Australia’s Dark and Tragic Past.
'Dreamtime Man.'
Since the people of Dreamtime claimed old Uluru.
Some, willing and eager to claim even MORE.
south of the equator
Inside a Snail ShellAcademic WingsAuthor-JennaKay Francis, Illustrator-Jillian CriderHave you ever wondered what’s inside a snail’s shell? A jaunty story in rhyme. Educational pages, too.
Never Say Boo to a Frilly with Rainbow Birds & Tasmanian Devil DanceAcademic WingsAuthor- Margot Finke, illustrator-Aysin ErogluWhen an Aussie Tasmanian Devil, Rainbow Birds and a Frillneck Lizard find themselves inside the same rhyming book, watch out for educational FUN.
Once Upon an Eyeball - How the Nose Knows Roses The Sum of our Parts SeriesAcademic WingsAuthor Bill Kirk, Illustrator- Eugene RubleThis book is a bonus set of two anatomical rhymes in one book, describing the basic structures and functions of the eye and the nose in a way that is easy to understand.
Robbie and Katie get a Hairy ScareHealth& HygieneAuthor Lea Schizas, Illustrator Eugene RubleWatching the stylist cut their oldest sister’s hair, the twins giggle until the receptionist says, “Hair is DEAD.” Big mistake!
When a reluctant grandson in Oregon is pressured into writing to his grandma in Australia, wonderful things happen. Both have a need for love and reassurance, and between letters their daily lives go on. Back and forth the letters go: Josh shares his problems, while Grandma Rose shares stories, and past memories that astonish her grandson and his friend Kelly. His Xbox gathers dust, while he and Kelly ride bikes and bird watch. Googling the weird and wonderful Aussie critters that visit Rose’s garden becomes a hobby for them. Soon, Andy and Grandma shrink the Pacific Ocean into a puddle they can easily ford.
There is a glossary of Aussie words and animals at the back of the book.
A SAMPLE from the Beginning:
CHAPTER ONE
Grandma Rose
On the other side of the Pacific Ocean, where water lapped the sandy eastern shores of Australia, Rose Larkin slept. She lived on the edge of the Queensland bush in a small town called Morningside. At sixty plus Rose was a light sleeper, so the sound of the rifle crack snapped her awake.
Silence. This was followed by the mutter of distant voices. Rose’s cat, Lady, sleeping at the foot of the bed, had not twitched a whisker.
“The same hooligans again I’ll bet,” Rose muttered, “Shooting at whatever moves.”
Stiff from sleeping, Rose threw on a dressing gown and headed for the back door. Outside the door she grabbed a long handled garden fork that leaned against the wall. She hefted it. Not a bad weapon – just in case.
A skimpy moon left the back yard in complete darkness. But Rose didn’t need a flashlight. Her feet had long ago memorized every pebble, dip, and curve that lead to the back fence. The voices now grew more distinct.
“Cripes mate, I killed somethin’!”
“Dumb git! You offed a ‘roo. The old biddy’s heard us for sure. Let’s scarper.”
The voices faded, lost in the far reaches of the wild bush area that backed onto Rose’s property.
Grim-faced, Rose reached the fence line. Soft scrabbling noises came from the bush side of the fence. Leaning the garden fork against a fence post, she hiked up her nightie and dressing gown. Climbing over the broken section of the fence wasn’t easy. Rose struggled. Then a tearing sound. Blast! My favorite nightie, too!
Finally, she made it over the fence and into the bush, hoping to find whatever was making those distressed rustling sounds. Aha… She peered down at the ground around her – dim and blurry. Stupid woman – forgot my glasses! Her toe hit something furry. Kneeling in the darkness Rose searched the ground with outstretched hands. She felt something warm and soft. Oh Lord, NO!
In front of her lay a still warm but very dead female kangaroo. Snuggled beside his dead mum, yet very much alive, was her joey.
“There, there,” murmured Rose. “Not to worry little mate. You come with me.”
It took a few more rips and tears to her nightie, but she finally got the joey over the fence and safely back to the house. Tucking him into a spare pillowcase, Rose hung the makeshift pouch on the back of a kitchen chair. His small head peeked out, all big ears and long snout, a wistful look on its face. The pillowcase, loosely knotted at the open end, was the best she could do to provide a pouch.
