My Bottom Humour Picture Book Collection

I love bottom humour that's suitable for children of all ages.

 

I love reading it.

I love hearing it.

I love sharing it.

I love collecting it.

 

So I've decided it's time to share my personal bottom humour picture book collection that tackles farts, underpants, poo and pee in a very special way. I've read all these books with my children and they've made us laugh for hours. I know it's not for everyone and that's ok.

 

Feel free to let me know of other amazing children's 

picture books I can add to my collection.

 

(Note: blurbs and cover images from fishpond.com.au) 

 

 

1) Queen Victoria's Underpants

 

 

 A very funny story about the most famous underwear in the British Empire. Meet Lizzy, whose family are in the clothing industry. Very few people probably know that Queen Victoria made the wearing of underpants popular. At the beginning of her reign very few women wore them. But Queen Victoria made tartans, perambulators and chloroform fashionable. By the time she died just about every woman in Britain wore underpants like hers.

 



 

2) Who Flung Dung?

 

 

 Someone flings dung at Furley! Nobody is around to confess, so Furley goes on an investigation. 'Who flung dung?', Furley demands of everyone. They deny everything. As Furley becomes more and more frustrated, readers will giggle more and more loudly. But even though he's frustrated, Furley's not going to give up.

 

 

3) The Story of the Little Mole Who Knew It Was None of his Business

 

 

This picture book tells the tale of a little mole who wakes up one morning only to have one of the other animals "do its business" on his head. The mole then sets out to track down the culprit to exact his revenge in his own little way.

 

 

4) There's A Monster Under My Bed Who Farts

 

 

 Everyone says, 'It wasn't me!' But what if it REALLY wasn't you? What if it was the monster who lives under your bed? How much trouble can one little monster cause...From two amazing new talents comes a hilarious picture book that's guaranteed to be a runaway hit with both young and old.

 

 

5) The Pirate Who Had To Pee

 

 

 From the bestselling authors of There Is a Monster Under My Bed Who Farts, Pirate Jack had to pee as he sailed across the ocean...the toilet's broken onboard Captain Bones' ship and Pirate Jack needs to pee! It's a race back to town across a vast amount of water. With the constant splashing, dripping and swirling, will Jack be able to hold on? Ages: 2-5

 

 

6) The Terrible Underpants

 

 

What would you do if everyone in the whole wide world saw your Terrible Underpants? That's the problem Wanda-Linda has to solve, one windy day. Kaz Cooke brings us a warm, funny story about sprinklers, a helicopter, Mrs Kafoops, a hairy-nosed wombat called Glenda - and some worn-out elastic.

 

 

7) Dinosaur Dump

 

 

 The new Christmas bestseller from the creators of the Fart Monster Straight from the prehistoric era comes an ex-STINK-tion story like no other! Life's hard when there's only one toilet and all the dinos need to go! There's a dumping pterodactyl, a plopping stegosaurus and a T Rex who can't reach to wipe ...But when it's finally Mike's turn, could one tiny bowel movement end in disaster? Ages: 3+

 

 

8) Harvey, the Boy Who Couldn't Fart

 

 

 Everyone can fart. Everyone except Harvey. No matter how hard Harvey tries, he can't manage even a squeak. A humorous story that will have readers of all ages giggling.

 

 

9) Walter the Farting Dog

 

 

Warning: this book may cause flatulence! Walter is a wonderful dog, except for one small problem. Gas. He can't help it. It's just the way he is. Fortunately, Billy and Betty love him in spite of his gas problems. But Father says he's got to go. He's smelling up the house. Poor Walter. He's going back to the dog pound tomorrow. How will he escape this terrible fate? The answer will have you rolling on the floor with laughter.

 

 

 

10) Baa Baa Smart Sheep

 

 

Little Baa Baa is bored. When Quirky Turkey comes along the opportunity to make some mischief proves to hard to resist.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed browsing my bottom humour picture book collection. We actually read a very wide range of picture books in our house but we keep coming back to some of these. I'm not afraid to have a good old laugh with my kids over a fart joke. Farts are funny!

10 Tips On How To Start Learning About The Children's Book Industry In Australia

Four years ago I started to write for children with the dream of getting published. I knew nothing about the children’s book industry and I needed to start learning quickly so I could make a realistic publication plan that worked for me. I felt like I was in a little rowboat without oars in an ocean full of information. It was confusing!

Over the next few years I listened, I took notes, I asked many questions, and met lots of wonderful people (including my inspiration, Andy Griffiths). I also went on a subscription rampage – you’ll see what I mean below. So here are my top 10 tips on where to start learning about the children’s book industry.

