When I Grow up I Wanna Write a Kids Book: bullying

I am delighted to welcome my friend Alison Reynolds, author of numerous books including the wonderful: A new friend for Marmalade and of course the hugely popular Pickle and Bree series.

We are the last stop in the blog tour, but you can jump back to the other hosts, to find out more about Alison's books. Trust, me, there is some real gold to be read, so I hope you hop along.

Boomerang Books: Click to read

Creative Kids Tales: Click to read

Aussie Reviews Click to read

Just Write For Kids: Click to read

Let’s start with a little about Alison and her books.

So Alison, tell us, how did you get the idea for Pickle and Bree? Did you pitch it to a publisher, or were you asked to write the series? This always puzzles me.

I was fortunate to be commissioned to write this series. The publisher sent me an illustration of Pickle and Bree and asked, “Would you like to work with these characters?” I said “YES”. Previously, they had mentioned the possibility of me doing a series on manners for 4 – 8 years. I’ve already written quite a few series on manners. This is not something that I ever would have thought would become a bit of a speciality, but I actually do think manners help create a gentler, nicer world.

After brainstorming, how much does the original text change for a Pickle and Bree Story?

The gist of the original text stays the same, but the text does often change. I really enjoy this process of chipping away at the text. One of the amazing things for me when writing picture books is how important each word is. The editor will often point out something, then I think and think and come up with a new line. Unfailingly, this is always an improvement on the original text. The more Pickle and Bree books I write, the easier it is to dive back into their characters and the plot soon emerges.

Seeing the illustrations for the first time from Mikki Butterley, were you blown away? We certainly think they are exquisite!!!

My first reaction was a gasp of disbelief. How does she do it? Whatever situation I come up with I never need to think will Mikki be able to illustrate this? She always can brilliantly. I also love the details she adds to her illustrations and how she creates such a complete world. I feel so fortunate to work with her!

Now you have two new books coming out by Five Mile Press to be released February 2017.

I am dying to get my hands on this one below for my little G starting school this year. Can you tell us about them?

The editor suggested I write a book about bullying. My 7 year old niece was staying with us, and said some girls bullied her by saying she wore pink runners and she didn’t like feeling different. This resonated with me. Some children wouldn’t care if somebody commented on their shoes, but others would. So the THE PLAYGROUND MEANIES arose where Pickle and Bree are spending a day outdoors with their good friend, Jason. They’re excited to explore the playground, and are even more excited about making some new friends―until they meet two little bears who are not very friendly at all! Pickle is puzzled when the meanies try to tease him about his big feet, because he knows they are big and he likes them that way. However, his sensitive friend, Jason, is upset by the meanies’comments. Pickle and Bree have to deal with the playground bullies.

My Review:

When Pickle and Bree and their friend Jason, meet two rambunctious koala bears in the playground, they don't quite know what to do. Howard and Gracie begin poking fun at Jason's panda bear feet.

Pickle being a bear, offers them a slightly rude suggestion, but Bree encourages him not to be mean.

They try ignoring Howard and Gracie, but they seem intent on making even bigger fun of Jason's big feet. Pickle takes the matter in hand, as only a bear can with the most ferocious roar, but that doesn't really have the desired effect. Howard and Gracie just high tail it out of there, returning later with a picnic of honey buns. Intent on continuing their meany ways, the koala bears find themselves in a spot of... well, what can I say, that would give it away. When Jason steps in, literally to save the day, Howard and Gracie realise that different isn't always bad. It's what makes us special.

I loved the resolution here, and the fact that all the way along, Bree encourages Pickle and Jason to find a solution, without retaliation.

The end pages sport a full page of Pickle and Bree's Guide to Good Deeds, which were just wonderful. Five practical ways that children can process what it means when people are being unkind, and strategies to help them see their way through it.

I must admit, I did shed a tear on the fifth, knowing that my little girl is at this very moment attending her third full day of prep school.

I cannot wait to share this beautiful book with her teacher, as I know it will go along way in setting the tone for the years to come. Great for ages 4-8.

Brilliant story Alison and Mikki.

I give it 5 stars!

Now onto the next one, take it away again Alison

THE BIG SNOW ADVENTURE explores why we should follow rules. Pickle and Bree are off for a holiday in the snow! Bree can’t wait to try skiing, and Pickle is excited about snowboarding — but Pickle and Bree are so enthusiastic that they forget they’re sharing the space with their friends. Pickle and Bree need to figure out how to have fun while making sure their friends have fun too.

MY REVIEW:

Pickle and Bree are ready for a snow adventure, but it seems, neither of them have remembered their manners. Pushing in line, ignoring the teacher's instruction, racing down the mountain collecting anyone on the way, and doing their level best to win regardless of anyone else. When the two finally realise that their friends no longer want to play, they examine their actions, and try to make amends.

I really enjoyed this one equally, as we see the shoe on the other foot. Pickle and Bree being the ones to not follow the rules, and to suffer the consequences. I loved this opposite take on the traditional way of imparting the story, which usually has the main character doing every right, and pointing out what others are doing wrong. This really encourages children to examine their own behaviour, its impact on others and how to adjust according.

