Aussie Authors: Book 1 by Teacher Superstore

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Aussie authors 1

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An E-Book from Ready-Ed Publications

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For 10 - 12 year old students . te

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Written by Sally Murphy. © Ready-Ed Publications - 2003. Published by Ready-Ed Publications (2003) P.O. Box 276 Greenwood W.A. 6024 Email: info@readyed.com.au Website: www.readyed.com.au COPYRIGHT NOTICE Permission is granted for the purchaser to photocopy sufficient copies for non-commercial educational purposes. However, this permission is not transferable and applies only to the purchasing individual or institution. ISBN 1 86397 544 6

Introduction

Aussie Authors is a literature-based programme aimed at 10 to 12 year old students. The book’s aims are twofold: • For Teachers: To provide reading lists and activities centred on popular Australian children’s authors. • For Students: To encourage reading and understanding of a range of novels by Australian authors.

Rationale

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Teachers have always been aware of the need to build a love of books and reading in children, but in recent years the focus on literacy has grown to achieve even greater emphasis. An integral part of the challenge of developing reading skills is the need to select quality books for class reading, private reading and school libraries. In Australia an additional challenge has long been to provide students with material by Australian authors and with content relevant to Australian children. Aussie Authors provides teachers with a resource for introducing more Australian content into classrooms, and for exploring those works. This book focuses on meeting the needs of the Reading strand of the English Learning Outcomes, namely: Students read a wide range of texts with purpose, understanding and critical awareness.

To The Teacher © ReadyEdPubl i cat i ons

The emphasis in Aussie Authors is on encouraging students to read more books by Australian authors, at the same time fostering greater understanding of the books they choose. For each of the eighteen authors featured, there is a one page biography and reading list followed by one activity exploring one or more of the author’s works. In the majority of these activities, the student or teacher can select which title to focus on, allowing for flexibility in programming. There is also a list of over seventy recommended Australian authors and a reading challenge.

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How To Use This Book

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This book is not designed to be used sequentially. The authors appear alphabetically for ease of searching. Teachers teaching a particular author could use the book list and activity for just that author. Alternatively, the book can be used as part of a programme to study Australian authors as a theme. In this case, the teacher may select authors to focus on, or may allow students to select authors. The activities could be completed individually or in pairs and groups. Aussie Authors is particularly suitable for use in library studies. Reading lists can be displayed in libraries (or classrooms) or distributed directly to students. The final activity in the book, The Great Aussie Reading Challenge is designed to encourage children to increase their regular reading of Australian authors. Authors can be chosen from those in the book or others. The lists included should not be considered exhaustive. The overall focus when using these activities should be on enjoying reading and, in particular, reading Australian books.

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Contents

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2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44

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Introduction Allan Baillie Allan Baillie - In the News Duncan Ball Duncan Ball - Dog Talk Graeme Base Graeme Base - Vocabulary Di Bates Di Bates - Bushrangers Patricia Bernard Patricia Bernard - Tempting Titles Margaret Clark Margaret Clark - Dear Diary Bill Condon Bill Condon - Twisted Tales Justin D’Ath Justin D’Ath - Cartoon Jackie French Jackie French - Word Search Morris Gleitzman Morris Gleitzman - Lights, Camera, Action! Libby Hathorn Libby Hathorn - Story Grammar Paul Jennings Paul Jennings - Story Map Robin Klein Robin Klein - Letter Mates Sally Odgers Sally Odgers - Cool Characters Ruth Park Ruth Park - Playing Beatie Bow Emily Rodda Emily Rodda - Web Quiz Gillian Rubinstein Gillian Rubinstein - Character Profile Colin Thiele Colin Thiele - Classic Novels Great Aussie Authors The Great Aussie Reading Challenge Teacher Resources Web Sites Answers

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Name:

Allan Baillie Allan Baillie was born in Scotland and came to Australia when he was six. He grew up in Victoria and began his working life as a cadet journalist with the Melbourne Sun. After recovering from an accident which nearly killed him, Baillie set out to see the world. His experiences in Laos led him to write his first novel Mask Maker (for adults).

r o e t s Bo r e p ok u S Which of the following Allan Baillie books have you read? The China Coin

Foggy

The Last Shot

The Excuse

Wreck Hero

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Baillie has since written a range of books for children of all ages, including picture books and non-fiction, as well as short stories. Many of his books are based on his journeys to the places where they are set. You can learn more about Allan Baillie by visiting his web site at www.allanbaillie.com.au

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R Little Monster © ReadyEdP ub l i cat i ons R Rpu The Bad Guys •f orr evi ew r p os esonl y•R Mates and Other Stories

Little Brother

Legends - Stories of Australia

Saving Abbie

Heroes - Australians at their best

Drac and the Gremlin (Picture Book)

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Adrift

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Riverman

Rebel (Picture Book)

Songman

The Boss (Picture Book)

The Magician

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Allan Baillie - In the News Allan Baillie started his working life as a newspaper reporter. Your task is to write a news report of your own, based on one of Allan Baillie’s stories. Choose just one incident and write a newspaper report of the event. Plan your article by answering the following questions.

r o e t s Bo r e p ok u Who? (Which characters S are involved?) What? (What happens to them?)

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Book title/Page numbers:

When? (When did it happen?)

