Interview with Alison Reynolds

Can you tell readers about your book?

My two latest books are PICKLE AND BREE’S GUIDE TO GOOD DEEDS – THE PLAYGROUND MEANIES and PICKLE AND BREE’S GUIDE TO GOOD DEEDS – THE BIG SNOW ADVENTURE.

These are the latest two picture books in the Pickle and Bree’s Guide to Good Deeds series aimed at children 4- 8. They explore social etiquette and positive behaviour in a light, humorous way. The Playground Meanies is about bullying and The Big Snow Adventure tackles respecting rules.

Each book features a Handy Guide to Good Deeds on the last page, which can be used as a discussion point for adults and children.

What is the book’s history to publication?

The Five Mile

Press http://www.fivemile.com.au/ commissioned these books as part of an ongoing series. The editor approved my initial concepts after a bit of toing and froing.

                                                                                            Do you have an agent?

I don’t have an agent, but having a husband who is an accountant helps me a lot. He is a whizz at examining contracts and chasing up royalties.

Why did you choose Five Mile Press as your publisher?

I’ve worked with The Five Mile Press for many years and value highly my relationship with them. They’ve offered me many wonderful opportunities to write many different style books. They’re perfect match for somebody like me who enjoys a challenge.

How long did it take from submission of your manuscript to receipt of advance copies?The whole process from initial concept to being edited took about five months.

Which editor did you work with? Was there a lot of work that needed to be done to your manuscript? How was the editing experience for you?

I worked with the super talented Melissa Keil at The Five Mile Press. She manages to point out where the text can be improved with tact and perspicacity. There was not as much work needed as for the first two books, because I know the characters now. With Melissa, I feel we’re working together to make the books the best books they can be.

Who is the book’s illustrator? Why do you like her work?

Mikki Butterley is a brilliant illustrator who lives in the north of England. She comes from a background of creating cards, and her attention to detail is extraordinary. I adore her work for the sense of fun she captures. Whatever wild whacky idea I come up with in the text, Mikki seems to be able to match it up with a gorgeous illustration. I also love her colour palette.

Anything else you’d like to say about your publisher?

I would recommend The Five Mile Press to illustrators and other authors. They produce a range of different fabulous products, which makes it an exciting company to work with.

Have you written other books for children?

I’ve had over 70 books published, including board books, picture books, chapter books, choose-your-own-adventure style books and even a non-fiction adult book.  I work for different publishers, which helps me maintain a flow of work.

Do you belong to a writing group?

I’ve belonged to a few writing groups in the past. One group has transformed into a lunching group of close friends as I’m the only one who still writes on a full-time basis. I firmly believe writing groups can be excellent especially when you’re starting out, but you need to be in one that suits you. If you find you’re in a toxic writing group that makes you feel bad, belittled and if you’re the one who is doing all the work, run. I’m lucky enough to be working with editors who give me thoughtful, excellent feedback, so I’m not in a writing group at the moment.

I had a few outstanding writing tutors/mentors when I studied, for example Janey Runci, Sari Smith, Rachel Flynn and Marg McKenzie. 

What are you working on at the moment? 

I have an idea that I’m playing with for a series for 6- 8 year olds. I’m not at the stage of sending it out to publishers yet, but hope to be there soon. I’ve had a variety of books published, including picture books, board books, chapter books, middle grade books and even an adult non-fiction book.

Anything else you’d like to add?

To aspiring writers out there: never give up; never give up; never give up.

I would love you to check out my website at www.alisonreynolds.com.au

The Big Snow Adventure

The Big Snow Adventure by Alison Reynolds, illustrated by Mikki Butterley (Five Mile Press) HB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781760400651

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Here is another inexpensive picture book in the About Pickle and Bree’s Guide to Good Deeds which aims to gently teach small children how to explore the skills needed to successfully manage relationships with their friends and family.

In this book Pickle and Bree each displays poor manners by not waiting their turn in the ski shop and upsetting their friends Jason and Anna, Reggie and Lucy. Then they refuse to follow the teacher’s instructions about skiing downhill and thus cause mayhem. In a snowball fight, Pickle ignores his friends’ pleas not to throw a huge ball – and he makes Reggie and Lucy disappear.

As a result of the friends’ ignorance of manners, the others don’t want to play with them anymore. ‘Maybe I should have paid more attention to the rules,’ said Pickle. ‘Nobody wants to play with me. I’m a big, blundering, bumbling bear.’ And, says Bree, ‘I’m a pushy, pesky pain the neck.’

