Blog Note: Taking a Break from Poetry, Thank-yous and Best Wishes

For the last few weeks I have put my poetry writing on hold and have succumbed to the pull of children's novels. Presently I am in the middle of reading, reading and reading and am enjoying being lost in the novels that I have picked up to read over the Christmas holidays. I am also in the middle of writing a children's novel and am shaping my first chapter and would like to post it here for some feedback in the next couple of weeks before I go back to work. Apart from reading I will aim to review some of the children's novels that I've read. I am awaiting a batch of books from New Zealand authors that I ordered some time ago but due to the recent snow here in Northern Ireland I might not get it until next Christmas. I will review those in due course.

Thanks to my wife for her unending and constructive feedback that she has given on all of my writing. Thanks too to Anna (New Zealand), Jodi (USA) and Marg (about to move to Australia) for joining me on my journey with this blog, I thoroughly appreciate it! Looking forward to more joining me on my journey.

'Blogger' is wonderful as you can actually see who is viewing your blog and I know I now have regular visitors from places such as Croatia and Russia and am pleased there are people interested in what I am writing and reviewing.

I trust everyone had a great Christmas time. I wish you all the best for 2011 and look forward to connecting with more of you here on the blogspot network. Nga mihi aroha ki a koutou katoa.

Timu

Poem: 'Talking Turkeys' by Benjamin Zephaniah

A favourite Christmas poem of mine by poet Benjamin Zephaniah.

Reviews: Selection of 3 Christmas Picture Books

'Aliens Love Pana Claus' by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort

My daughter has requested this a lot before bedtime since we bought it a few weeks ago. My daughter is not even 3 years old yet and she finds this book totally appealing! I have not read any of the previous 'Alien' books and would probably choose not too personally but my daughter absolutely loves it! Some witty rhymes and funny pictures give a different slant to the traditional Christmas story you would normally hear at this time of the year. This picture book is a bit tongue and cheek but children cannot get enough of it! Recommended for a bit of a laugh with your kids at Christmas time!

'Dear Father Christmas' by Alan Durant

This is my daughter's favourite book at the minute! Holly, the girl in the story, starts writing letters to Father Christmas from December 1st, after seeing 'him' in the local shops! Not at all expecting it, she gets a response from him! They communicate through a number of letters until Christmas Day. The letters from Santa are like those in 'The Jolly Postman'. They are tactile, removable and create great interest in the story. When Holly finally gets to meet him he arrives with his reindeer and sleigh and she gets to go on the ride of her life! While this story is longer than traditional picture books, it still is a great story for children to experience the magic that is Christmas time.

'Suzy Goose and the Christmas Star'

This simple story is about Suzy Goose who tries to jump up and grab a star from the skies for the top of the Christmas tree that her and her friends share. After many attempts she becomes discouraged as she realises that it is impossible to grab one for their tree. As she trudges back to tell her friends the bad news she discovers that one particular star in the sky is stationed exactly above the tree-top. This finishes off the decorating of Suzy and her friends' Christmas tree, much to their joy and excitement!

Poem: 'My Daddy Has A New Yellow Car'

I wrote this poem which is loosely based on the Michael Rosen poem, 'My brother's on the floor roaring'. His poem is about two brothers where one does not want to eat his dinner so in protestation, he flails about on the floor roaring. I read it to my class a few weeks ago and they loved it so I thought I'd come up with a poem about two sisters where one is on the 'floor roaring'. I came up with the subject matter based on my own yellow car that I bought last year and imagined what things may have been like at our house had I bought my yellow car when my two daughters were teenagers!

My Daddy has a new yellow car

And my big sister is on the ground bawling.

Why is my big sister on the ground bawling?

Well, my big sister is on the ground bawling because

Our daddy has just bought

A brand new yellow car....

...and she doesn’t like yellow cars!

So she’s on the ground bawling!

We said goodbye to ‘Rosie Red’

And as you can guess, Rosie was a red car

Fast, cool, classy; a convertible

Everything my big sister wanted in a car

‘But this yellow car,’ she moans

‘It is not very fast; it is certainly not cool,

It is far from being classy and it is not a convertible.’

...And that’s why my big sister is on the ground...bawling!

