Episode 18 - The Power Of Stories
Susanne Gervay’s planting 3000 mangroves in Kiribati, on a mission promoting literacy and advocacy against climate change. She’s in Istanbul, speaking to 1000s of kids about NO bullying. She’s trekking the Kimberley, championing World Vision Australia’s My Mob Playgroups in remote indigenous communities. In a juvenile detention centre, she’s talking about books to incarcerated girls.
Susanne’s passion is empowering young people through story. As the child of refugees, books were Susanne’s lifeline. It’s been the driving force in her 20 year immersion in the children’s book industry, as a writer, mentor, speaker, advocate for literacy and social justice.
Her books tackle diverse areas including disability, inclusion, multiculturalism, bullying and peace. Her I Am Jack books are rite-of-passage books on school bullying, adapted into an acclaimed play by MonkeyBaa Theatre. Butterflies is outstanding young adult literature on disability, while Elephants Have Wings is a centre-piece for Harmony Day.
Awarded the Lifetime Social Justice Literature Award for Children’s Literature by the International Literacy Association and Order of Australia, her books are endorsed by organisations including Variety, Cancer Council, Life Education, The Children’s Hospital and Courage to Care. Ambassadorial Roles include, Ambassador for the Premiers Reading Challenge NSW, Books in Homes, Room to Read, plus literacy ambassador for many campaigns.
Find out more about Susanne at:
Facebook - facebook.com/sgervay
Twitter- twitter.com/sgervay
Instagram - instagram.com/susanne_gervay/
Youtube - youtube.com/user/sgervay
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/susanne-gervay
Website - www.sgervay.com
Some of Susanne's books include:
Elephants Have Wings is the beautiful story of two children embarking on the great journey of discovery, nestled in the wings of a mystical white elephant. They fly across the universe, seeing its beauty, then conflict, to discover, there is a pathway to the humanity in all of us.
At its heart, Elephants Have Wings is illustrations and words for young people and adults to share and discover their own ways towards peace.
Jack likes going to school. He enjoys learning new things. George Hamel calls Jack 'Bum Head'. All the kids at school call Jack 'Bum Head'. Jack's in Big trouble ... school is getting dangerous. Nobody seems to want to listen. Until one day ...
Endorsed by Life Education Australia, the best-selling I Am Jack addresses bullying in schools, while remaining accessible and entertaining for younger readers
Sam doesn't like his new glasses. They make his ears hurt. His parents say he looks handsome in them. But Sam just wants to look like himself. His teacher doesn't recognize him - she says he must be a new superhero. But Sam doesn't want to be a superhero. He just wants to be himself. At least his best friend George recognizes him and thinks he looks okay. Sam does everything he can to lose his glasses but they keep being found. And then things get even worse, and Sam has to cope with googly-eyed turtles and giant penguins! Eventually, with a bit of confidence and a lot of humour, Sam finds out that wearing glasses isn't so bad - and people still like him just the way he is after all.
www.sgervay.com/books/the-boy-in-the-big-blue-glasses-coming-feb-2019/
Kids Capers - Kids share with us the books that changed their lives
Ava, 7yrs, NSW
Zak, 10yrs, SA
Ella, 13yrs, QLD
Jaya, 12yrs, QLD
Donatella, 8yrs, VIC
Polina, 12yrs, ACT
Whatcha Readin?
Kate recommends Ottilie Colter and the Narroway Hunt by Rhiannon Williams, published by Hardie Grant Egmont.
Liz recommends Lemonade Jones, written by Davina Bell and illustrated by Karen Blair, published by Allen & Unwin.
Nat recommends At The End Of Holyrood Lane written by Dimity Powell, illustrated by Nicky Johnston and published by EK Books.
Shout-out
This episode, Kate gives a shout-out to her local library - Sutherland Shire Libraries - and their 'Read With The Cats' event.
Date: Tuesday, 9 Oct 2018 2 - 4 pm
Location: Sutherland Shire Council Animal Shelter
Cats are excellent listeners. If you have a child who finds reading aloud difficult or you’d like to help socialise cats awaiting adoption, bring along a cat-centric book you’ve borrowed from the library, or choose from the selection we’ll have available in the cattery. Drop in anytime during the session, no need to book.
Check it out at:
www.sutherlandshireaustralia.com.au/events/30360/read-with-the-cats/
On Our Radar
On Nat's radar are these awesome cloud videos by illustrator MattB:
Find out more about MattB and follow him on social media:
Website: mattblewis.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/MattB.Illustrations
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/mrmattblewis/
Instagram: instagram.com/matt.b.illustrations/
Competition Details
This episode, we have two copies of Susanne Gervay’s picture book Elephants have Wings to give away. And – how great is this – there’s bonus merch! Thanks to Susanne, we have a little soft toy elephant (with wings of course) to send out along with each book to the winners.
Head to our WIN page and simply let us know where you would go if you had wings. Enter your answer (or ask a parent to) by 5pm Tuesday 16th October to be in the running.
Other Bits & Pieces
If you are wondering why Nat isn't allowed to have another Hippo on the show, have a listen to Episode 8: Lost In Space
Thanks
To illustrator Marianne Khoo for designing the One More Page podcast logo and other associated images.
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