sloths, he often plays with other animals. One day he over-hears a tourist speak about New York, the city that never sleeps and in that instant he knows destiny is calling.

New York is filled to the brim with humans and animals bustling shoulder to shoulder, pressing in around him and the noise is overwhelming. It pushes him to bound back away from the pavements and forces him to wonder what in the world he was thinking.

But then, Romeo finds himself by the famous Brooklyn Bridge and a gigantic half shark, half wolf creature appears with a girl in its paw, and he snaps into action to save her. Romeo isn’t the only one whose curiosity has been piqued by the beast. Romeo forms new friends and they team up to solve the mystery.

Super Sloth: The Shar-Wolf of New York City, is a super fun, super cute and a super charged junior fiction series for chapter book readers to revel and delight in. It’s a fast paced and highly entertaining read filled with plenty of laughs and gadgets to keep children hooked.

Cheri’s expressive black and white illustrations are the perfect accent to the story that feature throughout, so much so, watch out for Romeo’s hypnotic cute stare on page 9.

Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Super Sloth Episode 1: The Shar-Wolf of New York City

Super Sloth Episode 1: The Shar-Wolf of New York City by Aleesah Darlison, illustrated by Cheri Hughes. (Big Sky Publishing) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781922896537

Reviewed by Kerry Gittins

Romeo Alexander Anton Silverio Fortez is a pygmy sloth. But not just any pygmy sloth. The night of his naming ceremony on the tiny island of Escudo where he was born, a fire rainbow erupted across the sky, lightning flashed, there was a shower of shooting stars and the rising moon looked magical.  Everyone knew they had just witnessed something incredible. As he grew, Romeo understood he was different to all the other sloths. He wasn’t slow like them. He was fast. Very fast. And he craved adventure and danger. He also developed hypnotic cuteness powers where all he had to do was look into someone’s eyes and they would forget what they had been doing and why they had been cross. He had become a Super Sloth!

The time came when Romeo knew he had to leave the island. He needed to be somewhere bigger, faster and with lots more happening than Escudo. New York City! It would be a bit scary and dangerous at first, but Romeo was up for it! This would be his destiny.

As soon as he arrived in New York, things began to happen. While he was admiring the famous Brooklyn Bridge, its pylons began to tilt, and the bridge began to sway. Everyone else ran the other way but Romeo ran towards the huge half shark, half wolf terrorising commuters. It held a young girl captive in one its enormous, clawed paws. A cheetah had also run towards the commotion. Together they freed the girl and the creature dived into the river below. Suddenly a pig appeared on a Vespa and yelled ‘Hop on!’ The pig, with the girl and Romeo in tow, sped away, with the Cheetah close behind. They quickly came to a cemetery and when the pig pressed a button on the Vespa, a huge panel of grass opened up beneath them revealing a ramp that led to the most amazing underground hideout.

The adventures of Romeo the Super Sloth, Tulip the Cheetah, Ham the Pig and Beth the young Crime Fighter had begun! Now all they had to do was find out where the mutant creature had come from, who had made it and how to stop them from creating more fearsome monsters. Look out evil Professor Weird Warp, your days are numbered!

This is a rollicking, fast-paced adventure story filled with incredible inventions, dangerous decisions, brave friends, superheroes, and very evil villains! Readers will be captivated from the opening page, with each chapter providing a thrilling ending to keep us wanting to find out more. Cheri Hughes’ superb black and white illustrations provide just the right amount of detail, leaving the reader with plenty of opportunities to use their own imaginations in the story. A highly recommended exciting new novel for ages 8 – 12. 

Teaching themes could include sloths, cheetahs, pigs, lemurs, superheroes, technology, inventions, villains, friendship, character traits, New York City and Brooklyn Bridge.

Super Sloth series

Aleesah Darlison, a celebrated Australian author, has launched an exciting new book series titled 'Super Sloth,' receiving rave reviews from readers of all ages. The series features the lovable pygmy sloth, Romeo Fortez. and takes readers on thrilling adventures filled with friendship, teamwork, and positive values. With its modern and fast-paced storylines, 'Super Sloth' captivates even the most reluctant readers, offering an uplifting and humorous experience.

