PASS IT ON - Monday 23rd February 2015-issue 524

 
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PASS IT ON

Australia's Children's Book Industry E-zine since 2004

ILLUSTRATION OF THE WEEK
 
Where an illustrator shares their methods for creating an illustration.

Scroll down to the "Illustrator of the Week" section to see who created this one.
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WHAT IS PASS IT ON?
 
PASS IT ON is a weekly, interactive, networking e-zine for anyone interested in the children's book industry.

It is emailed to subscribers every Monday and costs less than $1 per week.

Like the story of the Little Red Hen

PASS IT ON relies on YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS to taste delicious!

So please contribute as often as you can.

Thanks once again to those of you who consistently contribute industry news every week. Your generosity is gratefully received and appreciated.

 
 
Thanks Jeff Doherty for our little red hen
A Disclaimer of Liability  
Please ensure that your submissions are ACCURATE and clear. I will accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions contained in the information submitted. 

Please be careful. 

All rights (including copyright and moral rights) for individual contributions remain with the author and may not be reproduced in any format without the express written permission of the author.
 
HAPPY

MONDAY

EVERYONE!

 
 
JACKIE'S HATS
SEEKING

Are you an Australian Children's Book Illustrator or do you aspire to be one?

Would you like to be part of PIO's Illustration of the Week segment?

If you answered yes to these two questions please do get in touch ASAP

 

National Survey of Australian Authors

All professional book authors who have had a book published (including epublishing and self-publishing) are invited to fill out an online survey which is open now until the end of February 2015. The survey is conducted by Prof. David Throsby and his team at Macquarie University, funded by the Australian Research Council and the university.

The questionnaire includes questions about authors’ experiences of promotion, epublishing, self-publishing, income, piracy and their responses to changing expectations on the part of readers and publishers.

SCBWI encourages eligible members to participate in order to assist their peers and help improve our profession. The findings will be a valuable resource for SCBWI in representing authors’ interests within the industry and in raising our professional standing.

As an additional incentive and to thank authors for their time, two randomly selected authors who complete the survey will be awarded a prize of $1,000 each.

For details, click here and here.
  

NEW PUBLICATIONS
Published March 2015
ISBN 978 1 74362 967 3
Paperback; 198 x 128 mm
Ages 9+; RRP $15.99
A Scholastic Australia book
 
HANNA KAMINSKY loves gymnastics, her best friend Eva, Elza’s chicken soup with dumplings, and reading. But in September 1939 the happy life that Hanna has always known disappears.  The Nazis have invaded Poland and are herding all Jews into ghettos in the cities. Hanna’s family are forced into hiding in the countryside. For a while it seems they are safe. But hiding from the Germans means trusting others. Rounded up by the SS, Hanna and her family are sent to the Warsaw Ghetto where they must use whatever skills they have to survive.
 
SPECIAL EVENTS

The exhibition (open from 2-25 March.) comprising an international collection of

300 picturebooks will be held at

Gosford City Library’s Erina branch in NSW

 
 

The aim of The World through Picture Books project is to create an annotated list of picture books from around the world, recommended by librarians.

The programme is led by IFLA section Libraries for Children and Young Adults with support from partners IFLA section Literacy and Reading and IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People).


The Australian titles in the exhibition are:
  • There’s a Hippopotamus on our roof eating cake (Hazel Edwards, illus by Deborah Niland)
  • Possum Magic (Mem Fox, illus by Julie Vivas)
  • Wombat Stew (Marcia Vaughan, illus by Pamela Lofts)
  • Who Sank the Boat? (Pamela Allen)
  • Edward the Emu (Sheena Knowles, illus by Rod Clement)
  • Big Rain Coming (Katrina Germein, illus by Bronwyn Bancroft)
  • Pete the Sheep (Jackie French)
  • Magic Beach (Alison Lester)
  • The Lost Thing (Shaun Tan)
  • The Little Refugee (Anh Do & Suzanne Do, illus by Bruce Whatley).
 
To view the exhibition catalogue, click here.
 
SCBWI Victoria’s first gathering for 2015 will be held at DiMattina’s Restaurant in Carlton on Saturday 14 March. Our guest speaker will be bestselling author James Phelan, and our member speakers will be Anna Walker and Gabrielle Wang.

