Monday 30 March 2015

A Great Day at the Fair.

The Royalla Roundup proved to be a fantastic Fair day, celebrated and enjoyed by all community members, neighbours, friends and visitors. Everyone who came was welcome to share in the delights of the fabulous Autumn weather as well as the country air and atmosphere.
Initially I was a a little concerned when we drove down to “the Common” to set up as a typical gorgeous crisp, clear Royalla morning had turned bleak with a thick fog that had rolled in across the hills. We could hardly see the road in front of us as we drove down into the valley. This was not a good sign, but I should have known better. A thick morning fog in the valley always means a very still day and by the time the fair was declared open at 10.00 am the morning had cleared, the sun shone bright to a perfect day.
Visitors soon filled the adjoining paddock carpark to overflow capacity as the air was filled with the sounds of children laughing, and the aroma of freshly baked bacon and egg rolls. As the day progressed children ran around with brightly painted faces eating pink fairy floss on sticks while parents listened to the wonderful sounds of the musicians performing in the amphitheatre under the shade of the trees in the elm grove.
I later asked a neighbour’s son which of all the rides was he favourite? He couldn’t decide between the mechanical bucking bull, (which he had 3 turns of and only fell off once!) or the pony ride.  The fact that he could also remember that the mechanical bull’s name was “Kevin” but had trouble remembering the name of the pony, hinted to me just which one might have truly been his favourite. :) There was also a jumping castle and animals to pat in the petting zoo, but the cutest of all to me were the baby alpacas. If only I could talk my hubby into letting me have one or two on our land…mmmm…..will work on that!
DSCN0178A huge thank you to all those lovely parents, families and friends who came by my stall to chat, support me and purchase a book or two. You are all wonderful and I appreciate you all very much. :) I hope you enjoy reading the books with your children and ask if you would kindly take the time to write a review and send it to me either here on my website, via email or on Amazon once they are listed there. Struggling authors always need good reviews to help spread the word.

DSCN0185My table was nestled under the shade of the beautiful elm trees amongst all the other lovely arts and crafts, the path lead to the children’s craft tables where they could create easter activities and other crafts before the path eventually finished near the logs to view the musicians and at one time a spectacular magician. I looked out towards the Rural Fire Services truck and helicopter DSCN0183where children spent a delightful time looking at all the equipments and could ask the usual array of inquisitive questions that all budding “fireman” at that tender young age tend to do.
Naturally, mums and dads were not forgotten. There were plenty of shiny old cars on display. Farm equipment and machinery to learn about, all your septic tank and storm water issues could be answered, gardenimg supplies were plentiful, not to mention an abundance of secondhand books and clothing to peruse.
Batch of aliensMy “Gingerbread Alien” cookies were another yummy take home delicious treat to be saved and eaten while reading the newest exciting chapter in the ‘Bradberrie Brothers Alien Adventure” series. I was both surprised and delighted to meet several families who walked past and noticed my original book, “Gingerbread Aliens” then realised part two was now released. It was music to this author’s ears to hear children ask their parents if they could  “please have the next book.” They just had to find out what was going to happen next in Alien Shenanigans!
Emma the Eager Emu was the most popular of all three of my books. Some of the lovely feedback was that it was wonderful to find a book written about Australian animals, these are very hard to find, we don’t have near enough of them. Mind you I think a lot of it has to do with the amazing illustrations my fabulous illustrator has done for me. Dianna Budd has made my bird characters come to life with charm and humour. I adore them. :) 15Thiis afternoon we met for a cuppa where I had the opportunity to tell Dianna how much everyone adored her illustrations. We agreed we perhaps need to get to work on the next book.
Once again I would like to thank the Royalla Roundup committee for the opportunity for me to be involved in the inaugural country living fair and hope that the community has rallied together to raise enough funds to begin the building of our community centre. I look forward to many years ahead meeting more and more neighbours during gatherings in our upcoming newly built shed.
For those of you still waiting for the books to come on-line so that you may purchase a copy via my website, I appreciate your patience. My son is working on it, and promises to have all the kinks worked out within the next few days. A busy Uni schedule has held him up, my sincere apologies.
Alien Shenanigans_cover_FNL_001Alien Shenanigans and
Copyright Sandra Bennett and Dianna Budd
Copyright Sandra Bennett and Dianna Budd
Emma the Eager Emu will be available here. Please stay tuned!


Tuesday 24 March 2015

Join us at the Fair!

