Oh NanoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month is upon us tomorrow and after joining into the frey in the last two weeks last year (gosh, such a long time ago it seems) I was incredibly excited about doing it this year.
I didn't then plan on having started a new project with my writing (after a long absence in writing), having two massive blog competitions on The Dreamy Tree, my other blog, and the fact that I don't write on the computer (and that it's exam month for my brother at collage in a few weeks) is a fairly big point in stopping me, because I have no real way of word counting.
So, until the 29th, I has innerly decided against it this year.
Until the 29th.
When I got the NaNoWriMo email from Lindsay Grant.
And it oh so boosted my moral and now I find myself readying myself for a month of trying to get a 50,000 word novel, whilst juggling the busiest month of blogging I've ever had, only just having got back into writing and still having to do school work. (I'm so happy I'm home educated right now.)
Not to mention reviewing.
And then next month I'm going to be reviewing the books from my booklist.
So I'll be busy here then! Golly.... am I sane to do this?
No... definitely not.
But I shall.
My word count problem is sorted, kind of; when I did my text entry, I wrote almost a full notepad (about A4, lined) and that was 25,000ish.
So I'm going for two.
I know it may seem as if I'm conplaining a bit, but I really am loving this.
As I've many times said, I work best when I'm busy... now I'll see if I can prove it.
Now, to officially set up my NaNoWriMo Profile.
Romi.x
Monday, October 31, 2011
Counting with Miffy by Dick Bruna review...
Title- Counting with Miffy.
Author- Dick Bruna.
Publish Date- 2007.
Publisher- Hardie Grant Egmont.
Review...
Synopsis:
Wether it's one house, three (very) cute ducks, five (equally) cute puppies, or twelve colouring pencils, Miffy will help you count them with bright colours and creative ways getting Miffy into the pictures; she's an amazing counter and will never cease to be fun to read with.
Now, get counting!
What I thought:
Miffy's priceless; she's just too amazing and a total classic in the childen's book world; I love the fact that through the younger ages there are specified Miffy books- counting for 2/3 year olds (in a board book form to make page turning a fun and no ripping situation) then progressing to the hardback paper books for 5 to 7/8 year olds, which you can then go back and revisit any time you like.
In this awesome counting book, Miffy is just as bright, happy and nice as she's alwasy been- it's a tribute to a long lasting friend, this post, to Miffy.
But I'm crazy too...
Romi.x
Author- Dick Bruna.
Publish Date- 2007.
Publisher- Hardie Grant Egmont.
Review...
Synopsis:
Wether it's one house, three (very) cute ducks, five (equally) cute puppies, or twelve colouring pencils, Miffy will help you count them with bright colours and creative ways getting Miffy into the pictures; she's an amazing counter and will never cease to be fun to read with.
Now, get counting!
 |
| Thank you to Hardie Grant Egmont for this review copy! |
What I thought:
Miffy's priceless; she's just too amazing and a total classic in the childen's book world; I love the fact that through the younger ages there are specified Miffy books- counting for 2/3 year olds (in a board book form to make page turning a fun and no ripping situation) then progressing to the hardback paper books for 5 to 7/8 year olds, which you can then go back and revisit any time you like.
In this awesome counting book, Miffy is just as bright, happy and nice as she's alwasy been- it's a tribute to a long lasting friend, this post, to Miffy.
But I'm crazy too...
Romi.x
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Win Book Paper Bunting...
Hi poppies,
I've donated a 2 meter length of book paper bunting for Simi from In Search of Beautiful to giveaway on her very cool blog! It's going to be made for the winner, so it's not exactly the same as pictured, but will be quite alike.
I've only recently begun selling this bunting- made from actual novels, I'm selling it on my etsy store- take a look! I'm selling homemade paper bunting, book paper bunting (I love the fact you ca see so many little words!) and vintag calendar bunting! Check them all out and let me know which one you like most!
Lots of love,
Romi.xxx
Friday, October 28, 2011
Something Different...
I did a quote and picture post last year, and have, of late, been wanting to do another, it gives me a break from doing only book reviews and gives you all in insight to some of my photography (or those who don't follow The Dreamy Tree) and favourite quotes! So this is just what I've decided to do now, and it's not a once off thing, I'm planning to do a few and I've got nil plans on stopping anytime soon... how can I think of stopping when I've only just begun again?
Well, here we go!
Well, here we go!
"It is a truth Universally acknowladged that a single man in posession of good fortune, must be in want of a wife"
"We are all in the Gutter, but some of us are looking at the Stars"
"I write this sitting in the kitchen sink"
"There is no mistaking a good book when one meets it, it is like falling in love"
"There's a storm acomin Harry."
"Honestly, all yourself our mother."
"It was a dark and stormy night..."
Romi.x
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Spork by Kyo Maclear review...
Title- Spork.
Author- Kyo Maclear.
Publish Date- 2011.
Publisher- Hardie Grant Egmont.
Review...
Synopsis:
Spork is different and he knows it to be so- he isn't all round like his mother, nor is he all pointy like his father, he's a bit of both.
He's sad because no one ever uses him for dinner, he's always left in the cutlery draw, left to watch the spoons play pea hockey and the forks play with the spaghetti and when he tries his best to be only one or the other, all pointy like a fork or smooth and round like a spoon, everybody else gives their opinions that he's too like the one or the other.
Then something truly amazing happens, something arrives and spork is suddenly needed...
What I thought:
Spork was such a sweet, funny book- the story was laughable (in a very nice, oh gosh that's so awesome way) and the pictures complimented it all the way throughout.
I found it most funny when Spork was contemplating all the known "rule breakers" those knives who fell madly in love with a wayward chopstick... it was quiet hilarious!
This is a book for everyone, me you and your sisters dog, or hamster.
It's a book for keeps, for reading when you're down and reading when you're up.
It's for before bedtime reading and enthustastic reading, it's for reading aloud and to yourself, reading aloud and then taping and listening to it yourself in audio form when you can't bring yourself to read.
It's for always.
Romi.x
Author- Kyo Maclear.
