Momo celebrating time to read: Stephen Michael King

Showing posts with label Stephen Michael King. Show all posts

Sunday, June 7, 2026

The ABC Book of Lullabies

This is an old book from 2008 but what I love about books like this is the way they allow you to explore a range of illustrators - in this case illustrators from Australia:

Tamsin Ainslie, Jonathan Bentley, Gaye Chapman, Janine Dawson, Wayne Harris, Ann James, Stephen Michael King, Alison Lester, Caroline Magerl, Kilmeny Niland, Anna Pignataro, Cheryl Orsini, and Emma Quay.

The cover art is by Emma Quay:

Here is the illustration from Stephen Michael King:

Illustration by Stephen Michael King for Golden Slumbers

I wonder who selected the illustrators to include in this book? I wonder if they were able to select their lullaby to illustrate? I did enjoy reading the end notes where each illustrator talks each specific lullaby. The ABC of the title refers to the publisher's name and not the organisation of the lullabies.

Books like The ABC Book of Lullabies are produced for two audiences simultaneously: the child who focuses on the images as the words are read to them and the adult (usually) who is reading. Each will take different things from the reading. An adult may well be interested in the differences between the images and the differing styles of each illustrator. Short bios, including sketches and photos are included in the final pages for those readers. Each illustrator shares a little about what they do and why, and why they’ve chosen the particular lullaby. Children will enjoy this collection whatever time they read or are read to, but it does make a lovely bedtime collection. For adults, The ABC Book of Lullabies is a bit like a sampler, introducing the work of some of Australia’s most talented illustrators. Or perhaps an illustrators’ version of an anthology. Aussie Reviews

If you have this book in your library and you have a small display space you could copy the pages from this book as a way to explore the CBCA 2026 slogan "Symphony of Stories". Lullabies are often examples of simple stories and hopefully also of familiar stories.

Here are a couple of examples:

Rock-a-bye Baby

Rock-a-bye, baby, in the treetop,

When the wind blows the cradle will rock;

When the bough breaks the cradle will fall,

And down will come baby, cradle and all.

Baby is drowsing, cosy and fair.

Mother sits near, in her rocking chair.

Forward and back the cradle she swings,

And though baby sleeps, he hears what she sings.

From the high rooftops down to the sea,

No one's as dear as baby to me.

Wee little fingers, eyes wide and bright --

Now sound asleep until morning light.

Hush Little Baby

Hush, little baby, don't say a word,

Mama's going to buy you a mockingbird.

And if that mockingbird don't sing,

Mama's going to buy you a diamond ring.

And if that diamond ring turns brass,

Mama's going to buy you a looking glass.

And if that looking glass gets broke,

Mama's going to buy you a billy goat.

And if that billy goat won't pull,

Mama's going to buy you a cart and bull.

And if that cart and bull turn over,

Mama's going to buy you a dog named Rover.

And if that dog named Rover won't bark,

Mama's going to buy you a horse and cart.

And if that horse and cart fall down,

You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town.

I imagine most of these names are very familiar to you. There was only one illustrator that I had not heard of - or perhaps I knew the books but not their names? - Janine Dawson is the illustrator of Pudding and Chips; Bobbie Dazzler and Junkyard Dogs. She also did illustrations for the Aussie Nibble Pippa's Perfect Picnic and the covers of the Lily Quench series.

Here is one book from each of the illustrators who have work in this book. In most cases you can pop a title into my search bar to read more:

Monday, March 2, 2026

Bitza by Andrew Daddo illustrated by Stephen Michael King

"I've never seen a dog like you before. What are you? You look a bit Staffy and a bit Kelpie. I think I can see a bit of Labrador

and some doodle too."

"You got some Blue Heeler in you too? ...

Or maybe that's Cattle Dog. Boy you're a beauty, Bitza."

There are two books (so far) in this series (two more are planned) and they are great fun! Do not hesitate to add these to your school library. Stephen Michael King has, I am so thrilled to say, returned to his 'roots' and added the most perfect little drawings (not digital) to these easy chapter books. Your students who love dogs will adore these but so will all the other kids. In 2027 there will be a new CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia) awards category for junior books like these. I do hope we see Bitza on the 2027 Notables - yes it is that good!

From Chapter Two Bitza - Rules? What rules?

You have seen Stephen Michael King illustrate dogs like this before in Mutt Dog, Barney by Catherine Jinks, Pocket Dogs by Margaret Wild and Three. (Click this link to see all of his books).

