Woo hoo! Just got advance copies of the new series I have been writing for Hardie Grant. There are four books so far, due out in April, starring Billie B Brown, a fiesty tom-boy, who I'm hoping will provide a refreshing change for little girls (and parents) sick of princesses and fairies! Billie's best friend is her next door neighbour, Jack, who is good at building cubbies but not as good as Billie on the monkey bars. The books are for 6-8 year olds who are just learning to read and they are illustrated by the wonderful Aki Fukuoka. Very excited! Hope you love them!Check this out for a taster: www.billiebbrown.com
Can't wait to get my hands on these books Sall. Looks great. I'll pick some up when we visit Aus in May (unless I track them down online first!) Your trip to Ghana looks amazing. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Meredith, I'm sure we can get HG to send you a set. Mads is our ideal audience! Thanks, too, for introducing me to Hilary! She's been a joy to work with. Hope your work is going well?
ReplyDeletexxx
Thanks Sally for offering my 6yo daughter a great read and something I enjoyed reading too! We bought The Midnight Feast on Tuesday and read it together. A lovely story for an intro into chapter books and even better that they cost less than $10! Keep up the great writing. My daughter had great fun on Billie's website too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shayne, it's great to get your feedback. I'm so glad your daughter liked The Midnight Feast and that it was an enjoyable read for you too. It's always tricky to find that balance in writing books for children that age, in knowing that some children will read them on their own but others will have parents read to them so I hope to make them entertaining for both.
ReplyDeleteIf you're interested, there are three more Billies out there and two more to come! Thanks again for taking the trouble to write.
Sally
Hi Sally
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to get my 6 year old daughter to be enthusiastic about reading and could not find any appropriate books for her age, reading capabilities and her interests. I found your Billy B Brown books at Big W and you have captured her! She has loved your books. I have bought all four and I am hoping more will be out soon. Congratulations on writing books that are so relevent to a child of this age's everyday life. Thank you for creating an interest in reading for my daughter. I hope this will be the start of a love of books for her. Please keep them coming!
Mandy
Thank you for the Billie B Brown books it is fantastic for my daughter to finally relate to a character in a book she can read all by herself. Say goodbye to fairy, princess and puppy dog books. You have a huge fan.
ReplyDeleteBelinda & Sara
Hi Mandy, Belinda & Sara, thanks so much for your kind feedback. I'm so thrilled that your girls like the books so much. there will definitely be more. So far another two in August and a Christmas Billie are on their way.
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you,
Sally
My 6 year old daughter just started playing soccer and when she saw Billy B Brown-the soccer star in Borders, started reading before we left the store. She has now read all the Billy B Brown books & wants more. These are her first chapter books, she is very proud of herself and has had a huge boost of confidence with her reading. Thank you, we are huge fans, can't wait for the next books.
ReplyDeleteGina & Tia
Hi Gina & Tia,
ReplyDeleteThat's great to hear! I'm so pleased your daughter likes them. She might like to have a look at the Billie B website? It's lots of fun and very child-friendly. Thanks for writing!
Sally
Hi,
ReplyDeleteMy 5 year old just loves your books, the first 'novels' she has read... are there any more coming, she wants to read more.
Thanks
Lee Rouvray
Hi Lee,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. Your daughter must be quite an amazing reader if she is reading the books at 5! Yes, plenty more coming. Two were released this month and there will be a Christmas Billie, Summer Billie and Birthday Billie coming soon.
By the way, if you or your daughter want to have a look at the website, it's has some great child-friendly activities and will have any news about forthcoming releases. www.billiebbrown.com
Good to hear from you,
Sally
Hi Sally,
ReplyDeleteThank you for Billie B Brown! My 7 year old just read The Beautiful Haircut to me tonight, and she LOVES Billie! She also loves that it's a "chapter book" and it has lovely large easy-to-read font. I love the fact that there were just the right amount of "tricky words" that she didn't get frustrated. I'm going to get the rest of the Billie books now - I think we may have finally found the books that will bridge a gap she has been struggling to get across - a bridge that will lead to a real love of reading. She told me "I've got a new hobby - READING!"
Hi Renee,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comment. I'm so pleased that your daughter is enjoying the books and that they are inspiring her to read. Perhaps you'd like to bring her to a Billie birthday celebration at the State Library on Sunday 3rd April? I will be posting details on my blog soon.
Hi Sally
ReplyDeleteJust want to say thanks for your fab books. My 7 year old daughter, who has struggled with reading since Pre-Primary was so proud the other night when she came thru to me to tell me she had finished reading The Perfect Present all on her own! It was the first book she had ever attempted to read all by herself. As you can imagine, I was over the moon. Your books are beautifully written and are great for those children who are at a point in their reading where beginners books are just not engaging but bigger chapter books are plain scary to them.
