Category Archive

The Hull

The hull is the watertight bottom section of a boat that goes in the water. It can be open at the top, like in a dinghy, or closed in with a deck. The hull is the body of the boat. It is the part of the boat that lets it float on the water. To […]

Title Reveal

After 4 years in the making, it’s time at last for the title reveal. The illustrations are finished and the book launch date set, but more about that another day. Today, I am excited to be reveal that the first A Big Blue Boat sequel is … Emma Stuart has brought to life this rhythmic […]

The Book Cow Kingston

There are only 4 days until we bring A Big Blue Boat to The Book Cow Kingston. I am looking forward to meeting everyone as I share the story of A Big Blue Boat. 2 stories to share, activities to make, books to buy and have signed. Tickets are FREE. Just click on the image […]

Across the Curriculum

A Big Blue Boat and the topic of sailing boats can be can be incorporated across the curriculum for children of all ages. As the A Big Blue Boat series grows, the topics of study will continue to increase. This page will assist you with discovering what is possible…

The Anchor

The anchor is an important piece of equipment on a boat. It locks into sand or mud and stops the boat from floating away. After long weeks at sea, it’s lovely hearing the rattle and clang as the anchor races towards the seabed. The anchor on Lesley’s illustrations in ‘A Big Blue Boat’ is called […]

Reading Fun at Kempsey Library

There was reading fun at Kempsey Library when I shared the story, A Big Blue Boat, last Thursday. Everyone had a great time! We had children aged from 18 months up to 12 years. There was something for everyone to do. I just love sharing my stories with the children. It was lovely meeting Melanie, […]

Feather Stars

Yesterday, I discovered the most amazing sea creatures I have ever seen. They are called Feather Stars. Live Diet Can grow up to Scientific Name Eaten by ? Plankton 31cm Crinoidea Fish and mooches Feather Stars are the closest thing alive to walking plants! Their bodies are so small that they are difficult to see. […]

Lionfish

I love Lionfish. We were really lucky to see one swimming next to Gratis when we were visiting the island of Rodrigues. Live Diet Can grow up to Scientific Name Eaten by 10-15 years Fish, crustaceans (like shrimp), and molluscs 38cm in length Pterois volitans moray eels, tiger groupers, blue-spotted cornet fish and some sharks […]

Why Is The Toilet Called The Head?

How the toilet came to be called the Head is a really interesting question. I had to do a bit of searching to find the answer. About 600 years ago, the front of the boat was called the ‘head’. No-one knows the exact date when the word ‘head’ was used to mean the toilet. Early […]

Writing Fun

In this writing fun activity, trace, write and colour the Captain and A Big Blue Boat. Two free activity sheets to download and print. For more literacy fun click here For the A Big Blue Boat Activity Book click here