Darlison's books go beyond mere entertainment; they transport readers to different worlds, where they can develop an affection for the characters and witness the power of collaboration in saving others. When asked about her inspiration for the series, Darlison shared, "I love sloths and superheroes, just like many young readers. I wanted to create a series that is fun, action-packed, and brimming with adventure. My goal was to craft an engaging read that allows kids to escape from reality and enter an exciting and intriguing world where animals and humans can accomplish amazing things together."

Darlison's boundless imagination and fascination with various animals continuously fuel her storytelling. "Coming up with ideas for stories is easy for me. I have a vivid imagination, and I find inspiration in so many animals. Extensive research enhances my creativity, generating even more ideas and potential plotlines. The challenge lies in focusing on one story or idea at a time and following it through to completion," she explained.

Aleesah Darlison proudly calls Buderim on the Sunshine Coast her home, and her contributions to children's literature represent the exceptional talent that thrives in the area.

Rusty, the Rainbow Bird

Rusty, the Rainbow Bird by Aleesah Darlison, illustrated by Mel Matthews (Puffin Books) HB RRP $19.95 ISBN: 9781760899240

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This is the third book in the Endangered Animal Tales’ series published recently. The rainbow bird of the title is the Gouldian finch, found across the top of Australia, from the Kimberley in Western Australia to Far North Queensland. Facts about the bird are scattered through the pages and on the final page. There are fewer than 2,500 highly coloured adults – weighing less than a 50-cent coin -- living in the wild.

In Rusty, the Rainbow Bird, Darlison fictionalises the story of Rusty which meets Olive. ‘He bobs and whirls, puffs and fluffs’ as he courts in an energetic dance for his soon-to-be partner for life. The lovebirds build a cosy nest inside a hollowed tree where Olive lays ‘six perfect eggs.’ Both birds take turns keeping them warm. Baby finches hatch naked and blind with colourful patterns on their mouths so their parents can see them in the dark nest and feed them seeds and insects.

Unfortunately, danger descends in the shape of a bushfire, deadlier than any predator and largely responsible for making the finches endangered. A double page spread in brilliant oranges, yellows and purples shows Rusty confronted by the raging fire. All pages in this picture book are filled with bright pictures that are captivating, and, in the case of the fire, alarming.  

Complementing the illustrations is the written text which is filled with strong, sometimes poetic images and words that read well aloud. Mostly the text about Rusty and his family is on the left-hand side of the double spreads, with short facts (such as ‘juvenile finches don’t get their colourful adult plumage until they’re a year old) on the right.

Child readers, aged 8 to 12 years are sure to be captivated by this well-written, strongly illustrated book, and, too, they will learn about an Australian bird which doesn’t usually get much publicity, but which ought to.

Poppy, the Punk Turtle

Poppy, the Punk Turtle: Endangered Animal Tales 2 by Aleesah Darlison, illustrated by Mel Matthews (Puffin Books) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781760899233

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

From the series on Endangered Animal Tales, about some of Australia's cutest and most vulnerable wildlife, comes this third book about a Mary River turtle which is only found in Queensland.

Darlison has garnered some very interesting facts about the turtle: it breathes through its bottom, it can stay underwater for three days before it needs to breathe through its mouth, it can only eat when submerged in water.

Why a ‘punk’ turtle? In the final double spread, we not only see a map of the animal’s habitat, but we learn they are often called ‘punk turtles’ because of their algae mohawks and the spikes under their chins. We also learn that it takes 15 years for a Mary River turtle to become an adult. There’s also a diagram of the turtle showing its special physiological features.

 

After the book begins with the turtles living on a stretch of the river ‘for millions of years’, we see that the turtles are omnivores and egg-laying. Poppy, the punk turtle, is seeking food: a dam has stopped the flow of fresh water. She desperately needs water and is soon lucky to discover a freshwater stream into which she dives.

 

This is a simple story with some very interesting facts about this eccentric Australian endangered animal. It would have added to the interest if a photograph of the turtle was included. As it is, the book is illustrated with bright colours, with Poppy looking very much like a punk.

 

This book is sure to be of interest to any young ecologist aged 5+ years.