James Phelan is the bestselling author of twenty-three novels and one work of non-fiction. From his teens he wanted to be a novelist but first tried his hand at a real job, studying and working in architecture before turning to English literature, spending five years at a newspaper and obtaining an MA and PhD in writing.

James has published five thrillers in the Lachlan Fox series: Fox HuntPatriot ActBlood OilLiquid Gold and Red Ice, as well as the Alone trilogy of young adult post-apocalyptic novels for Hachette Children's and a thirteen-book middle-grade series for Scholastic. The Spy is the first Jed Walker Thriller, and is followed by The Hunted in 2015.  

James will talk about his journey to publication, what he writes about and why, and explain his working methods.  

Anna Walker illustrates and writes stories for children. Working from a studio in Melbourne shared with printmakers and artists, Anna paints and creates the characters from her books out of felt and wool. She is currently working on a stop motion book trailer for her newest book Mr Huff, due out in July.

Her books are published around the world and one of her recent titles, Peggy, was shortlisted in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards in 2013. Starting School, written by Jane Godwin, received an honourable mention in 2014. 

Gabrielle Wang is a children’s author and illustrator with over 16 books published. She has twice won the Aurealis Award for Best Children’s Long Fiction and her novels have been named Notables in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards. Two of her works were Highly Commended in the Prime Minister’s Awards and her first book, The Garden of Empress Cassia was listed on the USBBY Outstanding International Books Honour List.

Meeting Details  

Date: Saturday 14 March, 2015
Place: DiMattina's Restaurant (upstairs room), 306 Lygon St, Carlton
Time: 2pm—5pm (all are welcome to stay on afterwards to chat and drink downstairs)
Cost: $25 members, $30 non-members (includes afternoon tea)
Payment: To reserve your place, your payment must be received by Wednesday 11 March. You can pay in one of the following ways:
 
1. Direct Deposit to: 
            National Australia Bank
            Account Name: Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
            BSB: 082 187
            Account Number: 82 863 8450
 
Please be sure your name appears with the deposit amount on your payment statement. Please also send a follow-up email to me, advising when payment was made. 
 
 OR
 
2.   Cheque made out to SCBWI and posted to:
             Caz Goodwin,
             37 Auburn Road,
             Hawthorn East  VIC 3123.

This fabulous festival has something for everyone – family days, school programs, workshops, talks, illustrator exhibition with  authors and illustrators including Melina Marchetta, Matt Ottley, Susanne Gervay, Kaz Delaney,  mark Wilson, Deborah Kelly, Anna Feinberg,  Garth Nix, Deborah Abela, liz Anelli, Sarah Davis, Andrew Plant and more.
 
It’s a celebration of the energy and versatility of Australian chidlren’s literature. 
http://www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2015-kids-program/
 
 
George Ivanoff

(author of the Gamers trilogy and the You Choose series)

with be speaking at this year’s

Somerset Celebration of Literature on the Gold Coast in March.

To find out about his sessions,

check out his intro vid: http://bit.ly/1HnrzLJ

20/3/15 - 22/3/15

Sunday 22nd March

The big day out for little readers is back … it’s time for our annual Children’s Book Festival celebrating the wonderful world of children’s literature and storytelling.

It’s a day when we invite kids − and their parents − to dive into the pleasures of books and reading, in as many different ways as possible. All you have to do is turn up and start roaming across the lawns and throughout the State Library and the Wheeler Centre − there’s plenty to discover. For one big day, it’s all been turned into your very own children’s literary playground.

Meet your favourite authors and illustrators − from big names like Shaun Tan, Hazel Edwards and Andy Griffiths, to terrific emerging talents in the world of children’s books. There are storytellers, musical acts and performers of all sorts to discover. Grab a book from the picnic library … and sink into a beanbag to get lost in it. Help create a giant book that will become a memento of the day. And drop by the Children’s Book Festival Monster Marquee, where you can make your own horns to wear all day long.

Read, listen, dance and make things … it’s an active day of fun for the whole family to enjoy together.

Suitable for ages 5 to 11.

Online registration is available at https://webapps.salisbury.edu/clf/

For more information, please contact us at teachereducation@salisbury.edu

Reading Matters conference

Friday 29 May and Saturday 30 May 2015
ANZ Pavilion, Arts Centre Melbourne
Price: $540

Reading Matters is Australia’s leading youth literature conference for professionals and youth literature enthusiasts. Gather to discuss big issues, explore YA trends and celebrate new and established young adult writers. Share ideas with colleagues from across the country, find inspiration in outstanding talent, mull over the big issues and celebrate the strength of our industry at Reading Matters.

