tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30509639902275774442024-03-14T23:56:09.400+10:00Michelle Worthington AuthorMichelle Worthington is an award-winning children's author and international guest speaker on the power of storytelling. Michelle is dedicated to encouraging a strong love of reading and writing in young children and supports the vision of empowering youth through education and working on books that are purposeful, innovative and inspirational.
Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-13235486109009387042022-11-01T13:12:00.000+10:002022-11-01T13:12:40.417+10:00Meet the Author: Shae Millward<p><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Shae
Millward is the author of <i>The Rabbit’s Magician, Koalas Like</i> <i>To</i>
and <i>A Boy and a Dog</i>. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Shae is an enthusiastic advocate for
literacy. She aims to inspire through a love of books, the joy of reading and
writing, and the art of storytelling. Shae enjoys writing picture books,
poetry, song lyrics, funny or inspirational quotes, short stories and more.
Shae’s<span style="background: white;">
creative writing skills once helped her win a trip to Disneyland!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcooDYWj4fo5PC7pxXAMpGqSjh069J9O5vfEpRP5MzzXUCxCB18_jCicCIVvlz2zyYl2LbvbRG5hN2Y5CV2nCzItkgja11B1lkDj9bAtAFNvqwZ9zDX-e7DOfdEIisJspPeCHwrr7h4mPHREz1FBCbZnJO7Tuw851bhjWqDHYpZmOGEKpjk-Zs0Yb/s1536/The-Rabbits-Mag-FRONT.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1234" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcooDYWj4fo5PC7pxXAMpGqSjh069J9O5vfEpRP5MzzXUCxCB18_jCicCIVvlz2zyYl2LbvbRG5hN2Y5CV2nCzItkgja11B1lkDj9bAtAFNvqwZ9zDX-e7DOfdEIisJspPeCHwrr7h4mPHREz1FBCbZnJO7Tuw851bhjWqDHYpZmOGEKpjk-Zs0Yb/s320/The-Rabbits-Mag-FRONT.webp" width="257" /></a></div><br /><span style="background: white;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Website: </span><a href="about:blank"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">https://shaemillward.com/</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Facebook: </span><a href="about:blank"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">https://www.facebook.com/shaemillwardauthor/</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Instagram: </span><a href="about:blank"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">https://www.instagram.com/shaemillward/</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Twitter: </span><a href="about:blank"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">https://twitter.com/shaemillward</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">What was your first book
published?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p><i><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There once was a dog who just wanted to play,<br />
But his owner was busy, ‘No! Go away!’<br />
And there was a boy who just wanted to play,<br />
But the kids at school shouted, ‘No! Go away!’</span></i><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A Boy and A Dog</span></i><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
tells the timeless tale of a lonely boy and a lonesome dog who find each other
and discover true friendship. <a name="_Hlk111213067"><i>A Boy and A Dog</i> </a>celebrates
the special bond between children and animals. This book contains the universal
themes of trust, joy, compassion and belonging. But at its heart, it's a story
about love.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hgmmPyTvAr6jGMw1uL40RJMT-bmm0duKtBCoyOaj5iP8h3K7Aq7UPNKO56thWhFf-yVddLML__A9sY1dbP_LlVz_NOiwr3Q2YOErL7yQvuaODQfuWsKEThGkxg_LV3ScsF1YgHu9hGyxjJGEt5zLS8C1Ed0MouwgnAaG4Ga20JU3aM6GJ59sS6kk/s1153/IMG_1076-2.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hgmmPyTvAr6jGMw1uL40RJMT-bmm0duKtBCoyOaj5iP8h3K7Aq7UPNKO56thWhFf-yVddLML__A9sY1dbP_LlVz_NOiwr3Q2YOErL7yQvuaODQfuWsKEThGkxg_LV3ScsF1YgHu9hGyxjJGEt5zLS8C1Ed0MouwgnAaG4Ga20JU3aM6GJ59sS6kk/s320/IMG_1076-2.webp" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 13.5pt;">Tell us about your newest book?</span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; padding: 0cm;">The Rabbit’s Magician:</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">* Is
a gentle story of love, loss & comfort. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">* Is
inspired by a fundamental law of nature: Energy cannot be created or destroyed,
but it can change from one form into another.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">*
Contains references to and representations of the moon and its phases. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">* Is a
children's picture book, but offers comfort to anyone of any age who has lost a
loved one – person or animal. </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">*Is
illustrated by Andy Fackrell and published by Ford Street Publishing.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">What is your favourite part about being an author?</span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The tiny town I grew
up in didn’t have a bookstore, but the library was ONLY ONE SMALL BLOCK AWAY
FROM MY HOUSE! Convenient for frequent visits and lugging books back and forth.
I’ve always loved books and reading, and I have many wonderful authors to thank
for that. So, to now be a part of the industry myself is an exquisite type of
joy. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As well as being a
whole lotta fun, there’s something quite magical about working with </span><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">–</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> or rather, playing with </span><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">– </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">imagination and creative
energies.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></b></p>
<p><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">What is the hardest part about
being an author?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0cm;">Being on the Autism spectrum has its positives, like unique
perspectives and creative thinking, but it also has its challenges, with social
communication being one. Just think awkward, so awkward, haha!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0cm;"> </span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #201f1e; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I’m grateful to have a supportive publisher who
allows me to play to my strengths. </span><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Fortunately, these days there are a good variety of promotional
avenues one can partake in.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Books On Tour PR & Marketing has a number of packages, and options
within, which you can tailor to your needs. Romi is a superstar – <i>super</i>
helpful and <i>brilliant</i> to work with.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #201f1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Having an illustrator who is
also active in promoting – which Andy is – certainly helps and provides team
spirit. *enthusiastically does spirit fingers*<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: #E4E6EB; color: #050505; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjp0MF9u9mahu83n14sFXB1_TSlebzPxtSaJHk7GJcPjO3PlXB63hK1N-17OpmcYgEVgQboXZw0-KFNEFbKVY5rs04rkoH-aCBt3Ek9bzbX_R7-5hl_KHZqE_1sLyEPJQl8l3PCPT_OAWOuJbEZwqxJ8hQk6iPKboyUEH9BZot6mQB8-fpUjEaD9JX/s1536/KLT-website-graphic-A4-landscape.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1536" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjp0MF9u9mahu83n14sFXB1_TSlebzPxtSaJHk7GJcPjO3PlXB63hK1N-17OpmcYgEVgQboXZw0-KFNEFbKVY5rs04rkoH-aCBt3Ek9bzbX_R7-5hl_KHZqE_1sLyEPJQl8l3PCPT_OAWOuJbEZwqxJ8hQk6iPKboyUEH9BZot6mQB8-fpUjEaD9JX/s320/KLT-website-graphic-A4-landscape.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">What was your favourite
children’s book when you were a kid?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p style="background: white; line-height: 12.7pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0cm;">As
a child, when I asked for <i>Fox in Socks</i>, I could almost hear the adults
groan internally and I’m certain I saw beads of dread gather on their
foreheads. Watching them get their tongues twisted and tangled and tied up in
knots was definitely part of the entertainment value. And by the end, they
looked like they’d been through a harrowing ordeal. </span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; line-height: 12.7pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"> </span></p>
<p style="background: white; line-height: 12.7pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0cm;">Yet
every time I asked for this story (which was a lot), they would not only read
it (after casually suggesting a range of alternative titles), but read it with
all the enthusiasm they could muster. Anyone who has ever read the same book
over and over (until you are well and truly <i>over it!</i>) at a child’s
request knows that this is an act of real love!</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; line-height: 12.7pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Have you ever travelled
overseas as an author?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I once had to step
over a puddle on my way to a meeting about authorly business. Does that count?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It was a very large
puddle. It carried a dangerously-high sock-wetting threat level.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And the puddle was
deep. So deep, just like my answer to this question.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUSs05Su6Z0TeiFDbA-jeY-OK5i9sIzM03bseL6PVKm7K6uwyccptGEf8vy1O_-5ikfER5n1stayZ3-Ki_dlVX2RuVCz1wIhtEuWFzQQW2Z-8vtsWj2b5go7rNYOVdVaVjlaOfL1cTDGqTX-DJinEPPgQ3pGR7JmR3kVviVn66cvrItg45BuVcbmo/s1596/Website-poem.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1272" data-original-width="1596" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUSs05Su6Z0TeiFDbA-jeY-OK5i9sIzM03bseL6PVKm7K6uwyccptGEf8vy1O_-5ikfER5n1stayZ3-Ki_dlVX2RuVCz1wIhtEuWFzQQW2Z-8vtsWj2b5go7rNYOVdVaVjlaOfL1cTDGqTX-DJinEPPgQ3pGR7JmR3kVviVn66cvrItg45BuVcbmo/s320/Website-poem.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Have you met anyone even more
famous than you that was exciting?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Yes, I met you –
the inspirational Michelle Worthington! It was at the Teddy Bear’s Picnic in
Hervey Bay. I didn’t have any books published at the time, but I did have a
contract for my first. I went along to say <i>hi</i> and you were happy to have
a chat. I was able to purchase some of your wonderful books from you in person and
get them signed – bonus!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Where do you see the future of
children’s books (ebooks/apps/print)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I’m all for books
being available in different formats to suit people’s needs and preferences.