As per usual, we conclude with Pickle and Bree's Guide To Good Deeds, where we learn five reasons why rules are there to be followed, and the consequences when they are ignored.

Another fantastic book, Alison and Mikki,

I give it 5 stars also!

Now, a little bit more about Alison. The way we met was through her generosity of spirit, and her desire to create an event for aspiring writers to meet the super star publishers of Australia.

Will you tell us a little about KidlitVic?

I love Melbourne and firmly believe that as a UNESCO City of Literature we needed an event in Melbourne where writers and illustrators of children’s and YA literature could meet with publishers. KidLitVic Meet the Publishers was established giving new, emerging and established writers and illustrators the opportunity to meet and hear from industry professionals about publishing children's and YA books in the current Australian market.

This year we are extremely proud to have 20 publishing professionals attending. With discussion panels of industry experts, the opportunity for a fifteen minute one-on-one manuscript or illustrator portfolio assessment with one of Australia's leading publishers, writing and illustration workshops and the chance to network with other creators, KidLitVic 2017 will kick-start, build, reinvigorate and strengthen your creative career.

For information head on over to Kid Lit Vic This year is completely sold out now, but I highly encourage anyone interested in gaining a foot into the Australian publishing industry, to check it out for next year.

NOW FOR THE INCREDIBLE PRIZES!!!

BOOK GIVEWAYS!

Just leave a comment on any of the posts in the blog tour, comment on facebook or twitter or even email alrey@msn.com.au to win a copy of The Playground Meanies or The Big Snow Adventure.

JUMP THE SLUSH PILE IS BACK!

Win an opportunity for a children’s editor at The Five Mile Press to look at your picture book submission (strictly 500 words or less). Just comment on any of the posts in the blog tour and add initials JSP.

Win a free picture book assessment by the author Alison Reynolds. Just comment on any of the posts in the blog tour and add the initials PB.

Remember the more you comment, the more chances you have to win.

TEDDY BEAR CONTEST FOR ALL AGES!

Win a print of Mikki Butterley’s fabulous artwork from one of these two books. Just send a photo or drawing of your favourite teddy to alrey@msn.com.au or upload to https://www.facebook.com/alison.reynolds.524 or Twitter @AlisonReynoldsa

Competitions close March 24^th and winners to be announced and contacted by March 31^st.

Thank you so much for joining us Alison and I am looking forward so much for the release of your new books.

Be sure to stop by her website.

Alison Reynolds

Welcome to the 52nd Kid Lit Blog Hop

We continue to develop a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists. You are always more than welcome to join us by popping in a post and hopping around to meet some of your fellow Kid Lit bloggers and authors!

For the first time, we will also be including a Linky Party to be held in conjunction with the Kid Lit Blog Hop. Every two weeks, you will have the opportunity to join in a linky party focused on one social media network, helping you to connect with and grow your network of fellow kid lit bloggers, authors, and parents. Be sure to check both linky's at the bottom of this post.

Now, today I have a review of a lovely chapter book by a fellow Aussie author.

Amazon Link

My Review:

Sam is starting a new school after returning from living in Nepal as a missionary. She wants to fit in, so when she is assigned to sit next to Felicity, one of the prettiest girls in the class, Sam is hopeful that her new school will be awesome. Things don't start off well, when Sam notices Felicity cheating off her. Sam is too timid to let her teacher know, and things get worse when Felicity seems to be doing everything she can to exclude and tease her. Things come to a head when Sam begins to make up stories about her mum being an evil genius, wanting to take over the word. This leads to even more alienation from Felicity and her minions, and eventually Sam snaps. She finds herself sitting in the principals office as a consequence of her behaviour, but she still can't level with her parents as to what caused her to act as she did.

A well meaning education session from the teaching staff to the school about bullying, didn't really solve Sam's problem but it was a great turning point. She eventually gains her courage and has the strength to come clean with her class about the stories she has made up. In the process she ends up giving a super presentation about her time in Nepal. Sam is astounded when the kids don't laugh at all, but begin to ask her some questions about her life in another country. She finds some common ground with a new group of friends in the playground and eventually leaves the behind Felicity's of the world. She embarks on a new school term with friends who understand her and are happy to include her.

This was a sweet book, that really struck a cord with me. I felt Sam's alienation, lonliness and feelings of helplessness, right along with her. It was great to watch Sam eventually find the strength to change her situation. The education session with the teachers was a great teaching moment, where they spell out quite simply the meaning of bullying. I especially liked the idea that if kids see others being bullied, they should take the initiative and stand up against it. I believe this would make a great resource for the school classroom, as the strategies Sam uses to over come her fears are really practical. I would recommend this for children ages 5-7.

Connect With Melissa

That's all from me folks, happy hopping....

We are pleased to be welcome the following co-hostess with us this week: Katie from The Logonauts, a blog focused on sharing and discussing great books for elementary and middle grade readers. Please take a moment to drop by and say hello. Welcome Katie!

Hostesses:

Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Julie Grasso, Author/ Blogger

Cheryl Carpinello, Author / Blogger

Stacking Books

BeachBoundBooks

Pragmatic Mom

Best 4 Future: Bringing Up Baby Bilingual

Reading Authors

Co-Hostess:

The Logonauts

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Thursday, 16 February 2017