Tuesday, August 31, 2010

FREE COPY OF 'TICKLED ONIONS' BY MORRIS GLEITZMAN UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER


Get Reading! is an annual celebration of books and reading. It takes place from 25 August - 30 September.  
It supports the Indigenous Literacy Project




As part of Get Reading month, you can receive a free copy of 'Tickled Onions' by Morris Gleitzman (Puffin) when you purchase a book from the 'Get Reading 50 BOOKS YOU CAN'T PUT DOWN' list. The book includes a collection of funny short stories. Only available while stocks last from participating stores.






You can see the 'Get Reading! 50 BOOKS YOU CAN'T PUT DOWN' list here, but listed below are the children's books you will find on the list:





Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith  and Catz Cowley (Scholastic NZ)  

Itsy Bitsy Babies by Margeret Wild and Jan Ormerod (Little Hare Books)









Trouble at the Zoo by Bindi Irwin 
(Random House Australia)















Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney 
(Penguin Australia)







GET READING! CHILDREN'S EVENTS

See our Events page for children's events taking place around Australia 

or go to the GET READING  KIDS' ROOM to download some printable children's activity sheets.



MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND AT:  http://www.getreading.com.au/index.php

Monday, August 30, 2010

ENJOY A FREE STORY-TIME SESSION WITH YOUR CHILD

'Baby Karaoke', 'Baby Bounce', 'Baby Rhyme Time', 'Bouncing Babies', 'Giggle and Wiggle', 'Tiny Tots', 'Book Bugs', 'Kids' Club', 'Book Club'. Whatever you want to call them, there is an enormous number of story-time sessions being offered to families all around Australia.

A big part of my job here at My Little Bookcase is saving parents and caregivers time by doing all the ground-work for you. Keep reading and I will help you find a story-time session near you.


The best place to start is at your local library. They run a regular program, offer interactive activities and provide your child with exposure to a huge range of books. Best of all, they are FREE.

Most libraries offer different programs for children of all ages: babies (0-18 months), toddlers (18 months-3 years), pre-school children (3-5 years), school-aged children and teenagers. Many even run multicultural story-times where stories are told in languages other than English.

 FIND YOUR CLOSEST STORY-TIME SESSION!

There are literally hundreds and hundreds of libraries throughout Australia, so it was impossible for me to list them all here.

However, by clicking on your state or territory link below you will only be a few clicks away from finding the website to your closest library. There you will find a timetable and overview of the programs offered.   

Contact me at info@mylittlebookcase.com.au if you encounter any problems. I am only too happy to assist?

















So, what's stopping you? Visit a public library this week.


BENEFITS OF STORY-TIME SESSIONS FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN

I think daily outings of any description are always beneficial to children, but here is a list of reasons why you should pencil  in a date with your child to visit the local library for a story-time session.

A Story-time session:
  • models a fun approach to reading
  • helps children understand the purpose of books
  • exposes children to a wide variety of literature
  • exposes children to different styles of storytelling (i.e. different voice, delivery, expression, body language)
  • encourages a love of reading
  • allows children to interact with books through rhymes, singing, dancing and craft
  • enables children to learn the use of rhythm and rhyme
  • encourages imagination
  • develops a readiness to read
  • increases a child's vocabulary
  • assists in the development of pre-reading skills (listening, communications, language, book concepts)
  • provides an opportunity to meet other parents and children in the local area
  • gets you out of the house
  • provides parents with ideas to undertake at home
....AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, IT'S A LOT OF FUN FOR PARENT AND CHILD!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Great Books to Share with Dad this Fathers' Day!

If most Dads are like my husband then they will jump at the chance to read with their children to steal an extra cuddle. It is really lovely for children to have a special book that they share with their dads.
Below is a list of beautiful books I have recently encountered that celebrate the special roles dads play in families. Each of them would make meaningful Fathers’ Day gifts.


Finding time to shop or search for the best price can be near impossible for parents. Therefore, I have provided a list of online stores that have these books available for purchase. These particular stores have been chosen on this occasion based on their affordable price, available stock and estimated delivery time. I have provided this extra information and active links as a convenience for you. You are not obliged to shop from these stores. The prices and delivery times are accurate at the time of posting. Ensure you check their website before making a purchase. Fathers’ Day is only two weeks away, so be sure to order quickly to ensure you receive the book in time.


MY DAD 
by Jeannette Rowe (ABC books).
Suitable for children aged 1-4.
This book has many endearing qualities that make it a cute gift for a baby or toddler to give to their daddy. It is a ‘lift-the-flap’ book, and what toddler doesn’t like to lift flaps? The story includes everyday activities that children undertake with their dads, such as going to the park and having cuddles. The illustrations are bold and colourful, and there is even a little space at the back of the book where children can paste a photo of their own dad.
This book is available for purchase online. Be sure to order today to ensure delivery in time for Father’s Day.
$12.95 +$6.50(p+h)=$19.45.
Website states that this book will be shipped in 1-3 days.
$12.95+ $6.50(p+h)=$19.45.
Website states that this book will be shipped in 2-5 days.


