Acclaimed author-illustrator duo Mem Fox and Judy Horacek talk friendship, perfectionism and children’s books. What was your impression of each other when you first met? Mem: I was in Canberra for a literacy conference and Judy happened to have an exhibition there. Judy had drawn the cartoons...
An attentive canine can boost a shy reader’s confidence reports Helen Lewis Since COVID-19 hit British shores, 3.2 million pets have reportedly been purchased. Animals provide a valuable sense of companionship and a wide variety of species, including dogs, cats, fish, birds and horses have helped...
After a year of digital learning and virtual teaching, let's hear it for the joy of real books! Says Kathryn MacCallum. We know COVID-19 and its associated changes to our work and learning habits caused a marked increase in the use of technology. More surprising, perhaps,...
Some unusual picture books this month especially the one on Synaesthesia. Sometimes described as a handicap and often as a gift. Who am I? by Percy Shozi & illustrated by Maren Mia du Plessis p/b, RRP$24.(available directly from the author at Percys Poems) Ages 5+ The author grew...
Consumers must be made aware that the “full ownership” they have experienced over most of their physical possessions cannot be taken for granted when purchasing digital products. Writes Rebecca Mardon. Microsoft has announced that it will close the books category of its digital store. While other...
Let’s start by putting aside the bugbear that it is even possible to “cancel” children’s author Dr Seuss, writes Kate Cantrell and Sharon Bickle As Philip Bump wrote recently in The Washington Post, No one is ‘cancelling’ Dr Seuss. The author, himself, is dead for one thing,...
A world of children’s books is dominated by white authors. Children develop bias from an early age, report Helen Joanne Adam, Caroline Barratt-Pugh, Libby Jackson-Barrett, and Robert Stanly Somerville. Global support for the Black Lives Matter movement isn’t only about standing up against the injustice done...
Early exposure to diverse story characters, including in ethnicity, gender and ability, helps young people develop a strong sense of identity and belonging. It is also crucial in cultivating compassion towards others, writes Ping Tian and Helen Caple. Children from minority backgrounds rarely see themselves reflected...
The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) kicked off its quest for Book of the Year by announcing the Notables List. CBCA National Chair Wendy Rapee said it was a year when we needed stories more than ever, and our storytellers came through with a record-breaking...
Debate over how to teach children to read has raged over the past 40 years. But what is the best practice for those children who are struggling with reading and how should we intervene? Dr Jon Quach, Dr Tanya Serry, Professor Janet Clinton and Professor Sharon...
