The following is an excerpt from the middle-grade (8 – 12 years of age) novel, The Land of Giant Pineapples, written by grandmother and granddaughter team, Judy Rankin and Shayla Gray. Blurb: Eleven-year-old Shayla will have to join forces with … Continued
By Judy Rankin. Barcelona: a Mediterranean paradise for the sun-loving traveller, offers mile after mile of wide, gleaming sandy beaches, quaint but bustling markets and a plethora of festivals over the summer months. The location, warm climate, and natural beauty … Continued
By Judy Rankin. 1916 – King George V was on the throne. The ‘war to end all wars’ was raging through Europe, and the ‘mother country’ called for more of our fit and healthy to join the ranks on the … Continued
By Jo Curtain. sitting in a park, the afternoon dissolves in somnolence watery sunlight over still open water bordered by long, pointy, pith-less reeds. their heavy feet rooted in a Giacometti swamp. listen. listen. we all compete with the wind, … Continued
By Jo Curtain. Sadie and me descend into the valley. Not at ease—the crooked trail hurts my knees. I glance at Sadie, summer-girl shy, tender, her body tall and slender like the Alpine Ash trees. We’re tired. Flesh responding to … Continued
By Akshata Kulkarni. I have tasted your Kensington and endured the Calypso, but none to me tastes like my dear Alphonso. Amba, Aam or Mango—call it what you may—all signify the season of the bright yellow. While a bane to … Continued
By Michael Cains. Summer sun warming oily bronzed skins gleefully splashed sprays of salt water lazy waves tumbling onto yellow bright sand Even non-swimmers enticed into the blue. Tight and flabby bodies, all brightly garbed bouncing with no cares and … Continued
By Mathilda Garrido Lucay. I sat down as a cold tear goes down my tender, fragile face, All days are balmy but today the sun is low, and I am stuck in my headspace. Bells Jingle, and angels carol chant … Continued
By Wendy Spall. The bells are jingling The carollers are singing And the lists are being made The tree is trimmed And the baubles are glistening In the fairy lights parade All children are restless They know who is coming … Continued
By Jean Pearce. Along the footpath above the row of outdoor tables, Branches heavy with gum nuts, Coral blooms drip with sweet nectar, Red and green parrots hang upside down, Peck and shriek like bartenders calling for last drinks. Waiters … Continued