Meet the Illustrator: Adyna Ferre talks about character creation and animation

Kids, change, and the power of picture books

 Kids, change, and the power of picture books

Picture Books can be great tools for you to use to help your child understand change and new or frightening events, and also the strong emotions that can go along with them. When children are able to think about the text and make connections between the new information presented in the story and their store of background experiences, it allows them to be active and thoughtful about their own anxiety. Children can use picture books to make connections between familiar knowledge and incoming information in order to make predictions and inferences about characters, their motives and actions, as well as story events in order to learn that change is a natural and normal part of life. 

Reading Picture Books to Improve Children's Mental Health

Studies show that when we read, the brain does not make a real distinction between reading about an experience and actually living it. Whether reading or experiencing it, the same neurological regions are stimulated. Children can show a significant increase in mental health from reading picture books as evidence suggests that the comprehension process stimulated by predicting, relating and questioning that occurs with young readers provides guidelines about how to talk about issues they feel strongly about and an opportunity to share their own views about what is happening in the world around them. It is not just the words or pictures we are sharing; it's a lifeline for their mental health. 

Books Aren't Vegetables.

Reading is not just vegetables, it's also dessert

Waging a war to get your child to read can never be won; the only true victory happens when you lay down your arms and befriend the fact that for some children, reading is like having to eat their vegetables...they only do it because a parent said it was good for them or a teacher makes them do it before they can move on to something 'fun'.

The more we treat reading like a chore or homework, the more children are going to become disengaged from the true purpose of books; to give the gift of another world, a new friend or a mirror to celebrate what makes us all truly unique.

Here are my top 3 ways that you can make reading less like vegetables, and more like dessert.

Reading is independent

Even though an emerging reader will need help in the beginning, the goal of teaching a child to read is so they can become independent and do it on their own. Have books available for your child at their current reading level, not the reading level they are 'meant' to be. This may mean starting with picture books and building on literacy and language from their, but in their own pace. They should always be able to read the text comfortably and it doesn't always have to be out loud. Don't interrupt or correct unless they look for help. Asking questions after each book is a great way to promote reading comprehension and determining whether to increase the complexity of the stories. The more you encourage your children to take their own initiative the more confidence they will build. They won’t be afraid to give books a go and you will find they will naturally choose reading over other alternatives.


Reading is about choice

School children are seldom given the choice for what, when and where to read. By giving your child a choice outside of school, it will allow them to understand that there is a time and place for texts that serve a purpose in an educational setting, as well as books that are read purely for enjoyment. Take them to your local library and let them choose books that interest them. Don't judge or deny because you think it is above or below their capacity; you would be surprised how much value can be obtained from the most obscure book, all because it engaged a child in some way.


Reading is fun

Going back to the purpose of books, reading is meant to be a way of connecting, not only to the world around us, but to world's that only exist in our imagination. If you child prefers to read graphic novels, comic books or on a tablet, that has to be totally ok. For all its intrinsic educational value, reading is entertainment. Fun online reading games, reading apps and read along YouTube videos all have their place in modern literacy.  How can we expect children to grow up to be life long readers if we place restrictions on the mode that engages them the most, whether it be paper or screen? There is room for both. Books have always come in all shapes and sizes, so reading is reading, no matter the medium. Focus on your child developing a passion for reading and everything else is just icing on the cake.


Do you have any other suggestions for why you agree that books are definitely dessert? I would love to hear from you.
www.michelleworthington.com

3 Reasons Why Picture Books Are More Than Just Words and Pictures

Picture Books depart magic and wisdom to children all over the world every day, but they are so much more than a literacy tool. They are a gift to all of us; those who read them as well as those who write them.

1. When you read a picture book, you are seen.

Reading a book is sharing a story with a stranger. You might be in the arms of someone you love, but from another town or even another country, a storyteller is opening up your eyes and in turn, looking to you for your response. It happens without fanfare. It sees past the face you put on over your real one. There might me hints at secrets that you hide but understand. There might be a look in the characters eyes that mirrors your own. It could be something as simple as a truth you had always considered but never been brave enough to say out loud.

This storyteller sees you. There is somebody out there who gets it—it being you.

2. When you read a picture book, you learn.

The degree to which readers feel comfortable expressing their views is never more evident than when reading a picture book. Children are able not only to put their ideas out for public inspection on the cognitive worktable, but they also respond to and challenge their peers ideas. These interactions with one another suggest a high level of cognitive engagement in that children are listening to and responding to not only the story, but to another and making thoughtful contributions. Additionally, the evidence suggests that the comprehension process stimulated by predicting, relating and questioning that occurs provides guidelines about how to talk about issues children feel strongly about and what to say in order to participate and share their own views.

