Born in Melbourne, Australia (nee McKenzie) Helen has always loved drawing, arts and crafts but since her teens, had always felt that there was something in her trying to get out. A passion. And In her search for ‘that niche’ Helen has tried most things. But it was a gorilla named Lulu that set her on the path of a poet/writer. As part of a drama assignment, Helen had to perform a piece about a gorilla. So she penned her first poem called, ‘Lulu the Gorgeous Gorilla’. Helen has been writing ever since. Helen completed a Diploma In Writing, with ‘The Writing School’ (formerly NSW Writing School) in 2000. and in 2007 was awarded a grant through the Queensland Government/Arts Qld and Logan Council, to undertake professional development in the area of illustrating and writing children’s picture books In 2006 Helen published two children’s picture books, ‘Ten Yellow Bananas’ and ‘Santa is in Our Chimney’. Helen’s third book, ‘Bubble Gum Trouble and other Giggle Poems’ was released in 2009, published by Little Steps Publishing,Division of New Frontier, and illustrated by Dee Texidor. Little Steps Publishing and artist, Dee Texidor are currently working on Helen’s new version of ‘Ten Yellow Bananas’, due out 2009/2010. In the meantime, Helen has had five of her rhyming giggle poems for children selected for a book for the kids at the Namara District School in Fiji (2009). This was a wonderful project put together by Morgan Hayton and Sally Odgers. She has also written giggle poetry for Cherububble (Primary/Early childhood education on-line resource), written articles for Australia Bookseller and Publisher magazine, and had a number of self publishing articles published online. She has also won children’s poetry competitions and has had her heart-felt poetry published in anthologies. At this point in time, Helen is working on more storylines, and is currently being mentored by Dr Virginia Lowe http://www.createakidsbook.com.au Helen has also been working with 2009 Arts Queensland Poet-in-residence, Hinemoana Baker, on the other styles of poetry she loves to write, particularly Haiku and Rooku. Helen hopes to publish a collection of these in the future. Helen has been teaching at TAFE Queensland since 1995, and currently teaches English in language/literacy programs. She also teaches giggle poetry writing worshops for primary aged children at libraries and schools. She lives in Brisbane with her husband and their beloved pets. Helen's Qualifications are:  Masters of Education (International), Monash Uni, Victoria Graduate Certificate Applied Linguistics, Griffith Uni, Brisbane Graduate Diploma Secretarial Studies Diploma Primary Teaching, Victoria   Bubble Gum Trouble and other  Giggle Poems   Published by Little Steps Publishing, Division of New Frontier (2009).  Illustrated by Dee Texidor ISBN: 978 1921042997   PB RRP   $16.95   ‘Bubble Gum Trouble and other Giggle Poems’ is a book of fun poetry for kids of all ages.  There’s a lot to laugh about in ‘Bubble Gum Trouble’  such as yucky stuff of everyday life, like smelly socks and mouldy drink mugs, and funny stuff, like cats tangled up in toilet paper and underpants!  Then there are the ordinary things that Helen Ross makes comical, like making breakfast and rainy days inside.  Bubble Gum Trouble is a great little book of fun poetry for kids of all ages, which has been brought to life with Dee Texidor’s bright, bubbly illustrations. (Ron Proft, New Frontier) Learn more, or purchase   Review ‘Bubble Gum Trouble’ is a collection of poems for children.  Full of bright illustrations and short sharp poems, this is a great book to introduce children to the wonders of poetry.  With poems such as 'Where's Mum?', 'Cats in The Toilet Paper' and 'The Two of Us' readers will be giggling away. Easy to read, simple rhymes and cute illustrations all add up to make this a book children will enjoy.    Reviewed by: www.busymothers.com.au (Click here for direct link to this review)   Read our Interview with Helen Ross Helen’s Websites:   http://www.misshelenbooks.com  http://www.helenross-author.com Helen’s Blog: http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com Purchase Book