Monday 19 December 2011
I have had the pleasure of meeting illustrator Serena Geddes, and watching her draw in front of a bunch of over-excited kids! She is utterly charming. Her latest picture book will certainly be much loved in our house – especially by Miss 5. This post is written by her…
Wednesday 02 November 2011 -
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Peter Carnavas is one New Frontier‘s most celebrated author/illustrators – and rightly so. His quirky illustrations and touching story lines warm the hearts of children and parents alike. Four of his much-loved picture books have been re-released as Little Treasures. These mini books come complete with an envelope ready for posting, and you can purchase them for $9.95 each, or all four for only $29.95!...
Friday 16 September 2011 -
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An outdoor chalkboard is another project I have had on my to-do list for a while. I love the idea of children having lots of writing and drawing opportunities outdoors. I often find that writing naturally flows outside without the pressure of a classroom environment or the constraints of A4 paper. Chalk is inviting too, because of its non-permanent nature and its accessibility for little hands. (In fact, Mr 2 drew...
Friday 19 August 2011 -
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I spotted these popstick-girl-shapes in a craft store, and grabbed a packet immediately. I just knew they would come in handy for… well, for something! When Miss 5 was recently at home sick they provided wonderful entertainment.
I put out any sparkly collage materials I could find, as well as some fabric and PVA glue. I also had a few leftover precut felt butterfly shapes which proved perfect for wings. ...
Tuesday 09 August 2011 -
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I have long had the idea of putting an actual letterbox in the backyard for the kids to use. FINALLY I got around to it.
Letter writing is such a great, purposeful literacy activity. It provides a reason to write, and an incentive to write well because you want the recipient to be able to read their letter when they receive it!
I picked up this letterbox from our local (big green) hardware store for around $12. ...
Monday 04 July 2011 -
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There are lots of reasons why I love this activity, and why you should try it with your kids!
It’s easy to set up.
It’s exciting!
It gets kids outside.
It provides a purposeful reading opportunity.
It can be modified for a range of ages.
Monday 30 May 2011 -
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I’m a big fan of local author/illustrator Peter Carnavas. Like myself, Peter is a primary school teacher so he knows what makes a great picture book. With New Frontier behind him, Carnavas has been bringing out book after fabulous book.
Saturday 28 May 2011 -
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This week thousands of Aussie kids across the country heard the fabulous story Feathers For Phoebe by award winning author/illustrator Rod Clement. National Simultaneous Storytime has become an annual event, and one that is warmly embraced by librarians, early years educators, parents and children alike. My two year old and I enjoyed the activities and reading at our local library.
Tuesday 05 April 2011 -
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My friends at Black Dog Books sent me a copy of One Stitch At A Time, a beginner’s guide to making soft toys. While I am not the world’s best sewer – I have to admit that it is gorgeous. Author, Gen West, has collaborated with Postman Pat puppet maker Laura Clempson. Needless to say, the softies in the book are impeccably stitched! The complete toy making kit contains everything you need to make...
Sunday 13 February 2011 -
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What an absolute delight it was to be at Karen Collum‘s book launch today to celebrate her debut picture book, Samuel’s Kisses (New Frontier Publishing). A truly heart warming tale, Samuel’s Kisses is an early childhood story beautifully illustrated by Serena Geddes. Samuel blows kisses to unhappy shoppers with surprising, and entertaining results. The uncomplicated plot makes for a feel-good...
