fantasy books for kids 8-12
  • HOME
  • About Me
  • ANTics
  • WOOF
  • Blog4Kids
  • Contact Page

INSPIRATION

I'm often asked where I get the inspiration for my stories from. The answer is simple: everywhere. From things I see, hear, read - even from my dreams. My children's novel, ANTics was inspired by a dream after watching a group of ants carry a  potato chip back to their nest. On this page, guest authors share the inspiration behind  their children's books. If you are a children's author and would like to be featured on this blog, please contact me via the contacts page on this website.

sample antics here

CHILDREN'S AUTHORS REVEAL THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THEIR BOOKS

9/21/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
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.



Picture


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

Picture

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!


0 Comments

    Categories

    All
    Angela Burkhead
    Claudia Ware
    Cynthia Meyers-Hanson
    Eric Pierpoint
    Gordon Ralph "Dr. If"
    John Priest
    Larry Martin
    Linda J Chapman
    Lizzie Wallace
    Maretha Botha
    Mark H Newhouse
    Mary Lois Sanders
    Maureen Larter
    Meg Welch Dendler
    Michelle Path
    M J Fahy
    Nicholas Rossis
    Regina Puckett
    Sharon K Solomon
    Simon Williams
    Stephanie M. Ward
    Susan Day
    Tracy Kauffman

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.