3.When you read a picture book, you are loved.

As a picture book author, this innate love seems to be a given for me, but it is overlooked by so many readers. It is no just the words or pictures we are sharing, it is the hours of creative angst, self doubt, compromise and negotiation. It is the tears between the pages, the laughter trapped between the blank spaces and the overwhelming need to share and share again with perfect strangers those parts of us that sometimes we don't let even those you know us best see.  A picture book is love in one of it's more basic forms. It is a gift we give freely and with the hopes that the reader will feel the love we poured into it just for them.

If you would like to share what gift picture books have given you and your family, please feel free to comment or contact me, I would love to hear your stories.

www.michelleworthington.com

Top Tips for How to Read to Kids Who Don't Like Books

We have all heard the age old mantra that children should be read to from birth and this is true, in an ideal world. There is such a thing as a child who simply doesn't want to be read to, who can't sit still long enough or has trouble processing words and pictures at the same time. These children need to be introduced differently to the world of books and progressively to reading, in their own time and on their own terms. Just because they don't have a natural affinity with books, doesn't mean they should miss out on the benefits of Sensory Storytelling.

My youngest son, Tom, was born at 28 weeks. He has recently been diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. He doesn't play with other children, he doesn't watch TV and most of all, he doesn't read books. As a picture book author, not being able to share books with him just about breaks my heart. So, I have been working with him to find some age appropriate, sensory friendly ways to help him discover and embrace the magic of books.

Children who are not interested in books can be put off by many things, some seemingly more significant than others but all of them need to be acknowledged and addressed. Every child is different, but let’s take Tom for example. Firstly, the size of the book bothers him. Bigger is not always better. He will open the book to a page but won't allow or initiate page turning. Even at 18 months old, everything still goes in the mouth. He doesn't like being read to with the book in front of him, but will listen if I am behind and eventually come to me when he is ready. We have never had a successful bedtime storytelling session whereas with my older two boys, we read a book or ten together every night.

My best tip would be don’t attempt to try and read books to a disinterested child at bedtime. They are tired and cranky, and you might be too. Find a bedtime routine that works for them and run with it. Don’t feel guilty if you are not reading to them at night. The second tip is to keep it simple. Choose three books about subjects your child is familiar with and let them choose which one they would like you to read them. 

• Let them touch the book before you start reading.

• Establish a comfortable personal space 

• Be slow and deliberate in your movements, especially when turning the page and pointing to words

• Keep your voice low and calm, limiting expression to what is needed for understanding to begin with and then adding facial expressions and repetitive head movements.

• Look at the pictures in the book first before going back and reading the words if they are still interested. The pictures themselves will foster discussion and interaction.

• Allow fidgety behaviour and if the child is unable to sit still, stand up and walk around while reading.

This is a process and may have to be repeated many times before they become responsive to what you are trying to achieve. Don’t give up. The reward of parent-child bonding over a picture book story is more than worth the effort.

What ways do you have of engaging reluctant readers? I'd love to hear your tips.

Top 5 Tips for Building your Child's Vocabulary

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 and speaker into exploring the benefits of a wide knowledge of language. Most people make the mistake of thinking that reading to them and getting them to read aloud is the first place to start, but this is in fact the end goal. 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 foster a love of reading.

1. Use Rich Oral Language

Children learn to speak through listening to and engaging in talk. Young children whose parents use high level, rich, meaningful conversations when not only speaking to their children, but also speaking to each other, will give the best chance of absorbing a higher vocabulary and reading achievement.

2. Use Broader Concept Words

When talking about a particular subject, instead of trying to teach words individually, use groups of words in sets that are conceptually related. For example, when speaking about a farm, use words related to life on farm, different families of animals and how those concepts relate to their day to day life.

3. Introduce New Words

By relating new words to words that children already know helps to not only expand the word in context, but helps them find congruent ways to figure out the meaning of words. Use the word they already know, like 'funny' and then add a different word in the same sentence like 'hilarious' to introduce a new word. When this is encountered repeatedly and diversely through meaningful activities, conversations and texts, the new words become part of the child's world.

4. Make It Relatable

There are so many fun and engaging ways to draw attention to the words all around us. Playing with words through songs, humour and raising consciousness can be empowering for children. They can feel like they are developing a sense of understanding and power over the part of themselves that communicates with others which can be incredibly powerful.

