About the Author

Sally Murphy is a mother, wife, teacher, speaker, website manager, reviewer, and, of course, author. She was born in Perth and now lives in Dalyellup, Western Australia. In 2001 she decided to dedicate herself to her dream of becoming a children’s author and has now published 28 books. As well as writing for children Sally is also a children’s book reviewer who runs the review site www.aussiereviews.com. Her first illustrated verse novel with Walker Books Australia, Pearl Verses the World (illustrated by Heather Potter) won the children’s book category for the Indie Book of the Year awards, 2009; was awarded Honour Book in the Younger Readers category, Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards, 2010; and won the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards, 2010, Best Book for Language Development, Upper Primary (8-12 years).Toppling (illustrated by Rhian Nest James) has won the Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards, Children’s Book - Mary Ryan’s Award, 2010 and the Children’s Book for the 2010 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards. It has also been short-listed for the 2010 Speech Pathology Australia, Book of the Year Awards, Upper Primary category and the 2011 Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards, Younger Readers Notable Books.

Gabriel Evans currently lives in Western Australia. He was very young when he picked up a paintbrush and discovered he could make marks on paper. Gabriel decided to make this new discovery his profession. Since then he has created paintings using watercolour, gouache, inks, pencils, charcoal and oil. Gabriel co-created a family greeting card line under the name “Creations in a Teapot” (www.creationinateapot.com). He’s never had to buy a greeting card since. Gabriel’s studio is very messy as he believes creativity is found in clutter. Walker Stories: Annie’s Snails (written by Dianne Wolfer) was his first book.

Reviews

This is a beautifully-crafted, sensitive and touching creation from an author who knows verse novels very, very well. The depth of her characters, the emotional responses and fears, the gentle hope, is heart-wrenching in all manner of ways...

Beautiful.
*Kids' Book Review*

Sally Murphy’s books are written with a poet’s hand and heart. Not only are you gently drawn into a world where you love her characters and are desperate to know their fates, you find yourself laughing and crying, knowing you have been somewhere very special.
*ABC Radio Central West NSW Deborah Abela*

A moving verse novel by Sally Murphy with line drawings by Gabriel Evans that will tug at the heart strings of primary aged readers
*ABC Radio QLD*

I would recommend Roses are Blue to my friends because it’s a change from the other sorts of books we read and it could be a true story.
*Alphabet Soup*

This book is sure to be loved by any mother who reads it as it’s really a tribute to motherhood and is sure to tug at heartstrings.
*Australian Childrens Poetry*

This is one of the most moving stories for younger readers that I have ever read.
*Bobs Books Blog*

I love the visual aspect of the text on the page and the brevity of words which creates more impact connecting emotionally with the reader
*Booktrailers4kidsandya*

Murphy is simply master at massaging sensitive issues into refined, understated yet terrifically moving poetic verse. Her words whisper across the pages with the soft intensity of a mountain breeze. They are beautiful and arresting; a joy to read.
*Boomerang Books*

Sally deals with some of the darker moments of life with care and at all times she uses her powerful writing to shine the light of hope through the darkness.
*Children's Books Daily*

(Sally Murphy) tackles difficult subject matter but handles it effortlessly, creating the perfect book for parents to teach their children to confront complex situations.
*Creative Kids Tales*

A gem of a book.
*Dale Harcombe*

This is a heartwarming story about compassion, understanding and trust.
*Deescribe Writing*

A gentle yet uncompromising tale, Roses are Blue is about loss, pain and hope.
*Good Reading Magazine*

A heart-warming story dealing with grief, tragedy, and change
*Karen Tyrell*

Heart-warming, sensitive and full of love and friendship, this story will be enjoyed by girls in Grade 4 and up.
*Lamont Books*

Roses are Blue deftly enters Amber Rose’s world - making it believable for children who read it, and a vivid remember for adults of how deeply our early school experiences were felt.
*NZ Booksellers Blog*

I love this book. I think it would be a wonderful book to read in class.
*NZ Poetry Box*

Sally Murphy's free verse novel is a poignant story of young Amber Rose and her new mum who has changed dramatically after an accident.
*ReadPlus*

I simply adored it.
*The Diva Booknerd*

This is a very positive, uplifting story that will move readers to think about what it means to be ‘different’.
*The Kids Bookshop*

Expertly told in verse this is a story to pull on your heartstrings… a great read.
*YARR-A*

Roses are Blue is a very good verse novel.
*Magpies Magazine*