So delighted to see there’s a wonderful and well-deserved advance review by Anneliese Gates in Books +Publishing of our forthcoming title, Beattie Alvarez’s fabulous junior novel, Escape from Sherwood, illustrated by David Allan.
‘Escape from Sherwood delivers a wild, immersive ride….Beattie Alvarez’ vibrant storytelling and imaginative flair give the book undeniable one-more-chapter energy….further enhanced by David Allan’s small monochrome illustrations at the start of each chapter.’
Escape from Sherwood will be released in November.
There are two fabulous new reviews of Sophie Masson and Laura Wood’s fabulous little chapterbook, Sabina and the Cats of Rome, in Kids Book Review and Read Plus.
Here are extracts from the reviews:
In a simple chapter book, Sophie Masson has created a captivating story set in Ancient Rome. It is exciting and action-packed and will be enjoyed by early independent readers aged 5-7. There are minimal clues about life in Ancient Rome, enough to pique interest but not enough to confuse a young reader. Mostly this is about a girl and a talking cat and their quest to rescue a royal cat, with the help of the family dogs. The illustrations are cartoon-like in simplicity and scattered through the chapters. (Carolyn Hull in Read Plus, read the whole review here)
Sabina and the Cats of Rome is an action-packed adventure perfect for younger readers. A feisty young heroine up to any challenge, leads an imaginative cast of characters….Excellent black and white illustrations fill the book, adding visual reinforcement of the text while enriching the story. (Anastasia Gonis in Kids Book Review, read the whole review here).
We are delighted to announce that the first advance review of our forthcoming title, Sabina and the Cats of Rome (written by Sophie Masson, illustrated by Laura Wood, has just appeared, and it’s absolutely lovely! The review is by Brenton Cullen and has appeared in Books+Publishing this week. Here’s a short extract (full review is for B+P subscribers only):
Masson’s storytelling is engaging and accessible, offering simplicity for independent reading while maintaining a rich plot. Laura Wood’s black and white illustrations bring Sabina and Cleo to life, depicting seven scenes from the story...
In its very first week of publication, two lovely new reviews have appeared for Lorena Carrington’s gorgeous Leaf Letters. One’s in Read Plus; the other in Reading Time.
Here are extracts from the reviews:
Leaf Letters is a small book, but a thoughtful and evocative one, with pathways to uncover codes and secrets….. Written and illustrated by Lorena Carrington, this interactive story for young readers told in words and pictures, has coded messages to decipher the mysteries. ‘Warning. Answers ahead.’ These words are at the back of the book, so there are answers if you can’t find them. I couldn’t find them all. (Susanne Gervay, Reading Time)
This delightful story is about friendship, the joy of solving challenging problems, and the beauty of natural world. The black and white photographs add another dimension to the story and the answers to the puzzles are a handy inclusion. There is also an opportunity for the reader to add their own treasures to the book. (Kathryn Beilby, Read Plus)
You can read the full reviews on their respective websites.
We’re delighted to see, in Books +Publishing, a great advance review, by Erin Wamala, for Lorena Carrington’s gorgeous Leaf Letters, which we are publishing in July. Here’s a short extract:
Lorena Carrington’s Leaf Letters is a delightful and warm novel for younger readers aged 7-9 who enjoyed Peter Carnavas’ the Elephant. Using text, illustrations and photographs makes it a great confidence builder for newly independent readers, who will also enjoy the interactive element…
Another great review of the Key to Rome has just been published. It’s by Sue Warren, and published on her Just So Stories blog.
Here’s a short extract:
There’s nothing quite like a good ancient Roman historical fiction, and this one full of drama, deceit and death will appeal to many middle grade readers who relish an exciting and suspense-filled adventure.
We are absolutely delighted that Inside Story: the wonderful world of writing, illustrating and publishing children’s books, which we published jointly with Little Pink Dog Books, under our collaborative imprint UPA Books, has just received a glowing review in the latest (September) issue of the prestigious, long-running children’s literature journal, Magpies. The review isn’t available online, but you can see a jpeg of it below. The same issue(available on subscription) also contains a fabulous three-page interview with Sophie Masson and Kathy Creamer, principal writers and compilers for Inside Story.
For anyone interested in Australian and New Zealand children’s books, it’s really worthwhile subscribing to Magpies, a fabulous resource packed with interviews, reviews and news, published five times a year. The magazines are beautifully produced in full colour and subscriptions are very reasonably priced, see here.
Even before the book’s official release, the first review of Rebecca Fung’s A Very Special Moon Mission has appeared, in Buzz Words. And it’s a good one! Here’s a short extract:
This chapter book for readers aged 7 to 10 years is lively, easy to read, and well-designed with quality paper. It is frequently illustrated with black and white and grey drawings and should be enjoyed by young readers interested in space adventure.
The first review of Inside Story has just been published, in Buzz Words magazine, and it’s great! You can read it below and also find it at the Buzz Words site.
Inside Story: The Wonderful World of Writing, Illustrating and Publishing Children’s Books compiled by Sophie Masson, Kathy Creamer, Beattie Alvarez, and Peter Creamer, edited by Jen Scanlan and Sharnee Rawson (United Publishers of Armidale) PB RRP $29.99 ISBN9780648815457
Reviewed by Dianne Bates
Here is an invaluable resource and reference book for aspiring writers, illustrators, editors and designers or anyone interested in Australian children’s books. It is the first publication by the newly formed UPA, a collaboration between two independent publishing houses: Christmas Press and Little Pink Dogs, in association with the New England Writers’ Centre. And what a comprehensive and beautifully designed and presented book it is! Designed by Rae Ainsworth, the book covers all aspects of writing, illustrating, and publishing children’s books. It includes a section on what happens in the publishing process, how to pitch to publishers, alternative publishing models, useful organisations, and resources.
On each page there are coloured photographs and graphics, break-out boxes, and information (and advice) from a wide range of industry workers. Colourful double-page spreads introduce each topic, and there are also numerous lists of children’s books under headings such as picture books, illustrated storybooks, fiction anthologies, graphic novels, and more. Any inspiring author would benefit from the advice and tips offered by authors, agents, editors, publishers, and illustrators such as Stephen Axelsen, Pippa Masson, Ian Irvine, Jenny Blackford, and dozens more.
There is, as one would suspect, a clear bias towards books published by Christmas Press and Little Pink Dog Books, but other publishers shine in the book, too. It’s gratifying to see that the compilers have included poetry collections and anthologies, with advice from editors and compilers. Ursula Dubosarsky, Richard Tulloch and Duncan Ball share information and tips for writing plays, with Ball sharing his discoveries as former editor of The School Magazine.
In the tail end of this very engaging book is a list of useful organisations and resources for everyone, including editors, designers, and publishers. Numerous publishers have granted permission to use images from their titles, and there is a page of acknowledgements to the many people who have contributed material (and crowdfunding income). Interestingly, there’s a double page spread at the end of the book with photographs and biographies of the compilers, editors, and book designers.
There are many hours of interesting reading in this comprehensive book. Highly recommended!
Christmas Press 