These options make books more accessible, which can only have a positive effect
on literacy and developing an early love of reading.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Digital books have their
benefits, e.g. they’re more convenient than taking a stack of physical books on
holiday, but I see them as a supplement to print books, not a replacement. <i>Never</i>
a replacement!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYu0_9bIIRQ9NQQy5XwnqLENZnMs3QZ1xDSCqSGXccs11XVj2kopCQYewkHyyzBod0OzlhNN3fVoRI06OXvw14iy9z_wzXbS_Qjmnz3t7_pmy4iE_Y6VKRk13nKkVEC2qWBuDuufKYvuhYPUptqjM19WZa9X767H7Ap_5VhAvheZcHxortkGiGecu/s1536/A4-ABAAD-website.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1536" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYu0_9bIIRQ9NQQy5XwnqLENZnMs3QZ1xDSCqSGXccs11XVj2kopCQYewkHyyzBod0OzlhNN3fVoRI06OXvw14iy9z_wzXbS_Qjmnz3t7_pmy4iE_Y6VKRk13nKkVEC2qWBuDuufKYvuhYPUptqjM19WZa9X767H7Ap_5VhAvheZcHxortkGiGecu/s320/A4-ABAAD-website.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">What is your favourite
way/time to read?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My favourite way to
read is definitely with a physical book. I spend enough time working at a
computer, so reading for pleasure on a screen is no pleasure at all! Reading a
paper book feels more grounded, more intimate. Regardless of genre, reading a
print book has a certain kind of romance to it that does not translate to an
electronic device. #PrintBeforePixels<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My favourite time
to read is any time, however, I am an experienced member of the late-night
reading club. Our motto is: <i>One more page, just one more page!</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">What book are you reading
right now?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; line-height: 12.7pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0cm;">I’m
reading a Marie Kondo book about decluttering. I have successfully cleaned out
clothing, kitchen stuff and various homewares that don’t spark joy. </span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; line-height: 12.7pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"> </span></p>
<p style="background: white; line-height: 12.7pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0cm;">Then
it came to my book collection. Well, I acknowledge that Marie is super cute and
super sweet, but parting with any of my beloved books is a super hideous and
super displeasing notion. Sorry, Marie. No Kan Do.</span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; line-height: 12.7pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"> </span></p>
<p style="background: white; line-height: 12.7pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0cm;">But
I’m grateful to now have space in my home for more books.</span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-75250484222081745982021-11-25T12:03:00.002+10:002021-11-25T12:03:16.171+10:00Santa's Ex-Head Elf opens up about Allegations from Troll's Tall Tales Tales that he has gone High Tech this Christmas<iframe style="background-image:url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WAnRNOUm788/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/WAnRNOUm788" frameborder="0"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-14503988895583927612021-10-25T11:12:00.005+10:002021-10-25T11:12:34.152+10:00Review Crew Holly: Sass and Traz Save the Library<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Sass and Traz Save the Library”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqs_Sneiik3EIx0yUNx9FC2mqs0pNGUh9g0WoeQ2Z-O5vzC6X2GaexEQ_1jHyMWjI2R-J0GLA8bXHPFia1JeO1tcDc9uydbJMDijhQ_-3_alTqeQ6_a8vLx8DYMT7vCNHFRKMhru_y_4E/s1188/112fdd9f-front-cover-example.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="840" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqs_Sneiik3EIx0yUNx9FC2mqs0pNGUh9g0WoeQ2Z-O5vzC6X2GaexEQ_1jHyMWjI2R-J0GLA8bXHPFia1JeO1tcDc9uydbJMDijhQ_-3_alTqeQ6_a8vLx8DYMT7vCNHFRKMhru_y_4E/s320/112fdd9f-front-cover-example.jpg" width="226" /></a></i></b></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></b><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Written by Michelle
Worthington<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Book review by Holly,
7 years old<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Holly’s summary:<o:p></o:p></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sass and Traz are twins, one is a boy and one is a girl.