Luckily the others are forgiving and when the six of them go kiting downhill, Pickles and Bree take their turn so all have fun together.

This is a simply told, sweet story which offers a message to youngsters without being preachy. One can imagine the child reader and parent talking about taking turns in order to be a good friend. In the back of this book, as in all of the Pickle and Bree books there is a full page ‘Guide to Good Deeds’, a list of reasons for and outcomes of following rules which the parent (or teacher) can discuss. Great for ethics teachers in particular!

The Playground Meanies

The Playground Meanies by Alison Reynolds, illustrated by Mikki Butterley (Five Mile Press) HB RRP $14.99 ISBBN 9781760400644

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

The first two things I noticed about this picture book for young children is how inexpensive it is and how beautifully produced. On the cover it reads, ‘All about being kind with Pickle and Bree’ which is what this book and others in the series is all about – teaching children how to have happy and productive relationships with others.

Pickle is a loveable bear and Bree is a high-spirited girl; they are best friends. In this book they appear in a playground to witness two grey bears hogging the equipment. The bears, Howard and Gracie, make fun of Pickle’s feet, also those of his friend Jason. It’s only teasing but both bears feel unhappy. The verbal bullying continues. ‘It isn’t nice to feel there’s something wrong with you,’ Jason says. Pickle roars his displeasure.

At the picnic in the park, there’s more tormenting about the bears’ feet. The two think about using their feet to smash the food but Bree reminds them that basically two wrongs don’t make a right.  Happily, in an incident a few moments later, Jason’s big foot saves a situation. It’s then that the teasing bears apologise.

And of course the four have fun playing together after that.

Being mean is never the answer. Of course. This is a lesson that small children (and big) need to learn. That’s what this book and other books in the series is about: using simple, humorous narrative to gently demonstrate a lesson about the value of good manners.

The book is beautifully illustrated with bright, full page illustrations showing the personable characters interacting with one another. Small children aged 4 years and up are sure to be thoroughly engaged by story and illustrations.

The Skunk

The Skunk by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Patrick McDonnell (The Five Mile Press)

HB RRP $19.95

ISBN 978-1-76006-782-3

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

On first impressions this book reminded me of Dr Seuss, I couldn’t wait to pick it up and have a read. I was not disappointed, although, it is far removed from anything Dr Seuss and more like an Alfred Hitchcock story for children.

The illustrations and the writing go hand in hand, as a whole they work so seamlessly that it appears the writer and illustrator collaborated [I don’t know if they did or didn’t]. It is a quirky story of a man who discovers a skunk on his doorstep. The skunk appears to be following him. There is an increasingly frantic chase through the city, tension builds, the man has closure, but there is a twist… The artwork follows this outline by starting off with a very retro limited pallet of red, white, and black. After the climax, the primary colours of yellow and blue are added, imitating joy, then, with a thought provoking twist the illustrations revert back to the former limited pallet. It is very cleverly thought through.

This is a fabulous read-out-loud book either by an independent reader or an adult who likes a bit of fun. There are a few words that a young child might need explained which adds to the experience of the shared reading.

The author Mac Barnett is a New York Times bestselling author of books for children including Extra Yarn which won the 2013 Caldecott Honour.

Patrick McDonnell the illustrator has over twenty books in print, including four New York Times bestsellers and the Caldecott Honour winning Me…Jane. He has a comic strip Mutts which appears in over 700 newspapers around the world.

Arthur and the Curiosity

Arthur and the Curiosity by Lucinda Gifford (The Five Mile Press)

HB RRP $19.95

ISBN 978-1-76006-838-7

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

Run your hand across the cover of this book and the three raised Egyptian sarcophagus illustrations will transport you to the Museum setting of the story.

Children and adults alike will identify with this story of a school excursion. On his class visit to the museum, Arthur notices something the others do not and is distracted. The teacher tries to keep the children together and moving through the exhibits only to be exhausted and require time out herself. This is a marvelous book for an independent reader, or perhaps a teacher with her class group. The exhibits that Arthur’s class visit will act as ideal talking points as young children should ask many questions, the adult reader will enjoy the explanations which only adds to the experience of the shared reading.

The illustrations which are simple and clean show a diverse group of children. I believe this will allow extra fun in the reading process as the children identify themselves and their friends in the pictures. The illustrations also add to the story by leaving unanswered questions giving children the opportunity to imagine what may happen next.

