Norah Colvin

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Author: Norah

  • Something Shaggy #99Word Stories

    Something Shaggy #99Word Stories

    This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about something shaggy. It can be carpet, a hair-do, or some sort of critter. How can something shaggy steer the story? Go where the prompt leads!

    Charli wrote about a new shaggy duvet she had purchased. I couldn’t imagine having a shaggy duvet. It just wouldn’t be necessary where I live, and certainly not at this time of year. I can understand how delightful it would be in colder climes though and trust it will keep Charli warm.

    At first, all I could think of was the shaggy hairstyles of yesteryear. Then I thought of those shaggy dog stories, those long rambling unfunny jokes, also from the past.  I wasn’t feeling the inspiration until Charli replied to my comment on her post. She said that her new duvet was ‘lovely warmth, not too heavy and oh-so-soft!’ It seemed like the Goldilocks complex and I thought I’d apply that principle to my Shaggy Dog story. I hope you enjoy it.

    Shaggy Dog

    “I want a dog,” said Jason.

    “You’re in the right place,” said the attendant at Rescue Kennels. “We’ve all sorts of dogs. What sort are you after?”

    “A shaggy dog, please.”

    The attendant showed Jason the shaggy dogs.

    “They need a lot grooming,” he warned.

    “Oh. Not shaggy then. Curly perhaps?”

    Jason shook his own curly head at the curly dogs. They’d need grooming too.

    “How about short?” said the attendant.

    “They’re awfully noisy,” said Jason, as they walked the aisles.

    “They are dogs,” said the attendant.

     “Right,” said Jason. “Do you have any cats? Maybe a shaggy cat?”

    Thank you blog post

    Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.

    Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt Confidence, including mine, can be read at the Carrot Ranch.

  • Let’s Play by Karen Tyrrell – a review – #readilearn

    Let’s Play by Karen Tyrrell – a review – #readilearn

    Today I’m sharing my review of  a lovely new picture book Let’s Play, written by Karen Tyrrell and illustrated by Maddi Gray at Brothers & Co. The book was commissioned by Play Matters Australia and was partially funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. 

    What I like about Let’s Play

    The book has instant appeal. Its pages are bursting with vibrancy and joy. Children will

    Continue reading: Let’s Play by Karen Tyrrell – a review – readilearn

  • Confidence #99WordStories

    Confidence #99WordStories

    This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about confidence. Is a character confident or struggling? Why? Is confidence cultural, compelling, or conflicting? What is the value of confidence? Go where the prompt leads!

    Having an ‘I can’ attitude, or confidence, is something I always encouraged in my children, whether I birthed them or taught them. Maybe because it was never encouraged in me and is definitely not a strong suit, I’ve always found it important to nourish. A story about confidence should have been easy to write. I’m sure I’ve written many stories about confidence before, but I just couldn’t get one to work. I finally realised that what I was trying to write was based on a true event. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t get the ending. I decided to go with an anecdote rather than fiction. I hope you enjoy it.

    That’s Confidence

    When Bec was little I ran play/educational sessions for children and their parents at home.  I worked hard preparing the room, dedicated for that purpose, for our sessions. Finally, everything was arranged, with various art and craft materials organised in boxes and tubs.

    Bec, 2½ years old, was excited. ‘Of course,’ I said when she asked if she could make something.

    I’d only moved away for a moment when her excitement drew me back: ‘Look what I made!’ Her face beamed.

    She’d upended nearly everything (exaggeration, only slight) and glued one cotton ball onto a piece of paper. Wow!

    Look what I made! © Norah Colvin

    Thank you blog post

    Thanks for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.

    Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt A Blade of Grass, including mine, can be read at the Carrot Ranch.

  • When Grandma Burnt Her Bra by Samantha Tidy & Aśka – a review – #readilearn

    When Grandma Burnt Her Bra by Samantha Tidy & Aśka – a review – #readilearn

    Today it is my pleasure to review a brilliant new picture book: When Grandma Burnt Her Bra, written by Samantha Tidy, illustrated by Aśka, and published by EK Books.

    About When Grandma Burnt Her Bra

    Publication information

    When Grandma Burnt her Bra

    Samantha Tidy & Aśka

    9781922539465 | Hardback | 32 pages | 215 x 288mm | $24.99 | 6th September 2023 | Children’s Picture Book

    A revolutionary grandma tells her grandchild the story of the women’s rights movement, and the ‘dinosaurs’ she had to fight against. History and humour combine in this lesson about equality for little readers.