Space Kids Sabotage

Space Kids Sabotage by Aleesah Darlison, illustrated by Nancy Bevington (Big Sky Publishing) PB RRP $29.99 ISBN 9781922488305

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

It’s 2088 and Nash Steele travels to the space station Misty where his estranged Safety Officer dad Orson lives. Nash is there for a fortnight while Mum and his stepdad Mike are on their honeymoon. Space stations like Misty are built like giant cruise ships, the weather is climate controlled and the station caters for tourists’ every whim, including the biggest gymnasium that Nash has ever seen. Misty is privately owned by a multi-billionaire; however, a rival space station, Wordlink seems to want to destroy it.

The first chapter of this well-written novel for readers aged 8+ years starts dramatically, with suspenseful action, and finishes inside a space shuttle (with Nash and his dad aboard), hurtling to Misty. However, space junk has been deposited by Wordlink and causes alarm. Fortunately, the shuttle manages to avoid it and the shuttle lands safely at its destination. At the station Nash meets Captain Malek’s son Raj who has a pet ferrog (ferret-dog) called Rex. He also meets Bingo who is visiting with his grandma, as well as Mr Nakimoto who is regarded with suspicion.

When multiple malfunctions occur on Misty, Nash is convinced it’s the grumpy Mr Nakimoto sabotaging the station. But when Nash and the others go for a moon walk, Bingo reveals his true colours – and his true intentions. He is not a boy after all, but an assassin robot. Along with his criminal ‘Gran’, Bingo is out to destroy Misty space station.

Aleesah Darlison, the author, is an award-winning author of over fifty books for children and young adults. Her skill as a writer of fast-paced, humorous adventure stories is evident here. This is a well-written, engaging book which is sure to win her many more fans.

Coco, the Fish with Hands

Coco, the Fish with Hands by Aleesah Darlison, illustrated by Mel Matthews (Puffin Books) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 978176089926

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This is the first story in the multi-book Endangered Animal Tales series, which highlights some of Australia’s cutest and most vulnerable wildlife. At first glance, the title sounds silly, but who was to know that Australia actually has a spotted Handfish swimming in its waters, (exclusively) in the Derwent River estuary near Hobart, Tasmania?

The fish, which don’t grow any larger than 12 cm long, have a unique pattern of spots that help them hide against the riverbed. They are critically endangered, with fewer than 3,000 fish living in the wild. The ‘hands’ of the spotted handfish are actually overgrown fins which they use to walk as the fish lives in silt and sand on the estuary floor.

Darlison’s book is presented with both fiction (about a spotted handfish, Coco) and facts on each double page. Coco is in search of a mate and then somewhere to lay her eggs. (Handfish only lay eggs from September to October). She needs to avoid predators such as an anglerfish, a Northern Pacific seastar, and a crab. Finally, she finds a male who, spying her, performs an elegant mating dance. When Coco lays her eggs (80 to 250 each year), the white dots sprout and grow. Both parents protect their eggs until they hatch (six millimetres long, they are called fry). Then they are off on their own.

The illustrations show the handfish and other sea creatures in large cartoon-style against a mostly green river background. Coco’s story is told in a different font to that of the facts.

The Australian author, Aleesah Darlison, has written other picture books in the Endangered Animal Tales series, including Little Meerkat, Warambi, and The Story of the Last Wild Thylacine. Her books alert young readers (and older) about the dangers that wild creatures face in nature.

Space Kids Sabotage

Space Kids Sabotage by Aleesah Darlison, illustrated by Nancy Bevington (Big Sky Publishing) PB RRP $12.50 ISBN 9781922387

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Australian author Aleesah Darlison knows how to write books kids like to read. In this latest novel she combines science fiction, space and mystery rolled into a fabulous intergalactic adventure series complete with humour and fun. The book is ideal for reluctant readers and should appeal to those aged 7+ years.

Eleven-year-old Nash lives with his mum on Earth and spends time with his estranged dad on Misty Space Station thousands of outer space kilometres away. When Nash arrives at the station, he meets new friends nicknamed the Space Kids. However, danger awaits the trio: someone is sabotaging Misty. Perhaps it’s Mr Nakimoto. Or could it be their new friend Bingo Crafter?

Darlison is a multi-published, award-winning Australian whose much-loved stories promote the concepts she explores in this latest novel: courage, friendship, and teamwork. Her story is fast-paced and compelling. Her book is illustrated with black and white pictures by Nancy Bevington who has illustrated some beautiful and award-winning books.