We are now eagerly awaiting every new book! Thanks again Sally.
Hi Wendy,
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear from you. I'm so pleased your daughter likes the books! My son struggles with reading too so I empathise with any mother in the same position. Perhaps if you live in Melbourne you might like to bring your daughter along to this: http://sallyrippin.blogspot.com/2011/03/b-is-for-birthday.html
It would be lovely to meet you both.
Sally
Hi Sally.
ReplyDeleteMy husband Mark contacted you a while back congratulating you on these brilliant books you had written. Our daughter Billie (now 7) still LOVES reading them and all of the books fast became her favourites! Our Billie now enjoys reading alot more, and that is credit to your great writing style. Thanks for producing more of these wonderful Billie B Brown Books, (which my husband and I enjoy equally as much) as we see so much of our Billie in yours!
Thankyou & Keep up the brilliant work!
HI Mark and Tobey,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your support! It's encouragement like yours that makes writing these books such a pleasure.
If you live in Melbourne, you might like to bring Billie to this: http://sallyrippin.blogspot.com/2011/03/b-is-for-birthday.html
It would be great to meet her. :-)
Sally
Hi Sally,
ReplyDeleteMy daughter Vanessa loves reading your
Billie B Brown books.
She wanted to tell you that her favourite books are, The Big Sister, The Birthday Mix-up, The Perfect Present and
The Second-best Friend. She had all the books and enjoys reading them over and over.
Vanessa met you yesterday at the Children's Book Festival, she had been looking forward to that day for weeks. She even had you sign all 10 of her books, thank you. You were fantastic and a delight to watch with the children.
We are looking forward to reading your next book, we hope there are many more Billie B Brown books in the making.
Thank you
Vanessa and Debra
Hi Vanessa & Debra,
ReplyDeleteIt was great that you could make it. What a fun day! I'm so pleased Vanessa enjoyed herself and it was lovely to meet you both.
Thanks for writing!
Wow - so you're Melbourne based...that's so nice to read. I discovered your books in Big W & my 7 yr old daughter just LOVES them. They are her favourite series. They are even more special now I know that you're a local author too. We bought another one today and she's already read it tonight and has also discovered your website. My only complaint.....there was hardly any stock at Big W - hence why we only bought 1 more & Angus & Robertson in Southland had sold out and there were none in Target.....
ReplyDeleteGood Luck Sally and keep up the great work!
p.s now after searching through more of your blog & websites I have discovered 2 things - 1) obviously I am loving Billie B Brown cause she has the same birthday as me!!! & 2) I dont want to break it to my daughter that we missed her birthday party - she would have loved to have been a part of that!
ReplyDeleteWill there be any other Billie B Brown events???
Hi Cherie,
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you. Yes, what a shame you missed Sunday - it was lots of fun. I'm sure there will be events in the future. If you just keep an eye on my blog every now and then I'll be sure to post any news.
Thanks!
Can you please tell me which stores regularly stock your books as i am finding it REALLY hard to track them down! Thanks in advance xxx
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is soon to be 8, and loves your books -3 down, 7 to go!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter can relate to Billie's anxiety and 'funny tummy' moments. I've found that the books are a great way to open up a conversation between the both of us about how her own thoughts and worries. My daughter can now make a link between her anxiety ('worries'), and their physical symptoms ('funny tummy').
Thank you for creating Billie - much better than a fairy any day!!
Cristy xx
Hi Anonymous - you should be able to get the Billie books everywhere - if not, stores will order then in for you.
ReplyDeleteSally
Hi Cristy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your lovely feedback. I'm so pleased your daughter likes the Billie books and that they have been helpful for finding a way to talk about those all too confusing emotions!
Sally
billy b brown is a great book for kids. i really love billy b brown. i am 7 years old. my favorite billy b brown book is the birthday mix up. The big sister is the 2nd best book ever made. i have almost all of them now. love from savannah vidakovic.
ReplyDeleteHi Savannah, thanks so much for writing. It's great to hear which are your favorite books. Have you seen the Billie B Brown website? It's lots of fun and you can write to me there too!
ReplyDeleteSally
My 6 year-old daughters LOVE your books!! Thank you thank you. One of my daughters says "I love The Extra-Special Helper so much I just want to keep reading the books that you make." My other daughter took hers for Show & Tell at school, she was so excited that there was a chapter book written for her reading level. Personally, I love that Billie challenges a lot of stereotypes and stands up for what she believes in. Keep up the great writing! Lisa
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind feedback. It's so thrilling to hear from parents and children alike. Have you and your children seen the Billie website? It's lots of fun and very child-friendly. www.billiebbrown.com
Best wishes,
Sally
Hi Sally
ReplyDeleteGod bless you with this great series of Billy B Brown stories. My 7 year old daughters eyes light up when she discovers a new book is released. She has read every story in the collection, not once but a couple of times. She can read the books on her own confidently. She has spread the word to friends and lots have caught on to reading your stories too. I really hope you continue your great work. Will you be releasing future stories aimed for 8 year olds and older? Love to see the story contents develop for older readers too. Thank you.