KISSES FOR DADDY  
by Frances Watts and David Legge
(Little Hare Books). 
Suitable for children aged 3+.
I couldn’t resist including ‘Kisses for Daddy’ on this list. My daughter gave a copy of this book to her dad for his last birthday. It is their special book that only they are allowed to share together. Personally, I’m a bit jealous because I think it is beautiful.  I have to sneak looks at it when no-one is looking. My husband particularly likes the detailed and life-like illustrations. My daughter enjoys searching for the cleverly hidden animals that can be found on each page. The story is a lovely for bedtime. CLICK HERE TO SEE INSIDE THE BOOK
This book is available for purchase online. Be sure to order today to ensure delivery in time for Father’s Day.
DYMOCKS
$12.95 +$6.50(p+h)= $19.85.
Website states that this book will usually be shipped in 4 days.
DYMOCKS (Board Book)
$14.95 +$6.50 (p+h)= $21.45
Website states that this book will usually be shipped in 24 hours.

MY DADDY AND ME 
by Rachael Flynn and Craig Smith 
(Puffin Books).
Suitable for children aged 3-7.
Included in this story are funny moments that a child shares with his dad. What I really like about this book is the way that Rachael Flynn has invited the reader to become part of the story by posing questions on each page. This book is a great stimulus for sharing your own special family moments.
This book is available for purchase online. Be sure to order today to ensure delivery in time for Father’s Day.
READINGS.
$12.95 +$6.50(p+h) =$19.45.
Website states that this book will be shipped in 2-5 days.
DYMOCKS
$12.95 +$6.50(p+h)=$19.45.
Website states that this book will usually be shipped in 1-3 days.


11.99+$6.50(p+h)=$18.49.
Website states that this book will be shipped in 5-7days.


MY DAD’S A WRESTLER 
by Matt Zurbo and Dean Gorissen 
(Lothian Children’s Books, 2009).
Suitable for children aged 5+.
This book is perfect for dads to share with their sons. It is humorous and fun, with bold and extravagant caricature-style illustrations. The story is indicative of many father-son relationships. The young narrator of the story is his father’s number-one fan. He exudes pride and admiration for his father. Both emotions many boys would feel towards their fathers. This book achieved a place on the 2010 CBCA Book of the Year Notable List.
This book is available for purchase online. Be sure to order today to ensure delivery in time for Father’s Day.

The Nile -Australia's Largest Online Bookstore


(Hard Cover) $25.99+$6.50 (p+h)=$32.49.
Website states that that this book will be shipped in 5-7 days.
The Nile -Australia's Largest Online Bookstore


(Paper back) $15.49 +$6.50 (p+h) =$21.99.
Website states that that this book will be shipped in 5-7 days.

BUY AUSTRALIAN
(Paperback) $15.12 +$6.95(p+h)=$22.07.
Website states that this book will be shipped in 7-10 days.
QBD
(Paperback) $16.99 +$6.00 (p+h)=$22.99.
Website states that this book will be shipped in 4-6 days.

MY DAD THINKS HE’S FUNNY  
by Katrina Germein and Tom Jellett 
(Black Dog Books, 2010). 
Suitable for children aged 7+.
Picture books are intended to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. This is certainly the case for ‘My Dad Thinks he’s Funny’. Katrina Germein pays tribute to the 'Dadism': when dads play on words to create a clever gag. Fathers, I’m sure, will definitely enjoy reading this book because all dads love their own jokes. This is a great read for Fathers’ Day which lends itself to a family discussion around the breakfast table, laughing at your own dad’s gags. I know what I’m getting my dad this Father’s Day.
This book is available for purchase online. Be sure to order today to ensure delivery in time for Father’s Day.
The Co-op.
$24.99 +$0.00(p+h) =$24.99.
The website states that there is limited stock available.
DYMOCKS
$24.99 +$6.50(p+h)=$31.49.
Website states that this book will be shipped in 24 hours.
READINGS $24.99 +$6.50(p+h)=$31.49.
Website states that this book will be shipped in 2-5 days.
DOUBLE DAY ENTERTAINMENT
$24.95+ $7.95(p+h)=$32.90.
Website states that this book will be shipped in 24 hours.
This book is also available from the publisher:
BLACK DOG BOOKS $24.99



Friday, August 20, 2010

CBCA BOOK OF YEAR AWARDS, 2010





The Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) is a not-for-profit organisation that promotes quality Australian Books. The annual Book Week is launched each year with the announcement of the Children's Book of the Year award winners.
Each year I wait impatiently to hear of the award winners. I like to purchase the books as gifts for babies born in that year, as I believe they make meaningful keepsakes.


If you have children in primary school, you are probably already aware that over the past few months children have spent many sessions in their school library reading the short-listed books and completing activities based on the books. You might like to have a discussion with your child about which book they would have granted as 'Book of the Year'.


The actual winners were announced at midday today, marking the start of Book Week 2010.


Congratulations to the following awards winners and to the honour books and all short-listed nominees.

Early Childhood Book of the Year 2010
'Bear and Chook by the Sea' by Lisa Shanahan and illustrated by Emma Quay (Lothian Children's Books, Hachette)

Young Readers Book of the Year 2010
'Darius Bell and the Glitter Pool' by Odo Hirsch (Allen & Unwin)

Picture Book of the Year 2010
'The Hero of Little Street' by Gregory Rogers (Allen & Unwin)
  






EVENTS

ACTIVITIES

Monday, August 16, 2010

COMING SOON!

I'm so glad you found My Little Bookcase. At My Little Bookcase, we love children's books. I have so many things in store for parents, caregivers and children. Please visit again soon.