Space Kids Sabotage is sure to garner many fans and is highly recommended.

League of Llamas – Undercover Llamas and Rogue Llama

League of Llamas – Undercover Llamas and Rogue Llama by Aleesah Darlison (Penguin Random House) RRP $6.99 ISBN: 9781760894191 and 

ISBN: 9781760894207

Reviewed by Jeffery E Doherty

Undercover Llamas and Rogue Llama are books three and four in Aleesah Darlison’s League of Llamas series for children. Like the first two instalments, they are a fun, and punny mix of James Bond and Mission Impossible with a bumbling Get Smart spy twist. These two books take our heroes away from the Llama Republic to exotic locations like Chickenlovakia, Ratopia and Categonia.

Phillipe Llama has a magnificent fringe, which often distracts him from his duties as an agent of LOL, the League of Llamas. His partner Lloyd has an unfortunate eating disorder. He is unable to resist the temptation to eat everything in his path. Elloise Llamaresky, the third member of their team is stylish, elegant and unlike Phillipe and Lloyd, she is a competent spy.

In Undercover Llamas, the LOL agents are going undercover in the world of pop music. They are joining the band of pop idol Bruno Llamars, on his tour of Chickenlovakia. Elloise is a big fan of the singer and Phillipe is a little jealous.

In Rogue Llama, Phillipe, Agent 0011 has been framed for a crime he did not commit. He puts on a disguise and sets off to find the true criminal. Phillipe is being hunted by both friends and enemies, and as he investigates, thing begin to make even less sense. He starts to smell a rat, or maybe an old nemesis.

These League of Llamas books are short, fun, and easy to read. They are packed full of even more interesting and wonderfully flawed characters. The amusing spy references are sure to keep parents engaged, and the llama and other animal puns will leave kids howling with laughter as they follow the antics of Phillipe, Lloyd and Elloise. The fun black and white illustrations by Simon Greiner add to the reading experience.

The League of Llamas books are adventures that play brilliantly to the funny bones of young readers. Definitely recommended.

League of Llamas – The Golden Llama and Llama Impossible

League of Llamas – The Golden Llama and Llama Impossible by Aleesah Darlison (Penguin Random House) 

RRP $6.99 ISBN: 9781760894160 and 9781760894184

Reviewed by Jeffery E Doherty

The Golden Llama and Llama Impossible are the first two books in Aleesah Darlison’s League of Llamas books for children. They are a fun, and very pun-filled mix of James Bond, Mission Impossible and Get Smart spy dramas with wonderfully flawed, hero llamas and dastardly, evil flatulent badgers. What more could a child ask for?

Phillipe Llama has a magnificent fringe, which often distracts him from his duties as an agent of LOL, the League of Llamas. His partner Lloyd has an unfortunate eating disorder. He is unable to resist the temptation to eat everything in his path.

In the Golden Llama, these bumbling agents must find a way to stop the evil badger General Bottomburp, and find the Llama Republic’s most prized relic, the Golden Llama. To complicate matters they must solve the mystery of the alluring lady Llama in red.

In Llama Impossible, we see a runaway train, a muscle-bound, eyeball-licking gecko, a bank robbery, and dazzling diamond heist. But don’t worry, our intrepid (or ineptid) LOL agents are on the case. Is General Bottomburp up to his tricks again, or is there a new kingpin in town?

The League of Llamas books are packed full of interesting and wonderfully flawed characters. There are amusing spy references throughout the books that are sure to keep parents engaged, and so many llama and other animal puns, that kids will be howling with laughter as they follow the antics of Phillipe and Lloyd. The fun black and white illustrations by Simon Greiner add to the reading experience.

The League of Llamas books are short, fun, and easy to read adventures that play brilliantly to the funny bones of young readers. With a villain called General Bottomburp, these books are sure to be a hit, particularly with boys. Working in a primary school, I know, fart jokes still rule. Highly recommended.  

Yay! It’s Library Day by Aleesah Darlison (text), Australian Children (illus.), (Wombat Books) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN: 9781925563238

Reviewed by Julie Murphy for CBCA Reading Time

Yay! It’s a children’s book about the joy of libraries. Aleesah Darlison’s fun rhyming poem follows a brother and sister’s day at the library. They spend the WHOLE day there and, what’s more, they do it every week with their dad. What lucky children!

