ACRBA Tour My Brother Tom by Michelle Worthington

Posted on July 7, 2017 by Narelle Atkins

3 – 7 July 2017

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is Introducing

My Brother Tom

(Wombat Books, 1 April, 2017)

By

Michelle Worthington

About the Book:

Tom was born earlier than expected and had the doctors worried. His big brother wasn’t worried though, he saw angels outside his window and knew everything would be okay.

My Brother Tom is a story for older siblings of premature babies to help them make sense of what is happening at a difficult time.

About the Author:

Michelle is an author of children’s books, who is also available for workshops on writing for children, book signings and school readings.

Michelle Worthington was born in Brisbane, Queensland and currently works and lives in the Redlands. She enjoys travelling and has spent time studying in France where she lived for a year.

Winner of the 1988 Little Swaggie Award and other Australian poetry competitions, she has been published in numerous Australian and International poetry anthologies. Since a very early age, Michelle has shown a love of words and rhyme, and has always excelled at English and Creative Writing. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from University of Queensland in 1996, Michelle is currently undergoing studies to further her career as a published author and book publisher.

Australian publisher, Wombat Books has released her first children’s picture book titled The Bedtime Band. It is the story of what the animals in the Australian bush get up to when children are at home asleep in their beds. Michelle has two sons, Jordan and Cody, who she has read to every day since they were born, as she believes in the importance of fostering a love of books in children. Her books encourage children to use their imagination and dare to dream big. Michelle’s other titles are available at www.michelleworthington.com.

ACRBA Tour ~ Star! Stable! Saviour! by Cameron Semmens

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Narelle Atkins

6 – 10 December

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

Star! Stable! Saviour!

(Wombat Books, 1 December 2015)

By

Cameron Semmens

About the Book

“Forget the kids! It was me who loved this in our house. OK the kids did too!” – Sally Smith

The traditional Christmas story has been told and re-told for nearly two thousand years – but never quite like this. Poet Cameron Semmens’s quirky and alliterated re-telling of it in Star! Stable! Savior! brings a totally fresh perspective on the ancient Christmas story.

Originally published in 2007 under the title The Story of The Star, The Stable and The Saviour, the book sold out after only a few years. Now it’s back with a fresh, punchy new title.

About the Author

Cameron Semmens is a poet, entertainer and poetry educator with 15 books to his name. He makes his living through words: performing, running workshops and book design. He lives in the Dandenong Rangers with his wife and two children.

Narelle’s Thoughts

My daughter and I enjoyed reading this cute version of the nativity story. The alliteration and cadence in the story was fun to read. Who knew that so many elements in the original Christmas story could start with the letter S?

The smart, snazzy scientists were joined by several shabby shepherds as they followed the star to see their saviour in the smelly stable. The saviour seekers wore snappy sneakers, and the illustrations matched the quirky tone in the story.

I highly recommend this book to children who are looking for a unique spin on the Christmas story.

I received a review copy of the book as part of the ACRBA Tour.

ACRBA Tour: Same by Katrina Roe, Illustrated by Jemima Trappel

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Narelle Atkins

5 – 9 October

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

Same

(Wombat Books 1 July 2015)

By

Written by Katrina Roe

Illustrated by Jemima Trappel

About the Book

When Uncle Charlie comes to visit, Ivy keeps her distance. He seems different from other people she knows. Can Uncle Charlie find a way to show her that he is not so different after all?

Same is a touching true story about love, acceptance and finding common ground.

Katrina Roe’s debut children’s book Marty’s Nut-Free Party was shortlised in the Speech Pathology and CALEB awards. Same helps a child relate to what is actually the same, in someone who seems so different.

About the Author

Katrina Roe is an author and radio presenter.

Most recently she was host of the morning show on Sydney’s Hope 103.2 radio (www.hope1032.com.au) before leaving to have her second baby.

Katrina also has a successful parenting blog (www.frommouthsofbabes.com).

Marty’s Nut-Free Party was her first children’s book, followed by Emily Eases her Wheezes. Emily was listed as a notable book by CBCA in 2015. Same is her latest book, and is scheduled for release in July 2015.

