Category Archives: General

Gorgeous New Review for Once, I was Loved

Kids’ Book Review has just released a beautiful review of my latest children’s book: Once, I was Loved.dd

“Children will associate emotions tied to their favourite toys with Tock’s story. They may even question what these world events are about and seek to learn more about the history that built their world. There are endless possibilities hidden in this well-constructed and beautifully illustrated book.”

Read the full article here.

Once, I was Loved is available to purchase now at local bookstores, on amazon, booktopia and at EK books website!

Belinda x

Introducing my new book – ‘Once, I was Loved’

Once I was Loved High Res

“Sometimes, the voices from the past are yearning to be heard.”

So excited to be working with EK Books once again, to launch my much-awaited second book, Once, I was Loved.

Signing books at the Children's Bookshop Beecroft.

Signing books at the Children’s Bookshop Beecroft.

An old toy rabbit finds himself in a box of toys donated to charity. “But it wasn’t always this way,” Tock reflects sadly, “Once, I was loved.”

From World War II to Rock ‘n’ Roll, from the Moon Landing to the Hippie Movement and the birth of the Internet, this is the story of the children who loved Tock across the decades.

A celebration of the timelesss nature of love set against the backdrop of iconic moments of the 20th century, this heart-warming story will resonate with anyone who has ever cherished a childhood toy.

As for the idea behind Once, I was Loved, well as usual, it came to me when I least expected it.

I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to being fascinated by toys. They call to me.

Despite Bill's appearance, he will always be my favourite toy.

Despite Bill’s appearance, he will always be my favourite toy.

I’ve always been fascinated in Op Shops and as I wandered the cluttered aisles, I ponder the stories behind so many pre-loved treasures. An old wooden rocking horse, a retro metallic robot, and a china-faced doll were all looking for new homes. As I sorted through the toy box, questions started tugging at my sleeve: How many children had these toys loved… and lost? What iconic moments in history had they seen? Whose hands – and hearts – had they held?

And the seed for Once, I was Loved was planted.

If you ask, most adults will freely – though somewhat sheepishly – admit to still owning a cherished childhood toy. I love that. After all, toys are a gentle reminder of the child in us all.

Belinda x

 

 

ANZAC DAY CENTENARY – 100 years since the Great War

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

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Today, on the ANZAC Day Centenary, we remember the efforts of not only the men but also the women who toiled alongside the soldiers during wartime. Whether these women were nurses at the front or stayed at home to literally “keep the home fires burning”, their role was just as important as those of the men they supported.

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This war mural (in colour) on the GrainCorp Silo painted by Melbourne artist Cam Scale, illustrates two women who, although separated by a century, remain inextricably linked by their role in the protection of our country.

The silo is a poignant reminder of the female influence during all wars, as Scale stated; it “would show the changing role of nursing and of women’s role in society and the military”. (Latrobe Valley Express, C. Webb)

Lest we forget.

Belinda x

Hello, world

Well, this is it then. My first post. I’m new to this blogging thing, so forgive me any rookie errors!

Received some brilliant news last month – my first book will be published this year. It’s a children’s picture book, my favourite! And for added thrills, I get to illustrate it too. Couldn’t be happier, and look forward to updating you on its progress in the coming months.

In the meantime, I’m beavering away to get it all done and dusted. I’ll also be participating in the Writing Process blog tour later this month, so keep a weather eye out for that!

Belinda  x