Norah Colvin

Live Love Laugh Learn … Create the possibilities

Category: Picture books

  • Two new books by Norah Colvin for Library For All

    Two new books by Norah Colvin for Library For All

    Earlier this month I was excited to receive copies of two new Library For All publications in the mail, especially when they were books written by me! The books are two versions of the same text, one in English, A Fast Car, and the other in Swahili Gari Linaloenda Haraka.

    I have now contributed over twenty books to the Library For All collection, with five published in languages other than English, including Gari Linaloenda Haraka (A Fast Car in Swahili), I maamaeka iaa? (Where Do I live? in the language of Kiribati) and Ami-nia Jardin Arkuiris (Our Rainbow Garden in Tetum, the language of Timor-Leste). Where Do I Live? and What Do They Give Us? are also published in Burmese and Vietnamese. Of course, I am delighted to be able to contribute to the wonderful work of Library For All in this way and support the development of literacy worldwide.

    About Library For All

    From their website:

    “We believe everyone should have access to stories that reflect their world—and see the potential in new ones. Alongside our local and global partners, we develop, publish and deliver culturally relevant books for children and young readers, breaking barriers where access to learning resources is limited.”

    “We’re passionate about building partnerships to ensure knowledge accessible to all, equally.

    From offline locations in Papua New Guinea, to remote communities in Ethiopia and crisis areas in Ukraine, Library For All is already supporting more than 560,000 children on their learning journey.

    One study revealed that children reading with us could recognise 71% more words than their peers.”

    Tetum, an Austronesian language spoken on the island of Timor that is an official language of

    Accessing the Library For All collection

    While the entire collection of digital books is available to download free from Library For All through a free app, the purchase of printed books from the collection helps to support the work of Library For All. You can find all the books and access the apps for both Android and Apple in their website shop here.

    My books can be found on my Amazon Author page.

    Enjoy exploring the Library For All collection.

    Best wishes,

    Norah

  • 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

  • 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

  • An invitation to read aloud – one of my favourite things – #readilearn

    An invitation to read aloud – one of my favourite things – #readilearn

    In August, I received a message from a former year one student of mine, inviting me to read to her prep class as part of her Book Week celebration. As reading to children is one of my favourite things and I consider read aloud to be one of the non-negotiables in any classroom, especially early childhood classrooms, I was delighted to accept. I was even more delighted to visit her as a teacher […]

    Continue reading: An invitation to read aloud – one of my favourite things – readilearn

  • Jack’s Best Day Ever! by Gabrielle Bassett – a review – #readilearn

    Jack’s Best Day Ever! by Gabrielle Bassett – a review – #readilearn

    Today it is my pleasure to review a beautiful new picture book Jack’s Best Day Ever! written by Gabrielle Bassett, illustrated by Annabelle Hale and published by Woodslane Press. This post is part of a Books on Tour promotion.

    About author Gabrielle Bassett

    a mother and son

    Gabrielle Bassett is a scientist, mum and author. She started her career as a Microbiologist. Later, she hung up her white coat and started working in recruitment and discovered she got great joy in finding other scientists their dream jobs.

    Through her work in an Australian University, Gabrielle leads programs of work around disability inclusion, Indigenous employment and female leadership within STEM.

    Jack, the boy in her story Jack’s Best Day Ever!, is based on her son.

    You can connect with Gabrielle Bassett on Instagram and Facebook.

    About illustrator Annabelle Hale

    Annabelle graduated in 2017 and is an illustrator based in Melbourne, Australia. She loves drawing, dancing and spending time outdoors in nature.

    Visit Annabelle Hale on her website Annabelle Hale or connect with her on Instagram and Facebook

    About Jack’s Best Day Ever!

     For ages 4 – 8

    Published by Woodslane Press

    Jack loves anything that zooms, digs and races.