Publish Date- 2011.
Publisher- Hardie Grant Egmont.
Review...
Synopsis:
Spork is different and he knows it to be so- he isn't all round like his mother, nor is he all pointy like his father, he's a bit of both.
He's sad because no one ever uses him for dinner, he's always left in the cutlery draw, left to watch the spoons play pea hockey and the forks play with the spaghetti and when he tries his best to be only one or the other, all pointy like a fork or smooth and round like a spoon, everybody else gives their opinions that he's too like the one or the other.
Then something truly amazing happens, something arrives and spork is suddenly needed...
Thank you to Hardie Grant Egmont for this splendid review copy!
What I thought:
Spork was such a sweet, funny book- the story was laughable (in a very nice, oh gosh that's so awesome way) and the pictures complimented it all the way throughout.
I found it most funny when Spork was contemplating all the known "rule breakers" those knives who fell madly in love with a wayward chopstick... it was quiet hilarious!
This is a book for everyone, me you and your sisters dog, or hamster.
It's a book for keeps, for reading when you're down and reading when you're up.
It's for before bedtime reading and enthustastic reading, it's for reading aloud and to yourself, reading aloud and then taping and listening to it yourself in audio form when you can't bring yourself to read.
It's for always.
Romi.x
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Kensuke's Kingdom By Michael Morpurgo review...
Title- Kensuke's Kingdom.
Author- Michael Morpurgo.
Publish date- This new colour edition 2010- first published in 1999.
Publisher- Hardie Grant Egmont.
Review...
Synopsis:
When both his parents loose their jobs at a closing down brick factory, they know that there is no chance of getting another job, so they take the plunge and buy a yacht.
They decide to travle all across the world, going to distant lands and seeing new cultures; everything's going well, until one night when his mother's sick and asleep and his dad's below deck sleeping too- Michael is steering the yacht through the night and black ocean when he realises too late that Stella, the family's dog, isn't wearing her harness, and neither is he.
Michael is swept overboard with Stella and no one can hear him cry out for help- he trys to stay awake but after hours and hours of floating, he can't help but fall down down down... but then he's rescued and finds himself on a forign and seemingly deserted island...
What I thought:
I read Kensuke's Kingdom back in 2007 or 08, just after I was first introduced to Michael Morpurgo's brilliant writing and thus far have only found one book of his that I didn't enjoy; Kensuke's Kingdom is on my top three of his novels and has long been wanting a re-read; I was surprisingly thrilled to get the chance so out of the blue, when I requested it from Hardie Grant Egmont to review.
It took me two days to read and I find that I still love it just as much as I did when I first read it- Michael's writing is so captivating in the sense that he writes about things I'm interested in, adding topics slyly to the stories that you'll later pick up on and want to read about and find out more about; he's such a brilliant writer!
Kensuke's Kingdom is thrilling, heartracing and totally amazing! Definitely read it all and one!
Romi.x
Author- Michael Morpurgo.
Publish date- This new colour edition 2010- first published in 1999.
Publisher- Hardie Grant Egmont.
Review...
Synopsis:
When both his parents loose their jobs at a closing down brick factory, they know that there is no chance of getting another job, so they take the plunge and buy a yacht.
They decide to travle all across the world, going to distant lands and seeing new cultures; everything's going well, until one night when his mother's sick and asleep and his dad's below deck sleeping too- Michael is steering the yacht through the night and black ocean when he realises too late that Stella, the family's dog, isn't wearing her harness, and neither is he.
Michael is swept overboard with Stella and no one can hear him cry out for help- he trys to stay awake but after hours and hours of floating, he can't help but fall down down down... but then he's rescued and finds himself on a forign and seemingly deserted island...
Thank you to Hardie Grant Egmont for this review copy!
What I thought:
I read Kensuke's Kingdom back in 2007 or 08, just after I was first introduced to Michael Morpurgo's brilliant writing and thus far have only found one book of his that I didn't enjoy; Kensuke's Kingdom is on my top three of his novels and has long been wanting a re-read; I was surprisingly thrilled to get the chance so out of the blue, when I requested it from Hardie Grant Egmont to review.
It took me two days to read and I find that I still love it just as much as I did when I first read it- Michael's writing is so captivating in the sense that he writes about things I'm interested in, adding topics slyly to the stories that you'll later pick up on and want to read about and find out more about; he's such a brilliant writer!
Kensuke's Kingdom is thrilling, heartracing and totally amazing! Definitely read it all and one!
Romi.x
Maisy's Snuggle Book by Lucy Collins review...
Title- Maisy's Snuggle Book.
Author- Lucy Collins.
Publish Date-2011.
Publisher- Walker Books.
Review...
Synopsis:
It's time to get ready for bed and Maisy and her friends all all prepairing- doing their teeth, reading, having a play and going to sleep; it's perfect for taking to bed and sleeping cuddled next to, being soft and cuddily! You'll love it!
What I thought:
This book is so small and simple, but effective and sweet! It's soft and snuggly and I'm a long time Masiy fan so I love it!
Depicting how to get ready for bed, I'd love to watch Edie following all the instructions and getting ready for bed from it herself.
She seems to have become quite attached to it, sadly for her- I'm ever protective of my books, though I guess she could occasionally share it... occasionally.
I may just fall asleep snuggling it tonight.
It's too sweet not to adore!
Romi.x
Author- Lucy Collins.
Publish Date-2011.
Publisher- Walker Books.
Review...
Synopsis:
It's time to get ready for bed and Maisy and her friends all all prepairing- doing their teeth, reading, having a play and going to sleep; it's perfect for taking to bed and sleeping cuddled next to, being soft and cuddily! You'll love it!
Thank you to Walker Books for this review copy!
What I thought:
This book is so small and simple, but effective and sweet! It's soft and snuggly and I'm a long time Masiy fan so I love it!
Depicting how to get ready for bed, I'd love to watch Edie following all the instructions and getting ready for bed from it herself.
She seems to have become quite attached to it, sadly for her- I'm ever protective of my books, though I guess she could occasionally share it... occasionally.