HI Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. I'm thrilled to hear your daughter is enjoying the series. I am currently working on a series for the same age group from Billie's best friend, Jack's, point of view, which will be out early next year. Not sure if there will be a series for older readers at this stage.
Sally
Hi Sally
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say THANK YOU for the Billie B Brown series it has allowed my early and fluent reader of many picture books try chapter books we now have all 13 books and they are being read over and over again ... it has allowed her to try more complex chapter books. Thank you for helping her take the next step in reading.
Jacqui
Thanks Jacqui - I'm so pleased your child is enjoying the series.
ReplyDeleteHi Sally. Not only does my fluent 8-year-old keep an eye out for new Billie books, but my reluctant 6-year-old has just started reading me one book a night! She loves them as much as her sister. Please keep writing, and we will keep reading. Keri, Matilda and Sara
ReplyDeleteI have just read two of your books, they are called : The Soccer Star and The Perfect Present. They are two fantastic books and I can't wait to read more books of yours. I hope that when I finish the collection you will write some other Billie B Brown books. By Kristen Baker
ReplyDeleteHI Keri, Matilda and Sara, thanks for your kind comments.
ReplyDeleteHI Kristen - I'm glad you are enjoying the books!
Yes, there are more Billie B Brown books on the way!
Sally
I love your Billie B brown books but i really want to know all the books names and how many there are. PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteFrom Erika
HI Erika,
ReplyDeleteAll the books are listed on the Billie B Brown website: www.billiebbrown.com Otherwise you might like to get the 'Big book of Billie'. It has twelve Billie stories in it as well as puzzles and games.
Sally
Hi Sally,
ReplyDeleteMy 2 daughters love your books (they're 5 and 7).
I was looking at buying the Big Book of Billy but cant seem to find the list of books that come in it. As we already have 5 or 6 of your books I wouldn't be wanting to double up on many stories. Can you point me in the right direction?
Thanks for creating theses books where every boy ang girl can find someone to relate too.
They're great!
Agustina
Hi Agustina,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your message. I'm very happy to hear that your daughters are enjoying the series. In answer to your question, the Big Book of Billie contains the first twelve stories published (except for The Perfect Present), so yes, you would be doubling up on some of the stories. On the other hand if your girls wanted the whole collection it is much cheaper than buying the books separately, plus there are puzzles and activities at the back so it does make a lovely Christmas present.
Hope that helps!
Best wishes,
Sally
Hi I have read every Billie B Brown I love them Sooooooooo much!!!!!. I get the billie b browns from my school libary. My libary teacher said that I am Billie B Brown because I read them all the time so by for now love your number 1 fan Ashleigh
ReplyDeleteHi My 4 year old daughter loves your books!!!!
ReplyDeleteDo you have any more books coming out???????
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous x 3,
ReplyDeleteHappy to meet a new Billie fan! Great to hear your daughter is enjoying the series. And the answer to the last question, is that there are two more Billie books to come, bring the grand total of Billie books to twenty!
Thanks for writing!
Sally
When I got the First billie b brown book I freaked out I LOVE YOUR BOOKS THEY ARE AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm glad you are enjoying them.
DeleteSally
Hi Sally, It was really fantastice to find books that my daughter Kate (prep) could read herself, that weren't too long or short, were "chapter books" (very important to a 6 year old!) and about a real little girl! She has all the Billie books as well as all the Hey Jacks. She even chose to buy the latest Jack with her birthday money. Unfortuately we were away for your visit to Dymocks in Melbourne. Will there be more books? I loved the Ghana trip too. It's very himbling, isn't it. You may enjoy the website for my friend's charity (she goes over to Kenya twice a year) www.soask.org.au. Thanks Sally, Fiona
ReplyDeleteHI Fiona,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. I'm so pleased your daughter is enjoying the series. And what a compliment that she chose to buy a book from the series with her birthday money. In answer to your question, there will be twenty Billie books and twenty Jack books altogether. After that, I may just have to come up with a new series!
Best wishes,
Sally
hi i love all your book. i have got over 20
ReplyDeletefrom kiani
Hi Sally I love your books they really entertain me please make more and maybe the b in Billie B Brown stands for bestie because Billie is best friends with Jack from your fan. Rachael
ReplyDeleteHi Sally I have got more ideas bestie, beautiful, below, best,bully, boastful and buster from your fan Rachael
ReplyDeleteHi Sally you have entertained me a lot I am loving your books and when I grow up I want to be an author you have really inspired me please make more books from your fan Rachael
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your lovely comments Rachae! Good luck with your writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sally
ReplyDelete