‘I hate it!!’ she screams

As she turns her head up at me.

To be honest, I actually prefer our old red car too

But unlike my big sister I will not and will never

Lower myself to being on the ground bawling!

‘What’s done is done, Bethany!’ I say

And in encouragement, as she would do for me,

I whisper...

‘Just think of all the other nice things that are yellow...

Like custard...(Bethany cringes!)

And bumble bees... (Bethany groans!)

 And sunflowers!’ (Bethany howls!)

My ‘help’ only makes matters worse

And she glues her face even firmer to the ground

Carrying on with her pathetic bawling!

Mum and Dad are not too impressed with her antics either

So like the good parents they are

They hop into the car and

Ignore her...

Yet she continues...

And continues...

And continues...

To curse Daddy’s new yellow car

While rolling around on the ground.. bawling!

‘Time for school girls, get in!’ Mum shouts

I join Mum and Dad in the car

 And slowly...

But surely...

My big sister stops rolling on the ground bawling

And slides ever so begrudgingly

Into the back seat beside me.

She slams the door shut

No muscles twitch as

I turn my eyes sideways toward my big sister...

And then...

...I see her!

Mascara run,

Hair a mess,

Bleary eyes,

Bottom lip almost touching her chin

I try to exert some self-control

But slowly...

And surely...

 I guffaw in short containable spurts

Until I cannot hold back anymore...

And I burst out laughing so much and so hard

 I start to cry...

...Hysterically!!!

And then there I am

Rolling on the backseat of Daddy's new yellow car
...bawling!!!

Review: 'Iris and Issac' by Catherine Rayner (Children's Picture Book)

This is a simple story about two polar bears who have an argument over something very minor, only to stomp off in different directions. Getting into a huff, they wander around the Arctic by themselves for a while, wishing however that they could share the wondrous sights that they see with the other. They eventually meet again and all is forgiven and forgotten. I find the illustrations absolutely stunning! They are light, airy and suit the unique setting of the book. The actual story however seems somewhat lacklustre to me and I improvise moreso then read the actual words with my daughter.

Poem: 'The 'I-Can-Do-It' Girl'

For this you'll just have to imagine that the girl can't actually do most of the things mentioned in the poem. The poem would tell one side of the story but if I had pictures of the girl they would tell another. Keep this in mind when you read this one. I wrote this in the library at school the other day during my lunch-break, inspired by, of course, a daughter who claims she can do anything!

I can tie my shoelaces

I can comb my hair

I can put my trousers on

And jump high in the air

I can reach the light switch

Pair of poi I whirl

I can do most anything

I'm an 'I-can-do-it' girl!

I can spread my honey

I can sing a song

I can stay asleep in bed

All the whole night long

I can knit a pattern

Doing plain and purl

I can do most anything

I'm an 'I-can-do-it' girl!

I can use a vacuum

I can flush the loo

I can change the channels

To watch what I want to!

Swimming I do easily

A ball I throw and hurl

I can do most anything

I'm an 'I-can-do-it' girl!

I can run a marathon

Do the high jump too

I can throw the shotput

So much furtherer than you!

I can do gymnastics

In ballet bend and twirl

I can do most anything

I'm an 'I-can-do-it' girl!

I can read a story

From beginning to the end

I can give out all my sweets

To my one and true best friend

I can work the treadmill

And do a two-leg curl

I can do most anything

I'm an 'I-can-do-it' girl!

I can eat my brocolli

My brussel sprouts too

I can wash my long, brown hair

Without using shampoo!

Of all the things that I can do

In the whole, entire world

The thing that I can do the best..is

Be the 'I-can-do-it' girl!

(Picture from: www.alohasupply.com)

Not A Poem: Friends/Whanau/Co-Writers and Book Lovers! - I Need Your Help!

Thank-you to all those reading my blog. It has now had 300 hits since I set it up just over a month ago from a number of my Facebook friends to people I don't know as far away as Norway, Croatia, Singapore and the US. I appreciate the comments and feedback that I've had from all you readers out there so far.

I would love to have more feedback with comments written on here regularly rather than on my Facebook page. I can keep a record of all comments much more easily on my blog and use all your comments to support the development of my writing rather than on Facebook.