But always put improving your craft ahead of this list.

This is how I started learning about the industry – everyone's journey will be different. If you have more ideas to share, please add them in the comments below.

Andy Griffiths and I at the
Sydney Writers Festival 2015

1) BECOME A MEMBER OF RELEVANT ORGANISATIONS:

There are so many organisations willing to help new authors and illustrators. Lots offer courses and workshops, often with a discount for members.

ASA - Australian Society of Authors https://www.asauthors.org/

CBCA - Children’s Book Council of Australia http://cbca.org.au/

This is a national organisation. You become a member of your state branch and then you can attend a local sub-branch if there is one in your area. Each state branch has its own website.

SCBWI - Society if Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators https://www.scbwi.org/

This is an international organisation. It's broken into regions. Check the website to see what region you belong to. Each region has its own website.

If you are still thinking about whether you would like to become a member, at least subscribe to their online newsletters and Facebook pages. Most have one or both. After reading a few issues and posts, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision about membership.

2) JOIN YOUR LOCAL WRITERS’ CENTRE

Join your local writers’ centre if you can access one. Find out if they run writing groups. Most provide courses and workshops at a discounted price for members. Get involved in your local creative scene. Meet other local creatives. This will set you up with lots of local support.

3) JOIN YOUR STATE’S WRITERS’ CENTRE

This is another great option depending on where you live. Going to courses presented by writers’ centres helps you meet well-established people in the industry and other authors and illustrators on their journeys beyond your local area.
If you can’t attend your state branch, subscribe to their online newsletters. Keep yourself informed about what creative people are learning around you.

Australian WC (Sydney, Melbourne and Perth) - https://sawriters.org.au/

ACT - http://www.actwriters.org.au/
NSW - http://www.nswwc.org.au/
NT - http://ntwriters.com.au/
QLD - http://www.qwc.asn.au/
SA - https://sawriters.org.au/
Tasmania - http://www.taswriters.org/
Victoria - https://writersvictoria.org.au/
WA - http://www.writingwa.org/

4) FOLLOW INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Use social media to follow people in the industry. Learn who the children’s book publishers are and follow them. Also follow book review sites, bookshops, organisations and writers’ centres. Watch who others follow and take their lead.

You don’t need to be active on all social media platforms at once. I must admit I’m not active on twitter. Learning how to use twitter is on my to-do list.

5) SUBSCRIBE TO INDUSTRY ONLINE MAGAZINES

The two most common on line magazines in the children’s book industry are Pass It On and Buzz Words. They both involve a subscription fee to receive them but they are worth it. Both these publications are like an industry noticeboard. You will find courses, book launches, submission information, interviews and much more. Both have a Facebook page.

Pass It On arrives in your inbox every Monday and is managed by Jackie Hosking. https://jackiehoskingpio.wordpress.com/

Buzz Words arrives twice monthly and is managed by Di Bates. http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.com/

6) MAKE FRIENDS WITH YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT BOOKSELLER

Go and find your local independent bookseller. Hopefully one isn’t too far away. Visit them regularly. Watch for the new releases. Read them. Buy them. Talk to the staff. Love them. Some of these businesses hold events in-store if a visiting artist is in town. Visit! Buy! Love them! Subscribe to their newsletter and Facebook page. You just may have your book in their front window one day!

MacLean’s Booksellers’ pop up bookshop
inside Newcastle Region Library
 at the Newcastle Writers Festival 2015

7) MAKE FRIENDS WITH YOUR LOCAL PUBLIC LIBRARY

Go find your local public library. Visit them regularly. Watch for the new releases. Read them. Borrow them. Talk to the staff. Love them. Some libraries hold events if a visiting artist is in town. Go! Visit! Borrow! Love them! Subscribe to their newsletter and Facebook page (you may need to do this via your local council’s website or Facebook page). Your local librarian just may recommend your book for others to borrow one day! Get the idea?

8) ATTEND LOCAL EVENTS RELATED TO BOOKS – ANY TYPE OF BOOK

Support your local artists. Go to book launches, go to public readings, go to local reading and writing festivals, go to author visits. Immerse yourself! It doesn’t matter what the genre is. You will meet new people and become a participant in your local cultural scene. If you have subscribed to your local writers’ centre, local public library, and local bookshop newsletters you’ll find out what is happening so you can schedule these events into your life.

