As a published children’s author I often get approached by authors or illustrators who have written or created a story, wanting to know about how to get it published. Sometimes it is their friends who approach me – authors and illustrators can…
Joining Bloglovin
Bloggers like to read other people’s blogs and I’ve been looking for a good way to bring all the blogs I like to read together into one place. I’ve tried various Apps and been frustrated by them, and also used…
“Whose Beak is This? finalist for Elsie Locke Award
I’ve always been a huge fan of Elsie Locke, so it’s such an honour to be named a finalist for the Elsie Locke Award for non-fiction in the NZ Children’s Book Awards for 2016. (The NZ Children’s Book Awards and…
Sea Week Resources
It’s Sea Week, a time for schools, parents and public to turn their attention to the treasures of the sea. Unlike a trip to the beach or the bush, it’s hard to show children what lives under the sea, although there…
Top Outdoor books from my Bookshelf
Being an active outdoor’s person and enjoying books might seem an odd mix to some. But for many people some of the pleasure of getting outdoors is in planning trips and learning more about the places they’re going to or…
On Writing and Nature
I’m taking part in Porirua Library’s A Long Hot Summer Story Festival in January. Ahead of that event I was interviewed by Children’s Librarian Bee Trudgeon. You can read the interview here: http://www.porirualibrary.org.nz/Services/Children-s-Library/Bee-s-Bookish-Blog – scroll to October 28, 2015
Book Launch Invitation
Blog readers are invited to the launch of Whose Beak is This? my new picture book, illustrated by Fraser Williamson. Date: 31 October, Place: Paper Plus, North City Shopping Centre, Porirua, Time: 2-3pm Bring your children or grandchildren, free bird mask…
Just in time for the Great Kereru Count – New Book Launched
My favourite place – the New Zealand bush – is the topic of my latest book. It’s a book for children, informed by many walks in the bush with botanists, bird lovers, and those steeped in bush lore. Many of…
Awakening Curiosity – writing science for children
Read my tips about science writing for children in the latest edition (Winter 2015) of The New Zealand Author. In Awakening Curiosity: writing science for children I discuss 4 science education research-based principles that I apply to my writing and 2 tips for writers…
Reading Non-fiction with Children
Tips for Reading Non-Fiction With Children – using Under the Ocean as an example It’s okay to read a book just the way it’s written cover to cover! On the second (third or fourth!) read, or the first if the child…