MACEY'S MUSIC 
Macey and music go hand in hand. She dreams of conducting the best in the land.
 An orchestra filled with musicians galore, who’ll play such fine music - of that she is sure.
 Climb up the big steps and onto the stage. The players are ready. She opens the page.
 Her baton is raised. She beats one two three, then music begins in her favourite key.
 First violins place their bows on the strings. Then follow violas. Together they sing!
 Cellos and basses then join in the tune. A wonderous melody now fills the room.
 Sound floats on up to the rooftop so high. A flute flutters in, and is soon followed by
 a sweet piccolo, who playfully swings the notes that now sound like sparkling wings.
 They dance and they twinkle along on their way, and catch clarinets who join in to say,
 ‘Come take this song, this melody fine. Join us bassoons. Now is your time.’
 After they finish her baton is still. The orchestra quiets. There’s no sound until
 softly one note weaves in, all alone. Ah yes! There it is! The oboe’s sweet tone.
 It calls to the brass, the trumpets and horns to step right on in, and whip up a storm!
 A musical tempest is starting to swell, and Macey’s baton helps to conjure the spell.
 Caught in the magic, percussion so proud, banging and crashing and being quite loud!
 A cacophonous thunder and lightning that zings until – hear it now! A triangle ‘ting.’
 The music has stopped. It’s finished. All done. Macey is smiling. She’s had so much fun!
 Macey and music go hand in hand. She dreams of conducting the best in the land.
 A famous conductor she will be for sure, as she bows and imagines the shouts of ENCORE!

It seems spring is the time for new releases here in Australia and there have been so many wonderful books come onto the market. All of the books below are stunningly illustrated and beautifully written and my favourites so far from this year and 2020.  Whether you are a parent, a teacher or a librarian, they are all must haves for your collection. I think I'm going to have to have my bookcase extended. . . There are also a few writer competitions and publisher openings both here and overseas to dive into some of which I've listed here. Happy reading and writing wherever you are! 

Twitter: Fall Writing Frenzy #fallwritingfrenzy Follow @LydiaLukidis and @KaitlynLeann17 for more details
Pitch It! Competition 2021 from Just Write For Kids. More information here 
Cardinal Rule Press are open for picture book submissions from now until November 1st. More information here.