Oh-ho, he’s shivering. Mustn’t let the little bloke go into shock. Rose quickly filled a hot water bottle and slipped it into the pillowcase. A swift look through her winter woolies, and her young guest wore a blue beanie scrunched down over his ears. She had knitted the beanie last winter.
“That’ll have to do for now. First thing in the morning I’ll find out what to feed you. Then I’ll phone the police. I just hope they catch the hooligans that killed your poor mum.”
Rose, chilled to her toes, made herself a steaming cup of tea. The joey, blue beanie askew over one eye, ducked inside his makeshift pouch every time she ventured near.
AVAILABLE FOR KINDLE: http://www.amazon.com/Down-Under-Calling-Margot-Finke-ebook/dp/B00FZXORQK/
=========================
I want to thank Cheryl for allowing me to chat with her wonderful readers and introduce a book that means so much to me. Writing “Down Under” took me back to my long ago Aussie roots. It was a book I had to write, and it came right from my heart. In some ways it is a tribute to my mum. She was the most honest person I have ever known. Also a fantastic story teller, a terrific judge of character, and she always showed her love for me in caring ways.
Some of the stories Grandma Rose tells grandson Andy in her letters are ones told to me by my mum. Mum was shy, and only opened up to close friends or relatives. I know she would be delighted to know that I have connected her stories to a far wider audience. Mum is long gone. . . yet I still miss her a whole bunch.
Website: http://www.margotfinke.com
Young Teen and Picture Books + Manuscript Critiques and Help for Writers.
Download a FREE “Sneak Peek” inside ALL my books:
http://tinyurl.com/9npjy9n
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/margotfinke/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Margot10
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/margot.finke
COVER: I love this hand drawn cover that captures where Grandma Rose lives as well as Andy and his friend Kelly together. Cover artist Agy Wilson chose wonderful colors to attract readers and the drawing has a down-home style that works well for this book.
FIRST CHAPTER: Grandma Rose is awakened by the crack of a rifle. Grabbing a long handled garden fork for protection, she heads out to the fence line. Climbing over the fence, she discovers a mother Kangaroo has been shot and killed, but her joey is very much alive. Rose takes the joey back to her house to care for it. The next day, a letter arrives from Rose’s grandson, Andy, who lives in Portland, Oregon. She wonders if Andy would like to hear about her new animal friend and sits down to draft her reply.
KEEP READING: What I admire about Finke’s work is the way she pulls you in. The opening pages drop you right into the story, as Rose is woken in the middle of the night by the noise of the rifle. You feel her urgency to discover what has happened and the pain of her discovery. That is tempered by the introduction of Andy’s letter and Rose wondering what his mother did to con him into writing. This looks like it will be a great book and I want to know what happens next.
I purchased a copy of this book for my Kindle. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.
"Writing Time Outs"
They Help You Polish Your Picture Book.
( From my "Musings" column on the Purple Crayon )
What is a Writing Time Out?
No, it does not mean dumping your PB (picture book) manuscript on a chair in the corner for fifteen minutes! A writing Time Out means putting aside the PB manuscript you have slaved over: for at least a few weeks. Let it marinate in a drawer, or in a folder on your hard drive marked,
"Time Out."
Title: Horatio Humble Beats the Big "D"
Author: Margot Finke
Illustrator: Ellen Gurak
ISBN: 13: 978-1-61633-101-6
eBook ISBN: 13: 978-1-61633-102-3
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing
Horatio Humble Beats the Big "D" is a children's rhyming picture book that tackles dyslexia. For those who are unfamiliar with the term dyslexia, according to the Mayo Clinic, it is a brain impairment that hinders the "brain's ability to translate written images received from your eyes into meaningful language." And, it is the most common learning disability in children.
Margot Finke, in her usual insightful and playful way, shows the academic and emotional affects that dyslexia carries with it. Horatio, like all children with dyslexia, wants to read like his peers, but just can't. "Something was wonky within his poor head, so words in his books stayed a mystery instead."
The author captures the emotional impact a child feels when he can't read like others, which leads to: the need for special resources, tutoring, low self-esteem, and even anxiety.
With vivid full page illustrations Finke brings Horatio through the process of 'special class' and shows the outcome that can be attained with proper instruction. "Words came unscrambled and flowed smooth and clear. "
I've mentioned it before, and I'll do so again, I'm a fan of Margot Finke's work. She has a unique talent for approaching topics that children can use help with, such as moving away from familiar surroundings and friends, as in her book Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind, and now with dyslexia. What's wonderful about Finke's books is she addresses these issues with lighthearted rhyming fun.