Lucinda Gifford is the author and illustrator of Arthur and the Curiosity. On her website she calls herself ‘emerging’ but having already illustrated six books for other writers and two of her own, it would seem she has already emerged. 

This book should appeal to teacher librarians as much as parents. I’m looking forward to reading my copy to some young children and being involved in a lively conversation afterward.

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools, two picture books and one local history book. www.jacquesartandbooks.com

The Mystery of the Midnight Crunch

The Mystery of the Midnight Crunch by Simon Mitchell, illustrated by James Davis (The Five Mile Press)

HB RRP $19.95

ISBN 978-1-74346-725-1

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

What is better than a mystery about a monster? Mitchell’s story combined with Davis’s illustrations is delightful and will engage the young reader’s imagination. On first impressions this book invites you to pick it up and have a read. I was not disappointed when I did. It is not only beautifully illustrated but it is beautifully written. Even the cover is a pleasure to touch with spot laminations making it pleasantly tactile. A book to be read by the independent reader or to share with a child snuggled on your lap as you search the illustrations for clues.

It is the story of Sniffy the Mouse Detective: he is ready for hire and no job is too big or too small. Mrs Hopper, his new client, is convinced she saw a monster in her kitchen. Sniffy doesn’t believe in monsters. But determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Sniffy and his friend Cooper work hard with humorous results.

The author Simon Mitchell writes a great fast-paced story. His first picture book Louie the Pirate Chef won a place in the International Youth Library’s prestigious White Ravens Catalogue, he also has received critical acclaim for one of his junior novels.

James Davis, the illustrator, is an award-winning artist. His illustrations are striking; he uses simplified shapes but shows strength of colour and depth giving a wonderful sense of ‘other’ to the story. I must confess that thanks to the illustrations of the endpapers, I heard Humphrey Bogart’s voice as I read.

 

Overall I believe with each of the positive elements rolled into one hard cover this story shared by parent and child will make this book a favorite.

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools, two picture books and one local history book.

www.jacquesartandbooks.com

Boys Don’t Knit

Boys Don’t Knit by Tom Easton (Hot Key Books)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 978-1-4714-0147-3

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

I am not a target reader for this book, my teen years are behind me. In fact, when I first picked it up and noticed it was written in diary style I groaned inwardly. Not only is it aimed at teens but it would be full of a self-absorbed teenager’s thoughts too. I took a deep breath, and started reading. I soon discovered I couldn't put it down.

I read late into the night, turning pages in a way that would have gratified the author. As I mentioned, I am not this author's target audience but his writing transported me to a very happy place. If my experience is anything to go by, genre preference has little to do with captivating a reader.

Tom Easton has had over a dozen books published. His writing talents range from chapter books to young adult novels. Boy’s Don’t Knit is very clever. Ned, the main character is very likable in a completely flawed way, he is the kind of kid you want to succeed in life, you want to keep listening to his ‘voice’.

"I told Dad where I was going and he seemed really proud, like I was off to receive a Duke of Edinburgh award as opposed to what I was actually doing, which was fulfilling the terms of my probation by providing home assistance to an old lady I'd nearly killed. I suppose it's good to have his support, but if he's proud of me over this it does tend to suggest he has quite low expectations. I clearly don't need to do much to earn his respect. If I'm ever in the dock at Basingstoke Crown Court facing a thirty stretch for a triple murder, I can be sure Dad will be there in the gallery wiping away a tear, beside himself with pride at the fact that I managed to tie my own tie."

The book if read in a senior classroom situation would raise healthy discussion. I found it refreshing, the serious matters of peer pressure, sex, vandalism and theft are raised in this story and handled in a modern yet sensitive way without being condescending or preachy. The characters are fully formed and each supports the main character well.

The story gives room for sequels (I know there is one coming) and I am sure each would be an enjoyable read, in fact, I see a movie.

  

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of picture book The Bear Said Please and the series ‘That’s not a …' learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools and one local history coffee table book.

An English Boy in New York, the sequel to Boys Don’t Knit is out August 2014.

Blog Tour: Meet Marmalade!

A New Friend for Marmalade by Alison Reynolds and Heath McKenzie, The Five Mile Press 

Drum roll, please! Here he is, Marmalade, the loveable cat featuring in his second book, A New Friend for Marmalade (The Five Mile Press). Welcome to Buzz Words Books Marmalade and thank you for disturbing your nap time to answer Seven Purry Questions:

1. Favourite Movie?

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

2. Favourite Book?

Cat in a Hat

3. Favourite TV show?

Purrfect Match.

