Two great books for the little kids in your life

One of the joys of having little people in your life is you get to read lovely big picture books to them.

Here are two new ones on very different themes that take quite sophisticated concepts and reduce them to simple ideas that little ones can relate to.

Augmented by charming illustrations they provide a little bit of pleasure at the end of the busy day – or in the present climate, they keep them occupied for just a little bit longer!

The Artist – Alison Binks

Click image to buy from Booktopia

‘The Artist’ is about a small boy filling his days by observing and recording what he sees about him with his box of paints. He also sails, plays with his dog, and plays piano. Alison Binks wrote and illustrated the book.

Author/illustrator Alison Binks

Alison Binks Interview

Alison Binks reads ‘The Artist’

Who’s Your Real Mum? – Bernadette Green and Anna Zoble

Click image to buy in Booktopia

Nicholas is confused- he wants to know why Elvi seems to have two Mums – which one is her ‘real’ Mum? Elvi strings him along for a bit with silly answers, but she isn’t avoiding the issue, she just doesn’t think it matters! Anna Zobel illustrated this gentle book on the art of gender non-discrimination.

Author Bernadette Green

Bernadette Green Interview

The Narratives Library has invited all authors with new books to launch who have missed out on openings, festivals and book club nights and other promotions that involve gatherings to ring up for an interview and will be featuring them in posts and Podcasts over the next few months.

Remember- all our book images take you to Booktopia, an all Australian company where you can purchase books at great prices. Now more than ever , authors need your support!

Next week : Lauren Chater with ‘Gulliver’s Wife’

Somerset Storyfest is coming up!

Storyfest Festival of Youth Literature -March 14-21

The Somerset Festival of Youth Literature is held each year at Somerset College in Queensland.

We have attended the past three years for a day to record as many of the top authors they attract as we can in the time available but this year, we get to attend for two whole days!

There are so many outstanding authors at these festivals each year so to get you in the mood here is couple of our favourites from previous years. And don’t be put off by the term ‘Youth Literature’, many of these authors write for both Young Adult and Adult and it shows in their work

‘Just Flesh and Blood’ by Jane Caro

So many thousand of words have been written and actions historically recorded about Henry VIII and his six unfortunate queens.

Jane Caro opens her book with the death of Anne, and afterwards I ask her if she found it chilling to write of an innocent woman’s blatant execution.

Jane Caro reads from ‘Just Flesh and Blood’

Author Jane Caro

Jane Caro Interview

I thought we needed something a little lighter after that – but then i found this fantastic extract from Felice Arena about a boy trapped in wartime Europe!

‘The Boy and the Spy’ by Felice Arena

Felice Arena reads from ‘The Boy and the Spy’

Felice Arena Interview

Author Felice Arena

If you enjoy these (almost weekly) posts please ask your friends to also subscribe- it’s free ! Throughout the year there will be over 50 new authors added to our pages and posts for you to enjoy.

Until next post -Karena