To enable this I would love a 'critical mass' of people/friends/whanau/co-writers/supporters/book lovers/poets who will challenge me on any part of my work that doesn't sound quite right or things they don't quite understand. I'm also very keen to have those that support me and like what I produce to follow me on my blog as well! 

So, if that sounds like you...come and FOLLOW me (no disciple puns intended!)

HOW TO FOLLOW? If you have a GOOGLE, TWITTER or YAHOO account just click on the FOLLOW button (widget) located underneath my picture here on my blog. If you don't have any account you have to set one up by clicking on the FOLLOW button located just below my picture and follow the instructions to set up a GOOGLE account (it's free). It will enable you to follow me and do all manner of things on BLOGGER (even set up your own blog!! I will follow you!!!). Apologies, but if you are as techno-illiterate as me it may take a long time to work out how it is done to get this all set up. But to those who persevere, I would love to have about 5 or so followers to get the ball rolling...So if you're keen, please come and join me!

And because it is nearly Christmas, (and for all your perseverance in setting up an account to follow me) I'm giving away three books to three of the first 'followers'. Choose a book of choice from those that I've reviewed here on my blog and see it as a wee thank-you for helping me on my journey.

I appreciate all your current and future support to me as a budding writer on my blog.

Kia-ora mai ra,

Timu

Review: 'Ferdie's Christmas' by Julia Rawlinson (Children's Picture Book)

'Ferdie's Christmas' is a beautifully written tale to be enjoyed by children of all ages. In this story, Ferdie is concerned that Father Christmas might not be able to find his friends' (the rabbits) new burrow to deliver their presents. Ferdie comes up with a plan that, with the help of his other woodland friends, aims to ensure that the rabbits have a great Christmas too. This is a well-written tale, with outstanding and equally stunning illustrations. Be warned, Father Christmas does not feature pictorially in this story unlike many at this time of the year (my nearly three year old was a little disappointed by this!) but I think it is wonderful to have a picture book that captures the true essence of Christmas without surrendering to the commercial pull of 'Father Christmas'. A warm and enchanting tale about caring and sharing with those closest to you at Christmas time. A definite must for all children this festive season.

(Amazon.co.uk review by Timu Niwa)

Poem: 'Emily Is Horrendous At Dinner Time'

Now, my daughter has never been this bad at dinner time but I'm sure there may be one or two parents who might say it has been difficult to get their kids to eat their dinner at some time or other...I wrote this for all to enjoy....Bon Appetit!

Emily Valerie Johnson-James

Is quite a cute wee girl

She has brown hair and freckles too

And on her head’s a curl

Now Emily Valerie Johnson-James

Can be the most polite

With ‘please’ and ‘thank-yous’ often said

She is a pure delight!

But on one occasion, it must be said

Be warned, ‘tis not sublime

For Emily Valerie Johnson-James

Is horrendous at dinner time!

Before the evening meal is served

And the veges are on the plate

Before the knives and fork are set

And there’s still toys all over the place...

Emily Valerie Johnson-James

Is starting to retreat

Up the stairs, away from all

The food she just won’t eat!

The smell of cauliflower ‘n peas

Of mushroom pecan pie

The odour of spaghetti ham

And liver on pork rib-eye...

...Are enough to send any poor wee girl

Into fits at the top of the stairs

She screams, ‘The smell is bad enough!

But the taste gives me nightmares!

Now Emily Valerie Johnson-James

In such a situation

Pokes out her tongue and holds her nose

And starts up more commotion!

‘I do not want to eat such garbage!

I’m not willing to partake!

I will not eat such glug and goo!

You cannot cook nor bake!’

Now...

...When Emily Valerie Johnson-James

Takes pot-shots at her parents

They do not take it lightly

Nor see it as a deterrence

For when childish infant behaviour

Comes fully into play

Mama and Papa Johnson-James

Do not let it ruin their day!

They sit in wondrous silence

At the bottom of the stairs

They know poor Emily wants reaction

So all they give her are some cheers!!

‘Well done our daughter, Emily!!’

They praise her with applause...

‘For dramatic lead role in a minor play

The Academy Award is yours!!!