The poem is essentially a loving dedication to the diversity of books and stories to be found in a library. Whatever you’re into – fun, adventure, romance, discovery and more – reading a book can take you there. In this story, as the children read all sorts of books, they are transported to fantasy worlds and amazing real-world places. Turn the page and you are under the sea. Turn again, and you’re on top of a volcano. There are also lots of interesting characters to meet, including prima ballerinas and tuxedo-clad elephants.

What really sets this picture book apart, however, are the illustrations. Each is by a different Australian child. This was the result of a call-out by the Wombat Books team in the form of an illustration challenge. This competition invited all young artists to illustrate a page of their choice from Darlison’s text, which was accessible via the Wombat Books website. What a great initiative!

Rather than the wide range of illustration styles making the book appear disjointed, it succeeds in portraying and highlighting the diversity of the books described in the text.

Yay! It’s Library Day is a great book for encouraging a love of language, art, books, stories and libraries in young readers.

The Dream Bird

The Dream Bird by Aleesah Darlison, illustrated by Emma Middleton (Wombat Books) HB RRP $19.99

ISBN 978192556337

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Ask any parent and they’ll tell you they’ve spent many hours reading bed-time stories to their small children. Mother of four, Australian author Aleesah Darlison, has written this beautifully illustrated picture book for both parent and child. It’s about toddler George who is active at day but when time comes for sleep, he’s wide awake. His sister and brother, Mum and Dad, offer solutions to falling sleep, but nothing works. Perhaps Gran can help?

When Gran finds George in her room crying, she promises she has ‘just the thing that will help.’  Subsequently, with her small grandson tucked into her bed, Gran tells him the story of the dream bird ‘as tall as a flamingo and as graceful as a butterfly’ which sings children ‘to sleep, giving them the happiest dreams possible.’ Of course, the story works and George slips into ‘the happiest dream he’d ever had.’

This is a simple story, well told, which is a good one to read to children resisting or unable to sleep. The illustrations are detailed and lavished, but the only flaw it would seem is that most of them are painted – in a magical realism style – using great swathes of pink. As this is a story of a boy, it seems odd to use a colour normally associated with girls – or do young boys not worry about ‘pink’ books?

Little Witch: Hauntings & Hexes

Little Witch: Hauntings & Hexes by Aleesah Darlison (Big Sky Publishing)

PB RRP $14.99  IBSN 9781925520576

Reviewed by Kate Simpson

Hauntings & Hexes is the second book in Aleesah Darlison’s Little Witch series, following on from Secrets & Spells. While some children may prefer to read the books in order, Hauntings and Hexes also sits well as a stand-alone novel.

Courtney is a novice witch, learning magic in her attic with the help of her late grandmother’s spell book, a talking cat and the occasional whispered message from the spirit world. When she starts high school as the new kid in town, she’s trying to fly under the radar, but the temptation to do just a little bit of magic is too strong to resist. Of course, it doesn’t help when your magic isn’t always completely reliable.

To make matters worse, Courtney’s deceased grandmother had a (well-deserved) reputation in town as a witch, and not everybody was happy about it. Will Courtney have enemies from the outset?

Growing up is all about making mistakes, but when you’re a witch in training, your mistakes can have some pretty serious consequences and Courtney has accidentally unleashed a mischievous spirit on her village. Will she be able to save her new home or could the consequences be more serious?

The Little Witch series, with its themes of magic, friendship and adventure is sure to appeal to the tween crowd, and independent readers aged 8 to 11 will likely make short work of this easy-to-read, 144-page novel. Hopefully Aleesah Darlison will magic up a few more installments in this fun new series. 

