Dim's Write Stuff

Strange things can occur around a full moon. So, it's little wonder the nephew of Uncle Larry experiences a questionable episode at that time after said uncle bestows him with a bevy of birthday undies (aka underwear). How he then becomes The Underwear Wolf is the basis of this wonderfully witty and winsome new picture book by Gideon Sterer and the ineffable Charles Santoso . Our young wolf-to-be is like any youngster; when faced with stern instructions about when and how to don his favourite pair of underwear, he blithely interprets them to suit his own impetuous nature. Thus, a furry pair of undies is worn on a ... full moon despite instructions not to.  What follows is an hilarious romp through the suburban streets by the light of the moon, not as a young boy rather as a large-eared, hairier than a thousand hamster s, werewolf. Seemingly under the whim of the moon, our hairy monster takes off with grunts and growls and an uncontrollable urge to rampage his neighbourhood stre...

A person's identity, their story may begin before the day they are born. From that day though, their living, growing narrative takes shape and form, evolving into a tapestry of ancestorial significance. For many First Nations peoples, that tapestry is a possum skin cloak. Possum Skin Cloak describes not just a precious article of clothing, it's a picture book that stitches together the delicate weaves of belonging, family and cultural identity. Penned by Aunty Faye Muir and Sue Lawson , Possum Skin Cloak , begins at birth with the wrapping of a newborn in the warmth of possum skin. It's a practical way to keep baby dry and warm and safe but also close to their mother's heart. As the child grows, so too does their story, their connection to Country and their understanding of their place within it all.  The handcrafted cloak is cobbled together with additions and subtractions, imbued with language, sacred stories and places . Understanding. The appreciation of one's...

To coincide with an effort to dramatically cut down on the amount of chocolate consumed this Easter season, I am sharing just a few Easter picture books this year. All guaranteed to assuage your Easter spirit in terms of humour and hankering for family fun time. For more, consider these past offerings from Dim’s Easter Goodie Basket . Or visit your local bricks and mortar bookshop for a sky-full of meaningful Easter reads. Little Wombat’s Easter Surprise Those familiar with, Charles Fuge’s , Little Wombat picture book series will already adore Little Wombat’s goofy allure and his woodland friends – yes he is globally connected on the animal friend circuit.   In this gorgeous Easter edition he is busy hunting for Easter eggs when a familiar looking stranger bounds past. He assumes it’s his buddy, Rabbit and is amazed to find it is actually, Bilby, an unrelated but similar looking cutie. Surprise number one. Rabbit and Bilby share multiple similarities and delight in their new...

Stop the Sleigh! I want to get off. Not many can say 2021 has been their most spectacular year - memorable, yes - rated on their top ten of best years ever, nah. At least it felt that way for this little black duck. In fact it's been more than a little 'puzzling'. Yet amidst the terrifying onslaught of one tsunami (or blizzard in Santa speak) of frustration and disappointment after the other, seas settled just long enough (for a split second) to make a quick inventory of that which I thought was irrevocably lost over board during the wildest assaults.  Health and family still there - just - check Roof over my head - check Rain sloughing through the gutters, greening the garden - glorious check More books and stories published - yea ha, check More book babies to look forward to in the new year - chuffed as, check. Food on my plate, and stacking on my hips, oh well - still a big fat tick. And it continues.  Despite continued inconvenience on the work front #thanksCovid, liv...

As much of Australia celebrates NAIDOC Week 2021, I sift through my stacks of indigenous inspired picture books and pull up at these two by one of my favourite author illustrators, Gregg Dreise . Dreise’s storytelling through considered speech and stunning artwork never fails to elicit wonder and respect. Significantly, the National NAIDOC Week 2021  theme this year is Heal Country, which calls for stronger measures to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage, sentiments that permeate powerfully through Dreise’s work.  My Culture and Me Imbued with traditional Indigenous dot painting and artwork throughout, My Culture and Me is an ode to Country. Dreise employs descriptive verse to encourage a song about the natural features of Country, gradually transferring the colours of the land onto the peoples who reside there. As their heartbeats pulse, so throbs the spirit of the land demonstrated as feet stamp ...