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Why? (What caused it?)

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Now, use your notes to write your article. Remember to include your answers to all six questions in your report. Ready-Ed Publications

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Duncan Ball Duncan Ball was born in the United States in 1941 and became interested in writing when he was a teenager. Ball came to Australia in 1974 and worked as an industrial chemist. He wrote his first book - for adults - in his spare time. Later he became the editor of the NSW School Magazine. This is where his love of writing for children was developed. He now writes full time, and is the author of the popular Selby books, the Emily Eyefinger series and other fun children’s titles.

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r o e t s Bo r e p o You can learn more about Duncan Ball at Selby’s web site: u k www.harpercollins.com.au/selby/duncan.htm S R

Selby’s Secret

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Which of the following Duncan Ball books have you read?

Emily Eyefinger and the Black Volcano

Emily Eyefinger’s Alien Adventure

Ghost and the Goggle Box

Ghost and the Gory Story

Ghost and the Shutterbug

Piggott Place

R © ReadyEdPubl i cat i ons Emily Eyefinger, Secret Agent R •f orr evi ew r posesonl y• Rpu Selby Screams R

Selby Surfs

Selby Spacedog

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Selby Splits

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Emily Eyefinger: Lost Treasure

Emily Eyefinger and Alien Bone

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Selby Snaps

Quentin’s Lunch

My Dog’s a Scaredy-Cat (Picture Book)

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Duncan Ball: Dog Talk Duncan Ball’s most famous character is Selby, the talking dog. Because Selby can talk we can ask him all about his exciting life. For this activity you are going to pretend to be Selby. Answer the following questions for one of your loyal fans.

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How did you learn to talk?

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r o e t s Btalking dog? r e What is it like to be Selby, possibly the world’s onlyo p ok u S

Is it hard keeping it a secret from your owners, the Trifles?

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Share your answers with your group. Ready-Ed Publications

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Graeme Base Graeme Base was born in England in 1958. He moved to Australia with his family in 1966. After school he studied graphic design before working in advertising. He did not do well in this career and when he found himself unemployed he began looking for work as a book illustrator.

r o e t s Bo r e p ok u S Which of the following Graeme Base books have you read? My Grandma Lives in Gooligulch

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His first book, My Grandma Lives in Gooligulch was published in 1983, but it was his next book, Animalia which made his name internationally known. Graeme Base both writes and illustrates his books, which are mostly written in verse. His illustrations are usually highly detailed.

R © Animalia ReadyEdPubl i cat i ons R Ther Discovery of Dragons •f or evi ew pur poseso nl y• R

The Sign of the Seahorse

The Worst Band in the Universe

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The Eleventh Hour

. R teThe Waterhole o c . cheAs Illustrator e r o t r s R s r u e p Jabberwocky (by Lewis Carroll) R

Creation Stories

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Graeme Base - Vocabulary Although Graeme Base is sometimes described as a picture book writer, the language and vocabulary of his writing often seems to be targeted at older readers. The following words are all taken from The Worst Band in the Universe. Use your dictionary to find the meaning of each. heresy: humiliation:

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improvise:

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innovation: martyr:

poignant:

prohibited: verify: feint:

revere:

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Discuss the following with your group. At what age are you ‘too old’ for picture books? Why?

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cacophony:

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Share your responses with the class.

Writing Challenge:

How many of the words in the above list can you use in one paragraph of writing? Ready-Ed Publications

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Name:

Di Bates Di Bates grew up on the family goat farm in New South Wales and discovered her talent for telling stories while still in kindergarten. When she left school she trained as a teacher. Ms Bates began writing professionally when she went to work for the NSW Department of Education’s School Magazine. Later, when she was living on an isolated property she began writing a novel to overcome boredom. When that first novel, Terri, was published, she kept writing. She has since written more than seventy books for children.

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www.users.bigpond.com/billcondon/homepage.html

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r o e t s Bo r e p o u k You can learn more about Di Bates at the web site she shares with her S husband, fellow writer Bill Condon, at:

Which of the following Di Bates books have you read? Grandma Cadbury’s Trucking Tale

Hairy Hannah and the Grandad Gang

Bushranger Babes

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My Wacky Gran

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Nick Nickers and the Great Santa Roundup

Ned the Nong and the Kelly Kids

Bushranger Bob and the Nude Olympics

Shooting Star

The Shape

Thirteen Going on Forty

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Grandma Cadbury’s Bikie Gang

o c . c e her r Daring Dora and the All-Girl o t s s Dame Nellie Nickabocka, er p Ru Gang Basil Bopp the Burper

Jacob Fang and His Feral Family

Billy Fishbone, King of the Kids

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Di Bates - Bushrangers

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Choose one character from the Bushranger series and create a Wanted poster. Display it in the library or around the school.

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Patricia Bernard Patricia Bernard was born in Melbourne, but when she was nineteen she left Australia and, for the next twenty years, travelled the world. She worked a variety of different jobs as she explored many different countries. Eventually, though, Ms Bernard returned to Australia. Already a painter, she began writing and her first children’s novel, Riddle of the Trumpalar, was published in 1981. She has since written many books for children of different ages as well as for adults.

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r o e t s Bo r e p o u k You can learn more about Patricia Bernard by reading her profile at S www.scholastic.com.au or www.harpercollins.com.au

Which of the following Patricia Bernard books have you read?