5. Have Fun With Words

Words should be cherished, nurtured, celebrated and loved. If children can see how much fun you have playing around with words, they will be more motivated to take the initiative and seek out opportunities to engage with them throughout the day. When children are self motivated, they learn faster and foster a life long love of reading. Reading to them and having them reading aloud is most beneficial when they have achieved this level of understanding. Then the real fun begins...forming a lasting bond with your child through sensory storytelling and amazing, empowering, encouraging picture books.

If you have any other tips you would like to share, please don't hesitate to contact me.

https://www.facebook.com/michelleworthington.author

Top 10 tips for Connecting with Toddlers through Reading Time

Here are my top ten tips for Connecting with Your Little Ones.

• Build a foundation of communication and word structure for your child by helping them to become familiar with common sounds, words and language that you use throughout the day.



• Introduce them to the value of books by incorporating them into playtime as well as a bedtime routine.



• Talk about what you have read. Help your children understand that ideas need to be discussed and thought about critically and creatively. This will help show them that words can be communicated to other people in different ways to pass on the message. If you have read something you don’t agree with, discuss that as well. Children need to learn that everything this is written is not necessarily the truth.

• Find ways in everyday activities to spark your child’s imagination. Stimulate curiosity and help his brain development by using words creatively. Don’t be scared about using ‘big words’. Vocabulary is key to improving communication in young children.



• Use sounds in fun ways. Make silly made up sounds and vary your pitch and tone when talking, reading and singing songs together.



• Help your child learn the difference between ‘real’ and ‘make-believe’. Imaginative play with toys and books is a great way to switch from real life scenarios to make believe world building. Encourage made up stories but be clear about when the time is needed for truth.

• Picture books can be great tools for you to use to help your child understand change and new or frightening events, and also the strong emotions that can go along with them. The library is an amazing resource for finding diverse books.



• Stop and listen when your child is trying to tell you something. Maintain eye contact. Try to stay as still as you can. Your child will develop early literacy skills like the ability to listen to and understand words faster if they feel they themselves are being listened to and understood.



• Teach your child the importance of following simple instructions by writing shopping lists together and getting them involved with easy cooking recipes or reading aloud to them as you are cooking so they can see the importance of written words.

• Foster a sense of humour by sharing laughter every day. Laugh out loud at silly jokes, something accidental or unusual that happened or silly sounds. Learning to laugh is important for a child’s communication, literacy and emotional development. Best of all, the sound of your laughter will make them the happiest of all.





If you have some great top tips, I would love you to contact me.


www.michelleworthington.com
https://www.facebook.com/michelleworthington.author
twitter michelle_author
instagram michelle.author

Top 5 Tips to get ASD kids reading.

Here are my top 5 tips to encourage young ASD children to fall in love with reading.

1.Let them pick what to read. Our local libraries love us. We almost always leave with 10 children's books. It works for us because it allows Tom to have a choice of what he wants to read based on whatever new obsession he has t hat week. I love the idea of teaching children to choose books on their own, regardless of their reading level. I love anything that encourages independence and I work with whatever motivated Tom to pick up that book, even if it is way above his comprehension level. Books are about so much more than words and pictures. They are about forming connections

2. Focus on sight words. Do everything you can to make them fun and playful but don't worry too much if they aren't picking it up straight away. This is a long term strategy for reading that needs to start early, way before they walk into a classroom. The more letters and words they recognise, the easier reading will be. It's not rocket science, it's repetition.

3. Make books available at play time, not just bedtime. We have books everywhere at our place. We keep them in in the playroom, in the kids’ bedroom and in the car. Bedtime is a lovely time to share stories but it is more about the senso ry stimulation they receive from being close to you than a learning experience. ASD kids respond well to using books as part of extending their play time by integrating literacy into their daily routine.


4. Read aloud. Even if it seems like they aren't listening, part of their brain is responding to the sounds of your voice. Varied tone, intonation and volume are important. Most importantly of all, it doesn’t have to be from a book. Read the paper, read the cereal packet, read the instructions on the packet meal for dinner. Get older siblings, grandparents or anyone who is willing to read aloud and then initiate a conversation with them about what they are reading. This encourages critical and creative thinking and associates books as a valued resource to facilitate easy conversation and connection with others.



5. Let them see you reading. ASD kids can be visual creatures who love to mimic others. If they see you reading, they a re more likely to do the same. Talk to them about what you are reading. Find a word they might recognise. Read varied books, magazines and online articles so they can see you use reading and books in your everyday life as an adult and they will grow to understand that even though reading might be difficult now, it will be a skill they will need when they get older so they will be more encouraged to stick with it.

If you would like to contact me, I would love to hear your top tips.

