I’m really pleased to have Alison Reynolds here on the Aussiereviews blog today to introduce us to her latest book. In fact, she’s going to tell us about TWO new books. Over to you, Alison.
- Give us the details – title, publisher, illustrator, release date.
Pickle & Bree’s Guide to Good Deeds – The Playground Meanies 
Pickle & Bree’s Guide to Good Deeds – The Big Snow Adventure
Illustrator Mikki Butterley
The Five Mile Press; February 2017
- Why did you write the books?
The publisher commissioned me to write a book about manners subtly hidden in a picture book. We wanted to explore a deeper level of social etiquette rather than the basic “say please and thank-you”.
- How long from idea to publication?
The books were written and edited within five months.
- What was the hardest thing about writing it?
We decided to have Pickle and Bree in outside locations for these books rather than the home environment of the previous two books. It seemed to take me ages to decide on the location – too many choices.
- Coolest thing about your books?
Seeing Pickle and Bree having more adventures. I adore Mikki Butterley’s illustrations.
- Something you learnt through writing the books?
That it is so much fun to return to well-loved characters. Also, that the narrative flows from the characters. The personalities of Pickle and Bree dictate what is going to happen.
- What did you do celebrate the release?
We’re off to a special Italian restaurant.
- And how will you promote the books?
A photo & drawing competition and a blog tour! There are lots of excellent prizes.
- What are you working on next?
I’ve been thinking about a new series for 6-8 years old, which could be fun.
- Where we can find out more about you and your books?
At my website: www.alisonreynolds.com.au
Via email alrey@msn.com.au
Or on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alison.reynolds.524
Thanks for dropping in, Alison. If you want to learn more about Alison or Pickle and Bree, or if you would like to enter one of her competitions, keep reading.
PICKLE AND BREE’S GUIDE TO GOOD DEEDS: BOOKS 3 & 4
Look whats happening to celebrate the release of the latest two books in the award nominated Pickle & Bree series, The Playground Meanies & The Big Snow Adventure.
BLOG TOUR!
13/2/17 Boomerang Books & Pass-it-on Jackie Hosking
14/2/17 Creative Kids Tales
15/2/17 Buzz Words Di Bates
16/2/17 Aussie Reviews
17/2/17 Just Write for Kids & Julie Grasso
BOOK GIVEWAYS!
Just leave a comment on any of the posts in the blog tour, comment on facebook or twitter or even email alrey@msn.com.au to win a copy of The Playground Meanies or The Big Snow Adventure.
JUMP THE SLUSH PILE IS BACK!
Win an opportunity for a childrens editor at The Five Mile Press to look at your picture book submission (strictly 500 words or less). Just comment on any of the posts in the blog tour and add initials JSP.
OR
Win a free picture book assessment by the author Alison Reynolds. Just comment on any of the posts in the blog tour and add the initials PB.
Remember the more you comment, the more chances you have to win.
TEDDY BEAR CONTEST FOR ALL AGES!
Win a print of Mikki Butterleys fabulous artwork from one of these two books. Just send a photo or drawing of your favourite teddy to alrey@msn.com.au or upload to https://www.facebook.com/alison.reynolds.524 or Twitter @AlisonReynoldsa
Competitions close March 24th and winners to be announced and contacted by March 31st.
I love the idea of Bree and Pickle’s personalities coming through in the series. JSP
They have very definite personalities,Lynette which makes it easier.
Alison, I can’t wait to read these books. They sound delightful. I love your other books in the Pickle and Bree series. A photo and drawing competition sound like lots of fun. JSP.
Hi Megan. The photo and drawing competition starts next week. Look forward to seeing your Teddy!
A great interview again, we have loved hopping along on the tour. Looking forward to our stop tomorrow.
Cheers Julie
PS: JSP of course
Hey Jules. Been lovely to see you hopping along too, am
Nd especially letting me visit your fab blog!
Mmmm Italian!! Great illustrations too. JSP
Carly we had a disaster. Our favourite Italian restaurant is closed! Isn’t Mikki Butterley the best illustrator!
Fantastic books! And I really love the concept of issues being hidden within picture books. It’s nice to have a message to help kids learn and grow, but kids are clever. They can see a moral coming from a mile away! JSP
I know, Shaye. Nothing is more boring than an improving book! I’m a sneaky writer.
JSP – I really enjoyed this interview. And I bet you had good manners at the Italian restaurant. 🙂
The restaurant’s closed!!! So I had excellent manners at local hotel instead. Made sure I placed cutlery at the correct angle when I finished my plate.
Love all the creative ideas for promoting the latest Pickle & Bree books. A coloring contest is such fun and I’m searching for a photo of my husband with his favourite stuffed teddy which is now my five-year-olds favourite…can you believe it survived?
I’m learning something new on each stop — thank you!
JSP, but PB is a close second! Thanks again 🙂
Great to see you’ve followed the ride. My husband’s teddy looks 100! He must have been very rough playing.
Your books sound and look marvelous. It’s funny, I think social etiquette is one of those things that is sometimes only noticed when it is absent. Definitely something we should be teaching our kids. Will be wonderful to read these books. JSP
Zoe, I think there is a real gap for books about social etiquette that are a bit more sophisticated than saying please or thank you , although that’s important too. That’s what we are trying to achieve in these books – encouraging children to think how they would feel and act in these situations with a huge dollop of fun thrown in.
This is an exciting review! Thank you for sharing.
I have added this blog to the Teacher Librarian index on Australian Education Blogs.
Regards
Raegina
https://australianeducationblogs.com/
Thank you Raegina. That’s great!