Learning to read is a huge achievement, some of my children instantly ‘got it’ and others took their time to work it out and that is totally OK. I have definitely learnt that keeping it fun, exciting and entertaining helps take away some of the pressure and allows young readers to playfully make the jump from looking at pictures to proper reading. Proving you’re never [read more]
From home isolation to hoarding, from shopping limits to social distancing, from hand sanitiser to home schooling… it has been a crazy few months! There are days I myself can hardly wrap my head around everything that has happened and the impact it has on all of us, so I am not surprised that children’s heads are full of questions too. If you are looking [read more]
During these strange times of social distancing and home isolation it is more important than ever to teach children about kindness, community and caring for those who could use a smile. This sweet EK Books release by Australian author Vikki Conley has all the good stuff covered: In Ella & Mrs Gooseberry (RRP $24.99) we meet the lovely Ella and her grumpy neighbour called, you [read more]
Castles and crowns, glamour and gowns, tea parties and tiaras… if you thought the life of a princess is always easy, think again. Author Stephanie Ward and illustrator Shaney Hyde are welcoming you into the colourful world of Princess Arabella in this beautiful story published by EK Books: Every year Princess Arabella, adored by her loving parents, is granted one special wish. She uses her royal [read more]
Whether the kids are back at school or still learning along from home, starting today many students across Australia will be learning about National Reconciliation Week (May 27 – June 3). What is reconciliation, why is it important and why is it important to all of us? Reconciliation Australia captures the message like this: ‘At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres [read more]
I know it is hard to believe but in the almost fourteen years I have lived in South Australia, Australia’s Festival State, I have not once made it to the Adelaide Fringe. Things are about to change as we’re planning to celebrate Sybil’s birthday in style this weekend with a visit to a Fringe performance full of giggles, gasps and good old-fashioned family fun: This [read more]
After spending the last 1.5 week cooped up inside with miserable kids surrounded by sick buckets I am very much feeling the Christmas stress. So much to do, so little time and only two sleeps left until the big day! So where does one go for awesome children’s gifts that are a guaranteed success? Smiggle of course! At Smiggle they know exactly what’s hip and [read more]