Browse the conference program to discover the incredible roster of talent appearing at Reading Matters 2015.

 
Don’t forget coming up next year Asian Festival of Children's’ Content.
 
All details here: http://afcc.com.sg  with the Writers and Illustrators Congress running from 3 - 5 June.
 
and Illustrators — part of AFCC includes :-
 

BOOK ILLUSTRATORS GALLERY (BIG)

23 MAY - 11 JUNE 2015

 
You are invited to submit artwork that has appeared in children’s books, audio/video products, comics or graphic novels in Asia, published between January 2014 and March 2015! We also welcome completed unpublished works.

Closing date for submissions is 2 March 2015! More details in the downloadable files at http://afcc.com.sg.

cheers

Christopher Cheng
 
BOOK LAUNCHES
OPPORTUNITIES

March Madness Poetry (#MMPoetry) brings the excitement of the NCAA March Madness tournament to the world of kids’ poetry.

64 poets from around the world participate in the event; together, these poets write 126 new kids’ poems in just three weeks:

IT’S MADNESS!

How does #MMPoetry work, exactly?

The tournament is organized into four separate brackets of 16 poets (also known as “authletes”). In the NCAA tournament, teams are seeded based on their performance over the season. In this tournament, however, seeds have nothing to do with an authlete’s credentials — instead, seeds reflect the difficulty of writing kid-appropriate poems using certain words. Seemingly impossible-to-use words like “milquetoast”, “pseudonymous”, and “rigidity” are given poor seeds, while more intuitive words like “dent”, “gripe”, and “ruckus” are given very good seeds.

In each round, two authletes face each other in a prompted poetry pairing. But that’s only half of the madness — the other half? Poets are only given 36 hours to compose their poems! Kids, other poets, and fans then vote for their favorites, and winners move on to write again the next day! (And sometimes THE SAME DAY.)

64 authletes become 32, then 16, then eight, then four, then two, and then ultimately one is crowned the March Madness Poetry Champion. He/she is awarded one year possession of The Thinkier trophy, named after #MMPoetry2012 authlete Allan Wolf’s uncannily creative use of the 15-seed word “kinkier” in his first round poem that year.

Each month, you will have until the 25th day to get your stories in, to the THEMES listed below. We will choose and publish four stories per month, with each one appearing on the Friday mornings of the following month. In the case where there are five Fridays in the month, the stories will commence on the second Friday.

or 2015, we've selected the following themes, designed to get your creative juices working!
 
 
 
April - MUSIC
Stories are due in by 25 March. Email your MUSIC story to
jo(AT)kids-bookreview.com
 
May - NINJA
Stories are due in by 25 April. Email your NINJA story to
coralvass(AT)gmail.com
 
June - TRAINS
Stories are due in by 25 May. Email your TRAINS story to
susan(AT)kids-bookreview.com
 
July - PURPLE
Stories are due in by 25 June. Email your PURPLE story to
sarah(AT)kids-bookreview.com
 
August - NEIGHBOUR
Stories are due in by 25 July. Email your NEIGHBOUR story to
jo(AT)kids-bookreview.com
 
September - CIRCUS
Stories are due in by 25 August. Email your CIRCUS story to
cspanos(AT)bigpond.net.au
 
October - HOUSE
Stories are due in by 25 September. Email your HOUSE story to
coralvass(AT)gmail.com
 
November - SUMMER
Stories are due in by 25 October. Email your SUMMER story to
susan(AT)kids-bookreview.com

 
Submissions wanted for kids anthology.

Submissions close March 31, 2015.

Storm Cloud Publishing is putting together an anthology for kids aged 8 - 12 years.

We are looking for 10 stories up to 2000 words.

Topics are open, but please remember your audience.

Writers may submit multiple stories. 

To be fair, no more than one story per writer will end up in the anthology.

No novel excerpts.  However, if you can make a complete story from a novel scene, go ahead.

No illustrated texts.

Previously published stories may be submitted - as long as you have the rights to them - but we would prefer something fresh. 