Resources for Children’s Writers and Illustrators

When you are new to writing for children, how do you find information that helps you to get published? Here are some ways in which you can develop and extend your interest and knowledge towards your goal:

KidLitVic Conference                                                                                                    This is a one day conference held annually in Melbourne which is attended by a large contingent of publishers such as Black Dog, Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Allen & Unwin, Ford Street Publishing, Scholastic, Five Mile Press, Lake Press, Hachette, Windy Hollow, Text, Hardie Grant Egmont, Scribble/Scribe, Walker Books and Affirm Press. There is a cost of $88 (including GST) for a 15 minute one-on-one assessment with a publisher, plus written feedback on your manuscript or your portfolio. http://www.kidlitvic.com/about

CYA Conference                                                                                                          Held annually in Brisbane usually mid-year, this conference is aimed as professional development for new and established writers and illustrators of Children’s and Young Adult literature. Master classes and workshops are conducted at the conference. CYA also runs writing and illustrating competitions in conjunction with the conference. http://www.cyaconference.com

The Children’s Book Academy                                                                                          If you aspire to become a successfully published children's book author or children's book illustrator, the academy says, ‘we have what you need! Whether you’re interested in self-publishing, learning to write or illustrate and publish traditionally, finally learning Photoshop, discovering your writer's and character's voices, or upgrading your skills in general, or learning the rules to break to make your picture book, we have something for everyone, from beginner to seasoned pro! Come in, look around, sign up for a course from our award-winning faculty, and jump-start or refresh your career!’ http://www.childrensbookacademy.com

Scribble 

Jen Storer is an award winning children’s author who has had numerous books published, mostly by HarperCollins and Penguin. After nearly twenty years she’s still writing and publishing. Jen also worked in-house as a children’s book editor, predominantly in Creative Development. She has a First Class Honours degree in Literature and has taught creative writing to all kinds of people. https://girlandduck.com/scribbles/

Green Leaf Press

Greenleaf Press is owned and operated by award-winning author and marketing guru Aleesah Darlison who saw a need for key services and opportunities for authors and illustrators. Greenleaf not only helps clients to develop and place stories and artistic projects through assessments and mentorships, it also provides ongoing work opportunities. Greenleaf Talent represents a number of authors and illustrators across Australia and secures paid work for them in preschools and schools.

The company’s services include manuscript assessments, mentorships, editing, copywriting and blogging. It also runs events throughout the year that educate and inspire both adults and children, including the Sunshine Writers Retreat (held each November). In 2017, Greenleaf Press launched a picture book manuscript competition.  www.greenleafpress.net Email: admin@greenleafpress.net

Enterprising Words 

Having published 130+ books for young people over a 30 year writing period. Dianne (Di) Bates has also worked as an editor, magazine compiler, publisher (http://aboutkidsbooks.com) bookseller and writing teacher. Di offers modules in her Writing for Children course, including Writing a Picture Book Text. Numerous ex-students have had debut books published following completion of the course. For more information, contact her at dibates@outlook.com

Faber Writing Academy                                                                                                   Faber Writing Academy at Allen & Unwin is a writing programme offering a range of courses from one-day workshops to longer courses devised by the foremost practitioners in their fields. The Academy says, ‘If you have a story to tell, why not study with two of the world's leading publishers? Since launching its first course at Shakespeare & Co bookshop in Paris in 2008, Faber Academy has tutored more than 1500 students in courses ranging from one-day workshops such as Getting Published to longer courses including our popular program Writing a Novel. In 2010, Faber Academy found a natural home with Australia's award-winning publisher Allen & Unwin, and courses are offered in Sydney and Melbourne. http://faberwritingacademy.com.au

Buzz Words 

Established in 2004, this premier Australian online magazine for those in the children’s book industry is essential reading for the new writer as it offers not only advice, but much information including Australian and overseas markets, opportunities (such as grants & residencies), competitions, interviews, articles and much more. For a free sample, write to mailit@nichedev.com.au Subscription is $48 pa for 24 issues. www.buzzwordsmagazine.com

Writers’Centres:                                                                                                                 Most writers’ centres around Australia offer courses on writing for children at one time or another. Following is a list of the major Writers Centres across Australia:
Queensland Writers Centre http://www.qwc.asn.au/
Victorian Writers Centre http://vwc.org.au/
NSW Writers Centre http://www.nswwc.org.au/ (Every second year they hold the Writing For Children Festival which is always well attended)
SA Writers Centre http://www.sawriters.on.net/
ACT Writers Centre http://www.actwriters.org.au/
WA Writers Centre http://www.fawwa.iinet.net.au/wawc.htm
Hunter Writers Centre http://hwcentre.com/
NT Writer’s Centre http://www.ntwriters.com.au/
Tasmanian Writers Centre http://www.tasmanianwriters.org/                                                                      Australian Writers Centre   https://www.writerscentre.com.au