#writing #submissions Taking time out to write, submit stories and enjoy this beautiful Autumn weather.

#writingtime #autumnglow

ANZAC Biscuits by Phil Cummings and Owen Swan @scholastic_au This commemorative edition of Anzac Biscuits is a must-have. I read this with my sons and discussed the significance of ANZAC day and ANZAC Biscuits. We will read this again on ANZAC day and as we usually do, will make ANZAC Biscuits. A story written from two perspectives in such a reflective and lyrical style. One perspective is a father at war and the other, his daughter and wife at home. The story is particularly emotional as the illustrations and carefully chosen vocabulary express the horrors of war and how difficult it must have been without their family members. We see a mother and daughter bonding over time in the kitchen and creating something for her father. This story is a very powerful story that tells of history and humanity. My boys want to read this again, as I hope they will again sit down and reflect on this story. Congratulations Phil and Owen. A classic of a picture book that will be our go-to on fishing day.

The Feeds We Fear - A mother's story of bottle aversion, fear and finding a way forward by Bree Stead When a newborn baby comes into the world, the love felt is unlike anything ever experienced. The newborn stage also comes with many unexpected challenges, as parents' entire worlds are turned upside down. Life as we know it, is forever changed in beautiful ways, however in ways that also tear at our soul in ways we never imagined. Bree Stead's walk through the newborn stage began with hospital visits and a baby who could not feed. Bree describes what bottle aversion is and how it took hold of her life until she learnt to trust her own instincts and found helpful advice that truly spoke to her. Through negative and unhelpful advice, people who judged instead of listened and a medical system that did not see through the millimeters, Bree and her husband were courageous and took time to listen and learn from their baby. This is a heartfelt story of healing, hope and harmony. Whether readers are going through this same issue or not, the story will bring hope and healing for whatever season. To see how trust instead of fear can release is remarkable. Bree's writing is meaningful and powerful. I was moved to tears and loved reading of her daughter now, who is full of life and the beautiful impact some of her loved ones had on her journey made me smile. This is part memoir, part parenting book. Bree has bravely shared what she learnt, in the hope that her words will help others. She offers gentle support and guidance through naming what she has gone through, sharing what worked for her and her baby and empowering readers. Bree acknowledges that 'rebuilding trust, began with grief.' A time that should be comforting and calm that was interrupted... Grief hits hard but it often leads us through with higher levels of empathy and understanding that we never expected we could have, due to our personal experiences. Bree asks readers to be 'gentle' and to speak to themselves in a way they would speak to another parent in their position. These words are life lessons. Bree Stead, you are compassionate, talented and kind. Your thoughtful words will empower readers

Axel Scheffler's Treasury of Fairy Tales An illustration style we know and love! Axel Scheffler has created vibrant illustrations to accompany well loved fairy tales. His style is unlike any other and he has created such memorable characters. Here in this collection we see him bring characters to life in a wonderful way. A perfect bedtime story collection and one that brings classic fairy tales to life in a modern hardcover book. The perfect gift for new parents, for preschool and early primary school children. The font is easy to read and the book is well set out with a chosen few tales for children to enjoy. A beautiful book! @scholastic_au @scheffleraxel

Wowed! Look at that tree! By Ben Knight What a powerful and encouraging story. Ben Knight has written and illustrated this amazing story that comments on the beauty of nature, protecting our trees and ultimately how important it is to be who we are. The shades of grey in contrast to the bright green of the trees emphasize how the natural world stands out and how we should see nature - as something to treasure, look after and care for. It also focuses on how we can encourage children to grow, appreciating who they are as individuals. Ben Knights book will encourage environmental and positive self-esteem discussions. A fantastic book for wellbeing classes and a book that would be wonderful on every library shelf. A wonderful book to read aloud! Congratulations @scholastic_au and Ben Knight

I love the Jane Austen novels that I've read and have reread Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Sense and Sensibilty. This is my first time reading Mansfield Park. Mansfield Park is our book club read of the month! Have you read it? I am only 16 pages in and love what I've read so far. It's said to be Jane's most controversial story, for the time, so I'm looking forward to when I can discuss with my beautiful friends in our book club. #bookclub #currentlyreading

Does nature inspire your writing? I am constantly inspired by nature, whether it is the vine on my porch that I see from my desk, or the beautiful place I live. #grateful #sunsets #family #authorlife

Sugoi!! Captain Underpants - The First Epic Manga Now, this is what I'm talking about! 'That was so funny! The fliporamas were so good!' said my eldest son who finished this manga in a matter of an hour and couldn't put it down, even to eat breakfast. The illustrations are colourful and engaging, as per usual for this tanoshii series! David Pilkey is the master of fun! It's great to see manga being made from known series, for younger readers. A lot of High School students love Japanese manga and this is a fantastic way to introduce kids to manga at an early age. Amazing work @scholastic_au @dav_pilkey My son is already excited for the next installment.

Hot Chocolate on Thursday by Michiko Aoyama This story feels like a visit to the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney - each moment is filled with beauty and the entire experience is memorable. Michiko Aoyama's books are reflective and her style is unique. 'Hot Chocolate on Thursday' is filled with warmth and heart. The characters are all interwoven and this book speaks to the power of human connection. The power of community and kindness is explored throughout. The story comes full circle, however isn't tied up in a bow, rather readers are finding pieces to the puzzle of the lives of the characters. Each character has a connection in some way, thanks to kindness and love. An absolute must-read! The translation by E. Madison Shimoda does not leave me wishing I had the Japanese for certain phrases, like some translated fiction. Instead, I was wholeheartedly experiencing this novel that has been translated beautifully. A page turner and one I will reread. I am so glad to have found this beautiful book. The moving hot chocolate when fanning the pages is enjoyable and the notepads at the back useful. There are many sections in which notes are a must in this book! What a beautiful day trip today, for my family and I to the Royal Botanic Gardens. This is one of my favourite places to visit in Sydney and is featured within this novel. #hotchocolateonthursday