They like reading together in the town library each day. Ms Burns is the
librarian and she is so nice to the kids.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But one day when Sass and Traz entered the library, Ms Burns
was in tears!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">She told them the library was going to be destroyed by the
mayor of the town because he wanted to put a carpark there instead!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sass wanted to help Ms Burns so she went into the library
basement to look for boxes.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">She accidentally leant on a metal drawer and she said the
word “Pirate”.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Suddenly, the drawer opened and a card fell out and then out
came three pirates! They said “Ahoy, ahoy!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Soon after, three brave knights and a king appeared from the
drawers!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ms Burns was so shocked. She nearly fainted when a handsome
knight called Sir Lancelot saved her from falling. She kept blushing because
she had a huge crush on him! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Some more amazing characters appeared in the library, like a
dragon and Albert Einstein.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Albert Einstein tried to save the library when he told the
mayor how special the library was to all the people in the town.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But the mayor ignored him!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The best part of the story was when the mayor accidentally
made dinosaurs appear! He said that libraries are dinosaurs and then lots of
dinosaurs started walking around the library.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One even bit the mayor!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The mayor was so scared that he ran out of the library and
decided to not to destroy the library anymore.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ms Burns and the twins were so happy that the library
wouldn’t be destroyed. I think that they might have a big party to celebrate!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My favourite parts of the story:<o:p></o:p></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When the dinosaur bit the mayor, I thought it was so
hilarious.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvCRjZff1mrcuA4hEmtUKIbgMq3p-Vqopndkn9JABHDWEpEugtTzCT2iMHrX3oXCWU7UfhLY09i_ixbiQssDr3I07EQCOAaSXBIciMEMrZ5ILkK2ly0RkGr_5U77vuhLYuu8CZ4eVZ9s/s712/dino-clipart-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="712" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvCRjZff1mrcuA4hEmtUKIbgMq3p-Vqopndkn9JABHDWEpEugtTzCT2iMHrX3oXCWU7UfhLY09i_ixbiQssDr3I07EQCOAaSXBIciMEMrZ5ILkK2ly0RkGr_5U77vuhLYuu8CZ4eVZ9s/s320/dino-clipart-7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">But I especially loved the scene when Ms Burns fell in love
with Sir Lancelot and she kept blushing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Net15mD28ppnUd1hpKtWc0kFIxOI0lHpN4gSyGqORShY6-rqNvk1c9MHrUXFEzR8fYlLogDw_6SXdnZj4Eo4DFa-3mHqMTQTVqlprinInybOh8RvxWub_kf57V1Y7lI4nRBJRNmOCS8/s600/Clipart-knight.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="581" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Net15mD28ppnUd1hpKtWc0kFIxOI0lHpN4gSyGqORShY6-rqNvk1c9MHrUXFEzR8fYlLogDw_6SXdnZj4Eo4DFa-3mHqMTQTVqlprinInybOh8RvxWub_kf57V1Y7lI4nRBJRNmOCS8/s320/Clipart-knight.png" width="310" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Age recommendation:<o:p></o:p></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I think kids aged 6 and older would love this book!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Holly’s rating:<o:p></o:p></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I give this amazing book 10/10!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Final note:<o:p></o:p></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I can’t wait for the next Sass and Traz book to be
published! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> <o:p></o:p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-87505628077152611472021-09-23T19:58:00.000+10:002021-09-23T19:58:06.237+10:00Dave Atze's Belly Button Fluff<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwlNli6gZGJXMEPl0ZI8MLf4mUe5ECTIsaa_Ew23xpxYTD6oFe4d2vmtxQQ4YEjFSLgzw58X3Hx2OZ4GNCjtlDYpFp2Wj2f3TgIqICyFrV_dsC-HeVKX94NKUOID0AFh_1aYw-B_zh1c/s800/ab.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="800" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwlNli6gZGJXMEPl0ZI8MLf4mUe5ECTIsaa_Ew23xpxYTD6oFe4d2vmtxQQ4YEjFSLgzw58X3Hx2OZ4GNCjtlDYpFp2Wj2f3TgIqICyFrV_dsC-HeVKX94NKUOID0AFh_1aYw-B_zh1c/s320/ab.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div align="center">
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Campaign Appearances
& Interview</span></strong></span></b><span style="color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
Authors Online Team are delighted to have the opportunity to support
Dave Atze as he begins his campaign to promote his debut children's
book, <em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Belly Button Fluff</span></em>. <br />
<br />
Between 20-24 September, visit <a href="https://michelleworthington.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aa53f3118ca90895e81a42e38&id=4584567db9&e=328649c699" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42c0e8;">https://www.justkidslit.com/blog/</span></a> to
join in on the <em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Belly
Button Fluff</span></em> fun, along with other online appearances
(including my website, <a href="https://michelleworthington.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aa53f3118ca90895e81a42e38&id=56f9dac7f3&e=328649c699" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42c0e8;">michelleworthington.com</span></a> on Thursday,
23 August. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #aa1f23; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Interview:
Meet Dave Atze</span></strong><span style="color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br />
<br />
Hi, I’m Dave Atze; a professional fun-haver and all-round goofball from
a small town in South Australia. I have been illustrating kids books
for 7 years and authoring them for no years.</span><span style="color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 225.0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm; mso-table-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-table-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-table-left: left; mso-table-lspace: 2.25pt; mso-table-rspace: 2.25pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; word-break: break-word;">
<tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; padding: 0cm 13.5pt 6.75pt 13.5pt;" valign="top">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
called my first book Belly Button Fluff so I could say awesome stuff
like:<br />
<br /></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Just hold my Belly Button Fluff in your hands, see how colourful it
is? It will make you feel warm and maybe giggle a bit, too.” And “put
your kids to bed with Dave’s Belly Button Fluff! They’ll love it!”</span></div><p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="_x0000_i1029" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:195pt;height:141pt;
visibility:visible'>
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</v:shape><![endif]--></span><span style="color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">What
was the first story you ever wrote and has it been published?</span></strong><span style="color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br />
<br />
Belly Button Fluff and yes indeedy, it has.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">What was your first
book published?</span></strong><br />
<br />
I self-published a book called Don’t Shut the Door with Melbourne
Author Matt Nichols. I illustrated it.<br />
Then a wonderful and beautiful young lady, Michelle Worthington saw
“DSTD” and said to her publisher at the time “pwitty pwees can Dave
Illustrate my next book The Three-Legged Kangaroo from Uluru?<br />
They said yes and we all lived happily ever after.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">What is your
favourite part about being an author?</span></strong><br />
<br />
Getting to draw the silly stuff that I write about. Wait... umm, yeah,
I’m like 10% Author 90% Illustrator<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">What is the hardest
part about being an author?</span></strong><br />
<br />
Words, grammar, all that technical stuff. I’m not good at that stuff.