    The Blurb

    Maggie’s grandma burnt her bra when she was young!

    Not because she didn’t like underwear, but because she wanted to protest against women not having the same rights as men.

    Maggie and her grandma think those kinds of ideas should be extinct – just like the dinosaurs!

    Join them on this fun-filled adventure through the history of women’s rights and be inspired to keep the feminist flame burning!

    About the author Samantha Tidy

    Samantha Tidy is a writer of fiction and non-fiction for both children and adults. She seeks out stories that cultivate connection, resilience and build community. She believes strongly that books can help us imagine a better world for the next generation to inherit. She is passionate about libraries, sustainable stewardship of our planet and using hope, action and compassion to regenerate our future. Samantha’s previous titles include Our Bush Capital (Storytorch Press, 2020) and The Day We Built the Bridge (MidnightSun Publishing, 2019).

    About the illustrator Aśka

    Aśka, (pronounced ‘Ash-ka’), is creative dynamite. She is an energetic visual storyteller, a comic maker and an ex-quantum physicist. Passionate about visual literacy, Aśka is an engaging presenter who travels across Australia teaching drawing-as-a-language to enthusiastic audiences. She has published many books and comics, volunteers for numerous literary organisations, and is the recipient of several government Arts grants, prizes, and the May Gibbs Fellowship. Sometimes she sleeps. Aśka’s illustrations are featured in previous EK Books titles My Storee, The Incurable Imagination and This is NOT a Book!

    What I like about When Grandma Burnt Her Bra

    A book that includes a feisty grandma, an inquisitive child and a whole bunch of cave men and dinosaurs – what’s to not love?

    Continue reading: When Grandma Burnt Her Bra by Samantha Tidy & Aśka – a review – readilearn

  • Let’s Go Shopping, Grandma! By Sharon Giltrow — a review – #readilearn

    Let’s Go Shopping, Grandma! By Sharon Giltrow — a review – #readilearn

    Today it is my pleasure to review the hilarious new picture book Let’s Go Shopping, GRANDMA!, written by Sharon Giltrow, illustrated by Dhwani Gosalia and published by Dixi Books. This post is part of a Books on Tour promotion.

    About author Sharon Giltrow

    Sharon Giltrow grew up in South Australia, the youngest of eight children, surrounded by pet sheep and fields of barley. She now lives in Perth, Western Australia with her husband, two children and a tiny dog. Sharon is a children’s author who writes humorous and heartfelt picture books and speculative, adventure-filled middle grade books. Since 2020 Sharon has built a collection of literary work including BEDTIME, DADDY! and GET READY, MAMA! LET’S GO SHOPPING, GRANDMA! is her third picture book. A fourth, LET’S GO TO THE BEACH, GRANDPA! is due to be released in 2024. Her debut early middle grade book SAMARA RUBIN AND THE UTILITY BELT – Book one in THE UTILITY BELT series was released in July 2023.

    Sharon can be found at her website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

    About Let’s Go Shopping, GRANDMA!

    For ages 3 – 8

    Published by Dixi Books

    A hilarious tongue-in-cheek role-reversal story, following the success of Bedtime, Daddy! and Get Ready, Mama!, Sharon Giltrow has done it again!

    The blurb

    Taking Grandma shopping can be tricky! She will dawdle to the bus, ask to push the trolley and plead for chocolate. But with cuddles, a few deep breaths and a piggy back ride, you and your grandma will get the shopping done!

    Let’s Go Shopping, GRANDMA! is an essential guide for anyone who has ever had to take a grown-up shopping.

    What I like about Let’s Go Shopping, GRANDMA!

    Let’s Go Shopping, GRANDMA! is such a fun book. I was immediately captivated by the bright vibrant colours of the cover illustration. The characters appear to be having a lot of fun while they shop. Though I do wonder if that’s a little frazzle I see around Grandma’s edges, she has an armful of chocolate so it can’t be all bad.