Katrina has also contributed to two inspirational anthologies, All Creation Sings: Psalms of Everyday Christians and a book about miscarriage called In God’s Hands: Overcoming Miscarriage in a Broken World.

In 2009, she completed her Masters in International Relations, just for fun! Katrina also likes kayaking, bushwalking, reading novels, taking holidays, listening to music and hanging out with friends. She’s adamant that tea should always be made in a pot and she has a definite weakness for soft cheese.

She lives in Sydney with her three young daughters and her husband Chris.

About the Illustrator

Jemima is a Sydney-based artist and illustrator who enjoys riding her bicycle. Like many illustrators she was born holding a pencil and uses it frequently to bring words to life.

She decided to make a career out of her passion, and in 2012, after five years at the College of Fine Arts and the University of NSW, she emerged with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (with honours), a Bachelor of Arts (a combined degree) and the ability to converse in French.

Same by Katrina Roe is her first book with Wombat Books. Prior to this, Jemima illustrated Wonderfully Madison (2013 – winner of the children’s book category in the Caleb awards that year) and Fearlessly Madison (2014) by Penny Reeve (published by Youthworks Media). She is also the illustrator of the short comic, A friend in need, by Karen Bielharz (part of the self-published Kinds of Blue anthology, 2011), and is the linework artist for the short animation Money Tree (2011), written and directed by Hawanatu Bangura.

ACRBA Tour Swallow Me, NOW! by Melissa Gijsbers

Posted on March 3, 2015 by Narelle Atkins

2 – 6 March 2015

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

Swallow Me, Now!

(Lilly Pilly Press, October 2014)

By

Melissa Gijsbers

About the Book:

All Sam wants to do is to fit in at her new school. Feeling alone, and desperately trying to find her place in the world, she concocts an AMAZING story – BUT it backfires on her, and she becomes known as the ‘Evil Genius’s Daughter!’ Can her life get any worse?

About the Author

Melissa Gijsbers started writing when she was in High School during the 1990s, even winning some awards for a short story and a script. For many years, life got in the way of creative writing, however she did start blogging around 2006.

She currently lives in Melbourne, Australia with her two sons and a pet blue tongue lizard.

Narelle’s thoughts

I enjoyed reading Swallow Me, NOW! and I read the whole story in one sitting. The story is easy to read and the target audience is children aged 7-12 years.

Sam is in Year Five and the story starts on Sam’s first day at a new primary (elementary) school in suburban Melbourne. Sam’s parents were missionaries in Nepal, and she recently returned to Australia after many years abroad. An Aussie school is a culture shock for Sam. We follow her journey as she struggles to fit in at her new school. The story addresses important social issues that confront many children. I highly recommend Swallow Me, NOW! for children who are looking for a fun story with a positive and inspiring message of hope.

My daughter’s thoughts: I liked how the story is realistic and shows how hard it can be for kids to adapt to a new school. Even if you’re not starting at a new school, bullying can still happen to you. I also loved how Sam was very creative and was brave enough to talk about the mean things that were happening to her. I understood why she finally fought back and didn’t just let it keep happening to her. The story was fun and exciting. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

We received a complimentary review copy from the author.