But I can tell a fun story. I am very lucky these magical creatures
called editors exist. Thanks Diane and Allison!!<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">What do you do for
fun?</span></strong><br />
<br />
I draw. I run. I take photos. And most of all spend time with my wife
Ashleigh and Daughter Ella. <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">How do you test out
your stories? Or who do you test them on?</span></strong><br />
<br />
Friends and family, running buddies and my Author/Illustrator
colleagues.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">What was your
favourite children’s book when you were a kid?</span></strong><br />
<br />
The Very Hungry Caterpillar.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">What is your
favourite children’s book now?</span></strong><br />
<br />
Little Baa Baa and Quirky Turkey in I love lemonade.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Have you met anyone
even more famous than you that was exciting?</span></strong><br />
<br />
I don’t really live anywhere near anyone who would be famous.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">What writing genre do
you like to do the most?</span></strong><br />
<br />
I like da funny stuff.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">What do you consider
your biggest achievement?</span></strong><br />
<br />
I think I have 3 as they all feel quite equal and required a lot of
dedication.</span><span style="color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ol start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #4d4d4f; line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I ran a 100km race
through the bush. It took 15hrs. (30km with baaaad stomach cramps)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #4d4d4f; line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I became a
second-degree black belt, and the grading was on par with running
100kms. There were black eyes and broken ribs.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #4d4d4f; line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Getting that letter
from the publisher saying ‘we loved your manuscript, and we would
love to publish your book’. Less grueling but still so many hours
of dedication.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">What is
your favourite way/time to read?</span></strong><span style="color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br />
<br />
Bedtime stories with my daughter are the best!!<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">What book are you
reading right now?</span></strong><br />
<br />
Ella is learning numbers at the moment and is enjoying Spot can count.<br />
<br />
You can discover more of Dave's work and follow him on social by
visiting:<br />
<a href="https://michelleworthington.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aa53f3118ca90895e81a42e38&id=e25293adbf&e=328649c699" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42c0e8;">Daveatze.com</span></a><br />
<a href="https://michelleworthington.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aa53f3118ca90895e81a42e38&id=a05c66644f&e=328649c699" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42c0e8;">Instagram.com/daveatze</span></a><br />
<a href="https://michelleworthington.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aa53f3118ca90895e81a42e38&id=5e18181c87&e=328649c699" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42c0e8;">Twitter.com/daveatze</span></a><br />
<a href="https://michelleworthington.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aa53f3118ca90895e81a42e38&id=14821c4228&e=328649c699" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42c0e8;">Facebook.com/daveatzeillustration</span></a><br />
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqG_BokBxLI-eDH1q_fcc6QL_rgD1oI4rk3r75XC_Gr8KtC0kv-vQQ43P1X4VycbqoyhhMuxRGSEXGWD4eL9bXIYneimKu0t-5pn62zaorud0mxQUVhSe22aqWBh78vSFlnGHRNKPUtkQ/s799/a+p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="501" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqG_BokBxLI-eDH1q_fcc6QL_rgD1oI4rk3r75XC_Gr8KtC0kv-vQQ43P1X4VycbqoyhhMuxRGSEXGWD4eL9bXIYneimKu0t-5pn62zaorud0mxQUVhSe22aqWBh78vSFlnGHRNKPUtkQ/w251-h400/a+p.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><br /><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: -2.25pt; margin-right: -2.25pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm; mso-table-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-table-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-table-left: left; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 100%px;">
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<h3 align="center" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Meet Michelle</span></em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<br />
Michelle Worthington is an international award-winning author,
screenwriter and business woman. Shortlisted twice for the Children's
Book Council of Australia's picture book of the year, two-time winner
of the International Book Award and finalist in the USA Best Book
Awards, Michelle also received a Gellett Burgess Award and a Silver
Moonbeam Award for her contribution to celebrating diversity in
literature. Michelle was the recipient of the 2018 AusMumpreneur Gold
Award for Business Excellence and the winner of the 2018 Redlands BaR
award for Best Start Up Business. <br />
<br />
Michelle is also a real life book fairy. Her magic powers include
turning coffee into award-winning books. <a href="https://michelleworthington.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aa53f3118ca90895e81a42e38&id=8e8b92c436&e=328649c699" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42c0e8;">Anthology Angels</span></a> and <a href="https://michelleworthington.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aa53f3118ca90895e81a42e38&id=be7e32d388&e=328649c699" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42c0e8;">Authors Online</span></a>, she waves her wand
to coach aspiring authors and illustrators all over the world achieve
their dreams of publication. Whether she’s a fairy, a mermaid, a
pirate or an elf, Michelle celebrates empowering readers and
storytellers to dream big.<br />
<br />
Find out more about Michelle and her work <a href="https://michelleworthington.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aa53f3118ca90895e81a42e38&id=3909f7a023&e=328649c699" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #42c0e8;">here</span></a>.<br />
<br />
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</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-50744469572536056512021-06-07T16:27:00.002+10:002021-06-07T16:27:45.533+10:00Top Social Media Tips for Aspiring Authors<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="359" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x4kC6t4OuOQ" width="473" youtube-src-id="x4kC6t4OuOQ"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://authorsonline.com.au/">(authorsonline.com.au)</a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-71796816034616444612021-06-07T16:24:00.003+10:002021-06-07T16:24:30.826+10:00Reading to Kids Makes Them More Resilient. <p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyh7-Vo_cYVZMG-Qn48Pz8VIbAah9IF_HqKwtun-xodAnzJeqweYc63cf8BSH48cdClPXV7LAP1JG0PqtaYrg50Tl00kaEptRCwwEGF4YIZIzrf4aE4MsV1cQS0LOUtoYw28g1yVl-A-o/s206/136049226_410743647012502_7691021498163811635_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyh7-Vo_cYVZMG-Qn48Pz8VIbAah9IF_HqKwtun-xodAnzJeqweYc63cf8BSH48cdClPXV7LAP1JG0PqtaYrg50Tl00kaEptRCwwEGF4YIZIzrf4aE4MsV1cQS0LOUtoYw28g1yVl-A-o/s0/136049226_410743647012502_7691021498163811635_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />Building small humans into healthy, thriving big ones, isn’t about clearing adversity out of their way. Resilience is being able to bounce back from stress, challenge, tragedy, trauma, or adversity. When children are resilient, they’re braver, more curious and adaptable, and more able to extend their reach into the world. Research tells us that it’s not rugged self-reliance, determination, or inner strength that leads kids through adversity, but the reliable presence of at least one supportive relationship. In the context of a loving relationship with a caring adult, children have the opportunity to develop vital coping skills. Just reading with your child for 10 minutes a day from a book they like which touches on subjects like diversity and problem solving, can increase their resilience, help them manage their own behaviour and feelings, and increase their capacity to develop their own coping strategies during tough times.