In January, when Joyce suggested having an issue on Australasia because of the wildfires in Australia, we had no idea that this issue would publish in the middle of a global pandemic. As we have all discovered, in a very short period of time, our globe is interconnected. Negatively, that means viruses spread -- well, like wildfires. Positively, stories and concerns from around the world can root in our hearts and influence our lives. In this issue we are happy to introduce an Australian author and an Australian illustrator and have a variety of books reviewed by our teen reader. Looking for another activity to do at home with your children? We have that covered too.
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Penny Reeve
 I caught the train to the city the other day and wove my way between tall buildings and office blocks until I discovered a park. There, I perched on a rock under the shade of a gum and took in the view: the passing green and yellow ferries, the Harbour Bridge, the famous white sails of the Opera House. For a few minutes I just soaked it all in, and then I pulled out my notebook and began to write.
Yes, I live and write in Sydney, Australia. The great southern land! It gets hot here when the northern hemisphere is cold. We call cookies, biscuits and biscuits, scones and we know how to eat Vegemite (handy tip: you spread it suuuuuper thinly, NOT thick like jam). We have strange wildlife to write about, like kangaroos, platypus and koalas (which are NOT bears). Some of our wildlife could kill you (better check under my bag for funnel web spiders!). But trust me, our children don’t ride kangaroos to school, despite my husband once convincing an entire US high school brass band that was how he got to school each day!
Although writing and being published in Australia is probably similar to how it is in the US, there are a few special things about being a children’s writer in Australia. One is the close knit writing community; some of my closest friends are writers I’ve met through writer's events. We put out some fantastic books too and frequently work together to respond to the needs of our communities. For example, after the most recent Australian bushfires, authors of Australia raised thousands of dollars to help those in need.
Australia is such a large land. It’s got the world’s oldest living culture and a wonderful multicultural feel. There are ideas and inspiration almost everywhere! And I suppose that’s one of the things I love about being a writer here: the excuse to pull up a rock on the banks of Sydney Harbour and soak it all in. Blue sky, grey gums and the start of a story waiting to be told.
Penny Reeve is the Australian author of more than 20 books for children, including picture books, junior novels, children’s non-fiction and young adult fiction. She loves writing and sharing her stories with children, encouraging them to respond to the complex, fascinating, and sometimes difficult world we live in. She also writes as Penny Jaye.
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Geoff Cook
Geoff Cook has over 35 years of illustration experience under his belt and as you can see in the above illustration, enjoys bringing humor and quirky twists into his work. He uses a wide range of digital media including acrylics, gouache, watercolor, pen and ink, and scraper board.
This illustration is from D Is For Down Under, written by Devin Scillian and published by Sleeping Bear Press.
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by Joyce Hostetter
While watching this video, listen for answers to these questions:
1. What is the record for Australia's heaviest pumpkin?
2. How do the people entering the contest display the pumpkins?
3. How do children enjoy the pumpkins?
The video talks about the friendly rivalry between competitors and how they are a supportive community. One of the growers says they "put a barbie on". Using the internet can you find out what a barbie is in Australia?
Many of Australia's contests have been cancelled this year due to COVID19. Know the feeling?
Check out these fun videos about the New Guinea Singing Dog.
New Guinea Singing Dog by Jeff the Zoo Guy
Dogs 101: The New Guinea Singing Dog
While watching, try to answer these questions.
1. What is the native habitat of the New Guinea Singing Dogs?
2. Where do most of them live now?
3. About how many of these dogs are left in the world?
4. The New Guinea Singing Dog is similar to what other animals? In
what ways are they alike?
5. What are some features that make the singing dog unique?
6. Are New Guinea Singing Dogs recommended as household
pets? Why or why not?
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A Teen's Take on Three Books
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by Lily Davis
Notes From A Spinning Planet: Papua, New Guinea
by Melody Carlson
Maddie’s aunt is writing an article about the AIDS epidemic in Papua, New Guinea. Maddie travels with her and learns how AIDS impacts people’s lives. The book let me see the AIDS epidemic through Christian eyes and how God can turn evil for good. I highly recommend this novel.
One Whole and Perfect Day
by Judith Clarke
Lily and her family live in a rundown house. Her brother drops out of school and gets in trouble so their grandfather kicks him out. Lily just longs for one whole and perfect day where her family doesn’t fight. Then her grandfather has a birthday and the brother is invited back for a party - a chance to have that perfect day.
This was by far my favorite of these three books. I would recommend this novel to anyone.
Australia: Exploring Continents
by Jane Bingham
This is an amazing book. Through words and pictures it gives so much information about Australia’s animals, plants, and the economy. It talks about the aborigines (the people who lived in Australia first) and some of the historical places. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Australia.
Lily Davis is a 7th grader at Christian Family Academy who is currently studying at home due to the COVID19 pandemic. She misses seeing people, including her teachers. Lily is athletic and loves sports!
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Please Share Talking Story!
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Have you noticed the "Share" button on the top of this newsletter? If you share TALKING STORY either on social media or email it to a friend, we will enter your name in our giveaway. Please email by April 25 to tell us what you have done, and your book preference and we will add your name to the hat!
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We love to hear from our readers!
You can contact us through the newsletter or individually at the following websites.
We're also both available for school visits.
Joyce
Carol
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If you're having trouble emailing us, try using CHROME browser.
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Send us an
and we'll enter your name to win one of the three books below.
Each will intrigue a young reader in your life.
If you have a book preference, please mention it. We try to honor requests.
US address only!
Enter by
APRIL 25
(Or better yet, enter right now!)
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by Devin Scillian
Illustrated by Geoff Cook
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We Need YOU
for our
Next Issue
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Our summer issue is on Community and we want YOU to be our experts!
Please send us a brief story about what community meant to you during the COVID-19 crisis, or community activities and experiences that helped you and your family. In return, we will enter your name in our giveaway for that issue. You can also send a picture, although we will probably only be able to use just one or two.
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by Joyce Hostetter
During this COVID19 pandemic I've heard from many readers of BLUE, my historical novel about a 1944 polio epidemic. These readers identify with protagonist Ann Fay Honeycutt who experienced quarantine, fear, an emergency hospital, and the comfort of a community that rallied during a difficult time. As the author, even I suddenly find myself saying "Now I know how Ann Fay felt!
Blue is available online or through your local bookstore. You can find a Curriculum Guide with discussion questions and suggested activities on the educator's page of my website.
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PICTURE BOOKS
by Patrick McDonald
Elle Simms
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOOKS
(Magic Tree House)
by Mary Pope Osborne
by James Patterson &
Chris Grabenstein
MIDDLE GRADE AND YOUNG ADULT
by Jackie French
by Jackie French
by Ruth Park
by Kate Constable
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A Few Australasian Authors
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From New Zealand
From Australia
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Congratulations to winners from our
spring issue.
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Keturah Lamb won We are All That's Left.
Deborah Allmand and Connie Saunders won
Castle of Concrete.
C. Maynor won Imagine Forest.
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- To Penny Reeve for being our expert.
- Thank you to Christian Focus Publications for donating giveaways.
- To Sleeping Bear Press for providing Geoff Cook's illustration and for providing D is for Down Under.
- Joanne Hunsberger for proofreading.
- To Lily Davis for introducing books.
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