Emma the Eager Emu Cover Reveal and Reviews

My brand new picture book "Emma the Eager Emu" should arrive by the end of this week! I'm feeling so excited I can't wait to finally see her in print.  It's time to reveal to you the amazing front cover that my wonderful friend an illustrator, Dianna Budd produced from my ramblings. I am so proud to introduce to you Emma the Eager Emu in all her glory as she so well deserves. :)

Emma won her first award as a children's story in an online competition back in 2012 and has been eagerly awaiting to come to life in illustrated form ever since. I am so glad I was fortunate to meet Dianna at another author's book launch about twelve months ago. I sent her the manuscript which she instantly adored. We started talking about options and Emma's journey to illustrated birth began. Below are a few of the reviews Emma received at the time of winning the competition.

REVIEWS.

This story has a wonderfully, well-written allegory that focuses on differences between people (birds) and which teaches us to appreciate those differences. The moral is subtle, and although probably written for a younger audience, it has such a crisp charm that older readers cannot help but to admire the tale.

Each line seemed to flow seamlessly into the next, and I know that is not as easy as it seems. It requires practice and a fair measure of God-given skill to produce.

The writing was quite beautiful in its clarity and simplicity:

"Rosella screeched. Yellow Crested Cockatoo squawked and Pink Galah squealed."

The above is a prime example of what I mean. It is fresh, descriptive and economical and yet when read, it seems full-bodied and charming. The the moral is only a simple one, it is the form and style of your writing that elevates this tale to a high place.

Ah, if we were all as successful as Emma at rationalizing our shortcomings. There are at least a couple ways to approach your tale. To some readers, they will see her "flight" as championing her strengths, while readers that are more cynical, will see it as her glossing over her failures. Not that any of that matters here, for it is the writing itself that is the highlight of this story and that is exceptional.  - Tiggy

Cute story. It teaches to never give up, just keep trying and you'll succeed. I love children's stories. I am going to read your story to my granddaughter. She'll love it!  - Jeannie

Such a cute tale! I loved reading this! It's a great children's story as it teaches a lesson in a fun way. I like the repetition too. A really great children's story. I really liked the variety of birds you've included in the story. It makes it rather educational for children, I think. I truly enjoyed reading it.   - Spidey

What a delightful story - excellent use of personality names and characters in the four different bird varieties.

Excellent repetition of phrasing. Especially in a children's story.

• "One, two, three, look at me, I can fly!"
• "Rosella screeched. Yellow Crested Cockatoo squawked and Pink Galah squealed."

I really like the emphasis placed on all their differences, including appearances, and the persistence to keep trying. Well done and hope to see this beautifully illustrated in the children's department of my local bookstore soon.  - Glenda, Country Granny.

It's been a few years, but Glenda might just get her wish yet! "Emma the Eager Emu" will be available for purchase in the next week or two from this website and hopefully a few local bookstores soon too!

"Emma the Eager Emu" is a beautifully illustrated picture book suitable for ages 3 and beyond. Although as an advocate of reading from as early an age as possible (even birth) why not start reading Emma to your little ones as early as possible. Not only will they love it, you will too!

10 Awesome Reasons Why Kids Should Read.

Summer holidays are at their end. Australian kids all around the nation are embarking on another academic school year. With that comes the controversial issue of homework.

Currrent research theory suggests that homework is not necessary. I'm not here to debate the pro's and con's of homework, (some may say that it depends entirely upon the age of the children and the stage of schooling they are at.) Suffice to say, if your kids are in Primary school, no matter what your school's current homework policy happens to be, I believe all children should at least read.

Below are my 10 awesome reasons why I believe all children (no matter what their age) should have the opportunity to read at home every day.

1.Imaginations grow and expand as books take children to magical far away lands with intriguing characters and unusual creatures.

2.Reading inspires creativity to think and invent. It is with stories children are inspired to dream and it is those dreamers who grow up to become the inventers of our world and our future.

3.Children can explore the world around them without leaving the safety of their bedroom. They can learn all about geography, flora and fauna, all things great and small.

4. Vocabulary is increased. The more a child reads, the more new words they discover. Comprehension is learnt in context and gradually as the new vocabulary is read more often it becomes part of every day life and speech.

5. Improved spelling. Repetition is a secret to success and as such, the more often a child reads, the more often they see the same words repeatedly in written form, again in context rather than isolation giving more meaning to each word. This makes it more likely that these words will become embedded in the memory and the child will be able to "see" the word when they are required to spell it.

6. Reading opens up a whole world of knowledge. Once a child learns to read, they can choose to read anything enabling them to learn about whatever their heart desires. It helps to stimulate the brain so that the child can grow and be educated to become whatever they choose to be when they become an adult.

7. Reading helps to develop empathy for other people  through viewing the world through the eyes of many different colourful characters. Giving children opportunities to understand how someone else may feel in situations that they may or may not be familiar with.

8. Life's lessons are taught through many children's books as they so often have a worthwhile moral to the story. This also opens up opportunities for family discussions and debates bringing the family closer together as they unite around a topic.

9. The more a child reads, the better they get at it. Like anything else in life, whether that is piano lessons or kicking a ball, we all know the old adage that "practice makes perfect."

10. Last, but by no means least, reading together, sharing  a book with someone you love, ( a parent, grandparent, sibling or friend) brings people together to make special moments. It allows time for laughter, cuddles and hugs. It builds relationships and creates strong bonds that form ever lasting wonderful memories.

So whatever happens in your house this year during the busy school terms to come, whether there is after school sport practice, music lessons,  or swimming training, (not to mention the usual household chores,) please take the time to read with your children every day. Even if it is only 20 minutes a day, you will not only be instilling a great life long habbit, you will also be giving them a love of learning and reading that

they will both love you and thank you for one day.