<p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-39807024736720088242021-04-28T10:12:00.003+10:002021-04-28T10:12:00.191+10:00What's the Story? Is it a crime to rhyme in picture book manuscripts? <iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/x8KfOWTR_Vg" frameborder="0"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-74252544116523373862021-03-24T18:54:00.002+10:002021-03-24T18:54:13.084+10:00Do books need a rating?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1M_sYnKG2UUi4KK814UdfA37vNNdkGNR6I7h_UGvBeg9KYE8jwM4PlsDad5aWT-oXux544dzMnTaff8FpVV6n3Rft0ssJyMavtQxG2HIiE2mUakoerXujQ20oSko0YmcHvgmKgenJL8I/s1000/Image+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1M_sYnKG2UUi4KK814UdfA37vNNdkGNR6I7h_UGvBeg9KYE8jwM4PlsDad5aWT-oXux544dzMnTaff8FpVV6n3Rft0ssJyMavtQxG2HIiE2mUakoerXujQ20oSko0YmcHvgmKgenJL8I/s320/Image+%25284%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Would book censorship stifle the enjoyment and adventure of reading? In the forever metamorphosing environment of book genres, where young adult novels cover every conceivable topic that adult novels do, it makes sense to categorise books to suit reader age, and emotional intellect. But should written content be treated in the same way as visual content, like a movie? As parents, we have a responsibility to monitor what our kids read. A proactive approach to shared regulating what they read allows for open discussion around story topics, values and emotions; something every parent should be fostering. Children grow up so fast. Not permitting them access to a meaty young adult novel at age 12, even though they’re more than capable of reading it, may mean they remain 12 for just a little longer. Most school librarians are successfully implementing their own rating systems. Is it time to implement something nationwide?</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-49871581291070209692021-03-18T16:10:00.001+10:002021-03-18T16:10:12.004+10:00Meet the Illustrator: Adyna Ferre talks about character creation and animation<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/sw4FyvnauXM" frameborder="0"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-41654971224167766442021-03-16T13:20:00.002+10:002021-03-16T13:20:27.698+10:00How to start writing a children's book and what to expect on my YouTube Channel<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/U3y2Uero3H0" frameborder="0"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-66739355771771368272021-02-18T08:56:00.003+10:002021-02-18T08:56:23.953+10:00Opening Kids Hearts and Minds with Diversity in Picture Books<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94PPPUVC5AzeVkyKmNH8aLl47xBfERKiDvRXJJgHA9TsN6iKXfdev6MUqZvW8YGPcWK7Tr7Z2dWyOm2OD6Ik2nMljcNsnz2WWyeGikwp1hbDZlIvcixwrH6KtbhFjUzlY0hOWqk91rIg/s2048/9781922326119.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1998" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94PPPUVC5AzeVkyKmNH8aLl47xBfERKiDvRXJJgHA9TsN6iKXfdev6MUqZvW8YGPcWK7Tr7Z2dWyOm2OD6Ik2nMljcNsnz2WWyeGikwp1hbDZlIvcixwrH6KtbhFjUzlY0hOWqk91rIg/s320/9781922326119.png" /></a></div><br />The best thing about books is that they can take you anywhere. Books offer us a perspective and experience that we may otherwise never know, and that glimpse into someone else’s story can be integral in creating open and accepting minds and hearts. Children’s books are no exception. Not only are diverse children’s books important for children of colour and with special needs - giving them visibility, relatability, and vital moments of representation - they’re important for all children. In a country as multicultural as ours, it’s vital to offer children an opportunity to see realities and experiences different from their own. Reading books with your children that celebrate diversity will help your children recognise that what is seen as outwardly different can just be a slight variation in the broad spectrum of humanity - and that different is not bad, but beautiful.<p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-41459431760816286192021-02-04T14:37:00.001+10:002021-02-04T14:37:25.081+10:00 Why talking to your kids will make them better readers<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><span class="im" style="color: #500050;"><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDw8AEMEzXbbv0qLU3VqzAziYXIPY8DVLKis8RvZIztdWunFgsmxCeUgUZdmiqDqru6KSuYjDnmCHsAPZ3cmkz53DnhMPd1lfL-ZO1AfmQg-MoesBjhiChJpM9254D4Ip0vpDJcnTj3g4/s179/noah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDw8AEMEzXbbv0qLU3VqzAziYXIPY8DVLKis8RvZIztdWunFgsmxCeUgUZdmiqDqru6KSuYjDnmCHsAPZ3cmkz53DnhMPd1lfL-ZO1AfmQg-MoesBjhiChJpM9254D4Ip0vpDJcnTj3g4/s0/noah.jpg" /></a></div>Vocabulary is extremely important to a child's literacy development, especially if they struggle to communicate. Having a broader range and understanding of what words mean and do can help even the most reluctant reader. Most people make the mistake of thinking that reading to kids and getting them to read aloud is the first place to start, but this is in fact the end goal. It starts with having a conversation with them on a daily basis. </span><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><span class="im" style="color: #500050;"><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">When children see the purpose and priority behind where words fit in their day-to-day lives, they are more responsive to engaging with literacy activities that will foster a love of reading.</span></p></span></div></blockquote><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-9796751877573237802021-01-31T15:19:00.001+10:002021-01-31T15:19:10.485+10:00 Understanding the sensory aspect of books for children with ASD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_o1Ho0lYdF-iOL20VCKlPiwuZ1yFHrf9J1BoV2TyGF1qDU96aWTKn2Slg-sUu9H6CoPKH27-ZAaqsZyKIPMJtZ-GZBAZWm1O10tErnsygWZDYs6OKlf4oj8_e9oLksJ7VhQ5s-B4fHVs/s500/51RzgEnVAML._SX473_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="475" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_o1Ho0lYdF-iOL20VCKlPiwuZ1yFHrf9J1BoV2TyGF1qDU96aWTKn2Slg-sUu9H6CoPKH27-ZAaqsZyKIPMJtZ-GZBAZWm1O10tErnsygWZDYs6OKlf4oj8_e9oLksJ7VhQ5s-B4fHVs/s320/51RzgEnVAML._SX473_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #500050;">It can be frustrating to get kids engaged in reading and even harder for children on the spectrum. As a children’s author, here’s my best tips: Don’t attempt to read books at bedtime when they’re tired and cranky. Find a time that works best for them. Choose sensory friendly books with lots of white space and engaging stories or subjects they’re familiar with. </span><span style="color: #222222;">Getting them to look at the pictures first before reading will foster discussion and interaction. Allow fidgety behaviour and if they can’t sit still, walk around while reading. </span><span style="color: #500050;">Let them touch the book before you start and be slow and deliberate when turning pages. Keep your voice low and calm, adding facial expressions and repetitive head movements as you read the same book again the next day. This process may have to be repeated many times but don’t give up. The reward is well worth the effort.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-14317075606204108262021-01-30T16:51:00.002+10:002021-01-30T16:51:47.117+10:00As an Author, How can you overcome excessive thinking?<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7E-LCVBsP3HvTtpOS8Ph-Tp8W_IRiic7vSvIzbIWcIfJt_40uJ944XuPmeVW3xqSOZq4xQKiR-bs4uTpb2zvD5s2WvwxyZgZNb58VmwV-_Vwh1RituoglF1rPwhyTfN7jqao6P0zHL5g/s640/62643_10150893188464415_781029414_9717785_887126027_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7E-LCVBsP3HvTtpOS8Ph-Tp8W_IRiic7vSvIzbIWcIfJt_40uJ944XuPmeVW3xqSOZq4xQKiR-bs4uTpb2zvD5s2WvwxyZgZNb58VmwV-_Vwh1RituoglF1rPwhyTfN7jqao6P0zHL5g/s320/62643_10150893188464415_781029414_9717785_887126027_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Creating awareness:<p></p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It is natural that excessive thinking makes a person distracted and makes them unaware that they are preoccupied with thinking. Creating awareness involves recognizing negative thinking circles when they occur, and to have deliberate awareness of excessive thinking. You will be able to control and stop thinking excessively when you monitor your thoughts and actions. Make sure you do not judge your thoughts or worry about excessive thinking. Mindset is everything.