R The Outcast © ReadyE dPubl i cat i ons R R The Punisher Challenge of the Trumpalar •f orr evi ew pur posesonl y•R Blader’s Rule

The Rule Changer

We Are Tam

Dream Door of Shinar

Jacaranda Shadow

Monkey Hill Gold

Kangaroo Kids

Techno Terror

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The Pizza Caper

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Wolfman

Jumping Dogs and Jellyfish

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Riddle of the Trumpalar

Duffy, Everyone’s Dog (Picture Book)

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Patricia Bernard - Tempting Titles Often, the title of a book is what gives us our first impressions. The title can suggest: • What the book might be about; • Who it might appeal to; • The type of book - adventure, mystery, romance, etc.

r o e t s Bo r e p ok u S Blader’s Rule We Are Tam The Outcast

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With a partner, look at the following titles of books by Australian author, Patricia Bernard. For each title, note down what you think it might be about, who would enjoy reading it and what sort of book it is.

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Compare your answers with the rest of the class. If these books are in your school or class library, compare your answers with the actual book. Ready-Ed Publications

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Margaret Clark Margaret Clark was born in Australia in 1943 and went to school in Geelong. She always loved to write, but didn’t write her first book until she was 42. Before becoming a full time writer, Clark was a school teacher, university lecturer and drug and alcohol educator. Margaret Clark has written over ninety books for different age groups, and has also written under the names MD Clark and Lee Striker. You can learn more about Margaret Clark by visiting her web site at www.margaretclark.com

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Seal With a Kiss

Fat Chance

Whale of a Time

Kiss and Make Up

Hello Possum

No Standing Zone

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r o e t s Bo r e pMargaret Clark books haveoyou Which of the following read? u k S

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R Tina in Trouble © ReadyEdP uTuff bl i c at i ons R orr evi ew r p os esonl y•R Rpu Crackle •f Hot and Spicy Wannabe Wallaby

Stars

Snag

Sugar Sugar

Snap

Brush With Fame

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Care Factor Zero

The Search

Cool Bananas

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Pop

Evil at Camp Star

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Librarian

Dead Kids Tell No Tales

Wally the Whiz Kid

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Margaret Clark - Dear Diary The characters in Margaret Clark’s books learn more about themselves as they have their adventures - whether at school (as in the Mango Street series), in interesting places (like the Wildlife sanctuary in Aussie Angels) or on adventures (like in the Hair Raisers books).

Dear Diary,

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Imagine you are one of the characters in your favourite Margaret Clark story. Write a diary entry retelling one event from the story. Remember that in a diary entry the writer will not just retell the events - s/he will talk about her/his feelings about the things that have happened.

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Love,

Share your diary entry with your group. Ready-Ed Publications

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Bill Condon Bill Condon was born in 1949 and lives in New South Wales with his wife, Di Bates, who is also a children’s writer. When he left school Condon had many different jobs, including mowing lawns, training greyhounds and delivering parcels, but he always felt that he would like to write.

r o e t s Bo r e p o You can find out more about Bill Condon by visiting his web site (which he u k shares with his wife) at: S www.users.bigpond.com/billcondon/homepage.html

Auntie Spells Trouble

Humungoid

Bumplestiltskin

What a Stinker!

Chunderella

The Princess and the Martian

Snow White and the Seven Sumos

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Eventually he began his writing career by working as a journalist, and started writing for children in his spare time. He is now a full time children’s writer.

Which of the following Bill Condon books have you read?

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Dogs

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Jack and the Magic Baked Beans R

Jerry the Jerk

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o R c Snow White and the. Tooth che e r Magiciant o R r s super Holly and Mac

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That Smell is My Brother

Top That!

Brain Sucker

Rat Heads (with Robert Hood)

Feeding Frenzy

Brain Sucker (with Robert Hood)

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Bill Condon - Twisted Tales Several of Bill Condon’s books are reworked versions of old fairy tales. Snow White and the Seven Sumos, Bumplestiltskin, Chunderella and others are based (sometimes loosely) on stories you may have heard many times before.

r o e t s Bo r e p ok u STraditional Fairytale “New” Story

Title:

Characters:

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Your task is to have a go at reworking one of your favourite (or least favourite) fairy tales. Begin by identifying the elements of the story as you know it. Write your notes in the first column below. Then, think about which element(s) you will change to make your new, improved version. Plan your story in the second column.

Setting (Time/Place):

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Main Events:

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Now, have a go at writing your new story. Share the finished tale with your group. Ready-Ed Publications

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Justin D’Ath Justin D’Ath grew up in New Zealand with his eleven brothers and sisters. He now lives in Bendigo with his two grown up children, his son-in-law and his grandson. Although he had other jobs, D’Ath always loved to write. His first writing job was a monthly cartoon strip for a magazine. He has since written twelve children’s novels, a young adults’ novel, an adult novel and lots of short stories.