They bring out a golden statue

And pretend they’re on a stage

Emily is quite confused by this

And quits her sullen rage

‘C’mon down our winner

Let us hear your acceptance speech!

Emily is so astounded

Then...flash!!!... a smile she gives to each’

‘Oh thank you Mama, Papa

I did not expect to win

Oh I am so all embarrassed

By my thoughtless shenanigan’

Mama and Papa Johnson-James

Quietly let her know

There’s one more treat in store for her

As the star of such a show!

‘Emily,’ they say to her

‘Since you are the award winner

You’ve been invited with all other stars

To a Michelin-star dinner!’

Quite taken by such a proposal

Where she’s the centre of attention

She readily sits at the table and

Begins her food’s digestion

Her parents, now much more relieved

Remember as they dine

That Emily Valerie Johnson-James

Is horrendous at dinner time....

Well...not always...

(Picture from 123rf.com)

Review: 'Silent Night' by Juliet Groom (Children's Picture Book)

This picture book gives a modern re-telling of the much-loved Christmas carol, 'Silent Night'. The illustrations are a definite strength of this book. They are illuminous, warm and reflect the tender mood set by the words of the song within. As a parent I found myself more drawn to the text rather than my nearly 3-year old daughter (a little improvisation might be needed in places). There is no proper story-line, as there are in conventional picture books, for children to follow. The book is simply a song following the classic tune of 'Silent Night'. In honesty, I prefer some of the verses in this book to that in the original song! As I have read this book (and sang at times!) to my daughter, I have found myself getting those lumps in your throat that you get when you think about the beautiful meanings behind many of the words in the story. If your child doesn't get hooked into it, perhaps it isn't too bad of a thing for yourself to be more taken by it instead. I certainly have been! A recommended book to have on your shelves, especially at Christmas time. (Amazon.co.uk review by Timu Niwa)

Poem: 'My Mum Knows Everything!'

I wrote this poem after watching my daughter cuddling into her mummy one afternoon...a reminder of that special unconditional love mummies everywhere have and show toward their little ones...and to celebrate that mums really do know everything!

How to rid of that stain?
And how long will it rain?
To find out, who do I ring?
The one thing I trust
And ‘tis really a must
My mother....'She knows everything!’

From bolognese sauce
To laws on divorce
There’s nothing she cannot recanter
But one thing I know
For that’s where I go
To my mother...Who knows all the banter!

Defuzzing bad hair
And a great listening ear
She always provides sound advice
But one thing is sure
To tell all to and more
My mother...Don’t need to think twice!

When I scrape my knee
Or just need some T.L and C
My mum, she comes to the rescue
With her Supermum cape
And her arm 'round my nape
My mother...takes care of me too!

So without more to say
On this Mother’s Day
Please spare a wee thought on one thing!
The woman, the lady
Who gave birth to you as a baby
Your Mum - Who knows everything!

Review: 'Oliver Who Would Not Sleep' by Mara Bergman and Nick Maland (Children's Picture Book)

Ever had a child who wants to stay awake rather than go to bed? This could be the picture book that helps them to settle to sleep. After his parents turn out the lights, Oliver doesn't want to go to bed and instead plays in his room and imagines a great adventure to Mars. Throughout his imaginary journey he has a load of fun but realises after much thought that he really, really misses the comfort of his own bed and cuddly toys! This picture book is great for children with its infective rhyming scheme and wonderful illustrations. A 'must-have' for all children's bookshelves! (Amazon.co.uk review by Timu Niwa)

Review: 'What Does Daddy Do?' by Rachel Bright (Children's Picture Book)

My daughter woke up this morning and went straight to this book after only buying it yesterday! It has great pictures and I love the way Daisy, the character in this story, explains in her own child-like way, her own father's job. This book made my wife and I giggle and my daughter absolutely loves it. My daughter relates the story to me as her 'daddy' and it is great to have a picture book for children with real-life experiences that is also extremely fun to read! Well recommended! (Amazon.co.uk review by Timu Niwa)

Poem: 'Off to see Penguins in Antarctica!'

I wrote this poem after being in the car with my daughter and she was desperate to go to the toilet...