I may just fall asleep snuggling it tonight.
It's too sweet not to adore!
Romi.x
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Ruby Redfort- Look Into my Eyes by Lauren Child Review...
Title- Look into My Eyes.
Series- Ruby Redfort.
Author- Lauren Child.
Publish Date- 1/10/2011.
Publisher- Harper Collins.
Review Time!
Synopsis:
Since she just two years old the amazingly clever, witty and very fashionable Ruby Redfort has known that she would become a decetive.
When she was seven she made a almost unbreakable code, and ever since has been watched, secretly of course, by an undercover agency in her small town in America, of Twinford.
When there is a space left unfilled in their ranks and they urgently need a code solved, the agency, Spectrum, get's Ruby (by way of anonymous calls and messages + a quite smashingly brisk fake butler) in to help, and from there on, well, it's all happening... strange things are happening in particular- it's not all fun and code breaking being a spy...
What I thought:
Well now, Ruby Redfort, the famed favourite book series of Lauren Child's beloved character Clarice Bean, in book form! What can I say but "It rocked my socks!" Which it did.
Wholeheartedly.
Ruby is American, which is a very big change from Ms. Child's other characters, which are all British, and a change I adored and have fallen entirely for.
This book is vastly different in many ways from Child's other books, not so excitedly over the world as Charlie and Lola and Clarice Bean are, so that made it seem as if it were more of a grown up, higher middle school book, but it's totally loveable and beautiful and I love it.
One downside... the mysterious code... it's very, very, VERY difficult to master.
It took me a while...
Romi.xxx
Series- Ruby Redfort.
Author- Lauren Child.
Publish Date- 1/10/2011.
Publisher- Harper Collins.
Review Time!
Synopsis:
Since she just two years old the amazingly clever, witty and very fashionable Ruby Redfort has known that she would become a decetive.
When she was seven she made a almost unbreakable code, and ever since has been watched, secretly of course, by an undercover agency in her small town in America, of Twinford.
When there is a space left unfilled in their ranks and they urgently need a code solved, the agency, Spectrum, get's Ruby (by way of anonymous calls and messages + a quite smashingly brisk fake butler) in to help, and from there on, well, it's all happening... strange things are happening in particular- it's not all fun and code breaking being a spy...
 |
| Thank you to Harper Collins for this review copy! |
What I thought:
Well now, Ruby Redfort, the famed favourite book series of Lauren Child's beloved character Clarice Bean, in book form! What can I say but "It rocked my socks!" Which it did.
Wholeheartedly.
Ruby is American, which is a very big change from Ms. Child's other characters, which are all British, and a change I adored and have fallen entirely for.
This book is vastly different in many ways from Child's other books, not so excitedly over the world as Charlie and Lola and Clarice Bean are, so that made it seem as if it were more of a grown up, higher middle school book, but it's totally loveable and beautiful and I love it.
One downside... the mysterious code... it's very, very, VERY difficult to master.
It took me a while...
Romi.xxx
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
A Decline in Prophets by Sulari Gentill review...
Title- A Decline in Prophets.
Series- Rowland Sinclair.
Author- Sulari Gentill.
Publish Date- 1/7/2011.
Publisher- Pantera Press.
Related Books- A Few Right Thinking Men, Chasing Odysseus.
Review Time!
Synopsis:
It's been a good few months since the events of the first book in the series, A Few Right Thinking Men, and Rowland and his friends are happily on their way home from their luxury cruise around the world, mostly thought up to get Rowland out of trouble for a while.
All four friends have made numerous friends, and a few not so good friends, on the liner, including a mismash of prophets, priests and everybody inbetween.
But then, just when they're not far from home, a man is found dead on the boat, a man Rowland recenly had a disagrement with, and when one body's found, others are bound to follow.
And they do.
What I thought:
I don't think I can really get past Sulari Gentill's murder series- it's so thrilling, captivating, page turning and all together to amazingly undescribable in it's greatness for words.
I was very eager to read this, the second book in the series, after devouring the first, and it was just as brilliant! I loved the quirky new characters and the fact that the book doesn't end as soon as the ship reaches Australia, as I presumed it would, I loved the fact that every character was just as cleverly described, having the same raging and witty conversations and the fact that my two favourite characters didn't get any closer... *Sigh...* no matter how much I cheered them on.
I adore this series and am hanging out for the thrid installment in 2012! Get reading the entire series yourselves before then!
Romi.xxx
Series- Rowland Sinclair.
Author- Sulari Gentill.
Publish Date- 1/7/2011.
Publisher- Pantera Press.
Related Books- A Few Right Thinking Men, Chasing Odysseus.
Review Time!
Synopsis:
It's been a good few months since the events of the first book in the series, A Few Right Thinking Men, and Rowland and his friends are happily on their way home from their luxury cruise around the world, mostly thought up to get Rowland out of trouble for a while.
All four friends have made numerous friends, and a few not so good friends, on the liner, including a mismash of prophets, priests and everybody inbetween.
But then, just when they're not far from home, a man is found dead on the boat, a man Rowland recenly had a disagrement with, and when one body's found, others are bound to follow.
And they do.
 |
| Thank you to Pantera Press for this review copy! |
What I thought:
I don't think I can really get past Sulari Gentill's murder series- it's so thrilling, captivating, page turning and all together to amazingly undescribable in it's greatness for words.
I was very eager to read this, the second book in the series, after devouring the first, and it was just as brilliant! I loved the quirky new characters and the fact that the book doesn't end as soon as the ship reaches Australia, as I presumed it would, I loved the fact that every character was just as cleverly described, having the same raging and witty conversations and the fact that my two favourite characters didn't get any closer... *Sigh...* no matter how much I cheered them on.
I adore this series and am hanging out for the thrid installment in 2012! Get reading the entire series yourselves before then!
Romi.xxx
Foxly's Feast by Owen Davey review...
Title- Foxly's Feast.
Author- Owen Davey.
Publish date- 2010.
Publisher- Hardie Grant Egmont.
Review...
