A love of animals and nature inspires Australian author Michelle Path and both themes often feature in her books.
I'm delighted to welcome Michelle, who hails from West Gippsland in Victoria, to this blog.
Michelle started writing as a teenager and hasn’t stopped since. She aims to write fun stories that encourage children to pick up books and read - promoting good literacy skills which are invaluable in today’s society.
Not everyone is an avid reader, but literacy, in varying ways, is a part of everyday life.
When not writing, Michelle spends her time riding horses and is often out competing in dressage. She also enjoys going to see live bands and spending time at the beach.
I'm delighted to welcome Michelle, who hails from West Gippsland in Victoria, to this blog.
Michelle started writing as a teenager and hasn’t stopped since. She aims to write fun stories that encourage children to pick up books and read - promoting good literacy skills which are invaluable in today’s society.
Not everyone is an avid reader, but literacy, in varying ways, is a part of everyday life.
When not writing, Michelle spends her time riding horses and is often out competing in dressage. She also enjoys going to see live bands and spending time at the beach.
Her book Xalien the Purple Alien is aimed at readers aged 3 to 7.
The story features Xalien, a small purple alien, who crashes to earth and finds herself befriended by three children; Jessica, Adam and Sarah.
Whilst on Earth, Xalien learns all about this new planet and all the strange habits of its human beings; often resulting in and both unusual and humorous situations as she tries her hardest to fit in.
Along the way, Xalien teaches the three children about life on her own planet, and that each and every being is special in their own, somewhat unusual, way.
THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE STORY
Michelle came up with the idea for the story while taking her dogs for a walk.
“I have always had a fascination with aliens and UFOs, and so had thought about writing a book for children that featured an alien visitor,” she said. “She just needed a name, and so I began rhyming until I came up with the Xalien. My favourite colour is purple, being an Aquarius, so she ultimately became ‘Xalien the Purple Alien’.
“I wanted to make the character fun to read about, and so I introduced three children who would help her, and teach her about Earth and the ways of human beings.
"I thought of all the everyday situations children might find themselves in, and incorporated this into the story – both to make it humorous, and to be something that parents and children alike could relate to.”
Xalien the Purple Alien is available at www.rowanvalebooks.com/books/xalien.html
Another book by Michelle called Suki and the Seedling is available via www.michellepath.com.au
Xalien the Purple Alien is the first in a series of children’s picture books to be published by Rowanvale Books. Xalien the Purple Alien; Xalien Goes to School will be available November ’14
And Xalien the Purple Xalien; Xalien Goes to the Zoo; from August ’15
Also to be released with Rowanvale Books:
The Pirate Who Was Scared of Birds is available in February ’15
and
Sham Subterranean from May ’15
Readers can get in touch with Michelle via her website:
www.michellepath.com.au
on Twitter: @mimilovesu
and Facebook: Michelle Path – Children’s Book Writer
Bye for now. But wherever you are on your Earth Walk, always try to Reach For The Stars.
You'll be surprised just what you can achieve!
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