So it’s time to open that bottom drawer and dust off those forgotten pieces.

Stories must be in English.

There is no payment for stories.

Successful authors will be asked for a bio, in which they can promote themselves and their writing.  This can include a link to their web page, blog, Smashwords author page, or a specific book/series page.

The anthology will be distributed for free through the Smashwords network - which includes such retailers as Apple, Kobo, Barnes & Noble and more.

No writer contact details will be kept after the anthology is released.

Submissions may be emailed to stormcloudpublishing@gmail.com

or inboxed on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/StormCloudPublishing


The anthology will be released later this year.

Any enquires can be emailed, inboxed or posted on our Facebook page.



 

Click the image for more detail
 
Submission Guidelines

(Feb 1st - April 30th)

Unsolicited submissions are accepted throughout the year. One Teen Story accepts submissions from writers of all ages. 8 of the 12 stories we publish are written by established and emerging adult authors of literary YA fiction. 4 of the 12 are written by teens. For a list of writers we have published in the past, and short samples of their stories, please visit our past issues page.
  • What kind of stories is One Teen Story looking for?
One Teen Story is looking for great short stories written for the young adult audience ages 13 and up. These stories should deal with the teen experience (issues of identity, friendship, family, coming-of-age, etc.) and should be geared primarily toward an audience of teen readers. With that in mind, gratuitous profanity, sex and drug use are best avoided. We’re open to all genres of literary fiction between 2,000 and 4,500 words. Because of our format, we can only accept stories that are strong enough to stand alone (as opposed to excerpts from novels-in-progress).
  • Does One Teen Story pay money?
Yes. One Teen Story is offering $500 and 25 contributor copies for first North American serial rights. All rights will revert to the author upon publication.
  • Does One Teen Story accept simultaneous submissions?
Yes, but please notify us immediately if your submission is accepted for publication elsewhere.
  • Does One Teen Story accept stories translated from other languages?
Yes, however, all manuscripts must be written in English. Translations are accepted, but we will ask to see a copy of the original text.
  • How do I submit to One Teen Story?
We have an automated system for you to send us your work. It will securely send our editors your story and email you a confirmation that it has been received. To use the automated system, you need to create a One Teen Story account. Using this account you will be able to check the status of your submission at any time by going to our login page. When you are ready to submit please visit our Submission Manager. If you’re a teen author, you’ll be directed to indicate your age category (13-15 or 16-19) upon submitting.
  • What file types can I submit?
One Teen Story does not accept paper submissions. All paper submissions will be recycled upon receipt. We accept PDF, RTF, and TXT files that are less than 500KB. Please include the story title and all writer contact info on the first page of the submitted file. Please also double-space your submission and include page numbers. (Submissions that aren’t double-spaced and don’t include page numbers will go unread and be withdrawn from the system.)
  • How soon can I expect to hear about my submission?
We do our very best to respond to submissions 16 weeks after they are received. If you don’t hear from us right away, please be patient! It is our goal to make sure that each submission is read carefully. We ask that you wait a minimum of six months to send follow-up inquiries. Please send all inquiries by email to editors@oneteenstory.com and include the phrase “Submissions inquiry” in your subject line.
If you have any other questions, please email us at editors@oneteenstory.com.
 
 
Click the image to submit your story...
COMPETITIONS & AWARDS

KBR Unpublished Picture Book Manuscript Award 2015

Now in its fifth year, the KBR Unpublished Picture Book Manuscript Award continues to go from strength to strength, and we are now accepting images from illustrators! Winners for both manuscripts and illustrations will have their work fast-tracked to the publisher’s desk at Walker Books Australia, and all manuscript entries will receive a feedback sheet.
 

Hurry—entries close Monday 2 March!

See
HERE for more.


Entries are for manuscripts no longer than 400 words, and for single images of sample artwork.

For the second time running, a percentage of funds earned from the Award will be donated to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

For information on the prizes and how to enter, click right HERE
 

On Sunday 22 February, we will be hosting a Teen Review Panel. It will be live-streamed as part of the Digital Writers' Festival, and will involve young people providing live reviews of the first chapters they've read.

In addition, the first panel of the Digital Writers' Festival has occurred, and is available on their website. It's a panel of industry professionals (Jane Pearson from Text Publishing, Euan Mitchell, a lecturer in YA writing, and Paul Collins from Ford Street Publishing) discussing 'Crafting a Killer First Chapter'.