Synopsis:
Foxly's a sly fox, and he's very, very hungry.
So he goes searching, all around for tasty morsels to satiasfy his ever growing hunger; could he find something to eat in the duck pond? In the farmyard... or maybe somewhere unexpected...
But is there more to Foxly, than you could think... is he quite as sly as he makes out to be...?
What I Thought:
Foxly, well, between you and me, he was a bit scary to start off with and I wasn't too sure of him myself, but he did grow on me.. eventually! I suppose I just had to get to know him, that's all!
It's a very clever story this one, very well written, with lovely homely illustrations and delightful smelling pages, this is a definite one for keeps!
Romi.x
Author- Owen Davey.
Publish date- 2010.
Publisher- Hardie Grant Egmont.
Review...
Synopsis:
Foxly's a sly fox, and he's very, very hungry.
So he goes searching, all around for tasty morsels to satiasfy his ever growing hunger; could he find something to eat in the duck pond? In the farmyard... or maybe somewhere unexpected...
But is there more to Foxly, than you could think... is he quite as sly as he makes out to be...?
 |
| Thank you to Hardie Grant Egmont for this review copy! |
What I Thought:
Foxly, well, between you and me, he was a bit scary to start off with and I wasn't too sure of him myself, but he did grow on me.. eventually! I suppose I just had to get to know him, that's all!
It's a very clever story this one, very well written, with lovely homely illustrations and delightful smelling pages, this is a definite one for keeps!
Romi.x
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Where's Wally 25 YEARS by Martin Handford review...
Title- Where's Wally Anniversary Edition.
Author- Martin Handford.
Publish Date- First published in 1987- this Delux edition published in 2011.
Publisher- Walker Books.
Review...
Synopsis:
Where on the page is Wally? Once you've found him, wether he was particularly hard or easy on that particular page, only time will tell, you can go find Woof, Wenda, Wizard Whitebeard and Odlaw- then, if you're still hungary for hunting, you can find the Wally Fans and all the little keys, scrolls and bones on each page! A perfect way to celebrate 25 years of our favourite and most hard to find character in the red and white striped jumper- find everything!
What I thought:
Ok, so who can't seriously love Where's Wally? This is coming from a long time reader of the Wally books, but that's probably not too hard to guess, is it?
I adore this 25th anniversary of Where's Wally, it was great fun finding Wally in all the places that I'd previously looked for him, only years ago! I just love Where's Wally- it's classicly awesome and so timeconsuming (well, when I was a child it was) that you just have to keep on at it, it seems!
But there was one thing that got to me- it was very easy, ridiculously easy it seemed (after being so very hard to find Wally when I was younger) to fine the man in the striped jersey... just reading the beginning postcard on one page my eyes flickered and I saw him immediately... not that I love this series any the less for it.
Has anyone else read/got any Wally books? How hard is he to find for you?
Romi.x
Author- Martin Handford.
Publish Date- First published in 1987- this Delux edition published in 2011.
Publisher- Walker Books.
Review...
Synopsis:
Where on the page is Wally? Once you've found him, wether he was particularly hard or easy on that particular page, only time will tell, you can go find Woof, Wenda, Wizard Whitebeard and Odlaw- then, if you're still hungary for hunting, you can find the Wally Fans and all the little keys, scrolls and bones on each page! A perfect way to celebrate 25 years of our favourite and most hard to find character in the red and white striped jumper- find everything!
 |
| Thank you to Walker books for this review copy! |
What I thought:
Ok, so who can't seriously love Where's Wally? This is coming from a long time reader of the Wally books, but that's probably not too hard to guess, is it?
I adore this 25th anniversary of Where's Wally, it was great fun finding Wally in all the places that I'd previously looked for him, only years ago! I just love Where's Wally- it's classicly awesome and so timeconsuming (well, when I was a child it was) that you just have to keep on at it, it seems!
But there was one thing that got to me- it was very easy, ridiculously easy it seemed (after being so very hard to find Wally when I was younger) to fine the man in the striped jersey... just reading the beginning postcard on one page my eyes flickered and I saw him immediately... not that I love this series any the less for it.
Has anyone else read/got any Wally books? How hard is he to find for you?
Romi.x
Winnie-the-Pooh and the Grand Christmas Surprise review...
Title- Winnie-the-Pooh and the Grand Christmas Surpirse...
Author- Based on A. A. Milne's classic stories.
Publish date- 2011
Publisher- HG Egmont.
Review...
Christmas is a coming and everyone in the hundred acre wood wakes to find a letter addressed to them from an anonymos person or persons.
They say to come to the North Pole for a wonderful surprise and a few smackerals.
Christopher Robin and Piglet's both even say Help!
But where is Pooh? They can't have a celebration without their best friend... he seems to have gone somewhere...
What I thought:
Author- Based on A. A. Milne's classic stories.
Publish date- 2011
Publisher- HG Egmont.
Review...
Synopsis:
Christmas is a coming and everyone in the hundred acre wood wakes to find a letter addressed to them from an anonymos person or persons.
They say to come to the North Pole for a wonderful surprise and a few smackerals.
Christopher Robin and Piglet's both even say Help!
But where is Pooh? They can't have a celebration without their best friend... he seems to have gone somewhere...
Thanks to Hardie Grant Egmont for this review copy!
What I thought:
This was such a beautiful and lovely book- perfect for bringing out the eve of christmas and reading either to yourself or everyone about.
The illustrations are all new, but done in a way that resembles E.H. Shepards's so lovingly and wonderfully...
The story is simple beautiful and I will be sure to treasure this and read it many a time- it's a Classic, isn't it?
Romi.x
Sunday, October 16, 2011
My First Book Launch...
I went to my very first book launch yesterday- an hours drive away in Launceston, I arrived at Fullers, books in my bag and mask in my hand.
It was the fantastic launch for Lian Tanners The Keepers book 2, City of Lies, which I reviewed here.
City of Lies is all about mystery and hiding your true idenity, otherwise you'll most likely be captured by the enemy, so everyone, basically, was wearing masks, which was very awesome.