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r o e t s B r e You can learn more about Justin D’Ath by visiting his o webo site at: p www.justindath.comu k S Which of the following Justin D’Ath books have you read? Koala Fever

Goldfever

R Magic © Snowman Read yEdPubl i cat i ons R Echidna Mania •f or r ev i ew pur poseso nl y• R

Topsy and Turvy

Hunters and Warriors

Fantabulous

Humungous

Infamous

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Astrid Spark, Fixologist

R . teThe Upside-down Girl o c . R Sniwt che e r o t r s sup er Why Did the Chykkan Cross the Galaxy R

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Justin D’Ath - Cartoon

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Justin D’Ath was first published as a cartoonist. His stories are full of funny moments and snappy dialogue, perfect for cartoons. Your task is to take one scene from your favourite Justin D’Ath story and turn it into a comic strip using the boxes below. Remember that unlike the story version, the cartoon needs to convey all information using either dialogue or pictures.

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Jackie French Jackie French was born in 1953 and grew up in Brisbane. She began writing and telling stories when she was in primary school although she didn’t send her first book to a publisher until she was over 30. That first book, Rain Stones, was accepted, and she has since written more than 80 books for children and adults, as well as writing for newspapers and magazines and appearing on television on Burke’s Backyard.

r o e t s Bo r e p ok u S Jackie French books have you read? Which of the following

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You can learn more about Jackie French by visiting her web site at www.jackiefrench.com

A Story to Eat With a Mandarin

Rain Stones

Walking the Boundaries

The Soldier on the Hill

Blood Moon

City in the Sand

Dancing with Ben Hall

House of a Hundred Animals

Dark Wind Blowing

The Metal Men

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o c . e R Hitler’s Daughter c Summerland her r o t s sup r e How the Finnegans Saved the The Café on Callisto Daughter of the Regiment

Ship

Lady Dance Missing You, Love Sarah

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The Tribe that Sang to Trees

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Space Pirates on Callisto

The Secret Beach

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Jackie French - Word Search Find the following Jackie French titles in the grid below. Beyond the Boundaries

In the Blood

Blood Moon

Hitler’s Daughter

Lady Dance

Rain Stones

City in the Sand

Summerland

Charlie’s Gold

r o e t Hairy Charlie and the Frog The Metal Men s B r eMermaids ooMind’s Eye p Annie’s Pouch u k S Twelve Bottles Popping The Book of Unicorns

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Alien Games

F W X R K U H X G Q O S O S K H B K V T R C

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P P O P S E L T T O B E V L E W T K

N T H E B L O O D K L A D Y D A N C E W

B D N A S E H T N I F R S E

G G

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C P H W Q F G

I Q

Y M N U X Y M C H A R L

H O W S

E S G O L D G T

C V E U U C R P S E X F O C A C C

X A X M L N V B F Q P A L

E N G A M E S A

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W C L V T P E R E T H G U A D S R E L T

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O B S M D L G S F K G W E F E E B D O L L W

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T Z G S U M M E R L A N D D O B Z F Z C D N B O M I Z U

Y L C Z V A L B M U W W H I

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C B L O O D M O O N R

J X T H E M E T A L M E N J D K O H

T S Y K O E O T E K S E N O T S N I H A

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N N A L W R Y Page 21

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Morris Gleitzman

Morris Gleitzman was born in England and came to Australia in 1969, when he was sixteen years old. He had jobs as a paper boy, shelf stacker and mill hand, before finishing a degree in professional writing. After writing television and movie scripts for productions including The Norman Gunston Show, Gleitzman wrote the script for a movie called The Other Facts of Life. When he was given the opportunity to turn this script into a novel, he did. The novel was so well received and he had enjoyed writing it so much, that he has been writing novels ever since.

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You can also read the first chapters of his books online.

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r o e t s Bo r e p o To learn more aboutu Morris Gleitzman, visit his web site at k S www.morrisgleitzman.com

Which of the following Morris Gleitzman books have you read?

R The Other Facts ofi Life © ReadyEdP u bl i cat ons R Rpu Worry Warts Stickybeak •f orr evi ew r posesonl y•R Puppy Fat

Blabbermouth

Belly Flop

Gift of the Gab

Water Wings

Bumface

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Misery Guts

o c . Wicked che Self-Helpless e r R (written with Paul Jennings) r o t s sup er Adults Only

Deadly (written with Paul Jennings)

Second Childhood

Two Weeks With The Queen

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Toad Rage

Boy Overboard

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Morris Gleitzman - Lights, Camera, Action! Morris Gleitzman started his writing life as a script writer and his novels are full of action and snappy dialogue. Your task is to take a scene from your favourite Gleitzman novel and rewrite it as a film script. Try to choose a scene where something interesting happens - there are plenty of those in every Gleitzman title.

r o e t s Bo r e p ok u Example: S Patty - a six year old girl with freckles; Barbara - Patty’s mother. Well dressed business woman; Fluffy - Patty’s white Persian cat (non-speaking role).

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A script should begin with a list of the characters and a brief description of each. This should help with casting and help the actors learn about their characters.

A script is different than a novel in that the viewer can’t READ what’s happening the actors have to show it. So, a script must include both dialogue (the words of the characters) and directions (that tell the actors how to act). There might also be a need for special effects (usually indicated by FX) such as light or sound.

Read this sample novel extract.

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Now, see how this would appear in a film script.