Here is the link to the video on DWF's site http://digitalwritersfestival.com/2015/event/first-chapter/



Dates:

Submission and critique dates

Submission period:  Feb 10 – March 3 (US PST)

Early bird submissions due: Feb 15 @ midnight (US PST)

Critique writing period: March 6 – March 28 (US PDT)


Submission guidelines here

Awarded annually to the best manuscript written for young adults and children, the Text Prize has unearthed extraordinary, multi-award-winning novels and launched international publishing careers. The winner receives $10,000 and a publishing contract with Text Publishing.  

Dates for the 2015 Text Prize

Submissions open: 2 March 2015

Submissions close: 2 April 2015


CYA Conference

Writing and Illustrating Competition

For entry forms and more info: www.cyaconference.com
 
Opened: 12th January 2015
Deadline: Closes: 30th April 2015.
Entry Fee:
 
Aspiring (Unpublished): AUS$ 18.00 ($1.64 GST Included) or by Paypal $18.60 (including GST and charges.)
 
Hatchlings (8 – 18yrs): AUS$ 12.00 ($1.09 GST Included) or by Paypal $12.55 (including GST and charges)
 
Opens: 19th January 2015

Deadline: Closes: 30th April 2015.
 
ONLINE ENTRY FORM ONLY.
 
 
Entry Fee:
 
Published: AUS$ 34.00 ($3.09 GST Included) or by Paypal $36.50 (including GST and charges.)
 
Final Judge for Published Author still to be advised on opening of competition.
 
ONLINE ENTRY FORM ONLY.
 
Categories:

Aspiring:
 
Picture Book – preschool aged children,
Picture Book – primary aged children,
Picture Book Non Fiction – primary aged children,
Chapter Book a) younger primary aged children b) older aged children (Middle Grade),
Young Adults,
Graphic Novel or Illustrated Picture Book (words & illustrations),
Middle Grade Illustrated Novels (words & illustrations) for older aged children (middle grade) and Illustrations.
 
Published: Published Author Competition.

Hatchlings: Picture Books preschool and primary aged children, Chapter book and Young adult, Graphic novels, illustrated picture books and Middle Grade illustrated novels.

Prize for each section:

Unpublished: Writing & Illustrating: - $100.00 per category, and submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher of children’s books.

Published Authors: Critique of winning entry by Final Judge to be advised, and a face to face editor/agent appointment at conference with industry professional of their choice attending.

Hatchlings: $100.00 per category, and submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher of children’s books, and a book pack to school of winning entry per section.
All entries receive their judge’s feedback by 31st August 2015.

See web site for details: www.cyaconference.com
 
 
 
Bone, Box or Sea Shell - Creative Kids Tales Competition.

We are excited to launch our first competition for 2015 – Bone, Box or Sea Shell.  Everyone loves a competition with a theme.  This year’s competition offers you three!  You need only to choose one, and we encourage you to let your imagination run wild with the potential story lines.  Oh and an added bonus this time all entrants yes, all entrants will receive a feedback sheet.  http://www.creativekidstales.com.au/competitions/ckts-competitions
 
Opens: 1 February 2015
Closes: 30 April 2015 at 11.59pm (Entries received after 30 April 2015 will not be accepted.)
Winners will be announced on the Creative Kids Tales website on 1 July 2015 and all prizes will be distributed by 31 July 2015.
 
Prizes:
1st Prize – Go straight to the top of the pile!  The winner will have their competition submission assessed by Dragon Tales Publishing.  (This is an assessment only with no guarantee of publication).
2nd Prize - A manuscript assessment with either Dee White or Emma Cameron plus a $50 book pack containing new release children’s books from 2014-2015.
3rd Prize - A manuscript assessment with either Dee White or Emma Cameron.
All entrants will receive feedback sheets.
The winners entries will be displayed on the Creative Kids Tales website.
 
Conditions of Entry:
Submissions must be original work by the addressee only. Your entry must not have been accepted for publication or won a prize in any other competition at time of submission.
Entries by Australian residents aged between 18 - 110 years old.  Your story must appeal to children aged between 5 - 12 years of age.
650 word limit (entries over this limit will be disqualified without further correspondence).
No illustrations to be included.
Entry Fee: $20 (please see payment options below) If paying by PayPal please include an additional $1 for the PayPal processing fee eg $21.
 