You had the oppertunity of making a mask beforehand, but I had one from a masquerade I organised a few years ago so took that one to wear, and I'm fairly sure I'm going to be making a guest appearance on Facebook in it.... oh yes, just found the picture of me- take a look and take a look at the rest of the pictures too!
Lian Tanner was there herself, which was absoluetly terrific and it was just amazing to meet her, after I've reviewed and been a fan of both her books it was just AMAZING! I was so excited and she regonised me almost immediately- I walked up the stairs, mask still in hand and she was at the top of the stairs to welcome all who came- I smiled happily (knowing well that it was Lian welcoming me) and a "hmm..." expression came onto her face then realisation (oh aren't I good at this descriptive storytelling? It's just like a very good (Miss Marple without the murder) TV drama!) came over her face and she said "You're Romi...!"
I got to talk to Lian, listened to her talk and launch the book, nearly won the signed book, got many times complimented on my mask (and asked if I took the feathers from the gorge...) and got a picture with Lian!
It was all so thrilling! And I got both my books signed to go along with it! YAY!
It was such a brilliant time! I can't wait until The Path of Beasts get's released- hopefully that means another Launceston launch...?
Romi.xxx
It was the fantastic launch for Lian Tanners The Keepers book 2, City of Lies, which I reviewed here.
City of Lies is all about mystery and hiding your true idenity, otherwise you'll most likely be captured by the enemy, so everyone, basically, was wearing masks, which was very awesome.
You had the oppertunity of making a mask beforehand, but I had one from a masquerade I organised a few years ago so took that one to wear, and I'm fairly sure I'm going to be making a guest appearance on Facebook in it.... oh yes, just found the picture of me- take a look and take a look at the rest of the pictures too!
Lian Tanner was there herself, which was absoluetly terrific and it was just amazing to meet her, after I've reviewed and been a fan of both her books it was just AMAZING! I was so excited and she regonised me almost immediately- I walked up the stairs, mask still in hand and she was at the top of the stairs to welcome all who came- I smiled happily (knowing well that it was Lian welcoming me) and a "hmm..." expression came onto her face then realisation (oh aren't I good at this descriptive storytelling? It's just like a very good (Miss Marple without the murder) TV drama!) came over her face and she said "You're Romi...!"
I got to talk to Lian, listened to her talk and launch the book, nearly won the signed book, got many times complimented on my mask (and asked if I took the feathers from the gorge...) and got a picture with Lian!
It was all so thrilling! And I got both my books signed to go along with it! YAY!
It was such a brilliant time! I can't wait until The Path of Beasts get's released- hopefully that means another Launceston launch...?
Romi.xxx
Friday, October 14, 2011
The Scar by Charlotte Moundilic review...
Title- The Scar.
Author- Charlotte Moundilic.
Publish Date-2009.
Publisher- Walker Books.
My Review...
Synopsis:
His mother's just died.
She knew it was going to happen, she had time to say goodbye, and though she's surely going to be better, get over her sickness where she is now, the boy can't bring himself to let her go.
First he shouts, then he cries, then he begins to worry.
How will he ever remember her, now that she's gone? How will his dad cope? How will he remember her voice, her smell... her.
What I thought:
It's a strange book, this one- very thoughtfully written and illustrated, well throught through and very sad, but there was something strange and I don't know... maybe missing about this book... it seemed to be lacking something, but I can't tell what.
It was very full on and is a very good book, I think people getting over and coping with grief would really find something to grasp to in it, and people who know someone, anyone, who's going through this kind of thing, I think they'd do good to read it too.
It leaves you thinking... I still am.
Romi.x
Author- Charlotte Moundilic.
Publish Date-2009.
Publisher- Walker Books.
My Review...
Synopsis:
His mother's just died.
She knew it was going to happen, she had time to say goodbye, and though she's surely going to be better, get over her sickness where she is now, the boy can't bring himself to let her go.
First he shouts, then he cries, then he begins to worry.
How will he ever remember her, now that she's gone? How will his dad cope? How will he remember her voice, her smell... her.
Thanks to Walker Books for this review cpoy!
What I thought:
It's a strange book, this one- very thoughtfully written and illustrated, well throught through and very sad, but there was something strange and I don't know... maybe missing about this book... it seemed to be lacking something, but I can't tell what.
It was very full on and is a very good book, I think people getting over and coping with grief would really find something to grasp to in it, and people who know someone, anyone, who's going through this kind of thing, I think they'd do good to read it too.
It leaves you thinking... I still am.
Romi.x
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Paul Thurby's Alphabet review...
Title- Paul Thurby's Alphabet.
Author- Paul Thurby.
Publish Date- 2011.
Publisher- HG. Egmont.
Review...
Synopsis:
From A-Z or Z-A this is the perfect alphabet for anyone, I'm particularly fond of it!
The illustrations for each letter are thrilling and captivating, and each letter is used to show very different words from the normal kind of alphabet you'd generally see about- A for apple, Q for Queen and Z for zip (that last one's the same in this version)... it get's a bit monotonus, no?
In this, yes, thrilling telling of the classic aplhabet, Paul Thurby has done something brilliant- A is for Awesome, R for Rabbit, Y for Yoga and J for Jazz... these are just a few of the most amazing words you'll find in this book... get alphabetting!
What I thought:
Ooh, this was such a fun book to look over; I found so many pictures that I loved and it was such a nice change from the everyday alphabet you find and it was all just brilliant for captivating the imagination and mind, in a board book for no ripping of pages and wonderful for teaching new words and remembering/learning new words (when was the last time I used hang?), this is surely my most favourite alphabet book ever.
R.x
P.S. Be sure to check the below post!
Author- Paul Thurby.
Publish Date- 2011.
Publisher- HG. Egmont.
Review...
Synopsis:
From A-Z or Z-A this is the perfect alphabet for anyone, I'm particularly fond of it!
The illustrations for each letter are thrilling and captivating, and each letter is used to show very different words from the normal kind of alphabet you'd generally see about- A for apple, Q for Queen and Z for zip (that last one's the same in this version)... it get's a bit monotonus, no?
