Arguably the most famous Australian export, Tasmanian native Richard Flanagan has set the literary world on fire with his often bruising, yet always lyrical and evocative novels. Almost every book he has written has been both a best seller and literary award winner. Many of his novels fall under the genre of Tasmanian Gothic, centering … Continue reading #TasmanianLitMonth – The Flanagan Brothers
#TasmanianLitMonth: Zane Pinner on Tasmanian Gothic
Written by guest contributor, Zane Pinner, introduction by Bec Taylor I would like to pay my respects to the traditional custodians of the land, the Palawa people of Tasmania, and to their Elders, past, present, and emerging. I acknowledge their deep spiritual connection to the land and their ongoing contributions to the culture of this … Continue reading #TasmanianLitMonth: Zane Pinner on Tasmanian Gothic
Introduction to #TasmanianLitMonth
Written by Bec Taylor Colonization and genocide, penal colonies, rugged unspoilt wilderness, ferocious and prolonged battles over natural resources, cultural and physical isolation, a tremendous foodie culture, and many weird and wonderful animals. Just some of the pillars of Tasmanian literature that have fascinated and enraptured readers across the world. Before I begin writing about … Continue reading Introduction to #TasmanianLitMonth
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: A Case with a Bang:
Frog and Toad meet Encylopedia Brown with a dash of The Wind in the Willows in the award-winning Detective Gordon series, a charming, whimsical set of five chapter books for ages 6-10. The final book in the series, A Case with a Bang starts off with young mouse Detective Buffy investigating a case of “night … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: A Case with a Bang:
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Chirri & Chirra, In the Night
If you are familiar with Japanese picture books, you may know that Chirri and Chirra, In the Night is merely the latest (eighth!) entry in the delightful series from author and illustrator Kaya Doi. Translated by David Boyd, this sweet little book is an ode to the magic that nighttime can bring. Chirri and Chirra … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Chirri & Chirra, In the Night
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: A Story About Afiya
Afiya is a young girl with "fine black skin" and "big brown eyes." Every day the world she sees and experiences leaves a beautiful imprint on her white summer dress: bunches of red roses one day, and butterflies, stalks and petals the next. The images remain—even after washing—until morning when, magically, the dress is again … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: A Story About Afiya
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Beethoven: A Stand for Freedom
From the Beatles’ “Roll Over Beethoven” to Schroeder in “Peanuts,” Ludwig van Beethoven has become a cultural icon. Beethoven cuts an appealing figure for teens. He was a talented musician who lost his hearing at the height of his fame; a romantic guy who loved a mysterious, unnamed woman but never married her; and a … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Beethoven: A Stand for Freedom
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II
Last week the American Library Association (ALA) presented their annual Youth Media Awards, celebrating the best in literature for young people. Among major awards such as the Caldecott and the Newbery medals, there is also the Mildred L. Batchelder Award, given to an outstanding "children’s book originally published in a language other than English in … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: A Swallow in Winter
This book was an impulse buy at my local bookshop in December last year. I was stocking up on Christmas presents and the beautiful cover by Thomas Campi caught my eye. When I noticed that the book was written by award-winning French author Timothée de Fombelle, I didn’t hesitate. A Swallow in Winter is a … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: A Swallow in Winter
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Pearl of the Sea
Set in South Africa, Pearl of the Sea* is a beautifully illustrated coming-of-age graphic novel for upper middle grade and YA readers. Pearl, whose mother abandoned the family long before the start of the story, lives with her father, Vernon—a restaurant owner and chef who is sinking deeper and deeper into financial trouble—and her beloved … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Pearl of the Sea
