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A fab review of Gladys and Stripey

Read a fab review of Gladys and Stripey: Two little fish on one BIG adventure by author and blogger, Dr Helen Edwards. Perfect timing for Nature Book Week (4 -10 Sep 2023).

Michele Gierck, author of the book, Gladys and Stripey: Two little fish on one BIG adventure, illustrated by Marina Zlatanova.

Michele will be speaking at Darebin Creek, on Sat 9 Sep (10am), as part of Nature Book Week. Along with Victoria from Nature Play Learning, they will then explore the newly-built fish ladder, and enjoy being out in nature. Bookings are essential.

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Gladys and Stripey is OUT NOW

It's official. Gladys and Stripey: Two little fish on one BIG adventure is OUT NOW. Based on a threatened Australian native freshwater fish, the book is earning high praise from kids and their communities, nature lovers, ecologists, ecological activists and educators.

Here's a sample of fab comments:

  • Gladys and Stripey is a truly wonderful book.’ - Mark Lintermans, Associate Professor of Freshwater Fisheries Ecology and Management.
  • I loved it [Gladys and Stripey] and would love to stock it.’ - Alexa, Children's Book Buyer at Readings in Hawthorn.
  • I think the story is fantastic. Educational, informative and an enjoyable read.’ - Shane Giese, STEM Teacher and Deputy Principal.
  • Jeremy loves Gladys and Stripey. He told me to tell you it's the best book in the world!!’ - Mother of a young reader. This comment was sent with a photo of the young boy engrossed in the illustrations.

Thanks to all who have supported this project.

Get your copy or find out more, here.

Cover of Gladys and Stripey: Two little fish on one BIG adventure
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Gladys and Stripey make their First Public Appearance

Gladys and Stripey made their First Big Public Appearance at the recent Native Fish Forum in Dubbo, 3 May - 5 May, prior to the official release of the book. They were warmly welcomed by the native fish community, from scientists to fishers. An image of the book cover even made it up on the big screen! 

Author and publisher, Michele Gierck, says children (and adults) around Australia will soon have the chance to share in Gladys and Stripey's adventure!

ORDER YOUR COPY NOW at Michele Gierck's shop

Book Cover - Gladys and Stripey: two little fish on one BIG adventure

The book has educator notes (20 pages linked to the Victorian and Australian curriculums), online resources, and fun activities. For more information, see Michele's website (www.michelegierck.com.au) or REACH OUT to Michele.

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A Wonderful Children's Book

If you haven't had a read of Marina Zlatanova's beautiful children's book, Charlie's Shell, you are missing something special. The illustrations like the story are a stand out.

I'm delighted to be collaborating with Marina on a new children's book, which will be out in 2023.

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Fundraiser for Ukraine

El Salvador might be a long way from Ukraine, but the tenacity of the people and their determination in a conflict zone certainly has its similarities.

As a writer and storyteller, I thought this might be the best way I could make a small contribution. Please note that it's only set up for people in Australia. In other countries I'm sure there are local Red Cross or Red Crescent initiatives, or other NGOs that you can support for Ukraine.

A big shout out to Red Cross and Red Crescent for the great work they do in conflict zones, and with displaced/refugee people.

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Start Writing Your Own Life Story - Memoir

Writing your memoir I hear it often. Wanting to write your own memoir, or life story, but not sure where to start.  Here's a tip. Instead of staring at the blank page, wondering where to start, and feeling overwhelmed, why not start writing a personal profile -- an overview of your story in 1000 to 3000 words. And if you can't write it yourself, get someone to write it, or help you write the piece. It's amazing what emerges -- a spark, ideas, a theme, a voice, structure, or even style or tone. I've been collaborating with a couple of business women lately, and it's worked for both of them, even though the story each of them wants to tell is about much more than their respective businesses. Happy writing. Michele Text and image copyright Michele Gierck www.michelegierck.com.au
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Mary Karr's Fabulous Memoir

Memoir - Mary Karr
This is the kind of memoir that lingers long after reading the last page.
If you enjoy reading memoirs, or if you are learning all you can about them, (perhaps even threatening to write one), this is a book you'll want to make sure you get your hands on. I've just finished it for the first time. Feel like I need to read it again, because I was so delighted with the story and the way it was written, the way words and images melded into amazing descriptions, that I charged through it. One of Mary's lines at the end of the book says a lot about the effect this first memoir of hers has had on readers. 'Reading Liars' Club seemed to crowbar open something in people.' I can totally understand why.
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Discovering The Art of Memoir

I happened to discover this wonderful book, published in 2015, in the it's-yours-for-free box at the local library. Just proves that one library's trash is another person's treasure. Here's one of my favourite quotes. 'In fact, every memoirist I know seems doomed to explore the past in an often-agonized death march down the page.' Hope you get a chance to at least read the Preface. It's a classic. Happy reading, Michele www.michelegierck.com.au  
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An Inspiring Picture Book for Kids and Adults

Once in a while, if you are really lucky, you come across a picture book that is so beautifully researched and written that your heart begins to sing as you read. I was totally drawn into LOOK UP WITH ME Neil deGrasse Tysone: A Life Among the Stars (words by Jennifer Berne), that I feel compelled to let the world know about it. (The illustrations are by Lorraine Nam.) If you are grown-up, or yet to grow up, and have ever looked up at the stars, or would love to, see if you can get your hands on a copy of this book. The Introduction by Neil, and the Author's Note by Jennifer are fabulous bookends to the story.
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