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passage, handing her the phone before going back to sit on the couch with Fluffy. Patty is sitting on the couch with Fluffy on her lap. FX: Ringing phone Putting Fluffy down, Patty skips across the room to pick it up. Fluffy sits on couch watching her. Patty: Hello? (She pauses as if listening) I’ll just get her. (Calling down passage) Mum! It’s for you. Barbara hurries along the passage and takes the phone from Patty who walks back to the couch and picks Fluffy up before sitting back down. Barbara: Hello?

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Notice how, in this case, the script gives more detail. In a novel the reader can be left to fill in details such as what Patty says on the telephone. In a movie the viewer is watching and needs to see/hear everything in the scene. Now, have a go at scripting the scene you have chosen. Instead of using italics, you can use different colours to show the directions. Ready-Ed Publications

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Name:

Libby Hathorn Libby Hathorn grew up in suburban Sydney, one of four children. She remembers writing her first ‘book’ soon after she learnt to write, and wrote stories throughout her childhood. She has always lived close to the beach, which features in many of her stories. As a qualified teacher, Hathorn’s first published book was a poetry textbook, Go Lightly. Eventually her first picture book, Stephen’s Tree was accepted for publication. She has since written numerous books for children of all ages. You can learn more about Libby Hathorn by visiting her web site at www.libbyhathorn.com

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r o e t s Bo r e p ok u S Which of the following Libby Hathorn books have you read? Rift

Volcano Boy (Young Adult Novel) R

Love Me Tender

All About Anna

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The Painter

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Magical Ride

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The Extraordinary Magic of Emma McDade

The Lenski Kids and Dracula

What a Star

R . te R Jezza Sez o R Twice the Ring of Fire c . che e R So Who Needsr Lotto o t Ru For Love to Conquer All r s s r e p Grandma’s Shoes (Picture Book) R Double Sorrow

The Climb

Thunderwith (Young Adult Novel) R Chrysalis (Young Adult Novel)

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Freya’s Fantastic Surprise (Picture Book)

Way Home (Picture Book)

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Libby Hathorn - Story Grammar

The stories of Libby Hathorn are full of characters trying to resolve problems of some sort. Your task is to choose one of Hathorn’s stories and identify the elements of the story by completing the following. Setting - Where and when is the story set? In what time frame does it take place - one day, a week, a year?

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r o e t s Bo r e p ok u Main Characters S- List the main characters and briefly describe each one.

Point of View - Who is telling the story - one of the characters or a narrator? Do we see the thoughts of all the characters, or just one? Which one?

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Conflict - The problem at the centre of the story. What are the characters trying to resolve?

Events - How do the characters work to solve the problem? What obstacles do they meet?

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Conclusion - How is the problem resolved?

Reaction - How does the main character feel about the resolution? Ready-Ed Publications

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Name:

Paul Jennings Paul Jennings was born in England in 1943 and came to Australia when he was six. When he finished school he trained to be a teacher. He worked as a teacher and later became a speech pathologist and lecturer in language and literature. His first book, Unreal, was published in 1985 and he gave up his lecturing job to become a full time writer four years later. His books have been used as the basis for the popular children’s television show, Round the Twist, and he is one of Australia’s most popular children’s writers.

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r o e t s Bo r e p o u k You can learn more about Paul Jennings by visiting his web page at S www.pauljennings.com.au

Which of the following Paul Jennings books have you read?

Singenpoo Shoots Through

Unbearable

Sink the Gizmo

Unmentionable

Come Back Gizmo

Thirteen Unpredictable Tales

The Cabbage Patch Fib

Uncanny

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Round the Twist Quirky Tales

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o c . che R The Cabbage Patch e r War o t r s super R Duck For Cover (Picture Book)

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The Paw Thing

Freeze a Crowd (Picture Book)

Singenpoo Strikes Again

Spooner or Later (Picture Book)

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Paul Jennings - Story Map

r o e t s B r e oo Story Title: p u k S

Main Characters:

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A map shows, in diagram form, where things are - it gives its reader an understanding of a town, state or country. A story map gives a reader an understanding of the different parts of a story or novel. By mapping the parts of the story you can show yourself, and others, what the key parts of the story are. Choose one Paul Jennings story which you have read. Complete the following story map.

Setting (Place and time)

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Conflict (The problem at the centre of the story)

o c . che e r o is the conflict resolved?) Resolution (How t r s super

Share your story map with the class. Ready-Ed Publications

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Name:

Robin Klein Robin Klein was born in New South Wales in 1939, one of nine children. She left school at fifteen and worked in a variety of different jobs, including library assistant, teacher’s aide and bookshop attendant. Although her first short story was published when she was sixteen, Klein did not start writing seriously for many years. In 1981, helped by a grant from the Literature Board she became a full time writer. She has since had over forty books published for children of all ages. You can learn more about Robin Klein by visiting her author profile page at www.penguin.com.au

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Came Back to Show You I Could Fly

Hating Alison Ashley

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r o e t s Bo r e p ok u S Which of the following Robin Klein books have you read?