Website
www.michelleworthington.com

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/michelleworthington.author

YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/user/mworthingtonauthor

3 Reasons Why Art Matters with MyDeal.com.au

3 Reasons Art is Great for Kids

Thank you so much to MyDeal.com.au for sharing my tips on the importance of reading to kids. Check out their blog for more great reasons on why Art is Great for Kids.

https://www.mydeal.com.au/blog/post/3-reasons-art-is-great-for-kids

Michelle Worthington Author: Gender Roles in Fairytales

Book Review - The Boy on the Page by Peter Carnavas

The Boy on the Page
By Peter Carnavas
Target 5-10 year olds

A small boy lands on the page and quite by accident, discovers the joy and wonder of life.

Book Review



As an author, I always find it a bit uncomfortable when I read a picture book and it lets me see inside the head of the person who wrote it. Looking into Peter's head through this amazingly beautiful book is mystifying and a little bit scary that one person can be so singularly talented in both words and pictures. New Frontier Publishing is known for releasing books that may seem too out of the box for mainstream companies and they should be applauded for encouraging Peter to spill his imagination all over the page in every book he creates. His books are creations. They are the types of books adults love as much as children, which  makes it easier to read again and again. A great read for kids who read more into a story than is actually written.



About Peter

Peter's first picture book, Jessica's Box, was published in 2008 and was shortlisted for the Queensland Permier's Literary Award, selected as a Notable Book by the CBCA and shortlisted for the 2009 Speech Pathology Book of the Year Award. It appeared recently on Play School. Peter was also shortlisted for the Crichton Award. His previous title, The Children Who Loved Books, has been selected for the 2013 Get Reading Campaign.




Other books by Peter

The Great Expedition
The Children who Loved Books
Sarah's Heavy Heart
Last Tree in the City
Jessica's Box

www.newfrontier.com.au

Picture Book Masterclass

Discover the principles of writing for children and learn to create dynamic and vibrant picture books in this exclusive masterclass with international award winning author of empowering picture book author, Michelle Worthington. Two time winner of the International Book Award for Children's Hardcover Fiction and finalist in the USA Best Book Awards and Book Excellence Awards, Michelle also received a Gellett Burgess Award for Children's Literature and a Silver Moonbeam Award for her contribution to celebrating diversity in Picture Books. Her goal is to inspire children to believe in themselves and encourage reluctant and special needs readers to fall in love with books. She will share with you her extensive industry knowledge, the basic principles behind writing for children, picture book publishing guidelines and updates on the current market and publishing environment. This masterclass is for anyone who is wanting to publish a picture book but places are limited as Michelle's expertise in this area is sort after all over Australia. Bookings essential as places are limited to ensure each participant gets one-on-one time with Michelle to discuss their picture book idea. Tea and coffee provided...and of course, chocolate biscuits!

Date and Time

Sat. 25 February 2017
12:30 pm – 3:00 pm AEST         

Location

Wellington Point Community Hall
347 Birkdale road
Birkdale, QLD 4159

Book Now https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/picture-book-masterclass-tickets-29603340388

Writing for Children Full Day Seminar

Writing for Children

Share Your Story events are for aspiring authors to learn from industry professionals and established writers to further their dream of being a published author. Join international award winning picture book author, Michelle Worthington and her special guests for a full day workshop on writing for children. Hear from multi-published children's author Aleesah Darlison, internationally published author Rachel Noble, bi-lingual author Melina Mallos, chapter book author Michel Deverall, self-publishing guru Martii Maclean, author/editor/publisher Julieann Wallace and the emerging talent of Yvonne Mes talk about the specifics of writing for children and how it is different from other types of publishing. Free parking. The cost includes tea, coffee, refreshments, a light lunch...and of course, chocolate biscuits!!! Bookings essential.

These are just some of the topics that will be covered. Looking forward to seeing you there.
-How to select a publisher
-The mechanics of submitting your work

-The editorial process
-The design process
-Contracts
-Selling systems and promotion
-Opportunities in e-book and self-publishing

Date and Time

Sat. 18 February 2017
10:00 am – 3:00 pm AEST

Add to Calendar

Location

Redlands IndigiScapes Centre
17 Runnymede Road
Capalaba, QLD 4157

Book now https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/writing-for-children-seminar-tickets-29602710504

The Wheelchair Adventure: a story by non-verbal kids with a lot to say

The Wheelchair Adventure by Emma, Lachlan, Michael & Sam. "One perfectly ordinary day, four friends arrive at school and are transported on an amazing, extra-ordinary trip to all their favourite places, doing what they love to do best. Where will they turn up next on their wheelchair adventure?" A picture book created by the non-verbal, visually impaired students themselves by using auditory partner assisted scanning with their communication books during a series of interactive lessons with me. Working with Sam, Lachlan, Michael and Emma on this book has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my publishing career. To see how generous and patient they were with me and how much fun they had being listened to, as well as having Wally Lewis come to the book launch...it was the highlight of their school year.