Book launch

9) ATTEND FESTIVALS and CONFERENCES

This is my favourite pastime. This is where I get my inspiration.
Festivals and conferences come in all shapes and sizes. Some are more for professional development while others are for discussing bookish topics and finding out what is happening in the world of publishing. Try as many as you can. Go find one! Most have a website, online newsletter and a Facebook page. Most capital cities host one.

Jackie French speaking at the
CBCA National Conference 2014 - Canberra

 10) READ, READ, READ!

Read everything you can in the genre and age group you are writing/illustrating in. Read inside your genre and out of it. Read new stories and old. Read good stories and bad. Read undiscovered and popular stories. Go hunting. Start to get to know the market.

LASTLY:

I feel like I have the oars to my rowboat now. It has taken years but I can now control the direction I row in – and there are so many directions.

Take your time! Find out what works best for you and make your creating time precious. Good luck!

If you want to learn a little about some of my writing journey, you might like to read: http://katrinamckelvey.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/from-idea-to-publishing-contract.html

If you want to read more about my SWF 2015 adventure, you might like to read: http://katrinamckelvey.blogspot.com.au/2015/05/sydney-writers-festival-family-fun-day.html

www.katrinamckelvey@bigpond.com

Jess Black’s Book Launch – Book 1: ‘Eve and the Runaway Unicorn’ in her new series titled, ‘Keeper of the Crystals’

Friends, family, princesses, ninjas and unicorns came to celebrate the launch of Jess Black’s new book, ‘Eve and the Runaway Unicorn’, which is the first book in her new series ‘Keeper of the Crystals’ at Newcastle Library this morning. The Lovett Gallery was full and the buzz in the room was infectious.

Jess’s new series, Keeper of the Crystals, published by New Frontier, is an adventure fantasy series full of secrets and mystery. Eve and Oscar, two unlikely friends, accidentally tap into the power of crystals. They are thrust into different and dangerous worlds where unicorns, tigers, dragons and panthers communicate with people and where native communities and their way of life are under threat.

It was an honour to be asked to introduce Jess. I was nervous about my important role and I didn’t want to make any mistakes. It was a busy time for our little family leading up to the launch and I felt a little underprepared. But the teacher in me rescued me at just the right moment and I found myself at home once I started speaking.

Jess spoke beautifully of her life as a writer and shared with us some of Eve and Oscars’ adventures during a live reading. Jess looked stunning dressed up as an emerald princess.

 
Afterwards, guests were treated to home bakes goodies, unicorn biscuits, signings, face painting and craft activities. I walked in with a princess and walked out with a unicorn crossed with a zebra!

 

 

 
I was fortunate to read a copy of ‘Eve and the Runaway Unicorn’ before it was released on 1st July and I fell in love with the two main characters and Jess’ writing style. I highly recommend this book for children who are ready to explore chapter books or independent readers 7-9yrs. I’m about to pounce into book 2, ‘Eve and the Fiery Phoenix’ due out 1st August. Launch participants were lucky enough to get their hands on an early copy.

Congratulations Jess! What a wonderful new series. I look forward to going on more amazing adventures with Eve and Oscar.

 

'Dandelions' Update

Are you wondering where our picture book Dandelions is up to?

We know it has been a long time since Kirrili and I first announced we had a book accepted for publication as an author/illustrator team. In fact, we were accepted verbally in May last year.Remember? We celebrated with a glass of champagne in the foyer of the National Library in Canberra. We will never for forget that moment. We signed our contract soon afterwards.

It’s now May 2015, a year later, and the book is still coming. For those who are not in the industry, this timeframe is normal – very normal.

Late last year we found out our publication date had been brought forward. The book was originally going to be released in early 2016 and now it was going to be released before Christmas 2015. Then we were told our book would be distributed in five different countries (Australia, UK, US, Canada and NZ).  FIVE!  Wonderful news! Lots of children worldwide would have a copy of our book under their 2015 Christmas tree.  (My imagination got a little carried away – I know!)

So early this year, Kirrili busily started designing how the main characters would look and what they would be wearing. She also started researching the details of the setting and started designing a colour scheme.

Soon after this we went on a road trip (I mean research excursion –ha!) to observe plants, settings, buildings and dandelions. There may have been a coffee shop stop or two along the way.

Her pencil sketches were put into a digital mock-up of the book to see how things were coming together. This step usually doesn’t happen but we had the privilege of some extra design input before Kirrili started on the 16 doublespreads.