Penny Pollard’s Diary

Penny Pollard’s Scrapbook

Boss of the Pool

Dresses of Red and Gold

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People Might Hear You

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R © ReadyEdP ubl i cat i ons R Penny Pollard’s Letters All in the Blue Unclouded •f orr evi ew pur posesonl y•R R Penny Pollard’s Passport Weather R

. teLace o R Halfway Across the Galaxy The Sky in Silver c . and Turn Left c e herR r The Goddess o t s sup er Thing Laurie Loved Me Best

Games

Seeing Things

Tearaways

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Barney’s Blues

R R R

Against the Odds

The Princess Who Hated It (Picture Book)

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Robin Klein - Letter Mates Robin Klein enjoys using different formats such as letter-writing for some of her novels, including the Penny Pollard books. As you read one of Klein’s books, you are going to use letters to explore your reactions to the novel.

r o e t s Bo r e p ok u S Characters Plot

R What happens, and how do you feel about it? R Did anything that happened surprise you? R Did anything happen that you didn’t like? R What do you think will happen next?

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First, choose a partner who is reading the same novel as you. Next, start reading the novel. After each chapter, write a letter to your partner, telling of your reactions to that chapter. Some of the things you could talk about are:

R Which characters are you coming to like? R Which characters are you coming to dislike?

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R Are there words or sentences you didn’t understand?

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Comparisons

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Language

R Can you compare the book or this part of the book with anything else you’ve read or even seen on television.

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R Are there passages you particularly enjoyed because of the way they were written?

R Is it better or worse?

Once you have written each letter, swap with your partner. In your next letter you can tell them also whether you agree or disagree with what they wrote, and why. Keep the letters, and when you have both finished the novel, together compile all letters into a booklet. Report back to the class on your reactions to the book and how they differed. Ready-Ed Publications

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Name:

Sally Odgers Sally Odgers was born in Tasmania in 1957 and began writing when she was still at school. She has since written more than 200 books for all age groups, including picture books, reading books and children’s novels, as well as books for adult readers. Ms Odgers lives in Tasmania with her husband Darrel, and has two grown children who have inspired some of her stories.

r o e t s Bo r e p ok u S Sally Odgers books have you read? Which of the following Amy Amaryllis

Just Like Emily

Aunt Victoria’s Monster

Kayak

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You can learn more about Sally Odgers by visiting her web site at www.sallyodgers.com. You will also find a full list of her published titles there.

R R

Candle Iron (Young Adult)

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CD and the Giant Cat

Minipigs One Weird Week

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Dog

R . te Snack Attack o R The Game of Cat and Lucy c . che e Taking a Chance r o t R Glory Gate r s sup er Timothy Wuffenpuffen-

Hairy George

Whippersnapper

The Incredible Smell

Wolfmaster

Jack’s Back

Five Easy Lessons

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Sleepless in Space

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Sally Odgers - Cool Characters Sally Odgers’ characters get into some interesting situations - trips back in time, adventures in space, tangles with monsters - you name it. Your task is to choose one character from your favourite Sally Odgers story and tell the story to your class from that character’s point of view. Use the following questions to help you recall the main parts of the story before preparing your presentation.

r o e t s Bo r e p ok u Story title: S Other characters: Setting (time and place):

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Your (character’s) name:

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o c . c e r Emotions (how did youh feel during and after the events?): e o t r s super Now, prepare to tell your story to the class.

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Name:

Ruth Park Ruth Park was born in New Zealand in 1923 and did not come to Australia until she was twenty years old. A trained journalist, she travelled around Australia with her husband D’Arcy Niland, also a writer. She has written over fifty books for children and adults and has won many awards, including the Children’s Book Council Book of the Year Award for Playing Beatie Bow and the Miles Franklin award and the Sydney Morning Herald Award for her adult novels. You can learn more about Ruth Park by visiting her author profile page at www.penguin.com.au or www.duffyandsnellgrove.com.au

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r o e t s Bo r e p ok u Which of the following S Ruth Park books have you read?

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R R My Sister Sif R Playing Beatie Bow R The Under the Sea ©Road Re ad yEdPubl i cat i on s R The Sixpenny Island • f o rr ev i ew pur posesonl y• R The Hole in the Hill R Shaky Island R Things in Corners R Callie’s Castle R Callie’s Family R Missus (Older readers) R Harp in the South (Older readers) R Poor Man’s Orange (Older Readers) R A Fence Around the Cuckoo (Autobiography) R Muddle Headed Wombat (Younger readers) R When the Wind Changed (Picture Book) Come Danger, Come Darkness

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Name:

Ruth Park - Playing Beatie Bow When Abigail finds herself in nineteenth century Sydney her life is very different. Use the following table to list some of the differences between the life she is used to and her new one. Modern life

Clothing

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Grooming/ hygiene

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Family life

Nineteenth century life

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Anything else

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Name:

Emily Rodda Emily Rodda was born in Australia in 1948, and worked for publishing companies as an editor before writing her first book, Something Special, in 1984. Rodda’s real name is Jennifer Rowe. She writes books for adults using her real name and uses the pseudonym Emily Rodda for her books for children. She has written nearly 50 children’s books, including popular series such as Deltora Quest and Teenpower, and has won many awards for her writing.

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r o e t s Bo r e p o You can learn more about Emily Rodda by visiting her web site at u k www.emilyrodda.com S

Finders Keepers

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Which of the following Emily Rodda books have you read?