Narbethong State Special School most graciously allowed me to be the author in residence in 2016. I got the opportunity to work with all the students in the school, with various levels of visual, mental and communicative impairment and design an author program that would most suit their needs and be of the most benefit to their current curriculum. Not to mention, it was so much fun. Copies of The Wheelchair Adventure are now available by request from me in Braille and all proceeds go back to the school to assist with their fundraising.

You can see what fun we had at the book launch by following this link: http://bit.ly/2h8eMVX
I would like to offer my services for 2017 to do any author visits to your special school with storytelling to the younger grades and possibly work with the older students on making their own published picture book. If the students write and create a picture book, it can be used for fundraising for the school with all proceeds of sales forwarded directly to them. The kids have a great time too and are able to call themselves published authors.

A huge thanks to my team who make it all possible. Giuseppe Poli for the illustrations and Julieann Wallace from Lilly Pilly Publishing for making the magic happen of turning words and pictures into a published book. Can't wait to give more children a chance to have their voices heard in 2017.

The Wheelchair Adventure is available now.
http://www.lillypillypublishing.com/_p/prd22/4578322021/product/the-wheelchair-adventure

My Brother Tom a finalist in the International Book Excellence Awards

So proud that My Brother Tom by Michelle Worthington and Ann-Marie Finn was a finalist in the Book Excellence Awards

My Brother Tom is a picture book for older siblings of a baby born prematurely and who is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to facilitate discussion with caregivers and help them understand what is going on. Royalties from the sale of My Brother Tom go to Life's Little Treasures Foundation with helps families in Australia who are affected by premature birth.

Copies of My Brother Tom are available through their website

https://lifeslittletreasures.org.au/

How much money do you make as a picture book author?

First, can I say, bwahahahahahahahahahahaha!

When I do writing workshops for authors wanting to write picture books, I am very honest and open with them about how much money you make. Let me show you how I break it down using last financial year as an example. Bear in mind, that last financial year, I had a baby and wasn't actively doing market stalls and school visits, but as this is based on me having 8 published picture books, it will give first time authors an idea of what to expect in the beginning. Are you ready?

Income for 2013-2014 Financial Year

Royalties from the sale of picture books $672.23
Payment for 'Help on Heels' editing service $150
Lending rights from public and school libraries $1639.55

Total Income $2461.78

Wait for it..

Expenses

Cost of stock, Phone, Postage, Eftpos Machine fees, Business Insurance, Conference fees, Competition fees, memberships $5210.53

Total Profit -$2748.75

This is why my accountant shakes his head at me every year and asks "why are you doing this again?" This is just my example and I don't believe there would be many other authors brave enough to break it down like this to show you their actual income. I don't blame them, especially if you have partners who also question why you keep running a business at a loss. So why do you and is there a way to make a profit?

In the start of any business, the first couple of years are going to be tough. This was my third tax return, and I'm glad to say, even though I still made a loss, it was a smaller loss than the previous years. It will change, as my social media platform grows, I keep submitting manuscripts to bigger publishers as I earn my dues and hopefully, when I one day write the 'best seller'. Until then, I keep working at it every day, just like any small business owner.

It seems to me many authors supplement their income by writing books or ebooks on how to be successful authors. They are top sellers, easy to produce and have a large audience. You are reading this blog, right? No one would buy my book, it would be filled with the truth.

Another way that I really enjoy is to conduct workshops, do paid author visits, set up an editing business and blog. Even though it doesn't pay a million bucks, it's income. And its the part of marketing myself as an author that I really love.

Which brings me to the reason I keep going. Because I love it. I love writing picture books. I love seeing my stories in print, sharing them with people all over the world, winning awards and being recognised by my 8 year old groupies when I sell books at the local markets. It's my passion.

At the same time, I'm not stupid. I have a 5 year plan, like most organised small business owners, and if there comes a time when the money I am spending on my business is taking away from the money I need to keep a roof over my families heads, then I stop. But until that time comes, I focus, with a positive attitude, on my financial goal of making a profit as a picture book author. Stay tuned, I will let you know when it happens...

Talk soon
x Michelle
www.michelleworthington.com