I can’t speak for Kirrili during the next stage of the process, but I can say I thoroughly enjoyed watching her bring the doublespreads to life. I loved watching the colours, shapes, her style, her persistence, her patience, and her talent as lines became images, images became scenes, and scenes became the story. There was so much magic at this stage. I was lost for words.

Usually the author is not part of this process (sometimes the author and illustrator never even meet). I felt very lucky that I was. And I’m sure Kirrili was a little nervous with me around at times.

The due date for these illustrations was early May. Did she make it? She had been working on them for months, around a busy family schedule, often perfecting them late into the night. But Kirrili made the deadline comfortably and the illustrations were nervously sent away on time ready for professional scanning.

As we are here in this moment, writing and reading this blog, a book designer is putting my text onto Kirrili’s illustrations and professionally designing the layout. Someone somewhere is making more magic happen.

Our book will go to print very soon. I can’t wait to see it go so it can come back all grown up. I suppose it’s like pushing a baby bird out of the nest to see if it will fly.

In October, it will be time to set our book free into the hearts of children and their parents everywhere. This book is personal, a piece of art, and a beautiful story. It will resonate long after everyone has finished reading the words and absorbing its beautiful illustrations.

We can’t wait to blow our ‘dandelion’ apart in a few short months so it can spread everywhere. The launch is in the planning stage. You are all invited!

The next stage will be final editing and then onto marketing. The excitement and anticipation is building. Thanks for letting us share our journey with you.

(Note: images in this post are my photos and not illustrations from the book. Not much longer to wait!)

Sydney Writers' Festival Family Fun Day 2015

My son and I caught a train at 6:42am on Sunday morning and headed down to the SWF Family Fun Day.

I couldn't drive as I currently have a broken arm and I didn't want us to miss out so the train sounded like a fun way to enjoy the day together.

First session with Andy Griffiths started at 10am. This was the main reason were we going. Andy is the reason why I now read and enjoy books. He is the reason I write humour and love it even though I don't think I'm that funny. I may have already heard him speak at Sydney, Byron Bay (twice) and Canberra and spoken to him personally on several occasions (plus a few photos), but I just can't get enough of this amazing, talented man. My son was also sick of hearing me talk about him and wanted to see what the fuss was about.

LOCKED OUT!

By the time we trained for two and a half hours to Central Station and then made our way to Walsh Bay, the session became booked out.

As we stood in the overflow line, our hearts sinking as we heard a thousand apologies from Andy's publicists, I just couldn't believe it. I was cold, caffeine deprived, tired from a family event the night before, and dumbfounded. I had my son looking at me hoping for a miracle.

Hole in the wall

Soon we were invited to join the front of Andy's signing line as compensation. At least we were in front of all the little mites who did get into that talk and listen to those inspirational words come out of that legend's mouth.

After waiting for an hour we got our moment. Andy asked me how my broken arm was going and how I did it (I told him I feel out of a treehouse). Andy told us Terry finished the illustrations for The 65-Storey Treehouse two days ago and it will be out 12th August.

Aidan and I got our photos and we were happy. Aidan wore his 'Just a stupid T-shirt' t-shirt especially for this photographic moment.  Afterwards we realised he forgot to take his jumper off! (I told you it was cold). It was 11:30am by this stage. It had been 6 hours since the day started for us and all we had done was get to the front of a signing line. But look - so worth it!

After a quick lunch we attended Tashi's 20th Birthday Party (and missed out on birthday cake as there were hundreds of children), a drawing session with Leigh Hobbs (evidence below), and the festival's big backyard before heading home.



Leigh Hobbs

Old Tom

Mr Chicken

We enjoyed crossing over with Tony Flowers, Belinda Murrell, and Serena Geddes in the big backyard.





Later we heard the SWF Family Fun Day was at capacity - and it felt like it was too. Andy signed for over an amazing 5 hours. We left with a pile of new books and experiences to share with others.

signed by Tony Flowers

signed by Andy Griffiths

signed by Serena Geddes

We were glad we made the effort. I got some great ideas for the Newcastle Writers Festival next year. Aidan and I had such a lovely day spending it one-on-one as this doesn't happen as often as we would like. A treasured day for us!

The Newcastle Writers Festival Kids Program 2015

Over the past 12 months, the Newcastle Writers Festival and Newcastle Libraries worked together to develop and implement a huge festival program for children. Last week toddlers, preschool children, primary school students, HSC students and families were catered for across a 6 day program that celebrated stories, books and writing and included local and visiting book creators from the East Coast of Australia.

The NWF Kids Program 2015 included author and illustrator talks, live readings, craft activities, book launches, entertainment, performances, book signings and workshops. The activities varied as much as the age of the children who participated.

