A New Look For Me

I've never been one to splash my mug shot around (one look and you will see why *grin*) but... I never had one that looked like this before. One of the wonderful things that happened to me as a result of beginning to write was I connected with a huge pool of wonderful authors and illustrators, all passionate about children's literature. I made many new friends. And one of those was illustrator Sarah Davis, so talented she can make me look good. And also magically able to see inside my head and find all those Samurai Kids roaming about. A picture is worth a thousand words, which for me is about a third of a chapter. But this picture - worth a whole book. It makes me feel, and look, like an author. Thanks Sarah.

OZ LIT REVIEW # 4 - Mending Lucille

When Mending Lucille came into The Reading Stack for review, a number of people wanted it, including me. The Stack's policy on picture books is first choice goes to reviewers with young children. I loved it enough that I bought my own copy but I'm reprinting the original review as I doubt I could say it any better.

Mending Lucille by J.R. Poulter and Sarah Davis. Hachette Children’s Books. Hardback rrp $28.99 Australian. Young Reader. Picture book.

Mending Lucille is a book to be treasured by all. It is the story of a young girl and how she copes with the loss of her mother.

The young girl relates her grief through her broken doll, Lucille. Her father can’t fix Lucille and suggests that maybe she should throw Lucille away and replace her with a new doll. Instead, the girl hides her beloved toy. She’s already lost her Mother and she’s not giving up anyone else she loves.

Then they meet Chrissie, a waitress who the little girl feels so comfortable with, she shows her Lucille. Chrissie looks after the doll while the girl and father have their tea. When Chrissie returns Lucille has been repaired. As good as new.

Mending Lucille is a story which will help any child coping with the loss of a loved one. It shows that time will heal but you never have to forget. The theme of grief is dealt with in a sensitive and age appropriate manner. The little girl is never given a name. She doesn’t need one. She is every child who has ever suffered the pain of losing someone they care about.

The illustrations are stunning and sensitive with a range of emotion so wide it sweeps off the page. Sadness and loss, hope and the warmth of a loving hug. Davis’ drawings will reach out and pull you into the story.

I loved this book.

OZ LIT PROFILE #4 - Sarah Davis

Today I'm profiling illustrator Sarah Davis whose work I first discovered when I opened the pages of Mending Lucille (J R Poulter/Sarah Davis)/ It's a beautiful book and Sarah's illustrations reached out to me. And now I'll admit a secret. I've had this profile ready for a few weeks but I thought I would keep it up my sleeve for when Mending Lucille was shortlisted in the 2009 Children's Book Awards. I was so sure it would be - and last Tuesday it was - for the Crichton Award for new illustrators.

So it's celebration time. Australia has many truly talented children's illustrator's and it's my pleasure to be interviewing one of them. And that's not just my opinion. Or that of the CBCA. Look at the list of Sarah's coming publications for 2009: The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Sue Whiting (New Frontier Publishing), Fearless, by Colin Thompson (ABC Books/HarperCollins), The Fierce little Woman and the Wicked Pirate by Joy Cowley (Gecko Press) Marmaduke Duck and the Marmalade Jam By Juliette McIvery (Scholastic). Then go and have a look at the portfolio on her website. I promise fifth picture down in the first column will make you smile.

1 The last children's/YA book you read (fiction or non-fiction) The Ogre Downstairs by Dianna Wynne Jones. i read it to the kids because it was one of my favourites when I was a child. It's about an evil stepfather and a mysterious magic chemistry set... it's interesting to see how dated some of is now - the dad smokes a pipe and the girls do all the housework - but still an awesome story.

2 If it wasn't an Oz title, then the last Oz title... Loathing Lola by William Kostakis, which is very funny and clever - like the author!

3 Name one favourite book from your childhood The Brothers Lionheart by Astrid Lindgren - a very sad and beautiful adventure story

4 Name one picture book that you love for the illustrations Varmints, by Helen Ward.

5 What is your personal favourite among the books you have authored/illustrated Of the ones that are already out, Mending Lucille by Jennifer Poulter. I have a few in progress at the moment that are shaping up all right...

6 What book do you wish you had written - for love or money The Arrival, by Shaun Tan. I'd die happy.

7 If you could be a character in a book, who (or what) would you be I always have trouble with these questions... There's so many to choose from... um... how about Matilda, from Roald Dahl's book? You can't beat having special powers and the attitude to match.

8 Do you have a favourite quote - from a book or life in general! Anything. "Every day is a journey, and the journey is home". - Basho