    Continue reading: Jack’s Best Day Ever! by Gabrielle Bassett – a review – readilearn

  • Easy Peasy by Ky Garvey and Amy Calautti – a review – #readilearn

    Easy Peasy by Ky Garvey and Amy Calautti – a review – #readilearn

    Today it is my pleasure to review a beautiful new picture book Easy Peasy, written by Ky Garvey, illustrated by Amy Calautti and published by EK Books. This post is part of a Books on Tour promotion.

    About author Ky Garvey

    Ky Garvey is a mother to two boys who are both diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. Through her experiences with her boys, she has been inspired to write fun and engaging stories that turn challenges into triumphs. Ky aims to share supportive, inclusive and empowering stories for children.

    Ky also writes and hosts the podcast Totally Lit! a monthly podcast celebrating reading, writing and creating literature. The podcast features amazing writers, illustrators and all types of creators of books and stories.

    Ky can be found through Facebook and Instagram, and her Totally Lit Podcast

    About Illustrator Amy Calautti

    Amy Calautti loved to draw from a young age and often made up games based around drawing to entertain her younger brother and cousins. She now lives with her small tribe of humans who inspire her every day.

    Amy can be found at her website, Facebook and Instagram

    About Easy Peasy

    For ages 4 – 8

    Published by EK Books

    The blurb

    Ruby loves her shiny new red roller skates.

    She’s never roller skated before, but she’s sure it will be easy peasy! So when her dad offers to help her learn to skate, Ruby says no.

    But things don’t go as planned …

    What I like about Book

    Easy Peasy is a fun story about determination, persistence and resilience. It’s about the joy of learning to do something by yourself but also knowing that it’s okay to ask for help.

    When Ruby receives a pair of shiny, sparkly, red roller skates for her birthday, she loves them so much that she sleeps with them in her bed.

    Continue reading: Easy Peasy by Ky Garvey and Amy Calautti – a review – readilearn

  • My Brain is Magic by Prasha Sooful and Geeta Ladi – a review – #readilearn

    My Brain is Magic by Prasha Sooful and Geeta Ladi – a review – #readilearn

    Today it is my pleasure to review a beautiful new picture book My Brain is Magic, written by Prasha Sooful, illustrated by Geeta Ladi and published by Soaring Kite Books. This post is part of a Books on Tour promotion.

    About author Prasha Sooful

    Prasha Sooful - author of My Brain is Magic

    Prasha Sooful is a Clinical Audiologist and Educator with Masters degrees in Audiology and Global Learning. She has worked clinically and in research and education for 17 years. Born in South Africa, she now lives in Australia with her serene husband, an energetic toddler, a lazy German Shepherd, and an ever-growing book collection.

    Prasha can be found at her profile and Instagram.

    About illustrator Geeta Ladi

    Geeta Ladi is an illustrator born and raised in Mumbai, India. She has been designing and developing hands-on, activity-based learning materials for young children for more than a decade. She is deeply influenced by the cultural and ethnic diversity of Mumbai, which itself reflects the richness of India.

    About My Brain is Magic

    For ages 3 – 8

    Published by Soaring Kite Books

    My Brain is Magic is a sensory-seeking celebration that shines a light on Sensory Processing Disorder in a fun and action-packed way for all children to enjoy. Written by a mum of a neurodiverse child, Prasha Sooful, and beautifully illustrated by Geeta Ladi

    Whether your brain buzzes around the room like a bee or tells you to be loud and roar like a lion, celebrate the many things that it can be! Take a journey by way of a child’s favourite animals to learn how your brain interacts with the world around you.

    What I like about My Brain is Magic

    I was immediately captivated by the title. I believe we should all be more appreciative of this remarkable organ that we use every day, mostly without even thinking about it, and even though we think with it. It is never too soon to begin teaching children about the brain, its functions and how we use it.

    Even before I opened the book, I was sold on its innovative packaging.