    The story is engaging and fun through the whole shopping experience, from the initial invitation to shop to the recuperation afterwards. The story is told from the child’s point of view, having to keep a check on Grandma’s behaviour throughout the shopping process. Adults and children alike will recognise and identify with behaviours that are explored. Other than a misbehaving trolley, there are not too many events that couldn’t be interpreted from either’s point of view. But it is the twist, telling the story from the child’s point of view, that really accentuates the humour in what can be a challenging situation if we let it. If we can expect, accept and laugh at the things that happen when we’re out shopping, like stopping to talk to friends, wanting treats at the checkout, having to pee halfway through the shop, etc,

    Continue reading: Let’s Go Shopping, Grandma! By Sharon Giltrow — a review – readilearn

  • A Blade of Grass #99WordStories

    A Blade of Grass #99WordStories

    This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes a blade of grass. What can you compare it to? Or in contrast? Is it a character prop or a story linchpin? Go poetic, go any genre or tone. Go where the prompt leads!

    This is my response, not quite as poetic as the examples Charli shared, but that’s where it took me.

    Rabbit Food

    Everything was just so. She’d never felt worthy. This was a chance to prove herself. The fresh flower centrepiece belied her butterflies.

    “Mum, Dad, welcome!” She smiled.  They pushed into the room.

    “I don’t eat rabbit food,” said her father, as Jacinda passed him the salad of mixed leaves she’d grown on her balcony.

    “I grew it myself.”

    “You should know by now your father never eats greens.”

    “I’m sorry.”

    “Sorry? Are you trying to poison me?”

    “Why would I?”

    “At least I could whistle with a blade of grass.”

    Jacinda was cut as from a blade of grass.

    Thank you blog post

    Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.

    Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt Blanket, including mine, can be read at the Carrot Ranch soon.

  • Bears in the Woods #FallWritingFrenzy

    Bears in the Woods #FallWritingFrenzy

    I decided to enter the Fall Writing Frenzy hosted by Kaitlyn Sanchez.

    The rules stated:

    1. Select one of the images below and write about it.

    It can be a poem, a story, a mood piece, or whatever comes to mind. Happy, scary, beautiful, grotesque, whatever suits your fancy for any kidlit age, board book through young adult. You can write about the picture in a literal or metaphorical way, or focus on a memory or emotion it elicits. Just let the photo inspire you and have fun!

    I selected this photo #9 by Saliha Sevim on Pexels.com. (There were 14 to choose from.)

    When I first looked at it, I got quite a sinister vibe from it, and that’s the way I started writing. However I decided that I didn’t want to go as grim as some of the fairy tales like Hansel and Gretal or Snow White, so toned it down in the end. I’m not sure how it works as a story for children, but since time to enter has run out, so has my time to revise.

    Please pop over to Kaitlyn’s blog to read all the entries.

    Bears in the Woods

    “Where are we going? Mama?”

    “Why are we going into the woods, Mama?”

    Mama just smiled and sang, “If you go down to the woods today . . .”

    “Are there bears, Mama?”

    “Mama. Are there bears?”

    “It’s dark, Mama. Can we go home now?”

    “Don’t worry, Billy. You’re with Mama. Nothing will hurt you.”

    “But it’s scary. There’s bears. And monsters.”

    “There’s no monsters, and the bears—”

    He pulled his hand from hers and ran.

    “—are just teddy—. Billy!”

    Blinded by tears and monstrous fears,

    he ran willy-nilly,

    kicking up dry autumn leaves,

    head-first into spider webs,

    through prickly bushes.

    Mama ran after him. “Billy! Billy!’ His comfort doll hung limply over her arm.

    He didn’t hear. He kept running, running, running. He wanted out of the deep dark terrifying bear-infested woods. Finally, he collapsed in a pile of leaves, no longer able to outrun the fears.

    Rustle! Rustle! Something’s nearby. Shhh!

    People’s voices? Children’s voices.

    Billy peered around the tree. In a clearing, children were singing to teddy bears and toys. Adults were talking. In the middle, was Mama, crying.

    “Mama! Mama!” Billy called.

    She scooped him up. “Oh, silly Billy. They’re only teddy bears.”

    Thank you blog post

    Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.

  • Blanket #99WordStories

    Blanket #99WordStories

    This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes a blanket. Any interpretation works! What happens to a story when you give a character the prop of a blanket? Is the blanket the story? Is it a memory container, a source of comfort, or smothering? Go where the prompt leads!

    For my story, I used the word blanket to mean cover, obscure or block, in particular, like a cloud blocking the sun. The inspiration came from a recent post called Enveloping Tranquility by blogger friend Annika Perry, in which she mentioned ‘a cloud of butterflies’. If you haven’t done so already, please pop over to Annika’s blog and read her delightful post.

