Aleesah Darlison

Puggle's Problem, released 1 July 2010

ON THE NSW PREMIER'S READING CHALLENGE! 

Pipp Puggle is a tiny echidna with a big problem. Although he's good at doing lots of things, like: 

hunting ants,

curling into a ball, and

building terrifically tidy burrows,

Pipp's spines simply will not come.

Tired of waiting for them to appear, Pipp sets out on a quest to make them grow. But he soon learns that some things can’t be rushed...

This is a gentle, humorous tale emphasising the importance of perseverance and patience. It also showcases some of Australia’s best-loved native animals and their unique characteristics.

Puggle's Problem is published by Wombat Books. You can pick up a copy in all good bookstore or order direct from the Wombat Books website: www.wombatbooks.com.au. ISBN: 978-1-921633-07-2.

I am very excited that Sandra Temple, a multi-award winning wildlife artist, illustrated this book for me. To view some of Sandra's stunning artwork, visit her website at: www. sandratemple.com.

View the book trailer for Puggle's Problem! Click on the link here to go to the YouTube site: http://bit.ly/awcjKR 

When you don't have time to read the book yourself, visit READ TO MY CHILD, a website where your child will be read to by a real, live person (kind of like on Play School). Check it out with a reading of my picture book, Puggle's Problem. http://goo.gl/bd72J

Listen to Aussie author, editor and book reviewer, Michelle Worthington, review Puggle's Problem on her podcast from Puggle FM (great name, don't you think?!). Click here PUGGLE FM to hear Michelle's glowing review for Pipp's story. 

Warambi, released 1 July 2011 

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2012 CBCA EVE POWNALL AWARD FOR NON-FICTION

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2012 WILDERNESS SOCIETY AWARD FOR CHILDREN'S LITERATURE

ON THE NSW AND SA PREMIER'S READING CHALLENGES

This story is based on Little Bentwing-bats which are native to Australia and are classified as vulnerable due to the disturbance of their colonies and the destruction of their caves through the clearing of forests. Little Bentwings are small, chocolate brown insectivorous bats with a body length of about 45mm. Absolutely tiny!

When Warambi's home in the forest is destroyed, she finds herself separated from her family and forced to shelter in a rather unusual place.

Warambi touches on the important themes of conservation of natural habitats and preservation of native species. It also highlights the specific characteristics, habitat and ecology of the wonderful Little Bentwings. The book, to be illustrated by Andrew Plant, will be published by Working Title Press and is due out in July 2011.

View the book trailer for Warambi! Click on the link here to go to the YouTube site: http://bit.ly/eRyGwC

Read a review of Warambi from the NSW Association of Gifted & Talented children: http://nswagtc.org.au/reviews/beginner-readers/1576-warambi-.html 

Bearly There, released March 2013

Teacher's Notes now available! Click here.

Bearly There tells the story of a rather worn-out but well-loved teddy bear who comes up against a much newer and much cheekier teddy. The book, to be illustrated by Jill Carter-Hansen, will be published by Windy Hollow Books and is due out in 2013.

Bearly There had been Blake’s teddy forever. Which is why he was barely there. But when a naughty new teddy arrives, Bearly’s world changes forever. Bearly There is a humorous story about a boy and his bears, about new friends and old, about love and loyalty. It also teaches children to value and cherish the little things in life.

Bearly There is my sixteenth book and was inspired by the real-life story of my son, Blake, and his love for his teddy bear. Although the story does have a twist of magic added to it…

Themes explored in the book include: friendship, love, loyalty, forgiveness, and acceptance. Perfect for ages 2 – 6 years.

Review of Bearly There by The Book Chook, 26 June 2013:

I like that Bearly There makes us think about the wisdom of throwing something away just because it isn't the latest, the glossiest, the most perfect. Darlison has given us drama that kids will understand and relate to with Blake losing his beloved teddy bear. I believe they will appreciate the happy and satisfying resolution to the story too.

http://www.thebookchook.com/2013/06/childrens-book-review-bearly-there.html

Review of Bearly There by Jackie Hosking, Pass It On e-newsletter:

Bearly There is Blake’s very best friend even though he is falling apart. When Aunt Phelicia buys Blake Winston, a new (but very cheeky) bear, we wonder if Blake will abandon his old one. Of course he doesn’t. In fact when Winston tosses Bearly out the window we discover just how un-superficial little boys are. After looking everywhere Bearly manages to scramble back through the window much to the delight and disgust of Blake and Winston respectively. And now here’s the delicious bit. Revenge or forgiveness?

Through the darkness,

something reached down to Winston.

‘Grab hold of my paw,’

whispered Bearly There.

‘I’ll haul you up.’

Jill Carter-Hansen’s illustrations are reminiscent of Sally Rippin’s Millie (written by John Marsden.) Limited colours, muted greys, lots of white space and vibrant red echo the simple yet important theme of forgiveness.

View the video of Blake and the original 'Barely There', his teddy Whinnie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSkQsqpUliQ

Little Meerkat, due for release 1 March 2014

Little Meerkat is a humorous, lively and adventurous picture book aimed at 3 – 7 year olds. The main character, Little Meerkat, craves independence and adventure in his life. His extended family, of Mum, Dad, Aunty, Uncle, Sister and Brother are there to guide and protect him.

Using an internationally recognised animal as the main character for this story ensures children from all backgrounds, cultures and countries can connect with and learn from Little Meerkat’s story.

Because Little Meerkat is such a brave and inscrutable character, his behaviour, dialogue and mis-adventures bring humour to the story, which offered fabulous opportunities for the illustrator, Shannon Melville, to interpret the text and create truly inspiring and unique visual images.

Download Little Meerkat Title Information here.

Purchase Little Meerkat online at: www.wombatbooks.com.au.