4. What is your typical day?

Read fan emails. Take a nap. Eat sardines. Take a nap. Do public appearances up and down the street. Take a nap. Practise my cat walk twirl, in case I’m offered my own fashion label. Take a nap. Play with Ella, Maddy and Toby. Take a nap. International feline stars need plenty of beauty sleep.

5. Has fame changed you since your starring role in A New Friend for Marmalade and A Year with Marmalade?

I can’t go out in public anymore. Dogs always chase me for autographs. I spend forever grooming myself in case the purrparrazzi snap my photo. But I do get upgraded when I stay at the boutique cattery, so it’s not all fur balls.

6. There is a Beyonce doll, a Jennifer Lopez doll and now a plush toy, Marmalade. How did you feel about the likeness?

My legs are longer in real life, but apart from that it’s purrfect.

7. Do you have a personal mantra?

No matter how famous I become, I’ll always keep my four paws on the ground. Especially if Toby, Ella and Maddy aren’t around to rescue me.

Please don't forget to enter the competitions below to WIN books, manuscript assessments or even a chance to jump the slush pile and land on an editor's desk!

Pet contest for all ages!
Marmalade the cat is full of personality. Do you have a pet with personality? Win a piece of artwork by Heath McKenzie. Send along a photo of your personality-plus pet to www.alisonreynolds.com.au, alrey@msn.com.au or upload to https://www.facebook.com/alison.reynolds.524

Random book giveaways!
Just leave a comment on one of the posts in the blog tour, comment on facebook, or even email Alison letting her know you want to enter the competition to win A New Friend for Marmalade.

Jump the Slush Pile!
Option 1 - Win a free pass to a Children’s editor’s desk
Just comment on this blog post or any other blog during the A New Friend for Marmalade blog tour and add the initials CB. The more you comment, the more chances you have to win the draw.

Option 2 - Win a free pass to a Non-fiction commissioning editor’s desk
Just comment on this blog post or any other blog during the A New Friend for Marmalade blog tour and add the initials NF. The more you comment, the more chances you have to win the draw.

Win a Manuscript Assessment!
Option 1 - Win an assessment of Chapter One of a chapter book with Dee White
A wonderful opportunity to have an assessment by the fabulous mentor extraordinaire, Dee White.
Just comment on this blog post or any other blog during the A New Friend for Marmalade blog tour and add the initials DW. The more you comment, the more chances you have to win the draw.

Option 2 - Win a free picture book assessment by Alison!
Just comment on this blog post or any other blog during the A New Friend for Marmalade blog tour and add the initials PB. The more you comment, the more chances you have to win the draw.

A New Friend for Marmalade is available now in Australia at all leading bookstores and online. Published in Australia by The Five Mile Press. Released March 2014. Published in the USA by Little Simon. Released July 2014.

Blog tour: A New Friend for Marmalade

Buzz Words is thrilled to be joining the blog tour for Alison Reynolds and Heath McKenzie's new book, A New Friend for Marmalade (The Five Mile Press). On Saturday 15 March, none other than the star of the show, Marmalade himself, will be popping by to answer seven purry questions.

There are also plenty of competitions with the chance to win books, manuscript assessments and more.

Find out about the book, its characters and creators at these other great kids' lit sites throughout March.

11th Dee White – Review and Post http://deescribewriting.wordpress.com/
11th Chris Bell – Post http://christinemareebell.wordpress.com/
12th Angela Sunde – Interview with Heath http://angelasunde.blogspot.com.au/
12th KBR – Book giveaway http://www.kids-bookreview.com/
13th Boomerang Books – Post with Dimity Powell
http://blog.boomerangbooks.com.au/author/dpowell
14th KBR Guest post http://www.kids-bookreview.com/
14th KBR Review http://www.kids-bookreview.com/
14th Sally Murphy – Meet my book http://aussiereviews.com/reviews/blog/
15th Buzz Words – Interview with Marmalade http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.com/
17th Ask the Bean Counter – Mr X http://www.alisonreynolds.com.au/
17th Pass-it-on Post and Review – Jackie Hosking
http://jackiehoskingpio.wordpress.com/school-magazine/
18th Ask the Publisher – Kay Scarlett http://www.alisonreynolds.com.au/