Monthly Archives: May 2015

Sir Lilypad by Anna Kemp & Sara Oglive

We were very pleased to receive a review copy of Sir Lilypad, a tall tale of a small frog, from the publisher. We had high expectations of this new story from the talented duo that created The Worst Princess and we werent disappointed.

This is a fun tale of a teeny-tiny hero with big dreams who, with the help of two familiar characters, finds a happy ending.

We all fell in love with the brave and adventurous Sir LilyPad. His quest to become a hero finds him confronting an ogre, peeking under a witches hat and finally spotting a princess to rescue. Bryn & Freya would argue over who got to be Sir Lilypad when acting out the story. Swords (the cardboard variety) in hand they too were keen on defeating villains with a poke to the bottom.

With it vibrant illustrations, witty rhymes and aspirations to dream big this is a glorious book to share with the children.

Disclaimer: I received these book from the publisher. I was not asked to write this post, nor was I given any money for doing so, and the review represents my own honest opinion.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

It was about a year ago when Owen came home one evening having heard about this great cartoon for kids, Avatar. Having checked out the first episode & deeming it suitable viewing (although as the series progresses the level of violence was not so ideal) we settled down to daily episodes as a family (Netflix currently has all 3 series).

Its been a big hit in this household having finished it all the kids are now rewatching favourite episodes. Full of adventure, laughs, and plenty of battles this is a hugely entertaining cartoon series.

When not watching it the kids are generally playing games based around the cartoon. Who needs Elsa with her snowflakes when you have the kick-ass Katara doing her waterbending. We also have a few of the comic books which pick up the story after the cartoon finishes. Both kids love pouring over these comics.

I also painted some avatar nesting dolls, see this – avatar nesting dolls vine

I guess the only thing left to do is get our hands on the sequel – Legend of Korra.

Phoenixfest

We had a fantastic time yesterday at the #phoenixfest. Two of our favourite things, the amazing Story Museum & the fabulous Phoenix comic, collided creating an fun filled, inspiring and relaxing day. Look at all the things on offer.

There was a great atmosphere during the day. It was even fun standing in line waiting to meet some of the comic book creators and listening to the excited chatter amongst the kids about favourite comics & their creations. (I also learnt of an extra puzzle in the Von Doogan puzzle book). Everyone we met was so friendly and taking the time to chat to Bryn & sign his poster.

We started the day up in Story Telling room with the gigantic bed. As on our previous visits to the Story Museum we love the magic they create and the kids loved choosing a dressing gown before entering the room. John Dickinson (writer of the Red Jack story and lots more) was reading some of his fantastical stories & this was Freya’s favourite part of the day. She enjoyed it so much she went back again later on in the day.

Bryn went to a workshop by the creator of everyones favourite villain, Evil Emperor Penguin, Laura Ellen Anderson. He went in looking a little anxious & came our proudly showing his new villainous creation, Sir Dragon-Mare & his Raven Hunter minions, and humming the EEP theme tune.

His current dragon obsession led to a request for a dragon drawing from the genius Etherington Brothers

My highlight was finally getting to go inside the room with the antique printing presses (previously I’ve just peered in through the window like a kid outside a sweet shop). While Owen & Freya had a go at using one of the printing presses I enjoyed soaking in all the printing wonder.

Another highlight was meeting Paul Duffield who’s book is a lovely addition to our growing comic book collection.

The day ended with Bryn getting involved some secret shenanigans which involved racing around the museum finding clues, drawing pictures & solving a tricky Von Doogan puzzle to finally become part of the Phoenix Emergency Response Team. What happened after these two entered the room is ‘Top Secret’….I cant say anymore…

We all had so much fun & came home feeling a 100% more creative ready to make our own comics.

Thanks to all the organisers & comic book heroes.