Posts

Showing posts with the label Booklinks QLD

Slam Dunk: Game Changing Poetry with Solli Raphael

Image
Limelight by the youngest winner of the Australian Poetry Slam , Solli Raphael , is a slip of a book, barely a shiver of autumn breeze, yet between its snappy tri-coloured covers beats an enormous heart of passionate ability. Barely 13, Raphael tentatively turned his attention from writing and performing poetry to recording the evolution that resulted in him being a virtual overnight poetry sensation. For those like me that enjoy poetry from afar, dabble in the most basic of poetic structures and, up until a few literary festivals ago, thought slam poetry involved a shot of tequila and a lot of gratuitous shouting (and had no idea why anyone would want to encourage that sort of activity in a children's writing festival), this book is a revelation. Raphael writes with unfettered, youthful candour describing his passions for sport, music and the arts, namely writing. His zeal translates into an introduction that is both chatty and inspiring. He credits his primary school te...

Sharing the Love

Image
While it's been hot enough here to melt the toenails off an elephant, I'm looking forward to cooling my heels and chilling out with a room full of glacial bright and beautiful stars this Friday. Book Links QLD's inaugural Romancing the Stars Gold Coast night is all set to kick off at the All Saints Anglican School from 6.30 pm. Tickets are still available via Try Booking - visit the site, here to make one and for the full details. Do you know a young person who can't get enough of children's books? Someone who loves the art of story and writing or perhaps there's a budding artist in your life itching to see how real life book illustrators do it. Then bring them along, too. Children are welcome for the discounted price of $25. Not only will they and you get to 'speed date' dozens of children's book creators like myself, but there will be games, raffles, books signings, yummy things to tuck into and, joy of joys, AIR CONDITIONING. Simi...

The Power of Story with Jackie French

Image
  “If you want intelligent adults, give our children stories, because each story increases the neurons in a child’s brain. If you want creative adults who can mine the asteroids or find three million ways to cope with drought, pollution or global warming, give them stories now.”  Jackie French AO. Jackie French's take on the power of story. What follows is my truncated take on her impassioned speech last night at Riverbend Books in Brisbane on why books matter and must always matter. Books give kids the ability to choose what they want to be and who they could be, not necessarily describing to them who they are already. One kind act can change a life . Kindness is as contagious as evil and anger. BOOKS MATTER – books improve, enhance, stimulate and, strengthen our intelligence. It’s a scientific fact. CREATORS MATTER - as creators, what we do matters. LIBRARIES, TEACHER LIBRARIANS AND BOOKSHOPS MATTER . - Kids need guidance when it com...