Hello & Welcome!

Hello! My name is Fiona Smyth.

A storyteller on a mission to inspire young readers through my children's stories.

What's new on my Instagram

fionasmyth.writes

Almost talked myself out of posting my simple ink

Almost talked myself out of posting my simple ink drawing, but I realised we all have to start somewhere. Today’s @peachtober prompt is “Bee”.

Thank you to @rmmcgurk and @brooke_cutler_art for the inspiration to start.

#peachtober23 #peachtober #peachtoberbee #bee

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#bees #inktober2023 #sketch #sketchbook #skechbookdrawing #draweveryday #inkdrawing #create #practice #draw #quicksketch #kidlit #kitlitart #kidlitillustrators #art #octoberchallenge #artchallenge
#australianillustrator

Dreaming of Blue Doors 💭 🇬🇷 #sketch #ske

Dreaming of Blue Doors 💭 🇬🇷

#sketch #sketchbook #skechbookdrawing #draweveryday #inkdrawing #create #practice #draw #quicksketch #illustrator #greece #santorini #kythera #islandlife #bluedoor #drawdaily #drawdrawdraw

#ThursdayThoughts 💭 Today, I will block out t

#ThursdayThoughts 💭

Today,
I will block out the noise.
For in the silence the seeds
are scattered.
A sprout of an idea
slices through,
until a seed fulfils its
destined purpose.

Painting by Tommy Yannima Watson, Walpanja.

#poem #poetry #journal #apoemaday #idea #inspiration #justwrite #amwriting #australianauthor

School holiday fun! 🤩 The kids and I watched

School holiday fun! 🤩

The kids and I watched Alphabetical Sydney: All Aboard! inspired by @_antoniadraws and Hilary Bell’s book.

I grabbed a copy of the book and it doesn’t disappoint with its interesting rhyming text and unique collage illustrations!

𝑯𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒆

𝑯𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒆
Author: @astridkeirstanley_author
Illustrator: @tasneemamiruddin
Publisher: @marshallcavendish (2023)

Meet Pip, a young bee trying to find her special talent in bee school. Pip's journey of self-discovery takes an unexpected turn when she faces a dilemma involving her homemade honey. The story beautifully unfolds, teaching valuable lessons about kindness, friendship, and empathy.

Why will kids love this book? Well, it's not just about bees and honey. Astrid Keir-Stanley, the creative mind behind ‘Honey Trouble’ weaves a story about finding your own strengths, helping others, and being the best version of yourself. Plus, the vibrant illustrations by Tasneem Amiruddin bring the world of bees to life with vivid colours and fun-filled artwork.

In the classroom, "Honey Trouble" can be a fantastic addition to discussions about teamwork, problem-solving, and the importance of compassion. The book also includes bee and honey facts, making it an educational gem.

I feel as if I’ve just used my one wild card and

I feel as if I’ve just used my one wild card and resubmitted directly to a publisher. 🫣🤞👀 I’ve been holding off months, tinkering and being brutally critical with every word. ✂️

Last-place Lin! Last-place Lin! 🎉 Written by @

Last-place Lin! Last-place Lin! 🎉
Written by @onewpc and illustrated by @_fredachiu_
Published by @allenandunwin

This sweet encouraging book has been picked off the bookshelf a lot lately and we’ve enjoyed solo reading it too. The short sentence structure is perfect for early independent reading.

And who doesn’t love a good comeback story! ❤️

#FridayThoughts 💭 Painting in the back by Yan

#FridayThoughts 💭

Painting in the back by Yannina Tommy Watson.

Title: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒑
Author / Illustator: @lbe.hackney and sons

"The Lolly Shop," written and illustrated by the talented trio of Lauren Hackney and her two sons, is a delightful tale brimming with action and cheeky buffoonery. This whimsical adventure is sure to leave readers both young and old in stitches.

The story revolves around Ethan and Baxter, two boys with distinct strengths and weaknesses, who join forces to craft the most extraordinary confections for their charming lolly shop. These delectable treats possess the power to make one float, turn invisible, sprint at lightning speed, or even conjure a hologram. Imagine the adventures one could have when armed with such magical lollies.

Laughter and shenanigans ensue as the children indulge in a world of trickery and pranks. However, the real excitement begins when these extraordinary candies unleash their full potential in the neighborhood.

