The main reason why I am looking forward to attending this festival, is that it brings people together from across Australia who have a love for the creative arts, to celebrate books, writing, reading, poetry, illustrations and all of their creators.
I read a lot of children's chapter books, but none have been quite like this one, its story is fresh and real, with an injection of history that brings it all into a well paced adventure.
Not only is this a wonderful resource that can be used in the home or school setting, the author reminds us that it is about the process and not the product, that it is okay to make mistakes, encourage them to tinker, and give them the freedom to be innovative.
Joey Chou's Make & Play Farm is unique and creative, packed with many opportunities for imaginative play and storytelling. This book is enormous fun, and emphasises that books are full of possibilities.
Marvellous Mummy is a beautiful book to celebrate the relationship between a child and their mummy at anytime of the year. It is a fun little book that celebrates all the different traits of a mum, including those times when she is grumpy, and mothers day is the perfect day to read it.
I am a big advocate of having Non Fiction books readily available for children to read. They are great learning tools that often don't make the reader feel like they are learning because they are having so much fun, yes learning can be fun.
'Shhh...everyone is fast asleep on the farm.' 'Who can you see cuddled up in the barn?' The language is simple and tells a beautiful story about the hungry caterpillar heading to his bed upon some leaves, while saying goodnight to his friends along the way.
These are animals is one of the most fun books I have read to a group of children in a while. It was great to see the children love the book as much as I did, which is why it is now one of my favourite go to books for Storytime sessions.
Alfred's War is a moving tribute to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Veterans, and the sacrifices they made as they served our country. This poignant story opens the readers hearts to the Indigenous Australians contribution to the war, and the lack of support and discrimination they were subject to on their return home.
Clare Atkins, thank you for writing this book and for giving me insight into a world in which I had previously little knowledge about. It is raw, compelling and challenging and for that I am grateful.
Little Big Reads 