In this, yes, thrilling telling of the classic aplhabet, Paul Thurby has done something brilliant- A is for Awesome, R for Rabbit, Y for Yoga and J for Jazz... these are just a few of the most amazing words you'll find in this book... get alphabetting!
Thank you to HG Egmont for this review copy!
What I thought:
Ooh, this was such a fun book to look over; I found so many pictures that I loved and it was such a nice change from the everyday alphabet you find and it was all just brilliant for captivating the imagination and mind, in a board book for no ripping of pages and wonderful for teaching new words and remembering/learning new words (when was the last time I used hang?), this is surely my most favourite alphabet book ever.
R.x
P.S. Be sure to check the below post!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Want a free copy of my book to review? I call on you book reviewers everywhere!
Hi Everybody,
Well, as you know, I've self published some zines that I am selling on the internet and I wondered if you book reviewing people out there, like myself, would like a free copy of one of them to review? I'm going to be giving a few away for free for you to review on your blog, just like a big book!
I've so far done three zines, pictured and linked below, so read about them all and tell em which one you'd be interested in and I'll choose a few people to get them! You can be international too, so it's open for everyone! Enter by clicking the below link and filling in the form!
All of these zines are custom made- hand drawn and hand written each time.
I don't believe in photocopying.
Click this section of writing to go to the form and fill it out! I'll be in touch soon!
CLOSED.
Lots of love,
Romi.xxx
Well, as you know, I've self published some zines that I am selling on the internet and I wondered if you book reviewing people out there, like myself, would like a free copy of one of them to review? I'm going to be giving a few away for free for you to review on your blog, just like a big book!
I've so far done three zines, pictured and linked below, so read about them all and tell em which one you'd be interested in and I'll choose a few people to get them! You can be international too, so it's open for everyone! Enter by clicking the below link and filling in the form!
 |
| Brave Love |
 |
| Never forget you are you. |
 |
| The Lonley's |
I don't believe in photocopying.
CLOSED.
Lots of love,
Romi.xxx
The Little Veggie Patch Co. by Fabian Capomolla and Mat Pember review...
Synopsis:
Want to know how to have a garden when you've got a back garden the size of a minature pony? Or even smaller? Well that is just what this book is all about- making a small area into a haven for growth.
You can learn how to make a raised garden bed, hanging strawberry baskets, potato planters and many more things, and all are easy peasy and fun to do! And this book also comes with an A-Z of edible plants, which is truly awesome- vegetables you mayn't have heard of, fruits of the forest and all that jazz- it's in there.
Here.
What I thought:
I love this book for many reasons- it's all about making something out of little space.
Planting and rejuvinating your garden.
Home Grown vegetables and fruits. (A pumpkin and zuchini are both fruits, did you know that?)
And it smelt, yet again, so so very nice.
It's filled with seasonal planting guides for around Australia and is just a really nice, fact filled book that it totally brilliant!
It's well worth spending the money on, as it is a book to go back to again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and are you still reading this?
Lots of Loveness,
Romi.x
Want to know how to have a garden when you've got a back garden the size of a minature pony? Or even smaller? Well that is just what this book is all about- making a small area into a haven for growth.
You can learn how to make a raised garden bed, hanging strawberry baskets, potato planters and many more things, and all are easy peasy and fun to do! And this book also comes with an A-Z of edible plants, which is truly awesome- vegetables you mayn't have heard of, fruits of the forest and all that jazz- it's in there.
Here.
Thank you to Macmillan for this review copy!
What I thought:
I love this book for many reasons- it's all about making something out of little space.
Planting and rejuvinating your garden.
Home Grown vegetables and fruits. (A pumpkin and zuchini are both fruits, did you know that?)
And it smelt, yet again, so so very nice.
It's filled with seasonal planting guides for around Australia and is just a really nice, fact filled book that it totally brilliant!
It's well worth spending the money on, as it is a book to go back to again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and are you still reading this?
Lots of Loveness,
Romi.x
Monday, October 10, 2011
Jane by April Lindner review...
Title- Jane.
Author- April Lindner.
Publish Date-2010.
Publisher- Poppy.
Review...
Synopsis:
After both her parents die tragically, Jane Moore is forced to leave her esteemed school and find a job, support herself, because though they left her stocks, they turned out to be basically worthless and neither Jane's sister or brother would be willing, or are around, to help her out.
So she decides to be a nanny, and get's a most mysterious job offer, working as nanny to epic rock singer Nico Rathburn's daughter, Maddy, in an American estate.
Jane's a bit hesitant, at the thought of working for this man, a wild kind of person in the rock scene in his time, working for a comeback, but she knows virtually as soon as she meets him, that she is falling deeply and irriversably in love.
And she can't do anything to stop herself.
What I thought:
Jane was a captivating story, an inthralling and thrilling story, based on Charlotte Bronte's classic Jane Eyre.
Jane is, in fact, a retelling of that book, published so many years ago, but April Lindner has bought the tale of unrequited love into the 21st century, changing the characters and the storyline to work with themes of today.
I haven't read Jane Eyre, but I'm deperate to get into my copy of it now!
April's done a wonderful, terribly amazing job of working with the story and I fell in love with the characters, especially Jane- I shared her sorrow, happiness and all her feelings as if I were beside her or even were her, it was amazing!
Jane is one of my top 10 books for 2011 and I'm quite ready to delve back into it's pages right now!
Romi.x
Author- April Lindner.
Publish Date-2010.
Publisher- Poppy.
Review...
Synopsis:
After both her parents die tragically, Jane Moore is forced to leave her esteemed school and find a job, support herself, because though they left her stocks, they turned out to be basically worthless and neither Jane's sister or brother would be willing, or are around, to help her out.
So she decides to be a nanny, and get's a most mysterious job offer, working as nanny to epic rock singer Nico Rathburn's daughter, Maddy, in an American estate.