Guidelines:
Cover page with full contact details including word count.
All pages to be numbered in the footer, bottom right.
Times New Roman, 12 point.Double spaced with three centimetre margins all round.
Each paragraph starts on a separate line.
Entry to be submitted in English with correct spelling and grammar.
The judges’ decision will be final. No correspondence will be entered into.
Entries will be accepted via email only.Please email entries to competition@creativekidstales.com.au   before 30 April 2015.

 
Payment Options:
PayPal account: georgie@creativekidstales.com.au  
(If paying by PayPal please include an additional $1 for the PayPal processing fee. Eg $21 )
 
OR
Direct deposit -           St George Bank
Account name:            CZ Donaghey
BSB:                                       112 879
Account number:        057 430 829
 
You can enter as many times as you like.  Good luck!
 
PUBLISHER GUIDELINES

AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN'S BOOK PUBLISHERS ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS @ FEBRUARY 2015

Inside this PDF is a list, in alphabetical order of 18 Australian Publishers of Children’s Books who are actively looking for your mss. The list comes complete with a short summary of what is being sought and a direct link to their guidelines page.

For the small price of $5.00 this compilation will save you much frustration and more importantly, time. Time much better spent writing a new story.

So if you wish to purchase this little gem – click on the image to pay via PayPal. This will take you to the PayPal link on my blog. If you’d prefer not to pay with PayPal you can email me – jackiehosking@bigpond.com for my bank details.

COURSES & WORSHOPS

Blogging, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media are about more than what you had for dinner! Writers in today’s publishing landscape need to be part of the conversation online. Used well, social media will help put you in front of readers and show publishers you’re serious about promotion.

Learn where you need to spend your time online to build your profile in a way that makes a difference. What works? What doesn’t? What skills do you need? And how can you do it all and still find time to write, eat and sleep?
 

Computer requirements


Participants need to bring their own laptop computer. PC or Mac are both appropriate. 


About the presenter


A journalist and writer for nearly 20 years, Steven Lewis has written for The Financial Times, Esquire, GQ, The International Herald Tribune, and other publications around the world. Today he helps companies and individuals communicate online. www.taleist.com.au


Cost


ASA member $160
Member of a Partner Organisation $195
Full cost $245
 

Bookings


Book online below or call 1800 257 121
 
 

Click here for more information on course dates in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Online
ILLUSTRATORS - EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY

TO WORK WITH ONE OF THE BEST COMIC ILLUSTRATORS

IN THE WORLD
 
Canberra 7 march
 
Graphic Novelist Thomas Campi
 
Thomas is the recipient of the Cognito Prize as Best Documentary Graphic Novel at the Belgium Book Fair, and also received the International Spectrum Fantastic Art 21 Gold Comic Award in 2014.
His two-hour workshop will be held in Sydney on 21 February and in Canberra on 7 March 2015. It will cover subject matter such as markets in Frances, Belgium and Spain; “Bande Dessinée” (Franco Belgium drawn strips); storytelling techniques and more.

For more information on the "European Comics" workshop in Sydney go to: http://comicsmasterclass.com/services/short-courses/breaking-into-european-comics-sydney/ 

For more information on the European Comics workshop in Canberra go to:
http://comicsmasterclass.com/services/short-courses/breaking-into-european-comics-canberra/
 
SCBWI MEMBERS RECEIVE PARTNERSHIP RATES
 


For full details and bookings visit:

http://kidscollegeqld.com.au/home/workshops-uq-march-29/
 
 
ILLUSTRATOR OF THE WEEK
 
 
POLINA KNIAZEVA

 
 
 
Please describe your chosen illustration

This is an illustration from my personal project. The main character is a funny little creature with extremely long ears that often get him into difficult situations. I would like one day develop a book about him and his friends but at the moment they are just self promotion pieces. My mediums are graphite and watercolours, I also use Photoshop.


When did you know you had a talent for illustration?
 
I attended an art school from age 9, where we did lots of illustrations, but at that time I had no idea that drawing pictures for books can actually be your job. To be honest I didn't truly understand the difference between fine art and illustration until maybe only a couple of years ago.
 