Who wouldn't be tempted by the thought of marshmallow lollies that could whisk you away to a tropical island with a single bite?

It's evident that an abundance of love and boundless imagination has been poured into the creation of "The Lolly Shop." This charming story is a testament to the magic of family collaboration and the enchanting world that can be unlocked with a dash of creativity and a pinch of sweetness. 💫 🍬

Basically…Life lately. 🙃 #authorlife #childr

Basically…Life lately. 🙃

#authorlife #childrensauthor #justwrite #amwriting #writersofig #writingmemes #bookreels #nowwewait #australianauthor #picturebook #kidslit #childrensbooks #kidsbooks #picturebook #storyteller #raisingreaders #authorsofinstagram #booknerd #booknerd #writer #aspiringauthor

⭐️⭐️⭐️ CBCA Lunch with the Stars!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

@cbcaustralia @cbcansw

@krisddarell @onewpc @mikebarrywashere @piphaz @daniveebooks_wordsandnerds @julesthe4rd @donnagibbsbird @libby.hathorn @susanne_gervay @debra_tidball @fitzymw @wendyblaxland @mcguinness.writer @lesleygibbes @lex.moses @carlafitzgeraldauthor @liz_ledden @jeansaxby1 @fionalloydauthor @amandalieber @verityville @ashlingkwok @bestulic_sonia @katrinamckelvey @lisanicolauthor

My mother in law then came across the REAL hero of

My mother in law then came across the REAL hero of Mansfield and sent me the article about Ali, a mustering kelpie who suffered a spinal injury and paralysis and was left with back legs that didn’t work.

That didn’t stop her. With some new wheels and with the care and support of Mr Diamond and his wife, ‘Ali was back on the job, wheels and all.’ 🐶❤️

@pinnaroofarm
@abcnews_au

PART 4 - The Hero of Barkside

PART 4 - The Hero of Barkside

PART 3 - The Hero of Barkside

PART 3 - The Hero of Barkside

PART 2 - The Hero of Barkside

PART 2 - The Hero of Barkside

I’m so excited to share I have one doggy poem an

I’m so excited to share I have one doggy poem and one doggy short story in the upcoming anthology, ‘Hot Diggety Dog! Tales from the Bark Side.’

The book is out later in the year. Thank you to Anthology Angels and @michelle.author for making this happen. The cause is dear to my heart. On Friday 8th September on World Literacy Day these stories will be read in hospital for NICU babies and families.

I hope my story spreads some joy. 💫 🐶

PART 1 - The Hero of Barkside

@stefankunz Speaks the truth! After some time of

@stefankunz Speaks the truth!

After some time off how does one even start again? Where do you even begin?

I’ll take some wise words from Julie Andrews… “Let's start at the very beginning. A very good place to start.
When you read you begin with A-B-C.
When you sing you begin with do-re-mi.”
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#justwrite #justdraw #justdoit #getstarted #happytuesday #tuesdaymotivation #australianauthor #childrensbooks #picturebooks

There are some experiences you’ll never forget.

There are some experiences you’ll never forget. I spent over an hour sitting in @thelumemelbourne. Time stood still as First Nations’ art and music danced around me.

This really was all encompassing and told the artist’s stories in such a powerful way. I highly recommend going.

There’s nothing quite like lying down and a Wandjina spirit towering over you.

“For many Indigenous artists, visual art is not seen as a commodity but rather as something akin to a family member - it represents a multi-layered connection to the past, present and future.” - Margo Ngawa Neale

#thelume #melbourne #visitmelbourne #firstnationsart #experience

Scribble scribble scribble… on my way to Melbour

Scribble scribble scribble… on my way to Melbourne. ✈️

What are some great travel art supplies?

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#amdrawing #iknowican #justdraw #childrensbooks #australianauthor #kidslit #picturebooks #keepwriting #bookstagram #booklover #booksbooksbooks #bookaddict #bookblogger #kidsbooks #bookworms #storyteller #raisingreaders #readingisfun #readingisfundemental #kidsbookswelove #authorlife #bookblog #bookreels

Dreaming of an Italian seaside feast. 🍷 🧀 🌶️ 🥖 🍊 🍅
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#italy #seaside #tablesetting #justdraw #keepdrawing #drawdrawdraw #draweveryday #drawdaily #scetchbook #sketchbookdrawing #picturebook #childrensbooks #kidsbooks

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