Jane's a bit hesitant, at the thought of working for this man, a wild kind of person in the rock scene in his time, working for a comeback, but she knows virtually as soon as she meets him, that she is falling deeply and irriversably in love.
And she can't do anything to stop herself.
Thank you very much to April for this review copy!
What I thought:
Jane was a captivating story, an inthralling and thrilling story, based on Charlotte Bronte's classic Jane Eyre.
Jane is, in fact, a retelling of that book, published so many years ago, but April Lindner has bought the tale of unrequited love into the 21st century, changing the characters and the storyline to work with themes of today.
I haven't read Jane Eyre, but I'm deperate to get into my copy of it now!
April's done a wonderful, terribly amazing job of working with the story and I fell in love with the characters, especially Jane- I shared her sorrow, happiness and all her feelings as if I were beside her or even were her, it was amazing!
Jane is one of my top 10 books for 2011 and I'm quite ready to delve back into it's pages right now!
Romi.x
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Dystopian novels- are they closer to home than we'd ever had thought?
Novels like The Giver by Lois Lowry, Days Like This by Allison Stewart, Crossed by Allison Condie and even The Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner really get me thinking about life and after reading them, no matter how fantastic they are I'm always so glad, so very comforted in knowing that my life isn't like the characters in those books are. (though they may be amazing, I couldn't live the way they are forced to)
In The Giver the community is structured by rules and ways of keeping only the very simplest of things out to the world; a person is trained to keep all the feelings, colours, emotions and memory's of the world to themself, war and famine, heat and taste are all things that only he can know of... their landscapes are blank, no hills, no light, no colours.
Everything is so to keep things the best they can be.
But could you live like that?
In Days like This the goverment has put up a wall, incasing the wealthy part of Sydney inside where they'll be safe and paying and on the outside of that wall? Everyone who defies that very goverment.
Children are getting sent into hospitals where they're drained of their youth, which the adults then pay for.
It's scary as anything, the thought that we could get so very mad to be young that that could happen...
Would you let your life be ruled and taken advantage of like that?
In Crossed (SPOILER) if you see something you shouldn't you must take a pill to forget and you can't fall in love, you are chosen a life partner and they you stick with.
Could any of you let your life be ruled like that?
And in the Museum of Thieves the children are protected by a guard chain, never, through their childhood, are they let off to play or be alone... they're under constant supervision.
So could you never have a moment to yourself, could you stand living by the rules and never doing something you wanted to do for yourself? Would you let yourself be told everything and follow those rules day in and day out? Coudl you live in a landscape that is bare and lifeless? Could you live by a guard chain your whole life?
These things, they all seem so forign and so unthinkable that I believe we could never become those things which some of the people in these books are... but are these things all becoming a little closer to home?
Are children being taken off to boarding school at a younger and younger age, always being watched and never being allowed to have a childhood in which they can roam and be free and do just what children do best- be their-selves?
Are we letting things go, as a whole mass and as individuals, more easily?
Are we letting people take advantage of us and are we allowing them to rule our lives?
Are we letting our world darken and become polluted, just so we can continue to have the best of everything?
Are we trying to keep ourselves from growing old by putting chemicles and needles into our faces, arms, legs and entire bodies, just so we can keep looking younger than we are, instead of letting time do what it will to us and being proud of who we are?
Are we all believing in ourselves every day, following only our decisions and being happy for the things we choose to do? Or aren't we?
Romi Foster.
In The Giver the community is structured by rules and ways of keeping only the very simplest of things out to the world; a person is trained to keep all the feelings, colours, emotions and memory's of the world to themself, war and famine, heat and taste are all things that only he can know of... their landscapes are blank, no hills, no light, no colours.
Everything is so to keep things the best they can be.
But could you live like that?
In Days like This the goverment has put up a wall, incasing the wealthy part of Sydney inside where they'll be safe and paying and on the outside of that wall? Everyone who defies that very goverment.
Children are getting sent into hospitals where they're drained of their youth, which the adults then pay for.
It's scary as anything, the thought that we could get so very mad to be young that that could happen...
Would you let your life be ruled and taken advantage of like that?
In Crossed (SPOILER) if you see something you shouldn't you must take a pill to forget and you can't fall in love, you are chosen a life partner and they you stick with.
Could any of you let your life be ruled like that?
And in the Museum of Thieves the children are protected by a guard chain, never, through their childhood, are they let off to play or be alone... they're under constant supervision.
So could you never have a moment to yourself, could you stand living by the rules and never doing something you wanted to do for yourself? Would you let yourself be told everything and follow those rules day in and day out? Coudl you live in a landscape that is bare and lifeless? Could you live by a guard chain your whole life?
These things, they all seem so forign and so unthinkable that I believe we could never become those things which some of the people in these books are... but are these things all becoming a little closer to home?
Are children being taken off to boarding school at a younger and younger age, always being watched and never being allowed to have a childhood in which they can roam and be free and do just what children do best- be their-selves?
Are we letting things go, as a whole mass and as individuals, more easily?
Are we letting people take advantage of us and are we allowing them to rule our lives?
Are we letting our world darken and become polluted, just so we can continue to have the best of everything?
Are we trying to keep ourselves from growing old by putting chemicles and needles into our faces, arms, legs and entire bodies, just so we can keep looking younger than we are, instead of letting time do what it will to us and being proud of who we are?
Are we all believing in ourselves every day, following only our decisions and being happy for the things we choose to do? Or aren't we?
Romi Foster.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
A Dictionary of Sea Quotations by Edward Duyker review...
Synopsis:
From A-Z, inculding names we all know like Austen, Bronte, Dickens, and Darwin, this book is full of quotes from books, letters, presidential speeches and much more besides!
There are quotes from Emma, Wuthering Heights, The Odyssey and some James Joyce novels too- and all have something to do with the sea in them- this is almost an encyclopedia of sea quotes!
And there are so many, that it almost seems impossible that one person gathered all these...
What I thought:
I'm rather flabbergasted by the size and amount of quotes in this book- it's quote epic and I can't believe that it was all done by one person- a very huge feat!