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Replace negative thoughts:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Another tip to eliminate negative thinking is to replace your negative thinking with positive thinking after interrupting your over-thinking style. Repeat your positive thinking many times aloud or with a voice in your mind. If your thinking is persistent, you should repeat this process as many times as you need. Over time, you will overcome the habit of negative thinking.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Talk to a trusted person:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">There is also another solution to eliminate excessive thinking, which is to share your negative thoughts with someone you trust. This person can be a coach, mentor, counselor or friend. Such people can help you determine if you are overstated or not thinking clearly and they can also help you free yourself from negative thoughts. Your problem may not be as bad as you think and all you need is someone who assures you that you are fine.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Self-employment:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Keeping your mind busy keeps you from negative thoughts. Anything that requires attention may help you. This concern may vary between arranging your bookshelf alphabetically, drawing or calculating your annual expenses. This way you will gradually control your thoughts until you reach your desired level of control.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTezVLZgA3Go3ABIK0pTDTiKS7W-kUZ_t67kyEJnc4BuWX3MqS6LOqSY6x9ZPHlxH9xaSubBLm_u-D6cHcCDHZctshmet6AjwOtxtZYYZLoFdu9fXBponjzb-Sx52IlFFVSe4gjtN5NOU/s960/66414_4784037432559_1185827234_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTezVLZgA3Go3ABIK0pTDTiKS7W-kUZ_t67kyEJnc4BuWX3MqS6LOqSY6x9ZPHlxH9xaSubBLm_u-D6cHcCDHZctshmet6AjwOtxtZYYZLoFdu9fXBponjzb-Sx52IlFFVSe4gjtN5NOU/s320/66414_4784037432559_1185827234_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Exercise:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In addition to increasing self-confidence, exercise increases the secretion of the hormone Androfen and Sertonin, which reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When you concentrate on exercising, it distracts your mind from negative thoughts. When you have a busy mind, do some exercise, bike or walk for half an hour.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Make decisions:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sometimes excessive thinking comes from inability to make an important decision. The most appropriate solution is to set a time, whether it is half an hour or two, to think about everything about a topic and when the time is close to completion, the decision was to be made without any hesitation.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Blogging:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">During excessive thinking, you can not communicate with the present. One way to get rid of excessive thinking is to train your mind on intentional attention. Get to know your negative thoughts and then get rid of them immediately, or blog about it...It makes for great content!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Just do it:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The trick here is to start the project you want to do instead of thinking about it. Focus on your goal and schedule what you want to do so you can solve every problem on time. A step-by-step move will make you spend less time thinking about it.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Stop trying to reach perfection or control everything:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">People think about things in exaggerated contexts until they achieve perfect results. You take into account all possibilities to avoid starting...and the possibility of failure. It is important to keep in mind that all people who have accomplished great things have failed at some point. It is impossible to control everything and avoid any kind of error. You are good enough right now, so begin!</span><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRWGcTNV-ts4BoeLbSIUgrF5u6D33K49KDdju-oMMlHG7wBTzoO6WSjYk1EAWimxbnzsXHqOXIGbIJZQ5CrQGHD8ziIphcbF6QG4ZgPy1vhAX1bBAgJ2wNA25Y3w_pEObEUHYdgM_6FI/s512/602824_4721622672229_1878441836_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="479" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRWGcTNV-ts4BoeLbSIUgrF5u6D33K49KDdju-oMMlHG7wBTzoO6WSjYk1EAWimxbnzsXHqOXIGbIJZQ5CrQGHD8ziIphcbF6QG4ZgPy1vhAX1bBAgJ2wNA25Y3w_pEObEUHYdgM_6FI/s320/602824_4721622672229_1878441836_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-4043297384238729792020-10-26T12:32:00.003+10:002020-10-26T12:32:02.159+10:00 Top 3 tips for aspiring children’s authors<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWhKrzhg6RxoONKJEHutw0LFPrmLIWbGUWuxYKack1To17-nD-Spkcq0E05V3N68M9eLXb9EN4B17jvpvnu2Ebv4luk3VkP2XJhPMHWRSD480sKr-ME-g9UMZ1csirL6w3ybuWsbQGbI/s700/53604445_1971677999806265_8596876457446211584_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWhKrzhg6RxoONKJEHutw0LFPrmLIWbGUWuxYKack1To17-nD-Spkcq0E05V3N68M9eLXb9EN4B17jvpvnu2Ebv4luk3VkP2XJhPMHWRSD480sKr-ME-g9UMZ1csirL6w3ybuWsbQGbI/s320/53604445_1971677999806265_8596876457446211584_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Aspiring authors who are thinking they would like to write for children should start by reading a bunch of picture books. There are lots of ideas that could lead to an endearing story, but nothing will become published unless you write it! In today’s international publishing climate, debut authors should: 1. Consider not rhyming as it limits chances of getting published, especially by the larger international publishing house. 2. Don't get your story illustrated, as the publisher will choose the illustrator for you, as well as the size and look of the book. 3. Before you submit it to publishers, you should show it to real kids to get an idea if it suits the modern readership. Most of all, you’ll never know if you never try and you should never die with a book still inside you.<p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-67278909611549802302020-10-23T12:31:00.004+10:002020-10-23T12:31:37.413+10:00 Reading to premature babies for brain development<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWknVPxWcXiwYbb-HTSyuolSzdcxaScNtLO6KeyNbmUeQ9NYiIP7jMP8slXQ2QzFCE9FonkipN2hNEvywrkF8xcAQFt4_OPes1lJEk3SJqldcYVZiaDHXIHAs2hblXBD4eF3WlDx3NGA/s2048/IMG_1932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWknVPxWcXiwYbb-HTSyuolSzdcxaScNtLO6KeyNbmUeQ9NYiIP7jMP8slXQ2QzFCE9FonkipN2hNEvywrkF8xcAQFt4_OPes1lJEk3SJqldcYVZiaDHXIHAs2hblXBD4eF3WlDx3NGA/w640-h480/IMG_1932.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Reading to premature babies every day supports development, not only in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), but also going into early infancy and childhood. Babies enjoy hearing their parent’s voice over any other sound, but what’s more important is that it’s an activity that parents can do every day for their baby during a time where many can feel helpless in an intense and stressful environment. International children’s book author, Michelle Worthington, is mother to three premature babies and knows what it’s like to go through NICU not being able to touch or take home your baby. Sometimes premmie baby may be sleepy or lethargic due to medications or illness. If the baby is awake and making eye contact with you, that’s the best time to read to them. Reading is also linked to improved language and writing abilities at school age, so it’s never too early to start. </span></p><p style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Support Life's Little Treasures Foundation</b></span></p><p style="background: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>https://lifeslittletreasures.org.au/</b></span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-4798541986047290572020-10-20T17:00:00.002+10:002020-10-20T17:00:16.219+10:00 Why kids need authors as much as they need sporting stars<p><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcIP6F15N8j6VcokbE9r4b89iHZMyc57-ktV3aO6xcoHa3naU5aaBf0HaqVm4ujn0r0d3dUA7Cs34-JpikF5Xr9tGbFojjWhAdxBmJ3ASkmw88n5o6c228VyNqocDcwFOh34lthRHZ_E/s2048/03_Project_Porfolio_Facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcIP6F15N8j6VcokbE9r4b89iHZMyc57-ktV3aO6xcoHa3naU5aaBf0HaqVm4ujn0r0d3dUA7Cs34-JpikF5Xr9tGbFojjWhAdxBmJ3ASkmw88n5o6c228VyNqocDcwFOh34lthRHZ_E/s320/03_Project_Porfolio_Facebook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Our role models play an important role in shaping our dreams and ambitions. For many kids, the under-representation of the arts as a viable employment pathway, together with a lack of exposure to creative business owners from across diverse fields, makes it difficult for children who aren’t into sport to