Horatio Humble Beats the Big "D" is a book every parent of a child who is struggling to read should get. It's important for children to know they're not alone in their struggles, and that dyslexia is a problem that CAN be overcome.
Included at the end of the story is a resource page that provides information on dyslexia and also offers links to pertinent articles, along with book suggestions. Listed in the information is the advice that encourages parents of children who have or are suspect of having dyslexia to let their children know it is not a sign of a lack of intelligence. These children should be told that actors/celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Orlando Bloom, Oprah Winfrey and Magic Johnson overcame dyslexia, as did Bill Gates and Albert Einstein.
According to statistics, one in five students (around 20% of the population) has a language based learning disability. And, less than one-third of the children with reading disabilities receive school services to help with their disability.
Reading Horatio Humble Beats the Big "D" with your dyslexic child is a valuable strategy to help with your child's self-esteem and motivation.
About the reviewer:
Karen is an author, ghostwriter, and freelance writer. She is on the team of DKV Writing 4 U; the creator and manager of VBT Writers on the Move; moderator of a children's writing critique group; and an acquisition editor intern.
Karen is a member of the Professional Writers Alliance; the International Association of Professional Ghostwriters; and the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors. She is also a member of SCBWI, Children's Writers Coaching Club, Writer's Market, Author's Den, and Jacket Flap. Here books include: Day's End Lullaby (a children's bedtime picture book) Walking Through Walls (a middle-grade fantasy chapter book) Writing for Children One Step at a Time (a 100+ page e-book) Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It (a 36 page e-book)
For more on writing, ghostwriting, freelance writing, and promotion visit:
http://KarenCioffi.com While you're there, be sure to sign up for Karen's FREE monthly newsletter, A Writer's World; you'll get TWO FREE e-books on writing
Because of a magical Boab Tree, Taconi and Claude find themselves marooned in the 21st Century. Ruthie and Horatio (2 characters from my other books) join forces to help Taconi and his cockatoo find their way back home where they belon0 Comments on FREE Child's Short Story w/- EVERY BOOK Purchased. as of 1/1/1900Add a CommentBy: Writing for Children, on 4/3/2011
Blog: The National Writing for Children Center (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Book Reviews, Margot Finke, M.E. Finke, Taconi & Claude, Add a tag
Reviewed by Nicole Weaver
Margot Finke has done it again! Her witty sense of humor, unbridled passion and talent to write stories for children and teens shine through like a beacon in the night.
In Taconi & Claude: Double Trouble, Ms. Finke introduces the reader to the Australian outback. The two lovable characters, Taconi and his beloved best friend Claude, a cockatoo, will captivate you till the very end of the story. The story chronicles the coming of age of a boy from a tribe in the 1950s era of the Australian outback. Taconi leaves the hills to come with his father to serve an affluent family at a time when he is also to enter the manhood of his Tribe.
Taconi and the cockatoo experience daily challenges together in a fun and amusing way. Along the journey, the reader will learn much about Australian folk tales and primitive tribal living.
The most memorable moment in this delightful tale is the author’s ingenious way to show that in Australia it is not too farfetched to indulge in eating snakes and other unheard-of critters.
There are a great deal of lessons one can learn from reading Taconi & Claude. Here are a few that stand out:
1) Hard Work: Taconi learns from his dad that hard work pays off. The lesson to be learned is that nothing comes easy in life; one must be willing to work hard to achieve goals. In the end, Taconi is inspired by his dad’s willingness to work hard and he helps his father keep his job as a cook and makes his father proud of the young man he has become.
2) Friendship: I love the strong friendship between Taconi and his mouthy cockatoo. Even though Claude’s death defying curiosity led to Taconi being smothered by flesh-biting critters, Taconi managed to forgive Claude and they remained close buddies.
3) Self Discovery: Taconi searches for the power he thinks he needs to survive by diligently looking for the blue kingfisher feather. Taconi is convinced that the blue kingfisher feather has magical power that will help him obtain unlimited amount of courage. In the end, Taconi discovers the power he is looking for comes from within.
In conclusion, I highly recommend this book for both girls and boys. I believe, students can learn a lot about what it means to be loyal and the benefits one can reap from hard work. Lastly, the glossary of Aussie terms at the end of the book will introduce readers to an array of new vocabulary and expose them to a new culture.
