The shelves were bursting with cans of almost everything imaginable: the purest air from southern oceans, sparkling water from ancient underground springs, and even sunshine from Australia. She wasn’t sure what she wanted until she found it. For years she’d joked she’d make a fortune if she could can a toddler’s energy. Now someone had. She loaded her basket and dashed home. If only she’d read the small print. She was soon cartwheeling across the lounge room, star jumping on the bed and preparing to fly like superwoman. If she did, or didn’t, fly, she’d be committed for sure.
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.
Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt Rubber Duck, including mine, can be read at the Carrot Ranch.
Today it is my pleasure to share my review of Karen Tyrrell’s fabulous new junior fiction novel Andy and Ghost Boy. With its theme of friendship, it’s a perfect read for the International Day of Friendship on 30 July.
About author Karen Tyrrell
Karen Tyrrell is a Brisbane author, speaker, educator, performer, Children’s Rights Ambassador, Australia Reads Ambassador and child empowerment author. Karen presents costumed writing workshops, pantomimes, readers theatre and author talks with co-writer Steve Tyrrell. Karen’s acclaimed books include Song Bird Rainforest Rescue which was shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Book of the Year 2019, STOP the Bully, Bailey Beats the Blah, Harry Helps Grandpa Remember and other titles in the Song Bird series. Karen has won a major mental health award, 7 grants and a mentorship with the Society of Editors. You can find out more about Karen on her website: www.karentyrrell.com.
About Andy and Ghost Boy
The blurb
‘Disaster magnet, Anxious Andy dreams of finding one true friend and his forever school, but how can he when Ghost Boy, his rambunctious friend, sabotages everything?
Andy and Ghost Boy trigger a catastrophe at school.
At Camp Discovery, a bully showdown results in disaster.
Andy and Ghost Boy is a fast-paced, action-packed Junior Fiction novel that will keep young readers engaged from beginning to end. We meet Andy as he begins his first day at yet another new school. As for many children starting a new school, Andy is not only anxious, he is super anxious, when he’d really rather be a super hero.
One disaster follows another as Andy tries to overcome his anxieties and find his inner strength, especially when confronted by the relentless bully. With the help of a mystery girl and a ghost boy, Andy discovers where his real strength lies.
One of my favourite themes is the power of friendship and I like the way Karen Tyrrell has woven this into her story. A friend helps Andy deal with his anxieties and in turn,
Ever since I read the prompt, I’ve had Ernie from Sesame Street singing Rubber Ducky on endless repeat in my head. I’m so sorry, but sharing is something I do, so I just have to share it with you too.
I’ve continued the nonsense with a nonsense story, so that probably requires two apologies in this post. Oh well. Enjoy anyway!
Muddy Footprints
“Aargh! Who just walked all those muddy footprints through the house?” said Farmer Jo.
“Not me!” said the animals in unison, displaying their best innocent faces. “There’s no mud on my feet.” They lifted their feet to show.
“It definitely wasn’t me,” said Rubber Ducky, “for I have no feet. See.”
“Then I suppose it was Mr Invisible. Again,” sighed Farmer Jo.
“It was,” chimed the animals.
Farmer Jo scoffed.
“It was me,” said Mr. Invisible, gradually materialising before their eyes. “Sorry.”
“What?” said Farmer Jo. “So, you do exist. You’re not just in my imagination. That’s a relief.”
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.
Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt Parents of Adult Children, including mine, can be read at the Carrot Ranch.
I didn’t think beyond a son or daughter, as Charli suggested. I stayed with the daughter. However, I want to assure you that the daughter in my story isn’t my daughter, and it definitely isn’t/wasn’t me. It’s really just a cliqued daughter who is probably not really like any daughter you know.
Mother and Daughter
One
You are my everything, my world, my universe.
Four
I only want to be with you. No one else will ever do.
Eight
You’re the best in the whole world.
Thirteen
You’re mean. Everyone else can.
Fifteen
I hate you.
Eighteen
I’m an adult. You can’t tell me what to do.
Twenty-one
It’s my life. I’ll do what I want.
Twenty-five
How can I get Bubs to stop crying?
Twenty-nine
Will you babysit?
Thirty-three
Can you help with sport?
Thirty-eight
Please talk to her. She won’t listen to me.
Forty
I wasn’t this bad, was I?
Sorry, Mum.
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.
Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt Message in a Feather, including mine, can be read at the Carrot Ranch.
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.
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.
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.
There was nothing unusual about the morning as Sarah scoured the beach for treasures. Nothing unusual until …
The feather. Iridescent black, shimmering blue and purple, it sparkled in the sunshine. It stood upright. Like a flag. Like it had been placed there. On purpose. But Sarah and her aunt were alone on the island. Not another soul for over five years. No other footprints. Sarah frowned. And what was the feather from? They’d only ever seen white birds. Was it a sign?
“Aunt Sophie!” she called as she ran. Then, from nowhere, an enormous black bird swooped …
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.
Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt Complaint Received, including mine, can be read at the Carrot Ranch.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Norah Colvin 