    I loved the idea and wondered at the thought of a cloud of butterflies obscuring, or blanketing, the sun. That’s where my imagination took me, perhaps not as far as the imaginations of the children in my story though. I hope you enjoy it.

    A Cloud of Butterflies

    “I’m gunna dig all the way through the world and come out in China,” said Nathan.

    “I’m going to the moon,” said Mandy.

    “You can’t get to the moon this way.”

    “Can too!”

    “The moon’s in space, silly.”

    “So?”

    Nathan sighed. “Let’s just dig.”

    “It’s really deep,” said Mandy in a little while. “We can stand in it now.”

    “Yeah!” said Nathan. He continued digging. “I hope it doesn’t rain. Tell that cloud to go away.”

    Mandy shook her fist. “Go away cloud!” Then she said, “It’s not a cloud. It’s butterflies!”

    “Wow!” said Nathan. “A cloud of butterflies!”

    Thank you blog post

    Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.

    A few years ago, 2015 to be exact, I was fascinated by a huge kaleidoscope (swarm) of blue tiger butterflies as they migrated northwards in autumn. I’ve always loved the word kaleidoscope as the collective noun for butterflies, but how appropriate cloud is too. The migrating butterflies may not have blocked the sun like a blanket, but they cast shadows on the sand as they flew over the beach. Magnificent!

    If you’d like to read more about the blue tiger butterflies, follow this link and scroll down a couple of paragraphs, or follow this link. In this second article, the migrating butterflies are referred to as a cloud. So, there it was all along.

    Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt Insect Nation, including mine, can be read at the Carrot Ranch.

  • Insect Nation #99WordStories

    Insect Nation #99WordStories

    This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about the insect nation. You can focus on a particular insect or all insects. Is your story one of acceptance and understanding? Scientific knowledge? Or apocalyptic horror? Get bugged and go where the prompt leads!

    I’ve stayed at the family party with Josie, the aunts and the stranger from previous stories for a bit more fun. I hope you enjoy it.

    Mealtime chit-chat

    “What have we got?” Finally, the stranger, now identified as Paul, asked a question.

    “The usual for one of these shindigs,” said Josie. “Aunt Agnes’s lasagne, Clara’s meatballs, Priscilla’s chicken fricassee and Joe’s sliced meats.”

    “And for dessert, there’s Marie’s apple pie and Josh’s lumpy custard. Looks like Great-Aunt Rose has added berries to her strawberry jelly,” said Josie, taking a scoop.

    “Blaaah!” Josie spat the jelly. “That’s not a berry!”

    “It’s just a fly.”

    “Why didn’t you tell me?”

    “Flies don’t hurt. Extra protein.”

    “Then you have it,” said Josie, shoving the plate into him and storming off.

    Thank you blog post

    Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.

    I used two real events for inspiration.

    The first occurred at a family party when one of the dishes served up was a lasagne, which I’m sure would have been delicious if I could have ignored the flies (just one or two) baked into the top layer of béchamel sauce.

    The second was a crunchy cappuccino I had once, that forever ended my love affair with cappuccino. When I removed the crunchy bit from my mouth to investigate what it was, I discovered it was a fly. The establishment was very good. They apologised and offered to make me another one. I’m not sure if I accepted their offer, but I’ve never ordered another cappuccino.

    Flies and the Australian summer go hand in hand. I’m never keen on their company, and abhor them as a food source.

    Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt Southwest Pumpkins, including mine, can be read at the Carrot Ranch.

  • Southwest Pumpkins #99WordStories

    Southwest Pumpkins #99WordStories

    This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that depicts the painting, “Southwest Pumpkins” by TOJ. Feel free to explore the nuances — do you focus on the art or seek a story? What vibes do you get? Who shows up to enter the image? What happens? Go where the prompt leads!

    I thought of the painting as a scene from a doorway. I wondered what the doorway led to or from, and who was standing in it and why. My story relates to those ponderings. I hope you enjoy it.

    The Next Leg

    The distant mountains did a thumbs up as if measuring how far the moon had still to travel before they’d reach their destination. While this taverna was welcoming, not all were so obliging, and the desert could never be thought of as a friend. They thanked their host and gathered their belongings, including replenished canteens and knapsacks. Grasping their hands firmly, the host wished them a safe journey. He advised on signs to seek and others to avoid. They bade farewell, but then, before they left, they finger framed the scene, a memory to guide them on their way.

    Thank you blog post

    Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.

    Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt It’s Festa Time, including mine, can be read at the Carrot Ranch.