Paul Russell is a primary teacher, artist, playwright and children’s author with five previous titles including Grandma Forgets, which made the CBCA list of notable picture books in 2018. He is passionate about the place of imagination and daydreaming in children’s learning. He has a daughter who would rather be a princess or a dragon than a regular school student and he is grateful to teachers who embrace this in her education.
Aśka is an award-winning illustrator, artist and scientist. As an Arts and Physics graduate, she has lived all over the world but now calls Australia home. She has also been telling stories through pictures all of her life. Through her illustrations, Aśka loves to create energetic characters with a curious streak — the best type of friend to take on an adventure uncovering the wonderfully diverse and inspiring world around us.
Swings and Roundabouts
“Best book for older pre-schoolers, 3+ and could be read in any situation and great for stirring the imagination of young readers.”
Mums At the Table Magazine
“How can you go wrong with a book that features a child with a pet unicorn!”
Dim Writes Blog
featured included in a round up about books that celebrate the power of imagination.
“allows them(readers) to luxuriate in their childhoods and gives them permission to seize every opportunity to revel in their imagination” Click here to view
One More Page Podcast
“a super fun book with bright, bold illustrations that celebrates the absolute awesomeness of having a vivid imagination.” Click here to listen to the episode (reviews start at 22:00)
Kids’ Book Review
“Paul Russell has allowed his imagination to run wild. The result is exciting, funny, optimistic and hopeful.” Click here to view
What’s Up Downunder reviewed
“A delight”
Buzz Words
“Useful in classroom settings to inspire creative work, this light-hearted book will also reassure children whose approach to learning differs from the norm. The children depicted in Aska’s illustrations are energetic and ethnically diverse” Click here to read
CBCA’s Reading Time
“The exuberant illustrations bring the real and imaginary worlds to life”
The Bottom Shelf Edu Blog reviewed
“Little children always have such wonderful imaginations that seem to disappear when the formalities of school kick in and this is an interesting look at what might happen if we just let kids develop in their own ways in their own time.” Click here to read in full.
Sunday Telegraph reviewed
“A picture book that encourages imagination and revels in the power of play.”
The Brag Dad
“This book is such an enjoyable read. Imagination is the one element that we often lose sight of. Paul Russell seems to caution parents about being too critical or too serious.” Click here to read
Blue Wolf Reviews interviewed local author Aśka
“A wonderful romp of a book that will without doubt become a firm favourite in the home and classroom. ”
Click here to read
Pinerolo reviewed
“Imagination is contagious. It spreads rapidly through this school, chaos prevails and all attempts to cure it fail. Action packed illustrations follow this entertaining story.”
Educate Empower
” a delightful picture book about the wonder of imagination.”
Click here to read
ABC Newcastle reviewed
“Are you a creative person with a good imagination? What if it got you into trouble as a child? A Newcastle author has written a book about the worst case of imagination the teachers have ever seen.” Click here to listen
Perth Voice interviewed
” The book The Incurable Imagination is aimed at young children, but it’s also a poignant read for world-weary adults who have forgotten how to dream. “
Bob’s Books Reviews
“Read this great picture book for juniors and find out where Audrey’s imagination takes her. A good read aloud with illustrations that will have you smiling”. Click here to read more