The Flower Fairies

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

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The Forest of Silence

The Lake of Tears

o c . Rowan and the Zebak che R Bob the Builderr e and the Elves o t r s s Ru Something Special per Rowan and the Travellers

The Best-Kept Secret The Charm Bracelet

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Gobbleguts

Dog Tales

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Emily Rodda - Web Quiz Visit Emily Rodda’s web site at www.emilyrodda.com to find the answers to these questions. You will also find the answers to some questions in your library.

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r o e t s B r e oo 1. What is Emily Rodda’s real name? p u k 2. What year was Rodda’s first book published? What was it called? S 3. What does she say are the favourite books she has written?

4. How many books has she written?

5. What is the name of the goat in Dog Tales? 6.

7. According to Emily Rodda, writers should keep

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9. Name the three books in Deltora Quest Series 2:

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8. Which illustrator did the cover paintings for the Deltora Quest books?

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10.Complete the following Teenpower titles:

a) The Ghost of ______________________________ b) __________________________________ of the Cat c) The _____________________________ Millionaire d) Hit or _____________________________________ Ready-Ed Publications

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Name:

Gillian Rubinstein Gillian Rubinstein was born in England, where she grew up, and also spent time in Nigeria. After studying at Oxford University, Rubinstein worked as a freelance journalist and editor. She came to live in Australia in 1973. Ms Rubinstein’s first novel, Space Demons, was published in 1986, and she has since written over 30 books for children, including picture books and young adult novels. You can learn more about Gillian Rubinstein by visiting her web site at www.gillianrubinstein.com

Teac he r Galax-Arena

Under the Cat’s Eye

Terra-Farma

Answers to Brut

At Ardilla

Witch Music (Short stories)

Space Demons

Jake and Pete

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r o e t s Bo r e p ok u Which of the following S Gillian Rubinstein books have you read?

After Dark

Sky Maze

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Flashback

Melanie and the Night Animal

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Gillian Rubinstein - Character Profile In each of her novels, Gillian Rubinstein works hard to provide a detailed insight into the characters - their thoughts and feelings, their actions and their physical appearance. Choose ONE character from your favourite Gillian Rubinstein novel and complete the following character profile.

r o e t s Bo r e p ok u Novel: ______________________________________________ S Physical description: (What does s/he look like?)

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Character’s name: _____________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

Importance to the story: (Is s/he a major or minor character? What part does s/he play in the conflict at the centre of the story?)

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_______________________________________________________ Relationships: (How do the other characters feel about him/her? Does s/he get along with everyone?)

. te o ________________________________________________________ c . c e her r ________________________________________________________ o t s super Assessment: (How do you feel about the character? Why?) ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

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Name:

Colin Thiele Colin Thiele (pronounced Tee-lee) was born in South Australia. He attended the University of Adelaide and became a teacher. He later worked at a teacher’s college, training other teachers. Since his first book was published in 1945, Thiele has written over ninety books, including books for adults and collections of poetry. He has been awarded numerous prizes and awards for his writing both in Australia and overseas.

Flash Flood

River Murray Mary

The Fire in the Stone

The Sea Caves

Brahminy

Seashores and Shadows

Sun on the Stubble

Jodie’s Journey

Storm Boy

Landslide

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r o e t s Bo r e pColin Thiele books have you ok Which of the following read? u S

R R

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R Mystery ofi thea Black Pyramid © ReadyEdP ubl c t i o ns R Rpu Blue Fin •f Pannikin and Pinta orr evi ew r pos es onl y•R February Dragon

o c . che R Speedy r The Glory of Galumph e o t r s s r u e p R Swan Song Chadwick’s Chimney

Danny’s Egg

Hammerhead Light

The Cave

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Shatterbelt

Timmy

R R

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Colin Thiele - Classic Novels Several of Colin Thiele’s novels have been described as ‘classics’. Three of these are Storm Boy, Blue Fin and Sun on the Stubble. Choose one of Colin Thiele’s ‘classics’ and answer the following questions.

r o e t s Bo r e Year first published: p ______________________________________________ ok u Who are the main Scharacters: _____________________________________

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Title:___________________________________________________________

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______________________________________________________________

Where/When is it set? __________________________________________ Briefly retell the plot: ___________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

In your opinion, why is this book considered a classic? _____________

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o c . __________________________________________________________ che e r o t r Share your answers with the class. s s r u e p Discuss what makes a book a ‘classic’. _________________________________________________________

Activity:

Now that you know more about Colin Thiele and his books, make a poster advertising your favourite book to the rest of the school. If possible, display the posters in the school or town library. Ready-Ed Publications

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Name:

Great Aussie Authors Keep this sheet handy. Look for these authors in your school and local library. Tick them off as you read one of their novels.

