With the release of a second Riley picture book in 2009 and another book planned for publication in 2010, Tania McCartney continues the adventures of a young boy called Riley as he explores some of the world’s most fascinating cities.
Riley Travelogue Adventure Stories for Children
Beginning with Riley and the Sleeping Dragon: A Journey Around Beijing (Tania McCartney, 2008), McCartney introduced children to the intrepid adventurer Riley. Accompanied by his toy panda, Riley travelled in his little red bi-plane to discover the Sleeping Dragon in Beijing. With photographs by McCartney and additional illustrations by Mo Qovaizi, children were offered glimpses of some of Beijing’s best known locations such as Ritan Park, Tian’anmen Square and Tian Tan – The Temple of Heaven.
In the recently released Riley and the Dancing Lion: A Journey Around Hong Kong (Tania McCartney, 2009), Riley explores Hong Kong during Chinese New Year celebrations, looking for a traditional dancing lion. As he visits well-known locations such as Victoria Harbour, Kowloon and the Lantau Buddha, he meets many difference dancing lions but it isn’t until he reaches the New Year parade that he finds a traditional dancing lion wriggling and leaping amidst the crashing of gongs and cymbals and exploding fireworks.
Once again with a combination of photographs and illustrations, this time by Kieron Pratt, McCartney takes children on a journey around a beautiful city while keeping them entertained with Riley’s adventurous search. The different dancing lions – Chinese dancers, jazz, tap, ballet, synchronized swimmers and more – offer a colourful and very complimentary contrast to McCartney’s stylish black and white photographs.
A third book in the Riley series, Riley and the Curious Koala: A Journey Around Sydney, is due for publication in November 2010. Set in the Australian harbour city of Sydney, this book will once again features McCartney’s story and photography and illustrations by Kieron Pratt.
Author Profile – Tania McCartney
McCartney is a prolific and passionate writer who has published work across a range of genres and styles as well as working to encourage both children and adults to explore their writing talents.
In addition to the Riley series, McCartney has published numerous magazine articles, a memoir-style collection of journal entries in Beijing Tai Tai in 2009 and a collection of unusual names and meanings, plus studies on the naming process in You Name It (Hodder Headline, 1995).
McCartney will be a featured children’s author at Government House Open Day in Canberra, as part of the Smith Family’s annual fund raiser in March 2010 and is a judge for the 2010 Clayton's Book Awards for Children's Book Council of Australia, ACT Branch. She is also a senior editor, columnist and book reviewer for Australian Women Online.
For further details of McCartney’s involvement with promoting books and writing with children, additional publication details or contact information to organise visiting author school talks, visit Tania McCartney’s website, which also includes links to her personal blog and details of her upcoming titles including Riley and the Curious Koala and An Aussie Year: Twelve Months in the Life of Australian Kids.
Picture Books That Can be Enjoyed by Children and Adults
With the combination of a fun adventure story, colourful illustrations and stunning black and white photography, Tania McCartney’s Riley series offers something to entertain both children and adults.
Targeting children aged 0 – 8, the Riley series will appeal to both boys and girls with a lovely balance of adventure, humour, colour and information. With further books planned, children will be able to look forward to discovering which amazing city Riley’s adventures will lead him to next.
Review book details:
Riley and the Dancing Lion: A Journey Around Hong Kong (ISBN: 978-0-9804750-2-9)
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