New Zealand author and storyteller, Tanya Batt, had year 1 and 2 students wild with enthusiasm when she took centre-stage. Eyes were glued to her orange-field-of-flowers and trees landscape dress, ebbing beneath a sea of tulle. ‘No matter where you go in the world, everybody has stories to share. Not everybody can read or write,…
Steaming up the Story Arts’ Festival Ipswich’s (SAFI) Saturday Gala Dinner were the Victorian Era Sci-Fi cast. The steam punkers were from either The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Wild Wild West, H.G. Wells – War of the Worlds or Jules Verne – Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Ipswich’s Metro Hotel guests were privy to the era’s steampunk costumes. The…
By Maria Parenti Author and engineer Andrew King encouraged his young year 1 and 2 audience to dream, draw, design and create. King said engineers liked to draw and design because they were like big kids. He encouraged students to think and imagine. To build planes, bridges, buildings, cars and playgrounds using cardboard boxes. To get…
Author and public servant with a legal background, Cori Brooke wears a cool hat for every story. She was thrilled to be shortlisted for the CBCA Children’s Book of the Year awards in the Early Childhood category. ‘All I Want for Christmas is Rain’ was popular with the little-ones who guessed right. Brooke was to wear……
When Brisbane author Yvonne Mes introduced herself, she had some 100 year 3, 4 and 5 students putting their hands up wanting the glamorous life of a Picture Book author — on the red carpet with Justin Timberlake, a three storey mansion with giant playground, red Ferrari and private jet. One student was so convinced,…
Jack Heath, best selling author of 500 Minutes of Danger. He held his audience captive, until his final word was met with an uproarious applause. When Heath asked who had read his books, he received a resounding thumbs up. He acknowledged his readers and launched into inspiring our future writers. ‘Each story takes about 100…
Looking for something a little different in your salad. Try this refreshing apple salad combining the salty taste of olives, creaminess of farm fresh boiled eggs, sweetness of tomatoes, zesty-ness of fresh lemon and the zing of Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother (fermentation). Enjoy with cooked chicken, steak, salmon, lamb or pork loin or simply…
My eyebrows raised a tad when I heard the name of this kids’ card game — Strip Jack Naked. However, I was curious to find out how this kids’ version was played. Particularly having had so much fun playing the other family card games with ‘My Ship Sails’ and ‘Snap’. Hence, I was keen to…
Take A Moment… To appreciate what photos reveal, focus your lense and wait. Train it on your subject. Hold on tight. That unexpected moment takes but one press to capture an image of those we hold dear. A Poem to Our Children Our Children Teach them, guide them, be there for them Talk to…
The Gondor Writer Centre is a workshop space where national and international authors share their knowledge with writers. In searching for places to improve my writing skills, I discovered Elaine Ouston and Ron Day offered numerous workshops. So far, I’ve enjoyed courses with author and publisher, Aleesah Darlison (Picture Book Writing) of Greenleaf Press and Elaine Ouston (Writing Believable Dialogue) of Morris Publishing Australia. These hands-on,…
If you’re craving a snack attack, here’s a tasty treat to stave the hungry pangs. This combination of avocado, cheese, red onion, baby spinach and kale on a toasted crumpet works well. However, add a tin of tuna or cooked chicken for protein. When the crumpet is toasted it creates a firmer crispier base. Method…
Take a moment… Water falls from high above into an endless stream. It blasts like a cold wet wind, plunging head first into its icy embrace. Hear its constant rumble as they meet, flicking its spray like a fine whispery mist. A Poem to Waterfalls Waterfalls Rushing water, falls and tumbles, diving off its…
Big Sister Blogs - Maria Parenti 