Andrew Daddo also knows so much about dogs! Yes, Bitza is written from the point of view of one very irresistible little dog but there are so many other dog traits that he highlights and that made me laugh.

"I do know that I can smell food very well. And when I smell food I tend to drool. It just happens. It's like someone turns on a tap in my mouth and eventually it fills up and spills out the corners."

"Want more? she asked. 'Well, duh! That's like asking if cats are a little creepy. I'm part Labrador, of course I want more."

"I didn't mind that they watched me eat, as long as they didn't want me to share it."

"Dad reached down and rubbed my head, getting the knuckles in that groove right in the middle of my ears and making my back leg shake."

Chapter 9 is great fun - Jas and Dad ask Bitza does he prefer a ball or a stick. Such a hard decision for a dog who loves BOTH! Then just when you think everything is good or even great for Bitza, the daughter of his old owner shows up. But you (or your young reading companion) will never guess how this could possibly be resolved.

I think the second book is even better than the first especially towards the end when Bitza is left home alone. He digs a hole in the garden (even though that is breaking one of dad's rules) but then things get really crazy when the dog next door encourages Bitza to dig up all the newly planted flowers. I kept thinking about Freddy's motivation. I thought he might want Bitza to get into terrible trouble so that he might be sent away and Freddy could regain Jasper all for himself but no - wait until you see Freddy's own backyard. Does Bitza get into dreadful strife? The ending of this second story is sure to give you a huge smile - I cheered!

You can see inside Bitza here. And this snipped page will give you an idea of the text size and wonderful illustrations:

"I couldn't have been clearer if I wanted to be. That dog behind you is slobbering on my ball."

This series is sure to become an Aussie classic, perfect for newly confident readers or for a family read aloud, we just love it. Rachel Robson Gleebooks Kids

This promises to be a favourite with all the children that long for a pet to love ... Perfect illustrations by Stephen Michael King complement the humorous text. Kids' Book Review

Your library might also have this dog series illustrated by Stephen Michael King:

Here are a few other books by Andrew Daddo. It is interesting to see that he has be so lucky to 'score' some of our fantastic Australia illustrators such as Emma Quay; Craig Smith; Jonathan Bentley; Judith Rossell and of course Stephen Michael King.

There are four books in the Skoz the Dog series

Post update: Tonight my friend an I attended an event organised by The Constant Reader at Stanton Library. Andrew Daddo talked about his own dog and how he came to the idea of writing his Bitza series from the point of view of a dog - his own dog often seems to be 'talking' through the way she rolls her eyes or turns her head. I mentioned to Andrew I have a couple of other favourite books written from the point of view of the dog him or herself. These are for a slightly older reader than the Bitza series:

Read the Book Bag review

Spunky Tells all

Thursday, October 30, 2025

The Enchantment of Golden Eagle by Margaret Wild illustrated by Stephen Michael King

Margaret Wild: ‘I hope readers will understand that people can say something in anger (in this case, the curse put on the bird). And that those words can be regretted and forgiven. It would be good if this story can open up discussions about consequences, atonement and, especially forgiveness, because if we can forgive, there is the possibility that things can change for the better.’ Interview with Dr Robyn Sheahan-Bright (see the Teachers Notes)

After reading The Enchantment of Eagle here are some questions that occurred to me:

Can you ever really 'own' a wild creature?
Did the eagle owe an extra loyalty to the family because they saved him when he was just a fledgling?
Do you understand why the eagle needed to fly away?
What is a curse?
Should you always keep your promises?
What is guilt?
How do you repair a relationship when words are spoken in anger?
Why is it important to say sorry and how to you express this from your heart?
Why are wolves always representative of danger?
Think about feeling safe and unsafe and how this is explored in this book

Think about the title - enchantment - that is such a powerful word. It implies magic and has overtones of the fairy tale genre. And Margaret Wild writes of Golden Eagle not 'the' golden eagle. Is this a unique creature with magical qualities? Then we have the word golden. This implies precious and wise and important.

Symbolism of the golden eagle: The golden eagle is a powerful symbol that encompasses a wide range of meanings, including strength, freedom, ... and resilience. Its significance varies across cultures, but it consistently represents the ideals of power, guidance, and the ability to rise above challenges. Whether viewed as a divine messenger or a symbol of personal growth, the golden eagle holds a revered place in the spiritual and cultural narratives of many societies. Source

You will find some beautiful vocabulary when you share this book with your library group or young reading companion - fledgling; venture; gazed; summoned; exhilarating; "he batted about'; enfold; curse; pitiless; hollowed-out; tattered; rejoicing; and larking about.