Title: Taconi & Claude: Double Trouble
Author: M.E. Finke
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 102 pages
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc (January 15, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1616331305
ISBN-13: 978-16163313060 Comments on Taconi & Claude: Double Trouble by M.E. Finke as of 1/1/1900Add a CommentBy: Margot Finke, on 3/25/2011
Blog: HOOK KIDS on READING (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: children's books, classroom, National Writing for Children Center, home school, Hook Kids on Reading, librarians, Parents, teachers, Margot Finke, Taconi and Claude, Add a tag
to promote"Taconi and Claude - Double Trouble"my new mid-grade adventure for boys - and tomboys too!.Writing the story of "Taconi and Claude" was a labor of love.Though I now live in the US, I spent the first half of my life in Australia. The Outback, and the Dreamtime Land in this book, was only a kookaburra flight across the mountains from where I grew up. It is an ancient land, and its aboriginal people are one of a kind. And the far outback tribes enjoy a fascinating way of lifeThis is my BOOK TOUR schedule:* Monday, March 21 - “Meet the Author”
Host: Irene Roth –
* Tuesday, March 22 - “The Writer’sLife”
Host: Donna McDine –
* Wednesday, March 23 - “Tradebook Tips for Teachers”
Host: Nicole Weaver –
* Thursday, March 24 - “Writing Tips
Host: Mayra Calvani -
* Friday, March 25 - “On the Go”
Host: Nancy I. Sanders –
* Saturday, March 26 - “Become a Facebook Fan”
Host: Terri Forehand –By all means go back and check out this week's earlier
Tour Sites - just scroll down a little to see my name.
Listen to me on Book Bites for Kids
Interviewed by Suzanne Lieurance about Taconi and Claude
and writing WOW FACTORS for boys - and tomboys.***************NOTE
to
Librarians, Teachers, and Home Schooling Parents:.<0 Comments on CALLING Librarians, Teachers and Those Who Want to HOOK KIDS on READING as of 1/1/1900Add a CommentBy: Mayra Calvani, on 11/24/2010
Blog: Mayra's Secret Bookcase (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: bilingual children's books, margot finke, autism, bilingual picture books, Add a tag
When Horatio has difficulty reading, his parents meet with the teacher to discover why. Horatio hears the words Dyslexia and Special Ed. “No way! Kids will think I’m dumb.” But go he does, and with amazing results.
Visit the author's website.Now from Guardian Angel Publishing!
0 Comments on New children's picture book about autism as of 11/24/2010 3:13:00 PMAdd a CommentBy: Margot Finke, on 9/27/2010
Blog: HOOK KIDS on READING (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: new children's books, Margot Finke, promotion, Add a tag
I just heard from my publisher, that my 10th rhyming picturebook, "Horatio Humble Beats the BIG D."
is on their publishing short list - YEA!!
Remember school, and how all of you dreaded being sent to Special Ed Classes - for whatever reason? Well Horatio is no exception. Sure he can't read well, but that's preferable to going to THAT class and being thought dumb by his schoolmates. But a dreaded parent teacher meeting set his fate, and whine or not, he was enrolled in THAT class. However, instead of wearing an instant "dumb" badge, and being laughed at, Horatio discovered that Dyslexia was only a word - one he could learn to spell AND read.Display Comments Add a Comment
.
A Parent-teacher guide comes with "Horatio." It show kids with Dyslexia that the fun and joy of reading wonderful books is just a Special Ed class away. There are also links to more serious help for parents who feel their child needs more than Horatio can offer.2 Comments on "Horatio Humble Beats the BIG D" - Dyslexia!, last added: 9/30/2010
Oh. . . and don't forget these two:By: Mayra Calvani, on 6/25/2010
Blog: Mayra's Secret Bookcase (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: children's books, margot finke, hippos, big changes, Add a tag
Young Ruthie’s mood changed overnight, her smiles slunk off in gloom.
She wouldn’t talk to Mom or Dad. She refused to leave her room.
Her parents scolded, begged and coaxed, but Ruthie paid no mind,
Her moods grew big and ugly, like some Hippo’s fat behind!
Thus begins this humorous rhyming picture book about the effect that a major change can have in a child’s life and the selfless love that can bring about healing and joy once again.