As a NWF committee member, and as a volunteer managing the Kids Program volunteers, I am very proud to be part of this annual event. Whether I’m creating rosters, greeting schools or giving directions to the coffee cart, I can honestly say my swollen feet and tiredness is worth it every year. Here is a summary of the second NWF Kids Program from my perspective.

Exhibition: ANZAC Illustrated

This exhibition of original illustrations from contemporary Australian children’s books about war and conflict was launched as part of the festival. It was a thrill to have this exhibition space available during the festival with these powerful and beautiful images surrounding hundreds of children. The exhibition is open until 1st May.

Monday: Workshop Day

On Monday, 16th March Ed Wright, Liz Anelli and Wendy James hosted a variety of workshops for primary school children. Here is a peak at what the children got up to in Liz’s printmaking workshop. I heard wonderful feedback about these.

Photo: courtesy of Liz Anelli

 

Tuesday: Preschool Day

On Tuesday, 17th March over 100 preschool aged children visited the library and met local author Deb Kelly. Deb read to the children from her picture books, The Bouncing Ball and Jam for Nana. The children then participated in a blossom craft activity inspired by Jam for Nana. Finally the kids enjoyed songs and dancing presented by the ‘Wacky Wombat’ team. Deb presented a Haiku poetry workshop later that afternoon. The workshop children experienced eating authentic Japanese treats. Yum! (I may have tasted a sample)

 
Wednesday: Primary School Day 1

Wednesday, 18th March was a HUGE day. Sarah Davis, Anna Fienberg, Matt Ottley, and Alyssa Brugman had over 900 children glued to their stories and drawings. Matt signed my copy of his illustrated picture book Parachute written by Danny Parker. I fell in love with the story behind the story of their picture book Tree.

Thursday: Primary School Day 2

Thursday, 19th March was another HUGE day. Deborah Abela, Matt Ottley, Kaz Delaney, and Susanne Gervay entertained another 900 children with funny stories and illustration presentations. Deb was so entertaining and animated during her presentations. Susanne’s love of books was infectious and Matt was charming and insightful. Kaz’s workshops sold out on the first day of bookings. Very impressive Kaz!

 
Friday: Secondary School Events

On Friday, 20th March, the festival hosted secondary school events for the first time. Melina Marchetta,Garth Nix, Wendy James and Ed Wright presented beautiful and inspiring talks and workshops to over 300 students at City Hall. The City hall was buzzing all morning with students, festival volunteers, presenters and guests as the Main Program was getting ready to start straight after we finished.

Saturday: Family Fun Day

On Saturday, 21st March, the Newcastle Library hosted a Festival Family Hub full of entertainment, live readings, shows and entertainment. Roving characters, craft zones and stage performances entertained guests outside while authors and book launches entertained guests inside.

Local authors and illustrators including Deb Kelly, Lynn Jenkins and Kirrili Lonergan, Jess Black, Kerri Lane, Susan Whelan and Gwynne Jones, Liz Anelli, Kathy Edwards and Katrien Pickles read to children big and small from their latest creations.

 
But the big event of the day included the picture book launch of Don’t Think About Purple Elephants by Susan Whelan and Gwynneth Jones, published by EK Books. Family, friends and book lovers filled the Lovett Gallery to celebrate a wonderful achievement by this local creative team (A separate blog is available about this launch with more details and photos).

A final word (or two)...

Across the six days, over 2000 children from schools and over 1000 people during Family Fun Day, 18 volunteers, over 20 presenters, and hundreds of hours of planning and preparation made this community event for kids an overwhelming success.

On behalf of the board and committee of the Newcastle Writers Festival, I would like to thank Carol Edmonds and Julie Swane from Newcastle Libraries for supporting the festival and providing such an extensive and powerful event for children.

This event cannot happen without the tireless help from the 18 volunteers who gave up many days to support our presenters, library and schools. No words can express how much we love them!

We would also like to thank MacLean’s Booksellers for providing a children’s bookshop the entire time of the kids program so the children could grab a copy of every book mentioned across the program and have their favourite book creator sign it.

I restocked my library with a few new books during the week. Tree by Danny Parker and Matt Ottley, I Am Jack by Suzanne Gervay, Elephants Have Wings by Susanne Gervay and Anna Pignataro, and Lost and Found by Brooke Davis. I could have bought twice as much. I was very restrained.

We have already started planning for next year - can you believe it? It is set to be even better but just as special (Main Program 1-3 April, 2016). See you next year!