If you live in Canberra and don’t mind a short drive into the country why not join some amazing, friendly people this weekend at the Royalla Roundup Country Living Fair on Sunday 29th March, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The weather promises to be perfect for a day outdoors in the sun.
Royalla Roundup
Come along, join in the fun, meet the locals, pat some animals,  chat to a neighbour or two, and even  meet this resident author. There are plenty of things to do for all the family. Take a walk among the elm grove, delight in the arts/crafts, learn a thing or two about the native plants, purchase garden supplies, admire the farm machinery and shiny cars and so much more.
It will also be your first opportunity to purchase my two new children’s books “Alien Shenanigans” and “Emma the Eager Emu.” Along with my original short chapter book for early and reluctant readers, “Gingerbread Aliens.” I will be their to sign any copies purchased.
Alien Shenanigans_cover_FNL_001







Bring fun and laughter to your children’s Easter this year as you read aloud the Bradberrie Brothers continued adventure. Science and curiosity collide as mix ups, mischief and mayhem explode. Mrs Witherbottoms returns to get in the way. Principal Penwright is on the war path ….. again and the classroom teacher, Mr Haggardy, is not happy! Who is truly behind all the shenanigans this time?
The following is a Pre-release review kindly written by Leonie MacDonald:
Coordinator Relax Kids Canberra
Editor Birth Journeys-Positive Stories to Encourage and Inspire
Emma the Eager Emu is a wonderful story to read aloud to children with vibrant illustrations of the native Australian bird characters.  With plenty of repetition and opportunities for children to predict what is going to
Copyright Sandra Bennett and Dianna Budd
Copyright Sandra Bennett and Dianna Budd
happen next this book is ideal for the classroom and shared reading with the young reader. Emma the Eager Emu’s story provides an opportunity to talk with children about how we are all different and we have different strengths, how we can encourage each other and keep trying when something is important to us, and how sometimes we just have to think a little differently to find the solution to our problems. Emma the eager emu shows children that they don’t have to be like everyone else to be happy and achieve their dreams. There are so many positive messages packed into this story.
 Aiden (age 5): My favourite part was Rosie Rosella because of her rainbow feathers.
“what is the story about?” If you run really fast it can feel like you’re flying.
 Review by Leonie MacDonald
Come join us at the Fair!
I hope to see you there! :)

Sunday 15 March 2015

Emma the Eager Emu Cover Reveal and Reviews

My brand new picture book “Emma the Eager Emu” should arrive by the end of this week! I’m feeling so excited I can’t wait to finally see her in print.  It’s time to reveal to you the amazing front cover that my wonderful friend an illustrator, Dianna Budd produced from my ramblings. I am so proud to introduce to you Emma the Eager Emu in all her glory as she so well deserves. :)
Copyright Sandra Bennett and Dianna Budd
Copyright Sandra Bennett and Dianna Budd
Emma won her first award as a children’s story in an online competition back in 2012 and has been eagerly awaiting to come to life in illustrated form ever since. I am so glad I was fortunate to meet Dianna at another author’s book launch about twelve months ago. I sent her the manuscript which she instantly adored. We started talking about options and Emma’s journey to illustrated birth began.
Below are a few of the reviews Emma received at the time of winning the competition.
REVIEWS.
This story has a wonderfully, well-written allegory that focuses on differences between people (birds) and which teaches us to appreciate those differences. The moral is subtle, and although probably written for a younger audience, it has such a crisp charm that older readers cannot help but to admire the tale.
Each line seemed to flow seamlessly into the next, and I know that is not as easy as it seems. It requires practice and a fair measure of God-given skill to produce.
The writing was quite beautiful in its clarity and simplicity:
“Rosella screeched. Yellow Crested Cockatoo squawked and Pink Galah squealed.”
The above is a prime example of what I mean. It is fresh, descriptive and economical and yet when read, it seems full-bodied and charming. The the moral is only a simple one, it is the form and style of your writing that elevates this tale to a high place.
Ah, if we were all as successful as Emma at rationalizing our shortcomings. There are at least a couple ways to approach your tale. To some readers, they will see her “flight” as championing her strengths, while readers that are more cynical, will see it as her glossing over her failures. Not that any of that matters here, for it is the writing itself that is the highlight of this story and that is exceptional.  – Tiggy
Cute story. It teaches to never give up, just keep trying and you’ll succeed. I love children’s stories. I am going to read your story to my granddaughter. She’ll love it!  – Jeannie
Such a cute tale! I loved reading this! It’s a great children’s story as it teaches a lesson in a fun way. I like the repetition too. A really great children’s story. I really liked the variety of birds you’ve included in the story. It makes it rather educational for children, I think. I truly enjoyed reading it.   – Spidey
What a delightful story – excellent use of personality names and characters in the four different bird varieties.
Excellent repetition of phrasing. Especially in a children’s story.
  • “One, two, three, look at me, I can fly!”
  • “Rosella screeched. Yellow Crested Cockatoo squawked and Pink Galah squealed.”
I really like the emphasis placed on all their differences, including appearances, and the persistence to keep trying. Well done and hope to see this beautifully illustrated in the children’s department of my local bookstore soon.  – Glenda, Country Granny.
It’s been a few years, but Glenda might just get her wish yet! “Emma the Eager Emu” will be available for purchase in the next week or two from this website and hopefully a few local bookstores soon too!
“Emma the Eager Emu” is a beautifully illustrated picture book suitable for ages 3 and beyond. Although as an advocate of reading from as early an age as possible (even birth) why not start reading Emma to your little ones as early as possible. Not only will they love it, you will too!