Category: news

THE LAST VIKING RETURNS is a thrilling showdown

Here’s a fantastic review for The Last Viking Returns from today’s Weekend Australian (Review section, pg.22).

 

The Last Viking Returns is a sequel to one of our favourite books of 2012, the inspirational The Last Viking.

Author Norman Jorgensen and illustrator James Foley reacquaint us with young Josh (who, a braver boy now, calls himself Knut) and his little dog Wolverine (still wearing a colander helmet).

When Josh’s grandfather decides to take them to a Viking theme park for the day, the god Thor, watching from Asgard, decides to pop down to earth and join in the fun. “What could possibly go wrong?” he asks … The answer is Fafnir, “the most evil dragon imaginable”, who has been waiting for Thor to let his hair down.

The resulting showdown between boy, dog, god and fire-breathing beast is thrilling.

Thanks to Stephen Romei and his co-reviewer Syd for the review.

 

Throwback Thursday: “Once Upon a Time” mural

In August 2013 a group of illustrators from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (Australia West) got together to paint a mural at the State Library of WA.

The theme was fairy tales with a local twist. Ten local illustrators (including myself) participated, each tackling a different fairy tale. Each tale was painted within a letter of the phrase ‘Once Upon A Time’.

Illustrator extraordinaire Chris Nixon compiled this time-lapse video of the process. On behalf of SCBWI, huge thanks to Chris and all the other artists: Samantha Hughes, Kelly Canby, Heather Charlton, Leanne White, Den Scheer, Frané Lessac, Sean E. Avery and Briony Stewart.

Long may the mural live on the wall; may it survive the sticky fingers of toddlers and the crayons of kids.

if the video doesn’t appear here, hit this link to watch.

The Last Viking Returns – book trailer

Here’s your first proper look at The Last Viking Returns!

The book will be out on September 1.

Josh is as brave as a Viking warrior. And not much can scare a Viking. But when the two littlest Vikings go beserk, Josh, Grandpa and Viking World are in for a rocky ride. Here’s a sneak peek at the sequel to The Last Viking.

First review for The Last Viking Returns

The Last Viking Returns was reviewed for the first time this morning! Here’s what ABC Radio Central Victoria had to say:

“Young Knut has to keep his twin siblings in check when he and his grandparents visit Viking World – a theme park like you’ve never seen before!

It’s full of detailed illustrations, runes to crack, lots of Viking references and a seemingly impossible villain to face – Fafnir the dragon. Sarah [Mayor Cox, children’s literature expert] says this is one of the most engaging books she’s seen in ages.

Young children will love it – it’s a good old fashioned romping adventure, which will have them gasping in anticipation of what will happen next.”

For the full audio, head to http://blogs.abc.net.au/victoria/2014/06/vikings-and-dreamers.html?site=centralvic&program=central_victoria_mornings.

And stay tuned to this blog and the facebook page – we’ll reveal the official book trailer for The Last Viking Returns next Tuesday afternoon!

TLVII Cover

Picture A Story exhibition

The State Library of WA has a new exhibition beginning November 2nd called Picture A Story, comprising works from their Australian children’s book illustration collection.

You’ll see artwork by Shaun Tan, Ron Brooks, Graeme Base, Alison Lester, Frane Lessac, Leigh Hobbs, Matt Ottley, Sean E Avery and me!

There’ll be originals, sketches and sculptures I made for The Last Viking… including this little reference maquette for Josh.

And as you probably noticed at the top of the post, Wolverine is the official mascot of the exhibition!

More info at the State Library website.

‘In The Lion’ noted in 2013 CBCA Awards

CBCA Notable Book medalMy picture book ‘In The Lion‘ was named a Notable Book in the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Picture Book of the Year category. Thanks to all the judges, and congrats to all my colleagues who had books noted and shortlisted.

The kids’ votes are in – The Last Viking wins the 2012 Hoffman Award!

WAYRBA logo

The Last Viking has won the Hoffman Award in the 2012 West Australian Young Readers’ Awards.

The Hoffman is awarded to the highest-ranked book by a West Australian creator (in this case, 2 creators!).

It sure is an honour to have kids pick and then vote for their favourite book. Thanks to all the WA young readers who voted, we couldn’t be happier.

Last Viking wins CBCA award (according to Junior Judges)

That’s right- junior judges around Australia voted The Last Viking for winner of Early Childhood Book of the Year 2012.

The Junior Judges Project is a free online program offered to schools by the Children’s Book Council of Australia. It’s a great way to get your classroom interested in the shortlisted books, so if you’re a teacher, consider it for next year.