Friday Weekend Escape to Pokhara, Nepal with Melissa Gijsbers

Posted on December 5, 2014 by Narelle Atkins

Today we’re escaping for the weekend with my Aussie author friend, Melissa Gijsbers, to Nepal. Melissa is sharing her memories of Pokhara, where she lived for a few years when she was younger. Enjoy!

~~~~~

I haven’t been there for nearly 30 years, but join me on an escape to Pokhara in Nepal. I would like to take you on a tour of the places I remember most.

First stop on our tour is the place we used to live. Back then, it was a two-bedroom, single storey, unfinished house. I shared a bedroom with my three siblings. We would play on the roof and have BBQs with buffalo steak that had been marinaded overnight to help it be tender enough to eat!

The house may have been small, but there were spectacular views, especially from the outside toilet!

Down the road in one direction, it will take you to the “Shining School”, the two room primary school where I was a student. It is also the school mentioned in Swallow Me, NOW! as Sam’s favourite primary school.

Going in the other direction from the house, you will end up at the bazaar. You can buy all sorts of things from little shops and carts. I used to go there with my mum. Doing the weekly shopping in Pokhara was different than going to the supermarket here in Melbourne!

It has been a long time since I’ve been to Pokhara. My parents went back earlier this year and told us it has changed a lot. The house we lived in has been finished but the bazaar is still there.

All Sam wants to do is to fit in at her new school.
Feeling alone, and desperately trying to find her place in the world, she concocts an AMAZING story –
BUT it backfires on her, and she becomes known as the ‘Evil Genius’s Daughter!’
Can her life get any worse?

Melissa Gijsbers lives in the South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, with her two sons and pet blue tongue lizard. Between 1983 and 1986, her family were missionaries in Nepal. She enjoys catching up on the events of the day over mugs of hot chocolate with her sons after school.

Website: www.melissagijsbers.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MelissaGijsbers
Twitter: www.twitter.com/MissieK

ACRBA tour Better than a superhero by Belinda Francis, illustrated by Kayleen West

Posted on July 22, 2014 by Narelle Atkins

21st – 25th June 2014

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

Better Than A Superhero

(Wombat books, 1 May 2014)

By

Belinda Francis, illustrated by Kayleen West

About the Book

Who is better than a superhero? Find out about Jesus as you explore what he did and who he was. And most importantly how Jesus really can be your best friend!

About the Authors

Belinda Francis

Award winning journalist turned children’s author Belinda Francis worked in newspapers, magazines and electronic media for ten years in South Africa before she and her family immigrated to Queensland.

Shortly after arriving in Australia, her elder son was diagnosed with ASD and she devoted the next few years to his early intervention, which with God’s guidance, has paid off miraculously. Her second son, who had been born ten weeks prematurely, is now healthy and strong – evidence of yet another miracle. She and her family recently celebrated the arrival of their third child, a much-prayed for daughter.

While raising her children, Belinda wrote Better than a Superhero, her first published book, and threw herself into the local church and community. She runs the Sunday school program at her church campus.

Belinda is passionate about raising children up in God’s kingdom and excited about the ministry opportunities the book will undoubtedly open up.

Kayleen West

An award winning artist, her work hangs in private and corporate collections in France, United States, Italy, and the Australian Embassy in Ireland and in government collections in Australia.

Although an initial childhood dream was to write and illustrate for children, Kayleen was encouraged to venture into a career of an exhibiting fine artist and later a graphic designer.

Returning to her original passion in 2009, Kayleen is now a published children’s Author and Illustrator working on her third children’s book and writes Christian content for magazines and blogs.

Kayleen is the author and illustrator of Without Me? (Wombat Books, 2013) and the illustrator of Better than a Superhero (Even Before Publishing, 2014).

For more information: www.kayleenwest.com.au

ACRBA Tour Dave the Donkey by Andrew McDonough

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Narelle Atkins

31 March – 4 April 2014

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

Dave the Donkey

by

Andrew McDonough

About the Book

Jerusalem. A lone rider approaches. The cheering crowd swarm to greet him. The King has come, mounted upon his mighty steed Dave the Donkey! Join Dave, his Grandpa and Jesus in this epic Easter tale of power, courage, death and resurrection. If you like Black Beauty you will love Dave the Donkey.

About the Author

Andrew McDonough is the creator of the popular Lost Sheep resources. He has written and illustrated 21 children’s stories that are used in schools and churches around the world. Based in South Australia, Andrew belongs to the WestCare community, an inner city mission working amongst the homeless, supporting people struggling with addictions and advocating for refugees. He regularly visits schools & churches to tell stories, conduct workshops, preach and lead all-age worship services. He and the Lost Sheep team have a passion to provide high quality Biblical storytelling resources to children’s workers, pastors and parents. Andrew’s stories including Cecil the Lost Sheep, Jesus and the Children, Echidnas on Everest and his latest book, Tina the Tree.