Publisher blurb: One day, Ella and her little brother Leif found a fledgling with a broken wing. They took him home, wrapped and fed him, and watched over him for seven days and seven nights. In time Golden Eagle was well enough to fly away, but he loved the children, so he promised to stay with them at the edge of the dark forest. Until one day, the wind whispered and the breeze caressed his feathers, and Golden Eagle forgot his promise ...

The publisher links the themes in The Enchantment of Golden Eagle with another award-winning book by Margaret Wild - Fox - illustrated by Ron Brooks. With a group of older students, it would be good to compare these two books - read them side by side - and then talk about themes such as guilt; fear; promises; betrayal; and forgiveness. The Enchantment of Golden Eagle is one of those multilayered stories that you could share with your younger students and then also discuss with an older group. I would then pick up Robber Girl by Margaret Wild as another example of a text which showcases Margaret Wild's skill with writing.

The publisher page has a link to some detailed teachers notes.

A new book by Margaret Wild is certainly something to celebrate. She has written well over 70 books and even at age 76 does not seem set to stop. I expect to see The Enchantment of Golden Eagle listed by the CBCA as a 2026 notable title.

Read some reviews:

The publisher marks this as suitable for readers 7 to 12, older than the typical picture book market, and online Teaching Notes offer suggestions up to Year 6. This is valuable recognition of the potential of picture books to inspire rich learning well beyond the formative literacy stage. Story Links

Interview with Paperbark Word (Joy Lawn) I love the word “enchantment”. As you say, it is so evocative. With its associations of spells, magic and mystery, I hope it will spark a reader’s curiosity to open the book and read on.

This is a compelling story that will have the reader turning the pages to the end so they can discover whether the eagle, seen by many cultures as a symbol of strength and freedom, survives the curse, whether it returns and what happens next. The Bottom Shelf

This is a gentle book that reminds us about forgiveness and letting go and loving what you have in life. The Book Muse

From Stephen Michael King: Golden Eagle is my seventh book with Margaret Wild. You might remember the piglet series: Piglet and Mama, Piglet and Papa – then there’s the pocket dogs (everyone’s favourite books). Margaret Wild was instrumental in turning me into a published author/illustrator (with my first book, “The Man Who Loved Boxes”), so it’s always a giant privilege to work with her. 35 plus years ago – when I was working as a General Library assistant, I created a display of her and Julie Vivas’s book “The Very Best of Friends”. I’ve loved Margaret Wild’s work from that very first visual.

Other books by Margaret Wild with art by Stephen Michael King:

And two sequels

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

One Word and a Bird by Stephen Michael King

"I was a long way from home and searching for a word, a big word to make me feel ... "

Or can he find an important word or a high-spirited word or a comforting word.

The boy has ideas about this word - he has such a rich vocabulary presumably from reading. Look closely you can see him reading a book as he walks across the landscape of the title page.

This book has a repeated story structure which will make it a delight to read aloud. Along the way your young reading companion will hear so many rich words such as humongous, gargantuan, auspicious, magnanimous, dynamic and courageous. These words match the things he sees on his journey but they are not quite the right fit. In fact it almost feels as though the boy does not notice his surroundings even when the things he walks past are enormous and amazing. Where is he going? What is he looking for?

Also along the way, various 'friends' appear - a small bird, a little dog, a horse, and even a tiny snail. He greets each one with kindness and we see his new companions joining him on several beautiful wordless spreads. These are the quiet pages that will allow you as a reader to stop, pause, slow down and experience the wonders of the night sky. Watch as the story moves from dusk, to evening, to a stormy night and finally to the dawn.

This is a book you might overlook but can I recommend you take the time to pick it up and read it through a few times - slowly. And then find a group of children and share this book with them. This story is sure to generate some great discussions with your library group. One Word and a Bird was published in April 2025, so I expect to see it listed as a 2026 CBCA notable title.

Here are the teachers notes from Scholastic Australia. I actually like the last question posed in these notes: What can this book teach us about life and what is important? If you had to choose the one most important thing that this book can teach us, what would it be?

This is a multi-layered story that will mean different things to different readers and can be interpreted in myriad ways. King has created an original narrative that uses powerful language and enchanting illustrations to prompt young people aged 4+ to think about what is important to them, why friendship is necessary, and how serendipity can play out in curious and surprising ways. However, in the end, like with all good journeys, the road leads home. The conclusion here is both foreseeable and heartfelt. Books and Publishing

Companion books: