June 2009
Star Jumps is now out! Released by Walker Books on June 1 and we celebrated with a launch in Adelaide. Take a look at my blog for more news and pics of the event.

Star Jumps...
A warm narrative verse-novel about a family’s life on the farm during harsh times.

A poignant verse novel depicting the joys and heartbreaks of a farming family as they struggle to cope with the devastating effects of long term drought. Told through the eyes of Ruby, day to day farm life involves playing in grassy paddocks with siblings, doing jobs and helping out, and witnessing birth, death and sacrifice. The family are devastated when they have to sell off some of their herd, but in the spirit of hope it is Ruby who tries in her own small way to help the family by making miniature bales of hay.

Read a review of Star Jump:
ABC website

Moving Galleries
Moving Galleries is a travelling exhibition of art and poetry on Melbourne's trains and trams. This year my poem, 'Tattooed Hooves', will be travelling the city of Melbourne - keep your eyes open next time you take public transport in Melbourne.

Take a look at the Moving Galleries website, read my poem and vote in the People's Choice Awards - $500 is up for grab for all voters!

April 2009

Ratwhiskers and Me

Reviewed by Jackie Hosking

Wow!

I read Ratwhiskers and Me this weekend, in one sitting and I'm still feeling a little stunned. I, like the rest of us, learned about the Goldfields. I've been to Sovereign Hill and I've panned for gold but I didn't know the stench of sickness or the pain of loss. I didn't feel the panic or the hunger pains. I'd read the menu but I hadn't tasted a thing, not until I'd read Lorraine's heart thumping story about a child living through it all. Ratwhiskers and Me is a verse novel. Its economical style allows the reader to become lost in their senses so that story is wrapped around them. It certainly wrapped itself around me.
Jackie Hosking

Also, look out for a review of Ratwhiskers and Me in The School Magazine later this year.