life lessons about tipping points and the need for balance

life lessons about tipping points and the need for balance

ages 0 to 8 years
It’s like ...who sank the boat!' That’s how my family often describes an overwhelming day, too much of something, or a time when we've gone one step too far.

In this story, there’s ‘a cow, a donkey, a sheep, a pig and a tiny little mouse’ who decide to go for a row on the bay. One by one, they gingerly climb in the rowboat and restore the equilibrium before the next passenger. Finally it’s the tiny little mouse’s turn and so in it jumps. You can guess what happens next I’m sure!

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meeting (kind of) Jackie French, and picking up wonderful quotes, tips and tricks!

meeting (kind of) Jackie French, and picking up wonderful quotes, tips and tricks!

I recently attended the annual Queensland Childcare Association conference and I was so excited to be going—but my excitement went through the roof when I heard that the keynote speaker was Jackie French, the author of my favourite novel, I think in the world, To Love a Sunburnt Country!

I have always loved Jackie French! Ever since I was little I enjoyed reading—or mainly having read to me—her books. Probably the first one I heard was Stories to Eat with a Blood Plum. I must have been all of three-years-old

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come inside the world of QAGOMA’s collection artists and learn some great new ways to make art

come inside the world of QAGOMA’s collection artists and learn some great new ways to make art

ages 4 to infinity
Everything leading up to our moving was, as it always is, hectic and messy. We didn’t get to do everything we'd have liked before we left, but we did get to visit GOMA’s 10 year anniversary exhibit.  

GOMA is one of Ivy’s and my favourite places, we miss it. On our last (final) visit, we bought this fantastic book, 10 Ways to Make Art, from the shop:

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Annie Grossman: a passionate bookseller on the books that formed and changed her life

Annie Grossman: a passionate bookseller on the books that formed and changed her life

Over the years we've bought our Sunshine Coast holiday reading at Annie's Books on Peregian, but we only recently met Annie Grossman in person. It was a real treat!

We were so impressed (charmed actually) by Annie's wit and passion, we asked if she'd share some of her favourite books with us and our readers. And what a great selection! But first, we asked if she would tell us a little about herself:

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12 books for National Reconciliation Week and beyond

12 books for National Reconciliation Week and beyond

For the last 21 years—between 27 May when the Say Yes referendum was held, and 3 June when the Mabo Land Rights Case was decided—Australia has held a National Reconciliation Week. 

The events of NRW can be a great starting point for conversations about race and reconciliation, and to continue that important work, here are 12 picture books that speak to indigenous life in Australia. These 8 are on my bookshelf now:

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