Dim's Write Stuff

We're doubling down on reptilians today, both of which continue to create rapturous wonder in young hearts and minds. Dinosaur In My Pocket by Ashleigh Barton & Blithe Fielden In a clever incongruous coincidence, James loves two things beyond all else: dinosaurs and miniatures. His collection of both is vast and impressive but lacking a Triceratops. So, when on his school excursion to the museum the perfect Triceratops is spotted, James is besotted. Except, he can’t afford it. After a little light-fingered acquisitioning, the wee dinosaur is escorted back to school in James’ pocket, then home then into his bedroom. Only, dino is not so wee after all. With each passing moment, the dinosaur grows as does James’ shame and guilt. The beautiful thing about this tale is how the crime is uncovered simply because it can no longer be concealed or confined. Lies, guilt, misdemeanours; all have a way of amplifying if left unchecked. When James’ parents discover his dinosaur, they d...

Few of us are strangers to the quirky works of author illustrator, Nick Bland (think The Very Cranky Bear series ) which is why it’s always a delight feasting upon his latest creations. Bunny and Bird are best mates and as incongruous as that pairing may sound are the stars of Bland’s new picture book series. How To Catch A Dragon introduces us to the cute couple as they meet in park dressed in warm autumnal colours. Bunny has something special for Bird, a present. His gift-giving motivation is simply because of his regard for Bird as his best friend . Ahhh. Ten points straight up for such beautiful sentiment. Bird is curious and Bunny can’t help himself; he unwraps his present and reveals it’s a dragon egg. If you’re curiosity wasn’t already tickled, it surely is by now. Bird is briefly sceptical but Bunny assures him it’s a bona fide dragon egg because it comes from the dragon-egg shop. No faulting logic there. It also comes with an instruction booklet which describes the kism...

A writer's life is the sum of many things, usually words. Author engagements and presentations fill the gaps in our solitary days, often in the most unexpected and sunny ways. This month I had the good fortune of spending time in not one but two centres of learning where the educators were powerful advocates for kids' lit and their students were heavenly, both reminding me why I do what I do and how much I love doing it. Plus, there were bears and dragons! Photo courtesy of Beth Peterson Durack SS Principal Tuesday 5 June I visited the Carey Lane ELC annexed to St Hilda's School in Southport, QLD. Sharing some 'beary' beautiful book love I was invited to help launch their inspired educational reading program, BEAR - Books, Engagement and Reading. It was a sparkling morning full of reading, books and wee furry friends looking for new homes and finding them. The premise of this program being that each pre-school child is entrusted with his or her own...