Me: Aren’t we lucky Grandma and Poppa gave us a Readings voucher to spend at Easter? One book each, kids! Miss 10: I already know which book I want. Ruby Redfort. Mr 7: I don’t know which book to get! Me: That’s ok. Plenty of time to choose. Mr 7: (as we walk into the… Continue reading Our conversation in Readings kids’ bookshop
Category: Children’s Fiction
A fan letter to Rebecca Stead
You know when you’ve read one book from an author that you absolutely loved, and then you want to read all of their books? That’s what happened after I read one of Rebecca Stead’s middle grade fiction books. Her books are suitable for girls and boys, 9-13. They are set in New York, with First… Continue reading A fan letter to Rebecca Stead
My week in books
How many books have you read, skimmed, touched, discussed, borrowed or bought this week? I decided I would tally up mine! Read The secret scriptures by Sebastian Barry – this was my bookclub book and and it was my turn to host. Half of our bookclub had read it, half had started it. We all… Continue reading My week in books
Christmas shopping – books for 12-14 year-olds
The wonderful thing about books for twelve-fourteen year-olds is they explore many topics that are fitting for adult literature, too. These books cut straight to the chase – none of these books are moralistic or preachy or patronising – they are interesting, well-written stories about fascinating ideas. A single stone, written by Meg McKinlay –… Continue reading Christmas shopping – books for 12-14 year-olds
Christmas shopping – books for 9-12 year-olds
I must admit, I have had difficulty writing this post – because I have packed most of our books in boxes, ready for our move back home in a few weeks. I feel a little bereft without all our books around and readily available to read! However, I do have a collection of fabulous books… Continue reading Christmas shopping – books for 9-12 year-olds
Christmas shopping – books for 5-8 year-olds
I don’t think I have ever, ever used my credit card as much as I have in the last two weeks! Christmas shopping, five December birthdays, furniture for our newly renovated house (we’re back in a few weeks) – the numbers have nearly worn off the card. But I hope you are still in the… Continue reading Christmas shopping – books for 5-8 year-olds
Christmas shopping – picture books
Yes, it’s only November but we need to think about buying books for Christmas! I have a series of posts planned for you which I hope will make your Christmas shopping easier. Each Friday for the next four weeks I’ll provide a list of books which I love, and I hope you do, too. You… Continue reading Christmas shopping – picture books
Australian spring literary quotes
While you would think a Melbourne spring should be filled with daffodils, longer evenings and fascinators in the Myer windows, we have had all that but with rain and cold as well. I found it really interesting that these quotes from Australian writers about spring focused on the whole spectrum from the sun and… Continue reading Australian spring literary quotes
My favourite childhood book
Isn’t it interesting that many qualities and characteristics we had as children are the same traits we have now as adults? When I was a kid I made crafty things like latch-hook and cross-stitch, read a lot, wrote stories and I liked cooking. As an adult, I’m still reading and writing stories, still enjoy cooking… Continue reading My favourite childhood book
Pax – book review
The inside of this book, Pax written by Sara Pennypacker, is as beautiful as the outside. As you can see from the cover, Jon Klassen has created a lovely, almost nostalgic-looking cover, showing Pax, the fox, looking outwards. The cover accurately reflects the book, as half of the story is told from Pax’s point of… Continue reading Pax – book review