Ruthie isn’t happy—not happy at all. In fact, she feels as big and ugly as a hippo’s fat behind. That’s because she’s moved house, and that means leaving her old home and her best friend behind. It also means fitting in a new school and going through the stress of making new friends, something Ruthie isn’t willing to do.
Her parents try many things to make Ruthie feel better, but nothing seems to work. One thing is for sure: Ruthie is getting from bad to worse. She hates her dad’s jokes; she hates her mom; she refuses to do her chores. She even decides to dress like a crazy person, with a wild hairdo and socks that don’t match, anything to show her anger, sadness and frustration. Then one day, while Ruthie is sitting alone on the porch, she receives a visit from an unexpected guest and this changes her life forever, transforming her back into the caring, affectionate child she originally was. Want to know who that unexpected visitor is? You’ll have to read the story to find out!
Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind will keep young readers giggling until the end. It is a funny, sweet story of change, one most children will relate to. Author Margot Finke has a gift for rhyme and it shows in the smoothness and wittiness of her verses. Oregonian artist K.C. Snider’s illustrations add their own touch of humor, complementing the tone and mood of Ruthie’s tale.
A parent-teacher guide at the end of the book will make discussing the story and exploring its theme easier. I highly recommend reading this to a child who has recently experience a ‘big change,’ such as moving house, welcoming a new sibling or step parent into a home, or going into a new school.
Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind
By Margot Finke
Guardian Angel Publishing
Print ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-059-0
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-060-6
Copyright June 2010
For ages 5-12
Author’s website: http://margotfinke.com
Guardian Angel Publishing
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/ruthie.htm
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dus-stripbooks-tree&field-keywords=Margot+Finke&x=23&y=16
Also available from Powell’s, Target, B&N and most online retailers.
Watch the trailer: http://mysite.ncnetwork.net/restbcm8/Book%20Trailers.htm#slide1 Comments on New children's book explores 'big changes' in a child's life, last added: 6/26/2010Display Comments Add a CommentBy: Margot Finke, on 5/25/2010
Blog: HOOK KIDS on READING (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: reluctant readers, Margot Finke, books for boys, Margot's books, Add a tag
It's coming up on that time of year. . .
Summer Vacation Time,
when kids get bored!
Boys especially fall into S.V.T. pit of boredom.
Many don't think reading will offer what they crave -
GRAND ADVENTURE
MIND SHATTERING REBELLION
CRAZY FUN AND HUMORESCAPE FROM CHORES AND PARENTS
TRIUMPHANT VICTORY!I have been off-line for a few months, due to knee replacement surgery that threw me a few nasty curves. So, I thought the time was about right to pop in and offer a few" boy friendly" book titles.
These titles are guaranteed to take your
reluctant reader by the scruff of the neck,
and catapult him into the wonders
of reading great books.
Hopefully, reading something that was written with boys ( and their gross humor and other weird macho traits in mind) will also give moms and dads some breathing space.
HERE WE GO!
Any of Dani0 Comments on Beat Your Kid's Summer Boredom - HOOK THEM on READING! as of 1/1/1900Add a CommentBy: Margot Finke, on 12/24/2009
Blog: HOOK KIDS on READING (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: children's writing, Margot Finke, eBooks, Christmas Wishes, Add a tag
HAPPY HOLIDAYS MATES!
I want to thank ALL those who either read
or followed my 2 BLOGS and my
WEBSITE during 2009.
HOOK KIDS on READING
Margor's BOOKS for KIDS + Writing News
Margot Finke's of Books for Children
I tried to offer writing help and guidance to those who write for children, as well as provide titles and links to where parents and teachers could find books that HOOK BOYS on READING, as well as hook other RELUCTANT READERS.HEY - I know I ragged on about e-BOOKS,
and books on CD. I couldn't help it, fairdinkum!
Add a Comment
View Next 25 Posts
WOW! What a lovely surprise to wake up to – your first chapter review of Down Under Calling!! Thank you SO much. And Awesome Agy Wilson did far more than that wonderful cover. She set up the whole book for Kindle AND CreateSpace. Agy truly is awesome, and thanks to her, the soft cover version will soon be available.
I am still floating around and thrilled to have Down Under finally published. I think my mum would also be proud of me. Right, Mum? Take your time answering. . .
Books for Kids – Skype Author Visits
http://www.margotfinke.com