Follow the diary detailing the events taking place as A Day on the Brine comes to life.
April 11th, 2025
A Day on the Brine has received a 5-star review from Literary Titan.
‘A Day on the Brine is a charming, rhythmic journey through the ocean’s wonders, seen through the eyes of a curious captain and the creatures she encounters on her voyage. With lyrical, repetitive verse and vibrant illustrations, the book flows from one sea creature to the next, capturing the natural rhythms of marine life from sunrise to moonrise. Set off the west coast of Australia, this tale speaks to the interconnectedness of life on the ocean and the quiet magic of the sea.
Right from the start, I was pulled in by the rhythm. The repeated structure—“And what do you think she sees?” makes it feel like a lullaby, or a chant you’d say to a child while swaying on a boat. It’s simple, but it works. I especially loved the line about the “squid pink and shy” who “peeks at the sky.” That moment stuck with me, there’s something so soft and endearing about it. It’s playful but also poetic. The use of double adjectives, “white/white,” “pink/pink,” “green/green,” initially felt unusual, but they started to feel like waves lapping: steady, repeated, calming.
The writing isn’t trying to be clever. It’s honest and kind. There’s a real respect for the sea here, and that shines through the gentle language and Emma Stuart’s dreamy illustrations. I found myself lingering on the page with the “whale large and grey” coming up for a play. That spread, both in words and visuals, felt alive. There’s no heavy lesson being pushed, but you still get this sense of awe for marine life and the beauty of slowing down to look at the world.
One thing I appreciated deeply is the circular nature of the story. It begins and ends with the big blue boat, creating a feeling of coming home, of completing a cycle. The moon watching the boat and captain at the end made me smile. It’s subtle, but it tugs at something warm in you. It reminded me of how, as a kid, I’d imagine the moon following me on car rides home. Also, the glossary and activities at the end are a nice bonus, educational without being dry, and great for curious young readers. This book is a delight. If you’ve got little ones who love the ocean, or if you just want something calming and beautiful to read together at bedtime, A Day on the Brine is for you. It’s got heart, rhythm, and a soft sense of wonder. I’d recommend it to families, early educators, or anyone who finds peace in the sea.’
To find out what other people saying click HERE
March 2nd, 2025
After weeks -and months – of planning there was a pre-launch celebration at Robinvale followed by a successful Launch Day at the Swan Hill Library.
Kellie, the librarian, was fantastic to work with, and all who came had a marvellous time – myself included – as we became immersed in the tale about a boat, a girl and the hungriest of fish.
I extend a massive thank you to all who made this launch possible, and everyone who joined us for the hour.
February 1st 2025
It’s difficult to believe launch day is almost here.
Reviewers are coming on board. One can never have too many.
I don’t expect reviews to be placed on Amazon or Goodreads. Amazon has stipulations that need to be met, and some people prefer not to. I totally understand. If you are interested in getting a sneak peek, and want to email a review that I can share I would really appreciate you letting me know via this link.
The new bookmarks have arrived and I just love the colours.
I am madly working on the activities that will be part of the A Day on the Brine author visit sessions.
Resources and packages for teachers – and schools – are now available through the webpage shop.
The best news of all is you can now order a copy and have it arrive in time for launch day.
In the meantime, check out the short video below to have a peek at what is coming.
December 2024
With just over two months to go until launch day, preparations have ramped up a notch.
This week I have commenced my search for reviewers – if you are interested send me a line via the contact form.
The first of the books has arrived. The colours and the finish are supberb! I thought you might like to have a bit more of a peak.
November 2024
It’s exciting to be able to share the news. A Day on the Brine is available to pre-order.
And yes, there has been a last minute change to the book’s title. It has a much better feel and gives the reader an idea of the time during which the action takes place.
It was all I could do to contain myself when the proofs arrived.
I can now share with you that A Day on the Brine has gone to print.
October 2024
It’s been a long journey, but at last the first A Big Blue Boat sequel is almost ready to go to print.
Titles aren’t fully decided until close to launch date. This has been the case with this A Big Blue Boat story. On occasions, I have to mull over ideas for some time, before the final answer arrives. It was whilst in discussion with Chris and Kate from Old Mate Media, that the
I can also share with you that the the official title is A Day on the Brine and cover reveal day is just around the corner.
The end pages that Chris from Old Mate Media has created are stunning.
2023
What wonderful sights will a big blue boat and her captain see when sailing upon the brine in this A Big Blue Boat sequel?
Shortlisted 2022 Page Turner Awards
Winner of 2022 Page Turner Awards: Best Picture Book Genre
If you love Bill Martin Jr’s Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? you are going to love A Day on the Brine.
In this new rhythmic, rhyming story, what ocean animals will a big blue boat and her captain see?
I am so fortunate to have the very talented Emma Stuart illustrating this sequel.
To see more of Emma’s artwork click HERE.
To read an Interview with Emma – click HERE
Emma has shared two stunning illustrations.
Emma shared a process video with me so that you can see how she creates her stunning images.
Emma Stuart has brought our captain to life in this sequel about life on the brine.
To keep up to date with the almost daily news, click HERE
