With the world so traumatised by terrorism , the world is responding with movements for change, peace, kindness.
The Labyrinth – a walking meditation – opened by Governor Marie Bashir to the blessings of the Wisdom Keepers from Aunty Ali Golding Aboriginal Elder Biripi Nation and many leaders of many faiths – Sikh, Buddhist, Moslem, Roman Catholic, Unity Church, Jewish, Zen, Anglican …. and others.
The Sydney Sacred Music Festival joins Stephanie Dowrick author and minister for an Interfaith service in Sydney’ s Uniting Church:-
‘If light is in your heart you will find your way home’. Rumi
The music played and sung by Dr Kim Cunio touched the heart.
Elephants Have Wings published by Ford Street Publishing.
The post Elephants Have Wings Engaging in Community appeared first on Susanne Gervay's Blog.
15,000 kids, teachers, visitors come to the Somerset Celebration of Literature Festival
50 authors and illustrators share literature
young people sing, entertain, host, write, create.
I had the pleasure of launching Ships in the Field in the Great Hall to hundreds of young people and adults.
As a special experience, Anna Pignataro’s illustrations were displayed. The audience loved it.
THANKYOU FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL REVIEW
Ships in the Field by Susanne Gervay, illustrated by Anna Pignataro
(Ford Street Publishing)
HB RRP $26.95
ISBN 978-1921665233
Reviewed by Francine Sculli
for BUZZ WORDS
Joining the mastery of award-winning author, Susanne Gervay and award-winning illustrator, Anna Pignataro – Ships in the Field is a picture book filled with significance, beauty and rich subtext.
Narrated through the simple, but intuitive eyes of a little girl, this picture book tells the story of life for a refugee family who have fled from their war torn country and started a new life in a foreign land. The little girl shares heart warming family moments with the reader. Images of her father splashing her with water from the laundry tub, making hats for the whole family from paper napkins, promising her a puppy that she so longs for, or sitting on top of trees that give a view of the whole world; all of these provide a safe and comfortable foundation for her to share other images of her family’s life that are far deeper and more complex. We see her mother crying in the hallway as she sleeps, we hear of how the night scares her, we hear of the loss of their previous life, and the complexity of mistaking ‘ship’ for ‘sheep’. These images are delicately interwoven in a way that brings hope and understanding.
The intricate images from Anna Pignataro are wonderfully complimentary and equally telling. She captures the warmth, solidary and strength of the family through her soft, watercolour images; however, the double page image spreads also provide the subtext for what is left partially unsaid in the narrative – the gloom, loss, fear and devastation of war. Colour is a significant part of the illustrations and the sense of hope overcoming loss and devastation is depicted through the changing colours, as the darker and more neutral tones are slowly replaced with brighter and more vibrant colours towards the books close.
Through its imagery, clever word play and warmth, Ships in the Field has created a thoughtful and touching insight into the world of a child whose life has been shredded by war. While it is a great insight, it is not overly confronting and easily accessible for younger readers. It is a significant picture book that will assist children (aged 7+) to develop empathy and understanding.
Catriona is having a girls’ weekend at The Hughenden, which meant we could catch up. Her gorgeous picture book ‘George and the Ghost’ published by Hodder UK, has just arrived in Australia. Catriona is planning to do a blog tour so watch out for it.
George and the Ghost is about friendship with a dash of insightful science.
I am editing my picture book coming out in October by Ford St – Ships in the Field – about giving a voice to the children of refugees with some humour, lots of warmth and love.
I understand Catriona’s excitement at an artist illustrating her work. I am thrilled that Anna Pignataro is illustrating mine.
Good picture books give so much pleasure.
I’m in Melbourne – great excuse to visit Hazel Edwards. I recognise her house because of the HIPPO at the front door.
Authors meeting is an excuse to talk – and we did heaps.
I shared news about my first picture book with the talented Anna Pignataro – Ships in the Field to be published by Ford Street Publishers in October 2010. I’m very excited about it.
I LOVE Melboure and did the tourist things with Bill and Tory. Visit Melbourne and have a great time.
