Dim's Write Stuff

From the second I heard Founder and President of Think Equal , Leslee Unwin utter the words of Socrates, ' education of the head without education of the heart is no education at all ' I knew this lady was so much more than just an advocate for change.   Helming the mighty force that is Think Equal , Leslee truly believes that through the process of narration, young people have the opportunity to develop their empathetic abilities - through stories, reading, conversations and experimental learning, change is made. We share a similar conviction, that books and story mediate empathy and create emotionally intelligent, sympathetic human beings who become critical thinkers able to self-regulate. It is why I embrace picture books with difficult subject matter. It is why Leslee supports the intent behind At The End of Holyrood Lane . Today I thank Leslee for her generous words of endorsement and applaud her and all that she does to empower communities across the globe...

All children are entitled to an abuse-free, safe and happy childhood. No one believes this more fiercely than Act for Kids , an Australian charity providing free therapy and support services to children and families who have experienced, or are at risk of child abuse and neglect. Registered psychologist and SE Queensland Regional Director of Act of Kids , Gary Poole not only embraces At The End of Holyrood Lane and its intent, but acknowledges the importance of books like this in initiating understanding, awareness and action among those who are primary victims and also those who are not directly affected by abuse. Thank you Gary et al at Act for Kids for endeavouring to make children's worlds better more beautiful places to grow in.   In subtle ways, children’s books have long had a powerful impact in helping generations understand and make sense of the sometimes baffling and frightening aspects of life experienced in growing up. Themes of being lost in a dark ...

'RizeUp Australia is a community-driven organisation of passionate men and women, dedicated to supporting the many families affected by domestic and family violence.' Rizeup Founder and CEO, Nicolle Edwards works tirelessly to re-home, re-educate and assist those affected by abuse with special emphasis on the children involved in home violence and the associated upheaval. She actively seeks news ways to reach out and touch victims hoping to connect with them and support them in positive ways. I am gratified beyond measure that she regards my picture book, At The End of Holyrood Lane a useful way of reaching out to those in need. Thank you Nicolle and RizeUp for your unqualified support and selfless work. Here is what she has to say. At The End of Holyrood Lane illustrations by Nicky Johnston ' At The End of Holyrood Lane is a beautiful story about a little girl who is terrified by the storm that chases and scares her but when Flick reaches o...

I adore Oliver Jeffers' work. His wit. His panache. His story. Respect. Enjoy this repost from Kids' Book Review by Sarah Steed.  I did. Which comes first, the words or the pictures? Oliver Jeffers, the illustrator of much-loved picture books like The Day the Crayons Quit , Imaginary Fred and The Hueys series, tells us about his creative process. Oliver Jeffers has sold over 10 million picture books and won numerous awards, including The Ragazzi Award for Fiction, The New York Times Best Illustrated Books, Smarties Award, Irish Book of the Year, The Red House Book Award, British Book Design Award, and The Blue Peter Book of the Year.

It's funny coz well you know, some days, it's true. Proud to be part of this creation, delivering stories in accessible, educational ways that enhance reading experiences and compliment books. For the love of story. Have You Seen My Spots? - available to download today

Feeling unsafe in your own home is a bleak reality for many children, with family violence putting kids at risk of psychological as well as physical harm. Writing a picture book addressing this repugnant social issue is therefore no light matter. That so many in the industries of child welfare, psycho-education and counselling have gainfully supported and applauded this story, is almost something I cannot comprehend. Over the next few weeks, preceding the launch of my new picture book, At The End of Holyrood Lane , I hope to highlight some of the touching sentiments given so generously by those dealing with the fall out of domestic violence on the front line. Here is the first from the woman who inspired Flick's story, Deirdre Hanna . Paradise Kids has helped heal the heartache of children’s grief for over 20 years. Many children coming to Paradise Kids have experienced the trauma and loss of innocence of childhood from domestic violence. Children feel helpless in th...

If I had a tail, I'd be wagging it. This month not only did the Kindergo Reading App officially (re)launch its exciting new website and app and a library of sensationally stimulating new books for little kids to discover empowering reading and learning experiences, it simultaneously released a selection of online stories as printed story books. Now youngsters from the age of 2 - 7 years can book shelf their favourites after visiting them on their favourite Story Islands. I'm so excited about this concept of curative online learning that embraces traditional story telling by enhancing it with tap and hear technology and innovative interactive story experiences. Children learn faster in safe productive environments, which is why GoGo (the Kindergo Reading Buddy) and the team behind Kindergo are 100% dedicated to providing entertaining, fun, educational creative content. I feel much the same way. You can download one of my stories, Have You Seen My Spots? o...