I loved finding quotes from authors and books that I knew, especially the Austen ones, though I was a bit startled to find that there were none from C.S. Lewis, especially as one of his books (The one with sea in the title... Dawn Treader...? I forget the name) is basically all playd out on the sea... weird, but it is an especially magnificent book and I raise my glass of whatever's in it to anyone who can accomplish such a feat as this!
Overall, a very terrific book!
Romi.x
From A-Z, inculding names we all know like Austen, Bronte, Dickens, and Darwin, this book is full of quotes from books, letters, presidential speeches and much more besides!
There are quotes from Emma, Wuthering Heights, The Odyssey and some James Joyce novels too- and all have something to do with the sea in them- this is almost an encyclopedia of sea quotes!
And there are so many, that it almost seems impossible that one person gathered all these...
Thank you to Dr. Duyker and UMP for this reviewing copy.
What I thought:
I'm rather flabbergasted by the size and amount of quotes in this book- it's quote epic and I can't believe that it was all done by one person- a very huge feat!
I loved finding quotes from authors and books that I knew, especially the Austen ones, though I was a bit startled to find that there were none from C.S. Lewis, especially as one of his books (The one with sea in the title... Dawn Treader...? I forget the name) is basically all playd out on the sea... weird, but it is an especially magnificent book and I raise my glass of whatever's in it to anyone who can accomplish such a feat as this!
Overall, a very terrific book!
Romi.x
Monday, October 3, 2011
Little Blue by Gaye Chapman review...
Synopsis:
Little Blue is lost, she's searched and searched but she can't find her home; then a boy finds her and together they come together and try and find her lost home.
Throughout the story, Little Blue describes her home and the two friends look everywhere they an to find her home, which is closer than they think...
What I thought:
I love Gaye Chapman's writing and illustrating- she's a truly amazing author and Little Blue was simply amazing!
The story is heartfelt and though it's not overly long, it's longer than it is, if that makes sense, if feels as if there is so much more to it than meets the eye, which makes it all the better!
The illustrations, well they are simply amazing and I adore every single one of them- they're brilliant!
Little Blue is a truly magnificent story and I shall heartily enjoy reading it again and again and again- Have you read Little Blue? What did you think of the story?
Romi.x
Little Blue is lost, she's searched and searched but she can't find her home; then a boy finds her and together they come together and try and find her lost home.
Throughout the story, Little Blue describes her home and the two friends look everywhere they an to find her home, which is closer than they think...
Thank you to Hardie Grant Egmont for this review copy!
What I thought:
I love Gaye Chapman's writing and illustrating- she's a truly amazing author and Little Blue was simply amazing!
The story is heartfelt and though it's not overly long, it's longer than it is, if that makes sense, if feels as if there is so much more to it than meets the eye, which makes it all the better!
The illustrations, well they are simply amazing and I adore every single one of them- they're brilliant!
Little Blue is a truly magnificent story and I shall heartily enjoy reading it again and again and again- Have you read Little Blue? What did you think of the story?
Romi.x
Saturday, October 1, 2011
A Brief Chapter in my Impossible Life by Dana Reinhardt review...
Synopsis:
Simmone is happy; she's 16, living with her mother, brother and father, has brilliant (if slightly crazy and odd) friends and has begun to realise what it is to have a bit of a crush on someone.
She's more than happy.
But she is different, even if most people don't know- she's adopted and though it doesn't bother her, she doesn't want to know anything about her birth mother, well, she tries to make herself believe that, there is that lingering thing, she's the one with the different look from everyone else, the one with the dark hair in a blonde headed family.
But then something truly out of the blue happens, her birth mother, Rivka calls her parents because she want's to talk to Simmone- and this is only a Brief Chapter in her Impossible life...
What I thought:
I loved A brief Chapter in my Impossible Life- Simmone was a fairly awesome character and I loved the way it was told and thought out- highly a winner with me, this one.
It had the perfect amount of laugh out loud scenes, sorrowful times and embarising moments to make it a highly enjoyable book, and I actually have described it as being a more mature version of the Georgia Nicholson books- except I like it a lot more than the ones of them that I actually read.
I had no idea until I started reading that this is actually a YA book, I thought it was middle grade fiction and that shocked me, but it was a nice surprise and I really enjoyed it, more so, I think, than if it had been a middle grade novel.
And I was thrilled because this book shows with ease that to be a YA book, you don't have to have lots of swearing, as quite a lot I've looked at do have, and this one, if I remember correctly, only had one swear word! YAY!
It was thrillingly amazing and I'm off to see what else Dana Reingardt wrote-
Romi.x
Simmone is happy; she's 16, living with her mother, brother and father, has brilliant (if slightly crazy and odd) friends and has begun to realise what it is to have a bit of a crush on someone.
She's more than happy.
But she is different, even if most people don't know- she's adopted and though it doesn't bother her, she doesn't want to know anything about her birth mother, well, she tries to make herself believe that, there is that lingering thing, she's the one with the different look from everyone else, the one with the dark hair in a blonde headed family.
But then something truly out of the blue happens, her birth mother, Rivka calls her parents because she want's to talk to Simmone- and this is only a Brief Chapter in her Impossible life...
Thank you to Walker Books for this review copy!
What I thought:
I loved A brief Chapter in my Impossible Life- Simmone was a fairly awesome character and I loved the way it was told and thought out- highly a winner with me, this one.
It had the perfect amount of laugh out loud scenes, sorrowful times and embarising moments to make it a highly enjoyable book, and I actually have described it as being a more mature version of the Georgia Nicholson books- except I like it a lot more than the ones of them that I actually read.
I had no idea until I started reading that this is actually a YA book, I thought it was middle grade fiction and that shocked me, but it was a nice surprise and I really enjoyed it, more so, I think, than if it had been a middle grade novel.
And I was thrilled because this book shows with ease that to be a YA book, you don't have to have lots of swearing, as quite a lot I've looked at do have, and this one, if I remember correctly, only had one swear word! YAY!
It was thrillingly amazing and I'm off to see what else Dana Reingardt wrote-
Romi.x
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