see themselves reflected in the people living their dream. Author and illustrator visits to schools play a large part in inspiring young children to not only believe in themselves, but to dare to expand their possibilities and take forward action on what they dream of doing. Until people in power respect the contributions and invest in the arts, the non-sporty kids will continue to miss out on finding their own heroes</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">. </span></span><p></p><p style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Book Week is 17 -23 October</span></b></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-12324145157363249232020-10-15T06:00:00.005+10:002020-10-15T06:00:03.639+10:00How to write a book for today’s children<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1rPoQE985d1cn-smY6ztEaW65xNUJwshLSe18iCfFNg4zBlMZjSwb2kOSpdUB6gdFQf1Zx27JgaIf3sHlUCWjEFiwu-4u10t5xcdZf8F8Ws9qazawwSPkdYG4eMYarzVUbpu2XgBuQc/s960/39813925_2523607371034914_7765687319440392192_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1rPoQE985d1cn-smY6ztEaW65xNUJwshLSe18iCfFNg4zBlMZjSwb2kOSpdUB6gdFQf1Zx27JgaIf3sHlUCWjEFiwu-4u10t5xcdZf8F8Ws9qazawwSPkdYG4eMYarzVUbpu2XgBuQc/w640-h480/39813925_2523607371034914_7765687319440392192_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Aspiring picture book authors are often already aware of the basics of writing stories for children but forget that what captivates modern children may not be the same as when they themselves were young. Today, there are many different formats of children's books, specific regulations around how to work with illustrators. Aspiring authors need to create stories that today’s children will enjoy by finding the right topic, language, and pace. International award-winning children’s author, Michelle Worthington, helps writers to find their own unique voice and to give them the why-for and know how to get published. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s not as easy as you might think.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div></span><p></p><p><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Book Week is 17 - 23 October</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> 2020</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-41071912284010348282020-10-14T10:57:00.004+10:002020-10-14T10:57:48.796+10:00Easy hacks for amazing Book Week costumes<p><span class="il" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiYJSvWM-aOhaQgIRnNbIZlDdr4DMuK2-WXr0GbpHb195fGTLIW8z1PMKnpAO-iqnbdlyDy1sUc3xyCcxvDtI0YHsd0XQKYHVN2cJcWBT7KSu61kbOzNoXP8yV1R2_b6xBa0sduAgapU/s1074/121264264_4125726830822952_6020640419366599364_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiYJSvWM-aOhaQgIRnNbIZlDdr4DMuK2-WXr0GbpHb195fGTLIW8z1PMKnpAO-iqnbdlyDy1sUc3xyCcxvDtI0YHsd0XQKYHVN2cJcWBT7KSu61kbOzNoXP8yV1R2_b6xBa0sduAgapU/s320/121264264_4125726830822952_6020640419366599364_o.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Book</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="il" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Week</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is often the highlight of the school year for children. It's a </span><span class="il" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">week</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> full of excitement, imagination, and of course, amazing costumes. In a world full of technology, it's a fantastic way to capture the attention of young minds, showing them how to explore the universe of </span><span class="il" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">books</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. But for parents, the problem of finding the perfect </span><span class="il" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Book</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="il" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Week</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> character costume can be exhausting. Some </span><span class="il" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">books</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> that fit with this year’s theme Curious Creatures, Wild Minds, lend themself to easier costume ideas. A magnifying glass for the Wild Minds of Enola or Sherlock Holmes and Curious Creatures can wear their pjs to school from Pugs Don’t Wear Pyjamas. A red ribbon for Matilda, feelers for Glitch or wearing all orange for The Lorax, it only takes a bit of imagination for kids to have fun and celebrate </span><span class="il" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">books</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, because that’s what it’s all about. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="il">Book</span> <span class="il">Week</span> is 17 - 23 October 2020</b></span></p><p><cite style="background-color: white; color: #006621; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; overflow-wrap: break-word;">https://cbca.org.au/cbca-book-week</cite><span class="c_tlbxTrg" style="background-color: white; color: #767676; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; height: 14px; margin: -1px 6px -3px 2px; width: 15px;"></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-43750981241299765892020-10-06T06:00:00.002+10:002020-10-06T06:00:00.493+10:00 Reading to babies from birth to fight post-natal depression<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPIbg6U9ALcOs9IlGqpUlm2mc_Lktm7aaNR226csEUxQ_kmC3fKe7ru6e2m8LI5Jn5o3aqkqyPlNl_lUlpeI46rVkrjJq-BmxL7x3NU8aDYFgKyZlyM1IXJEhNE45Mrw2-AkCLsOZDH8/s768/IMG_4825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="573" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPIbg6U9ALcOs9IlGqpUlm2mc_Lktm7aaNR226csEUxQ_kmC3fKe7ru6e2m8LI5Jn5o3aqkqyPlNl_lUlpeI46rVkrjJq-BmxL7x3NU8aDYFgKyZlyM1IXJEhNE45Mrw2-AkCLsOZDH8/s320/IMG_4825.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Postnatal depression is a common and debilitating condition that affects one in seven women following the birth of their baby. Unlike the baby blues which passes on its own, postnatal depression can be long-lasting and affect your ability to cope with managing a new baby. Children’s Author, Michelle Worthington, says that spending five minutes a day reading to her baby helped with the feelings of helplessness, fostered communication and established trust. Reading was a practical and manageable way for her to begin to bond with her baby. It’s important to seek help early, so that you can reduce these negative impacts of postnatal depression on you and your family.</span></span></div><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-72343992483314906882020-10-03T06:00:00.015+10:002020-10-03T06:00:00.177+10:00Book Review: All Our Shimmering Skies by Trent Dalton<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSIA4OTfM1Vhli1EVLH-nFhtzR0DE5Qv6g4HmUXuAC__xt8e1vJy7ANTJhWd1JBRrZIKXteS2LJmaYaj1Vy5Zy69qaJppkp_-q5F1Zo9sii6tjZnQ6bA_KhwNRwpM4PesWG9MF2NfEPc/s2048/IMG_5485.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSIA4OTfM1Vhli1EVLH-nFhtzR0DE5Qv6g4HmUXuAC__xt8e1vJy7ANTJhWd1JBRrZIKXteS2LJmaYaj1Vy5Zy69qaJppkp_-q5F1Zo9sii6tjZnQ6bA_KhwNRwpM4PesWG9MF2NfEPc/s320/IMG_5485.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p>It's 2.23am. I have just finished reading All Our Shimmering Skies by Trent Dalton and my first thoughts are, 'What. Just. Happened?' <p></p><p>After not responding to knocks at doors, scrapes on knees and fire alarms at dinner time, I thought it was safer to finish reading it after the boys had gone to bed. My head was filled with white butterflies, white bones, hope, hate, love, life and death. Just as I became Eli Bell in Boy Swallows Universe, growing up as a too smart kid in a shut your mouth Brisbane suburb, so was I Molly Hook, head full of words and infallibly optimistic, no matter what life threw at me. Only Trent Dalton can make you loose yourself in a book like that. </p><p>I hate snot. The hardest page of the book for me to read wasn't when the gravedigger's daughter hid with her mother's bones in an open grave, got the beating or saw the rape, it was page 173. It was also the most incredibly moving and mind blowing piece of descriptive writing that I have ever read in my life. In that moment, snot was poetic and graceful. Only Trent Dalton can create characters like that.</p><p>The same suffocating pang that squeezed the tears from my eyes when I relived my childhood in Boy Swallows Universe were shed for Molly and Violet Hook. I talked to oceans instead of skies. I spat out pills instead of seeds. I had the monsters in my bed, after I had fed and cared for them all day until they became twisted by drink and darkness. I have carried all I owned and owned all I carried. Only Trent Dalton can see inside my soul like that. </p><p>Now, as I check on my sleeping children under the dark sky, I speak softly to it. 'Please don't let anything happen to me so my kids don't end up like a character in a Trent Dalton novel.' </p><p>When the blue sky returns, I will ask politely if one day I could write a book as honest and beautiful as a Trent Dalton novel, and I wouldn't even care if it lied.</p><p>Highly recommended. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-9536591926523152622020-10-02T06:00:00.001+10:002020-10-02T06:00:06.380+10:00 Guest Blog - Leo's Story by Megan Firster<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 100%px;">
