WTBA is a collection of and conversation about powerful books that strengthen, elevate, inspire and help to grow powerful, resilient kids. We're a book oriented guide for parents, grandparents, educators, aunts, uncles and anyone involved in nurturing children and caring for friends.
A sequel to Baa Baa Smart Sheep, this time Quirky Turkey tries to take revenge on Little Baa Baa by giving Little Baa Baa a glass of ‘lemonade’ – it all backfires horribly. I guess we’ve all been the turkey at some point – and possibly the sheep at some point too . . .
ages toddler to 12 years / funny
Read Moreages baby to 8 years
Chock full of delight, this is the story of Bilby, who really isn’t interested in books. All of Bilby's friends are part of a book club and they love to read, but Bilby is a fidgeter and he just isn’t interested in reading. But then, through a conspiracy of circumstances, Bilby ends up reading just one book—The Terrifying Adventures of Big Brave Bilby—and he is hooked.
After the scatalogical (poo) books post was published, several people asked fun (and serious) questions through our 'ask us' page. So I thought I'd expand on what was written earlier. Why poo books? Because poo is funny! Especially if you’re developing a sense of humour and trying to understand how bodies work and how society works. It’s taboo but harmless, gross but universal and embarrassing but safe....
Read MoreMy Two Blankets is a charming story about a young girl who ‘came to this country to be safe’ and the way she was able to reclaim a safe, happy and loved childhood. Positive, enlightening, it engages on many, many fronts.
ages early childhood to teen
Read Moreages 8 years to grownup
Based on a true story, Lone Pine tells of a young soldier who is at Lone Pine with his brother while yet another brother is also at war elsewhere. The young soldier survives, but his brother doesn’t.
This is tough stuff. It’s poignantly told and is full of sadness. But out of the sadness there is also hope and love. The soldier sends a pine cone from Lone Pine to his mother. She treasures it of course and puts it away where it lies "not quite remembered, not quite forgotten." [The story is set in Australia and Turkey]
Read Moreages 5 years to grownup
Set in Australia. There’s something special about Anzac Day—the cool early morning spent standing with a crowd at the Dawn Service, family breakfasts, and of course Anzac Biscuits to nibble on all day.
And the sense of privilege and peace that comes with living in a free and protected country.
As is true of all war stories, Anzac Biscuits is pretty horrific, but a story that must be told: to remember history, to notice everyday blessings and to understand sacrifice. It does a particularly lovely job of the noticing everyday blessings and understanding sacrifice parts.
Read MoreA conversation about books + kids. A website resource and book reviews for educators, parents, grandparents. The main focus is emotional resilience.
