An Australian Secret Author: Karen Hendriks Illustrator: Emma Stuart Publisher: Little Shell Books Year: 2024 Image: Cover of 2024 1st edition Australia has many hidden treasures. Shell Harbour is one of them. In this beautifully illustrated book, Karen Hendriks has brought the Shell Harbour region to life. Children will also love the onomatopoeia scattered throughout […]

DEAR EARTH Author: Isabel Otter Illustrator: Clara Anganuzzi Publisher: Little Tiger Press Year: 2020 I found this beautiful picture book the other day. Being an author who writes picture books about sailing, loves anything to do with the sea, and wants to see our world saved, the title and exquisite imagery on the cover drew me in. […]

Author: Paul Jennings Illustrator: Lea Bob Publisher: Puffin; 1st edition Year: 3 May 2004 I was going through my book library the other day and came across the Rascal series by Paul Jennings. It’s about 20 years since the first Rascal book was released, but they were great for children experiencing difficulties with learning, and […]

Hello World: Ocean Life Being a sailor, I love anything to do with the sea and was delighted when I found this lovely 26 – page board book, ‘Hello World: Ocean Life’ by Jill McDonald. Being a sailor, I love anything to do with the sea and was delighted when I found this lovely 26 […]

Back in the day, I was a youngster who preferred doing activities that were considered a ‘boy’s thing’ and was often referred to as a ‘Tom Boy’. Then at the age of 12 or 13, I found myself being informed that I had need to start behaving like a young lady… Being a female sailor, […]

Here I share with you the books I love. Being an author isn’t just about writing books. It’s also about reading books. Thankfully, I am one of those people who devours books – and it’s not just those written for adults. Many of the books I most enjoy are those written for children. Over time, […]