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<br />
Everyone who knows me is aware of my love for and connection to
Queensland’s only children’s hospice. I wear my hummingbird tattoo
proudly, in memory of my beautiful boy but also as a living tribute to
the place that supported him and our family throughout some of the
happiest and darkest times. <br />
<br />
So, of course, when it was put to Hummingbird House families to create a
picture that could possibly be used as a token for the Coles fundraising
campaign I jumped at the chance. We did have a logistical issue with the
brief though. We were asked to create a hummingbird that represented our
child, perhaps by using their hand and footprints, but of course my child
wasn’t here to squish his little hand into the paint. To trace around his
perfect foot with a felt pen. After some discussion regarding the brief
we were supported to do as much of the picture digitally as we needed to
to include Leo in the way we wished to.<br />
<br />
After some assessment we realised Leo’s best footprint was one that was
taken by Leo’s kindy teacher as part of my last mother’s day gift, and
his best handprints were the ones taken by a caring staff member, at
Hummingbird House after his passing. Leo liked to curl his fingers into
the palm of his hand so they were the first really nice ones we
had. <br />
<br />
Leo’s prints were monochrome, so my son Sam, who is my tech support for
everything, coloured Leo’s prints digitally to make it look like he had
applied the paint to the paper directly. I printed a bunch of them and we
all sat down as a family to paint and draw hummingbird bodies in between
the handprint wings. Frances, my daughter, is the artist in my family and
her hummingbird came more and more to life with every brushstroke. I
can’t tell you how elated I was that our picture was chosen, and how
proud I am that Leo is continuing on in a way that not only helps raise
money for the house, but also represents the bereaved families that are a
part of this special service. </span><span style="color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
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<table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm; mso-table-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-table-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-table-left: left; mso-table-lspace: 2.25pt; mso-table-rspace: 2.25pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 100%px; word-break: break-word;">
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Nobody likes to talk about children that have passed or
will pass before their time. It’s a sad subject, but one that is so real
and so raw for the families that use this place as a sanctuary. It is so
important that this facility remains, and keeps providing all the
wonderful services it provides, and to do that fundraisers like the Coles
one are so very important. <br />
<br />
For many families Hummingbird House gives them air – allows them to take a
breath when they are living a life that allows no time and space for one.
For other families it is a place to remember their child or to make
memories with them in their final days. We were blessed to be able to
appreciate all of these aspects of the house. We had so many wonderful
family memories, laughs over home cooked meals and time engaging with
other families going through similar trials and challenges. Hummingbird
House was also the place where Leo had his last bath. Devoured his last
mouthful of chocolate mousse. Enjoyed his last swim. Was wrapped in my
arms for his last cuddle. <br />
<br />
Hummingbird House is a unique space for families of palliative children.
There’s no other place in Queensland that offers the range of services
that they do and they need your help. Please go to Coles between the 16th
of September and the 13th of October and buy a token. I promise it will
make all the difference to a family just like ours.<br />
<br />
To find out more about this year's fundraiser, visit: <a href="http://hummingbirdhouse.org.au/home/2020-coles-hummingbird-house-campaign/?utm_source=Share+Your+Story+Brisbane&utm_campaign=8ddca2d26d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_11_19_01_30_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b0e48f20ff-8ddca2d26d-&mc_cid=8ddca2d26d&mc_eid=%5bUNIQID%5d" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="color: #42c0e8;">http://hummingbirdhouse.org.au/home/2020-coles-hummingbird-house-campaign/</span></a></span><span style="color: #4d4d4f; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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families who created this year's artwork</span></b></a><span style="color: white; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-27811147897168566352020-10-01T15:21:00.001+10:002020-10-01T15:21:14.865+10:00Ask Adam and Michelle About Pirates<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZrfOEtM-v9Y" width="480"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-72616531212895798902020-10-01T15:12:00.003+10:002020-10-01T15:12:14.502+10:00 Is imagination an endangered species? <p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKK3JQxSVafiCJNOiEfp9BDyiajC64Kl2MHEECLJ_cewnrkOGUyAM3EZAEjQdywKPsE93CxxJ4r8FBnDACKlnCDqmP5hVPBC2fFp62KvX4PPGKNKwyvTg9qG_QLU6IErR2vQ8k9EgbLLM/s785/936619_10152180275254415_1796966857_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKK3JQxSVafiCJNOiEfp9BDyiajC64Kl2MHEECLJ_cewnrkOGUyAM3EZAEjQdywKPsE93CxxJ4r8FBnDACKlnCDqmP5hVPBC2fFp62KvX4PPGKNKwyvTg9qG_QLU6IErR2vQ8k9EgbLLM/s320/936619_10152180275254415_1796966857_n.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Modern children are very good at mimicry and mirroring instruction, but with the current curriculum’s focus on learning outcomes more so than learning pathways, are they losing the ability to think independently and inventively? The important role that imagination plays in creating engagement is being lost and forced literacy ignores the essence of critical and creative thinking: the need for questioning, exploration, and extended discussion around issues that are important to children. Without imagination, are our children equipped to be the leaders of tomorrow?</span><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050963990227577444.post-87077122402383923482020-09-24T17:11:00.004+10:002020-09-24T17:11:29.088+10:00 Putting the 'home' into home reading<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyW3juHy_X6RUzX3WySL7dc1t6R9MzjbALXYSENmh3iA58rHlK-CsbqnnT_78x2Lg-bsuvP6IBWWYVRLJe_r9EfnEaY-0-EB9ash2yjpQPnFeZUb598GiIt8nznyVHozmazkxKhAzhOAE/s320/tom22.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyW3juHy_X6RUzX3WySL7dc1t6R9MzjbALXYSENmh3iA58rHlK-CsbqnnT_78x2Lg-bsuvP6IBWWYVRLJe_r9EfnEaY-0-EB9ash2yjpQPnFeZUb598GiIt8nznyVHozmazkxKhAzhOAE/s0/tom22.jpeg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">With lockdowns and restrictions continuing across the country, it can feel as if we’ve had enough 'family time'. But are we actually spending quality time with our children or just going through the motions of home learning? When we sit to share a book, we’re creating a space to be together, to be available for our child and not distracted by anything else that's going on around us. The agreement to share a book allows us to tune in to what really catches their attention, their emotions, their sense of humour, even what they don't particularly respond to. We can, through the book sharing experience, get to know our children better. Taking only five minutes a day to share a book with your child can go a long way towards facilitating and nurturing your relationship and improving their mental health, as well as your own.</span><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.michelleworthington.com</div>Michelle Worthington Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12339725441797357903noreply@blogger.com0