Jonathan Harlen Rosanne Hawke Anita Heiss Odo Hirsch Libby Hathorn Geoff Havel Elizabeth Honey Paul Jennings Catherine Jinks Gretel Killeen Robin Klein Alison Lester Deborah Lisson John Marsden Alan Marshall Christobel Mattingley Sandy Mc Cutcheon Jen McVeity James Moloney Sally Morgan Jill Morris Sally Odgers Wendy Orr Ruth Park Glyn Parry Emily Rodda James Roy Gillian Rubinstein Michael Salmon Moya Simons Ruth Starke Colin Thiele Colin Thompson Ethel Turner Nadia Wheatley Margaret Wild Tim Winton Dianne Wolfer

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Goldie Alexander Allan Baillie Duncan Ball Rory Barnes Graeme Base Di Bates Anita Bell Krista Bell Patricia Bernard Ian Bone Colin Bowles Janeen Brian Ron Brooks Mary Grant Bruce Raewyn Caisley Isobelle Carmody Brian Caswell Diana Chase Anna Ciddor Margaret Clark Judith Clarke Bill Condon Meredith Costain Gary Crew Justin D’Ath Terry Denton Gary Disher Hazel Edwards Anna Fienberg Mem Fox Warren Flynn Kate Forsyth Pamela Freeman Jackie French May Gibbs Morris Gleitzman Libby Gleeson Penny Hall

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Great Aussie Reading Challenge

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Can you read your way around Australia? Start at the circle closest to where you live. Every time you finish a book by an Australian author, have your teacher stamp or initial one circle. How long will it take to fill all the circles?

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Teacher Resources Books Bradford, Clare, Reading Race: Aboriginality in Australian Children’s Literature , Melbourne University Press, 2001.

r o e t s Bo r e p ok u S

First Steps, Reading Resource Book, Rigby Australia.

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Lees, Stella and Macintyre, Pam. The Oxford Companion to Australian Children’s Literature. Melbourne : Oxford University Press Australia, 1993. McVitty, Walter, Authors & Illustrators of Australian Children’s Books Hodder & Stoughton, 1989. Muir, Marcy, Australian Children’s Books: A Bibliography Volume 1 1774-1972 Miegunyah Press, 1992. Murphy, Sally, Book Ready-Ed 1998. ©The Re adBook, yEd PubPublications l i cat i on s

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White, Kerry, Australian Children’s Books: As Bibliography Volume •f o rr evi ew pu r po esonl y •2 1973-1988 Miegunyah, 1992.

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Web Sites www.asla.nsw.edu.au/ausauthors.htm The web site of the Australian School Libraries Association (NSW). Has a list of Australian authors for children, with links to their web sites and other resources. Also has an excellent page of booklists and a host of links to other great web resources.

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lists and more.

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r o e t s Bo r www.eddept.wa.edu.au/centoff/cmis/eval/fiction/index.htm e p ok site to Focus on Fictionu - the Education Department of WA’s Sand literacy. Author biographies, links, reading promote reading

www.austega.com/cathy/Beatie/index.htm Useful site for classes studying Park’s Playing Beatie Bow. This site enables viewers to ‘walk’ through the Bow’s shop and home, and to listen to the voices of Beatie and Abigail.

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books and discusses trends in children’s literature; The Literature Base, a journal exploring ways of incorporating literature into the classroom; and The Source, an on-line subscription database of children’s literature, organised by theme. www.canberra.edu.au/lurees/ Home page of the Lu Rees Archives of Australian Children’s Literature.

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Useful site for teachers interested in introducing Literature Circles into their classrooms. www.aussiereviews.com Reviews of both new-release and older Australian books, with a focus on children’s books. Ready-Ed Publications

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Answers

Page 13 - Patricia Bernard Blader’s Rule is the story of a group of bladers who rescue a lady being tormented by gang of skinheads, and find this leads to a whole new set of adventures. We Are Tam is a fantasy story in which a future Tam needs help to save a relative and seeks that help from a past Tam. The Outcast is a science fiction story in which society has evolved into two strictly segregated groups. The Outcast is spurned by the dominant group, the Zoners. Page 21 - Jackie French R I T A Y R T S M W V M S M D S Z I K R C H

K P H S M A Q I L X T D U F S H V J O Y W C

U P E E N D S C N H P L M F E D A X E C K J

r o e t s Bo r e p ok u S H O B H U N N V V K E G M J Y Z L T O H H G

X P L T X U R E B R R S E E E H B H T A S H

G S O N Y O O U F C E F R P J Z M E E R L C

Q E O I M B C U Q X T K L X G J U M K L L U

O L D Y C E I C P V H G A K P M I E S I M O

S T K T H H N R A J G W N Q S V C T E E D P

O T L I A T U P L Z U E D M D J B A N A D S

S O A C R D F S I Z A F D N I J L L O N U E

K B D P L N O E E C D E O O A W O M T D B I

H E Y H I O K X N Z S E B C M S O E S T Q N

B V D W E Y O F G M R B Z E R B D N N H E N

K L A Q S E O O A E E D F L E F M J I E Z A

V E N F G B B C M C L O Z B M T O D A F F L

T W C G O K E A E S T L C Y O G O K R R F W

R T E I L C H C S P I L D K T G N O J O H R

C K W Q D G T C A I H W N K W C R H J G P Y

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X N N N J I G W X F L S G M N Q C H Y I S D

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W G I D R E G O A M C B Z O I U L W S A B Z

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F W P B F S G H X N W O T B M Z Y W T H G O

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Page 35 - Emily Rodda (N.B. Answers correct at time of printing - some answers may need to be checked on web site for updates.) 1. Jennifer Rowe 2. Something Special, 1984 3. Rowan of Rin 4. 48 for children, 8 for adults 5. Mavis 6. Six 7. Practising 8. Marc McBride 9. Cavern of the Fear; The Isle of Illusion; The Shadowlands 10. a) Raven Hill b) Cry c) Missing d) Miss Page 44

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