Dim's Write Stuff

One of the most sensible, go-to gift ideas for any new parent is a book. Never mind newborn can’t even focus yet let alone read; the thought of gifting something so rich in inspiration and entertainment to share with baby as they grow and learn about their world softens and warms every heart. Here are a handful of recently released board books that will fill any gift basket, or nursery bookshelf, with sunshine and joy. Kindness Makes Us Strong This sturdy little picture book is robust enough to endure the tug and pull of eager little hands (and mouths) and pretty enough to brighten any bookshelf. It’s part of a series (Love Makes A Family ) by vibrant author illustrator, Sophie Beer featuring simple statements that underpin the quality of kindness; of having it, sharing it and living it. Beer’s trademark bold, bright retro-sque illustrations shout positivity and display strong themes of diversity and duality reminding us kindness is not only how we behave but who we are. ...

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...

Flick, the little girl who lives at the end of Holyrood Lane is doing her happy dance right now. And why not, her story, At The End of Holyrood Lane has won the SCBWI Crystal Kite Members' Choice Award 2019 for the Australia New Zealand Oceania region. A snapshot of the 15 best books chosen from SCBWI regions around the world - courtesy SCBWI June INSIGHT newsletter As the scribe of her story, I'm feeling pretty chuffed, too. And a little overwhelmed and incredulous. I mean considering the incredible level of talent the other two shortlistees possessed, I honestly thought my day in the sun was had and was more than satisfied to bask in the warmth of just being shortlisted. But I confess, nothing brightens the life of an author like a bit of bling. Crystal bling no less! I should not have doubted the allure and strength of this story, though. After all, with a illustrative narrative provided by the exceptionally talented, Nicky Johnston , Flick had every chance ...

For those of you who are not familiar with Dark Emu , this younger reader rendition by Bruce Pascoe will soon bring you up to speed. Young Dark Emu: A Truer History not only depicts Australia’s pre-European colonisation, it gently prompts school-aged readers to consider a different version of this history. It’s a common, long-held (mis)conception that Aboriginal Australians were a nomadic people living serendipitous lives at the mercy of the land and its inhospitable climate; views that often equate to an uncivilised, lowly race incapable of sustaining long term civilisation. It turns out, nothing could be further from the truth. Using documented, personal eyewitness accounts secured from the records and diaries of the first European explorers and settlers, Pascoe reveals the true nature of Australia’s Indigenous occupants. It’s a fair dinkum coin flip for this information documents the numerous ingenious ways Aboriginals not only harnessed the best qualities of the land ...

Ebony and Jay are best buddies. They live in the same street and share the same unquenchable passion for wildlife welfare. They might as well be related, they spend so much time cycling around their seaside town together, but this exciting new animal-inspired junior series by Aussie animal-lover, Candice Lemon-Scott , works a treat thanks to Ebony and Jay’s casual and comic friendship. Together they roam around on their trusty bicycles always ready to lend a helping hand especially at the local wildlife hospital where their altruistic zeal is utilised in the caring of animals and their environment; they wear the titles of Eco Rangers with pride. Occasionally, though, their curiosity and thirst for adventure lands them in serious trouble and that, for us, is where the fun starts. In book one of the Eco Rangers series, our dynamic duo happen upon an abandoned drum on the beach. Even more alarming, they discover a huge stricken bird covered in oil, a pelican in obvious peril! ...

It may be a touch late for Mother’s Day but when I received Baby Business , the debut picture book by Jasmine Seymour , I knew I had to include it as an ode to mothers no matter what their creed or origin. Seymour created Baby Business to pay homage to her unique Darug heritage and the mob that still thrives in the Hawkesbury area of NSW. She pays tributes with a touching and expressive tale about an ancient First Nations ritual, the baby smoking ceremony. Fortunately, no babies are ever actually ‘smoked’ but through a handful of lovingly scattered words, we are introduced to this soothing ritual, led to the smoking place and educated about the special materials used, each selected for their healing and protective properties. Flames evolve and soon, warm smoke rises, ghost-like, to bathe baby’s feet and connect him with Country. Wisps enshroud baby, caressing his heart, and hands, entreating him to care for Country, take only what he needs and give back whenever he c...

Talking about At The End of Holyrood Lane with Uni the Unicorn. Photo courtesy of Peter Allert When ABC Radio Gold Coast's , Josie Sargent invited me to join her on her Once Upon A Time segment to chat about writing books and their impact on social issues within our communities, how could I say no. Armed with my trusty copy of At The End of Holyrood Lane , I headed to one of my favourite beachside suburbs on the Gold Coast, Mermaid Beach and enjoyed a relaxed morning of book sharing and story telling. Not every story I write has an issue I want to hammer home. Quite the contrary. I believe children's stories must cause their readers to 'move and shake' first and foremost. Move either physically with laughter, joy or some other emotion relevant to the story. Shake with amazement, awe, acknowledgement, and fun! If these reactions are the result of recognising a fundamental underlying message or theme secreted within the story, all the better. Ultimately, we...