https://www.lostsheep.com.au/

Narelle: My daughter and I enjoyed reading Dave the Donkey. Grandchildren have a special relationship with their grandparents, and Dave is excited to tell his grandpa that he carried the king to Jerusalem. Dave asks his grandfather to tell him what happened to the king in Jerusalem, and he’s surprised to learn the truth.

Dave the Donkey is a sweet story that provides a lovely and easy to understand explanation of what happened at Easter in Jerusalem. It’s written and illustrated in a way that will appeal to younger children. There are 21 books in the Lost Sheep series. I highly recommend this book to parents looking for a fun, Bible-based story that can help their children learn more about Easter.

Many thanks to the author for providing a review copy.

A book giveaway of Dave the Donkey is currently running on the Ausjenny blog as part of the ACRBA Tour.

http://ausjenny.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/acrba-tour-dave-donkey-by-andrew.html

ACRBA Tour Firelight of Heaven by Lizabeth Klein

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Narelle Atkins

20 – 24 January 2014

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

Firelight of Heaven

Wombat Books Oct 2013

By

Lizabeth Klein

About the Book

While he searches for the last king to gain total control, two orphaned brothers and an Elf girl begin a quest to locate the seven lost crystals of the Morning Star. This jewel alone holds the key to Morgran’s overthrow. Their journey leads them through the perilous land of Gardenia, where their friendship is tested. But one dark secret threatens to tear them apart altogether … Firelight of Heaven is the first volume in the Bethloria fantasy series. Greenheart of the Forest, Book 2 is due for release 2014.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Elizabeth (Lizbeth) Klein and I live in the Sutherland Shire with my husband, Malcolm. I have over 19 years experience in the classroom and 6 years as Tutor of English for both Primary and High School students. Four of my students have completed actual novels (unpublished).

I have published several stories for the Yellow Box, a reading kit for early readers in Primary School. I have also had many on-line Educational articles and lessons published as well as poetry and stories in two anthologies. Currently I am writing a fantasy series and have almost completed the fourth book. There are three to go in the Bethloria series.

My website is: Bethloria.com.au

ACRBA Tour: Can God See Me? by Penny Reeve

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Narelle Atkins

18 – 22 November

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

Can God See Me?

Wombat Books Oct 2013

By

Penny Reeve

About the Book

I read in the Bible, so it must be true, God can see everything that I do. But what might this look like? And how far does God’s care reach? Join the wild, hilarious and certainly crazy ride of a young boy who dares to imagine the incredible scope of God’s love and care.

About the Author

Penny Reeve grew up as the child of missionary parents in a variety of cross cultural settings. She then went to university, got married and served for several years herself in PNG and Nepal.

She now lives with her family in Western Sydney and is the author of 11 children’s books including the very popular Find the Animal series for young children and the social-justice themed Tania Abbey novels.

Website: http://www.pennyreeve.com/

ACRBA Tour Joy by Kirrily Lowe

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Narelle Atkins

21 – 25 October

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

Introducing

Joy

(Wombat Books August 2010)

By

Kirrily Lowe

www.theinvisibletree.com.au

About the Book:

“I’ve lost my joy where could it be?”
Come with our little girl on a search to find her “Joy”. Is it under the apple tree, is it out to sea, or is it in something that we cannot see? A message for little ones and big ones – where do we go to find joy when we have lost it.

About the Author:

Kirrily Lowe is the author of The Invisible Tree series of children’s books – a delightful and fun series seeking to capture great and timeless values for little ones.

Kirrily began her career as a lawyer working with children in Sydney’s Western Suburbs.

She is now the pastor together with her husband Tim of C3 City Campus – a dynamic and creative congregation in Darlinghurst, Sydney.

Kirrily began writing in 2010 whilst at home with her young children.

Kirrily lives in the northern suburbs of Sydney with Tim and her 3 young and lively boys.

Narelle: Joy is the second book in the Invisible Tree series. BelBel has lost her joy and she is searching everywhere to find it again. The story has a lovely message that our joy comes from God’s love for us. I liked the ‘Invisible Tree’ analogy and thought it was an interesting way to explain to younger children how God’s spirit can live inside us.

The illustrations are eye catching and the text is presented as if the words and phrases were cut out of magazines or newspapers and pasted on the page. The result is colourful and could help children identify key words in the sentences. I recommend this book to parents and carers who are looking for a fun and educational book to read with their Preschoolers.

Many thanks to Wombat Books for providing a review copy.