THE BOOKS
Sioban's books appeal to adults and children with humour and rhyme, shared in a local Australian voice – without the clichéd corked hats, koalas and kangaroos.
Feral Fergus
Feral Fergus is a humorous story about a young boy who bites his toenails with his teeth. It’s a horrid habit and it’s seriously affecting his family and social life! His stinky feet breath has everyone running from him at the school disco and even Nan passing on a kiss goodbye. Despite the consequences and everyone’s best efforts to discourage him, Fergus persists with his toenail gnawing. What will it take to break the habit and turn Fergus’s bitten piggies into rock-star feet?
Byford based poet Timmer has joined forces with Perth illustrator Mutton and local press Jasper Books to turn fairytales on their head. Taking a distinct Australian theme, the collaborators open with a classic, as an Aussie princess squashes a cane-toad Prince Charming with a boot, crying “Girls don’t need a prince”. The turnabout antics continue throughout with corkers such as The Ballad of the Seven Dwarfs whose new housemate turns the miners abode into a sheila shack. Aimed at primary school aged children, Timmer’s regionally themed children’s picture book is more than just the same-old same-old , making it a nice addition to the bedtime story roster.
Amanda Ellis – Shelf Life, The West Australian
25 November 2014
Toughen Up, Princess
Was Jack just a beanstalk-climbing home invader?
Snow White – maiden or moocher?
These and many other fairy tale truths are tested in Toughen Up, Princess, a set of poems aimed at savvy children (and adults with a sense of fun) who know there is always more than one side to any story.
Poetry - Don't be Afraid!
‘Poetry – Don’t be afraid’ is aimed at adults and sets out to prove that poetry can just be enjoyed, without needing subtitles or interpretation. The poems are mostly humourous, tongue in cheek and easily digested works that anyone and everyone can understand and appreciate.