    Continue reading: My Brain is Magic by Prasha Sooful and Geeta Ladi – a review – readilearn

  • Love me, Love my ADHD by Chrissie Davies – a review – #readilearn

    Love me, Love my ADHD by Chrissie Davies – a review – #readilearn

    Today it is my pleasure to review a beautiful new picture book Love ME, Love my ADHD written by Chrissie Davies, illustrated by Trish Burton and published by Chaos to Calm Consultancy. This post is part of a Books on Tour promotion.

    About Love ME, Love my ADHD ­– the blurb

    For ages 5 – 12

    ADHD kids are pretty amazing! They have a special way of thinking that’s different from their neurotypical friends, which can sometimes make them feel like they don’t fit in. But don’t worry; with the right support from family, friends, and peers, ADHD kids can do incredible things!

    Welcome to the world of Clancy and Tully – they see the world a little differently and in the most amazing ways!

    Love Me, Love My ADHD is a heartwarming book that shines a light on the world of children (and families) living with ADHD.

    Focusing on the strengths and challenges that come with being an ADHDer, this book emphasises that ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all experience and that no two ADHDers are the same.

    Even on their hardest days, our ADHDers have something valuable to offer, and we should always celebrate our differences. Now you can spend a day in the life of these kids and see how their family, friends, and peers support them to achieve their best.

    Written by child behaviour expert Chrissie Davies and illustrated by Trish Burton, Love ME, Love My ADHD encourages families, educators, and, most importantly, children to understand this complex neurotype and how it presents itself in the human brain.

    Includes strategies and resources for parents, caregivers, and teachers.

    About author Chrissie Davies

    Chrissie Davies is a child behaviour expert, trauma informed educator, consultant, writer, guest speaker, loving mama of two, and passionate advocate for understanding neurodivergent children. She is committed to empowering and supporting families to live their life with radical acceptance, curiosity, playfulness and a bucket load of love. She lives with her husband and young family on the Surf Coast of Victoria.

    Chrissie can be found at her website: https://www.chaostocalmconsultancy.com/ and on social media at Facebook & Instagram. 

    About illustrator Trish Burton

    Trish Burton is a Melbourne based artist, illustrator and educator with a dedication to inspiring creativity in others and creating artworks and illustrations that captivate audiences and set brands apart. She skillfully manages to add a little piece of her magnetic personality to all she creates through her love of pattern and colour. Trish is an Artist, Illustrator, Educator and lover of everything creative!

    Trish can be found at her website: https://www.trishburton.com.au/ and on social media on Instagram.

    What I like about Love ME, Love my ADHD

    The vibrant colours and energetic illustrations are immediately captivating, and the opening text invites us to enter to find out about the world of ADHDers, telling us it may not be what we expect.

    Continue reading: Love me, Love my ADHD by Chrissie Davies – a review – readilearn

  • Race into Reading with National Simultaneous Storytime 2023 – #readilearn

    Race into Reading with National Simultaneous Storytime 2023 – #readilearn

    Are you ready for National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) next Wednesday 24 May?

    This year’s NSS book is The Speedy Sloth, written by Rebecca Young, illustrated by Heath McKenzie and published by Scholastic.

    Follow this link to the Australian Library and Information Association where you can register for the event and download some wonderful (and free) teaching resources.

    About The Speedy Sloth

    The blurb

    It was finally time for the event of the year,
    Spike couldn’t believe it—
    THE GREAT RACE was here!
    The other sloths said it couldn’t be done,
    but Spike didn’t care, she was ready to run!

    About the author

    Rebecca Young is an award-winning author from Sydney. Her first book, Button Boy, illustrated by Sue deGennaro, was a Notable Book for the 2012 CBCA Awards and has been published internationally. In 2016, Teacup, illustrated by Matt Ottley, won the Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature in the NSW Premier’s Literacy Awards.

    About the illustrator

    Heath McKenzie is an award-winning children’s book illustrator who has written and illustrated countless books for children. Heath lives in Melbourne with his wife, two kids, dog, and a fish that he considers more of a lodger than a family member.

    About National Simultaneous Storytime

    Continue reading: Race into Reading with National Simultaneous Storytime 2023 – readilearn