‘I need to go to the toilet, Dad!’
Comes a voice from the back seat of the car.
‘I’m sorry,' I say, 'but we can’t stop today
For Antarctica is really quite far!’

‘Stop being so silly’
Says the voice once again, ‘I’m really quite busting right now!’
‘I’m being serious my love, the penguins’ just rung
And their home ain’t for another 24 hour!’

‘Well, send them a text back’
My daughter retorts, ‘I’m sure the penguins won’t really be bothered!’
Rolling her eyes, right up to the skies
If looks could kill, I’d be clobbered!

‘Now, now my dear love,
There’s no need for that, be thankful that we’ve been invited
To tea with the penguins and all of her cousins
For this I thought you’d be delighted!’

‘Oh Dad, stop being stupid!
I need to go pee, if I wet myself it’s all your fault!'
With a slump and a screel and a turn of the wheel
I brake... and we come to a halt.

‘Thank-you’, she says
‘Phew, that’s a relief!’ She goes and is back very soon.
‘Now, where are we really going to Dad?’
I say, ‘How ‘bout a quick trip to the moon?’

Poem: 'Getting Rotten Cake on the Belmont Road'

I wrote this poem after buying a cake only to find it wasn't fresh!

Have been to Belmont Road to the local Mace
Bought a sponge cake to take back to our place
After having one bite, to my surprise
The cake was rotten, rage filled my eyes
Upon closer inspection there were spotty bits of mould
And the date on the packet said it was two weeks too old!
Went back to the shop and had a little mental
They were very apologetic and said it was accidental
'Yeah right,' I thought as she passed the buck
Me getting old cake was just bad luck?
I smiled very politely and kept myself calm
Got my money back and drove off in my car
Will write a letter of complaint as I love to goad
Everyone boycott Mace on the Belmont Road!

Why I Love Writing!

As a child I loved writing! At school and at home I would write my own stories and plays and once I even created my own unique language and accompanying dictionary - playing with words was and still is a wonderful pastime of mine! In primary school I was selected to attend a workshop with a real-life author!! Being over 20 something years ago, I don't remember who the actual author was but I do remember being chosen to sit in the school staffroom in chairs that were far too big for me and share some of my writing with him!

As a teenager I continued to be encouraged by my teachers to write and in my 6th form year I came 2nd in an essay competition with my short story, 'The Clock'. It was based upon a young Maori boy who was forced to leave his urban life due to the untimely death of his parents in an accident, to live with his koro and kui down at the marae. While it outlines some of the boy's adjustments to life 'in the country' it basically underscores the tenuous relationship between modernity and Maoritanga. One comment I received from a teacher was how my short story sounded very 'Witi Ihimaera'-ish with its symbolism and approach. I wondered for the first couple of weeks afterwards whether that teacher thought I had stolen the story from Ihimaera's canon (or merely copied the majority of it and changed a few words here and there!) but soon came to realise after much second-guessing that it was indeed a well-deserved comment of praise.

The following year while in Form 7, I was asked by my English teacher to write an essay on 'World Peace' for a national competition . My main character was a totara tree whose pure beauty spoke of the need of unity and peace in the world. When I re-read it now and again I do admittedly find myself cringing in parts! But as an idealistic 16 year old these were my thoughts at the time! And my thoughts won me the national competition with my prize being a month-long trip to Japan - a pivotal time in my life that gave me new perspectives and insights to consider along with a wealth of friends for life from all corners of the globe that are still my friends today!

At university I studied for a Diploma of Teaching and a Bachelor of Education and was lucky enough to be named a top scholar for my undergraduate degree. I did not take up the offer of free post-graduate study that was given to me as a reward for my studying, I instead 'hit the chalkface' and taught for 3 and a half years before getting the itch again and returning to post-graduate study while being an Assistant Lecturer. I had a couple of journals accept articles I had written for publication during my time as an 'academic'. I graduated with a MEd(Hons) degree and then my wife and I moved to Northern Ireland.

I currently reside in Belfast having spent most of the my last five years here thinking about writing but not actually getting to do much of it!! Other priorities have taken place, namely two beautiful daughters, another mortgage, a full-time teaching job and a bit of travelling about. Now, the writing urge is resurfacing again...