Dim's Write Stuff

  Hands down, one of the most popular parts of any school presentation I perform is inevitably Q & A time. I honestly think a whole session devoted to questions from kids to authors would trump a 'how to write a story' session any day. So, imagine my delight at being involved in this super new comp by speakers' agency, CKT. Get cracking with your questions kids. Get your school to sub them to CKT and get ready for some mind-blowing revelations!  Dive into the minds of young readers with CKT’s Curious Kids Competition, a delightful initiative that invites questions from inquisitive kids about their favourite CKT author or illustrator. It’s a chance for budding book lovers to ask their most pressing questions and get a glimpse into the magic behind the stories and illustrations they adore. Every class that sends CKT a question for their favourite CKT author or illustrator, will go into the draw for their school to win a FREE 30-minute virtual session with that  CKT Auth...

This book had me at its title, Paws : simple and unambiguous with a huge promise of something cleverly canine exciting the dog lover in me. Having woofed this middle grade fiction down faster than my dog can empty a bowl of kibble, I wonder though if author, Kate Foster had other implications in mind when naming her latest book; we authors are fond of layered meanings and wondrous wordplay after all. For me Paws is a story about self-identity and recognition, of ‘pausing’ for thought not just to give ourselves more time to process a particular situation or emotion but also to appreciate another’s; so much easier to write than do especially if you are 11-year-old Alex Freeman dealing with autism.   Alex’s most pressing life goal is to secure a true and proper friendship before he is obliged to set sail on the unnavigable social ocean of high school. He believes his best chances lie in winning a coveted PAWS Dog Show trophy so spends his mornings and afternoons training his const...

CONGRATULATIONS! Delighted to announce our winners are: Finley Byrd, QLD Kirsten Ealand, NSW Jenny Stubbs, QLD Cecilia Adams, QLD Norah Colvin, QLD Each of you have won a copy of the stunning new picture book, Nop by Caroline Magerl. Your prize is on its way to you soon. Thank you to everyone who entered. It's been wonderful 'travelling' with you all. I've been to England, Uluru, Hong Kong and even inside a video game and back thanks to your wonderful wandering dreams! You are all invited to read my review of Nop   and maybe even launching into a search for your very own, Nop .  Enjoy!

Nop is a scruffy kind of bear. He sits on a dusty armchair in Oddmint's Dumporeum surrounded by the beaders, knitters, patchers and stitchers who are much too busy to talk to him. So he watches the litter tumble until, armed with a new bow tie, he has an idea that will change his life forever. This touching story began with a memory of Caroline's school holidays in Sydney. Her father was welding a steel yacht in a boat yard and she wandered off . . . only to discover the local dump, a home for the things people throw out! Many years later, her daughter Jen made a teddy bear out of scraps for her father. It's a very sorry-looking, but endearing creature. Named Roadkill, ten years later it still sits on top of his desk. Read DIM'S re VIEWS review of Nop to see just how gorgeous this little bear really is. Thanks to the endearing people of Walker Books Australia and to celebrate the November release of Nop ,  Dim's Write Stuff  has not one but  FIVE co...

CONGRATULATIONS! Delighted to announce our winners are: Anna Malta, QLD Kate Justelius-Wright, NSW Each of you have won a copy of the outstanding graphic middle grade novel, Pie In The Sky by Remy Lai.  Thank you to everyone who entered. Honestly your creative culinary suggestions (and recipes!) made our tummies rumble and our hearts melt. It was so hard to choose just two winners - a bit like me trying to decide which dessert to have - impossible! For those who missed out, please fear not; you can get a terrific taste of this book from my review of Pie In The Sky or if you are lucky enough to reside in Queensland, why not go to the Pie in the Sky book launch , 21 June at Where The Wild Things Are Bookshop, Brisbane from 5.30 pm. It's sure to be a sumptuous experience !

Pie in the Sky is the deliciously addictive debut novel by Brisbane author, Remy Lai. It's a story of fraternal love, grief, loss, realising your dreams, cultural adjustment, and more happily, cake! I absolutely adored sinking into this absorbing middle grade tale which is told in heart-tugging prose and entertaining line illustrations (also by Remy). It's an immensely satisfying read sure to spark laughs (and the odd tear or two) in readers aged 8 - 12 although I'm betting adults will get as much out of it. Judge for yourself from my review . Thanks to the sweet people of Walker Books Australia and to celebrate it's imminent Australian release this month, Dim's Write Stuff has not one but two copies of Pie in the Sky to giveaway! To enter, simply tell me in 25 words or less what your favourite food is to cook with your family? Email your answer along with your name and postal address to dimity . The two responses we like best will each win a copy...

Dashing through the space of the cyber hemisphere, you'll learn a bit about me, that'll bring you close to tears (of laughter?) Join me on this tour of some awesome bloggers' sites. It's going to be a blogging tour that'll fill you with delight. BLOG TOUR for PS WHO STOLE SANTA'S MAIL? Check out the amazing sleigh-load of bloggers and reviewers participating on what promises to be a spectacular ride with me. Tune in each day, leave a comment or two and don't forget to enter the COMPETITION FOR SIGNED COPY OF PS Who Stole Santa's Mail? in time for Christmas. It's easy. Just answer the question: What do you think Santa wants for Christmas? Details of how to enter on each blog tour post. Competition closes midnight 30th November 2012. 17 November Kids Book Review http://www.kids-bookreview.com/ 18 November My Little Bookcase http://www.mylittlebookcase.com.au/ 19 November Sheryl Gywther htt...