I didn't dive into the world of illustration without help and encouragement from my partner and some close friends of mine, who are illustrators themselves. For some silly reason doing illustrations for children never occurred to me on my own, even though I have been very fond of children's literature.


Have you ever studied your craft at an institution of any sort?
 
As I mentioned, I studied at an art school for 6 years and then I went onto studying architecture for another 7 years. Both institutions brought different perspectives on the art craft. Surprisingly, studying architecture was a lot about training and practising your artistic technical skills and was a huge learning experience for me. It provided me with skills which I've found to be also relevant to illustration.

I run one on one art classes for beginners from my home studio in Unley, Adelaide. I don't focus on just illustration but fine art as well and I've taught people of all ages from little children through to retired adults. I love helping people to achieve their artistic goals and seeing how their express their creativity and different ways. 


What computer programs do you use?

I use mostly Photoshop and InDesign.


Have you illustrated any books or magazine pieces or placed in any competitions?

I've worked in fashion illustration and have done some editorial jobs. I've also been featured in CURVY book 2014 and have taken part in their exhibition during Semi Permanent conference in Sydney. Unfortunately I don't have anything published in children's books yet. I'm just at the stage where I'm about to send my very first promo cards to publishers and magazines.


Who is your favourite Australian children’s book illustrator and why?
 
Shaun Tan for the magical, mysterious, enchanting worlds that he shares with his readers. His books and stories are like a glimpse into your own childhood where there was so much room for imagination and play. Something that should be brought back to our lives as adults. Huge thanks to him for that!


What’s your website or blog address (if you have one)?

www.polinakniazeva.com

 
USEFUL BOOKS, BLOGS, WEBSITES, APPS
Readers interested in hearing about the Faber Academy's Picture Book Masterclass can check out my new blog Create with Passion at
https://heathergallagherauthor.wordpress.com/
 
Contact us about joining the program today.



Author Websites that show, and don’t tell.


Jin & Co. Author Websites show off your unique creations, rather than telling it so.

$30 a month. 

Find out more here:  http://www.jin.com.au/author-website


 
Monthly Manuscript Makeover at

DeeScribe Writing - Your Writing

Questions Answered


Welcome to the Monthly Manuscript Makeover
 
This week I’m giving feedback on a YA novel by Taryn Bashford.
 
The post will be up on my blog on Tuesday at this link: http://wp.me/ppiTq-1AA
 

If you'd like to get some feedback on an excerpt of your manuscript, Here’s what you have to do.

  1. Send me 200 words of the manuscript with your question or outline of what you need help with OR
  1. Alternatively, you can just send me the writing question itself. For example, “My main character isn’t very likeable, what can I do about it?”
Dee White
 
AUSTRALIAN WRITERS' CENTRES
 
Creative Net is a speakers’ agency representing a full range of authors and illustrators of children’s and young adult fiction—with the added bonus of having no booking fee.
 

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BOOK REVIEWS
This is Captain Cook

by Tania McCartney illustrated by Christina Booth

Publisher:
  National Library of Australia

ISBN: 9780642278692


Reviewed by Jackie Hosking

This is Captain Cook is a wonderful endeavour, pardon the pun!

Coming up with new ways in which to tell a story is difficult but Tania McCartney and Christina Booth have done a sterling job with this one.

The entire story is told as a play put on by Miss Batts' class (James married Elizabeth Batts). The stage is set and the audience, silhouetted below, like the reader, enjoy the children acting out the whole story.

We learn that Cook grew up on a farm, then moved to the seaside where he became a sailor,  a very good sailor who could steer by the stars, make maps and read charts. He also LOVED his shiny new buttons!

What's especially fun about this book are the wayward chickens (given pride of place on the end papers), the audience participation and the obvious bloopers as happen in any live show.

Educational but above all entertaining. This is Captain Cook is a must read for any classroom and teachers' notes can be downloaded here.


 
Reviews: The Tiny King, The Big Princess
 
Because I love graphic design and creative artwork, I grabbed both The Tiny King and The Big Princess recently, hooked by the books' covers and the publisher’s descriptions. What a treat was in store! 
 
The Tiny King is a children's picture book, written and illustrated by Taro Miura, and published by Walker Books, 2013. 
 
From the publisher:
 
With bright, bold cut-outs and a whimsical use of collage, Japanese artist Taro Miura creates a witty, heart-warming story with huge appeal for readers big and small.
 
A refreshingly modern fairy tale with broad appeal for both children and adults.The brightly coloured geometric shapes and the creative use of collage in the artwork will appeal to young children and design-loving adults alike.
 
While I expected to love the illustrations in The Tiny King, I had no idea I would be so charmed by the story. It’s a simple one, revealing the sumptuousness, and the problems, in the little King’s life. Even though he’s surrounded by plus-sized luxury, he’s sad and lonely. And then one day he falls in love with the Big Princess, and suddenly, family and sharing changes everything for the King. His life is transformed by his wife and ten (!) children, the castle rings with laughter, and the King sends all of his soldiers home to be with their own families. There are lots of opportunities for giggles and delight in The Tiny King - ‘…bath time was a real riot!’ - and I am confident it will inspire children to explore making their own art with primary colours and simple geometric shapes.
 
Parents will, I believe, resonate with what Miura says about The Tiny King: ‘If this story reminds the fathers, mothers and children who read this book about the magnificence of having a family, it will make me very happy.’
 
The Big Princess was also written and illustrated by Taro Miura and published by Walker Books, 2014. 
 
From the publisher: 
 
Once upon a time ... a king and queen discover among their flowers - perched on a dew-speckled leaf - the teensiest, tiniest princess. Such a charming, sweet little thing! They are instantly taken with her - she becomes the daughter they never had, the child they had always dreamed of. The Queen immediately sets about finding her a perfect-sized bed and only a tiny ring box will do. But, in no time at all, the princess grows too big for her miniature bed. In fact, with each passing day, the princess grows bigger and BIGGER.
 
The Big Princess is actually the prequel to The Tiny King, but both can be read as stand-alone stories. This children's picture book is a little more like a traditional fairy tale than The Tiny King in that it has a slight dark element: a white bird appears to the king in his dreams and not only fore-tells the discovery of a child, but predicts doom for the kingdom if the king cannot break the spell binding this child. As the princess grows and grows and GROWS, tension rises and we wonder how it will all end. 
 
Kids will love the teeny tiny beds the princess uses while still small, and adore the fold-out spread of her sprouting out of the castle’s tallest tower. In this book, Miura again uses a stunning colour palette that reminds me of all that’s wondrous and playful about childhood. 
 
Do seek out The Tiny King and The Big Princess if you’re looking to add to your library or bookshelf resources on Fairy Tales. Adults will love the underlying message about acceptance of individual differences, and the joy of positive relationships. I can’t wait to share The Tiny King in particular with my Storytime group at my local library. I know my chicks will be totally absorbed by all the visual detail, the humour and above all, the many opportunities for counting!
 
Reviewed by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com 
 
WHAT’S IN MY LUNCHBOX?

Author:         Peter Carnavas
Illustrator:    Kat Chadwick
Publisher:      New Frontier Publishing
Suitable for:   3 – 6 years
Format:         Picture book, Hardcover
ISBN:           9781925059038

The little people in your world may be back at school but that doesn’t mean the daily chore of compiling a carefully chosen lunch box for them is any less easy to swallow. Who hasn’t felt that crushing sense of defeat when half the contents are retuned to you with a glib shrug of the shoulders and a, ‘Oh, I wasn’t that hungry.’

Despair no more for Peter Carnavas’s latest picture book, What’s in My Lunchbox? is a little slice of tongue-in-cheek fun that pre and early primary aged readers and parents can sit down and get stuck into, together.

Simply phrased, repeating sentence structures represent the passing of a young boy’s week with a new gastronomic discovery in his lunchbox each day. The week starts out normally; he finds a less than thrilling apple in his lunch box. However, faster than you can say vegemite sandwiches, his lunchbox fills with increasingly outrageous offerings.

Artist / illustrator, Kat Chadwick keeps the accompanying pictures large, bold, bright, and uncomplicated. This is the sort of picture book that would win the Mem Fox stamp of approval thanks to its readability and thoughtful use of repetitive and predictable text;  so essential for encouraging literacy in the very young. I can imagine youngsters replacing dinosaurs with their own culinary favourites. Chocolate-covered lady bugs, anyone?

Packed with subtle Carnavas humour and simplicity, What’s in My Lunchbox? easily earns an A.

February 2015
Reviewed by Dimity Powell
Dim’s Write Stuff



 
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