Mark & Rowan Sommerset: It's not a book, but it's something we made!

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Mark & Rowan Sommerset: It's not a book, but it's something we made!

We’ve long been fans of the the uber-talented, uber-funny, author/illustrator duo Mark and Rowan Sommerset so, when the email came to say they’re selling their home, I immediately checked it out. Well, my oh my! Their publishing arm is worthily called Dreamboat Books and their house is all of that. I couldn’t wait to share it with you! Video below, but first click here for a gorgeous slide show (there’s a luxury yurt!)

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a timely reminder (to me) that reading together should be a treat, not a prescription

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“When I say to a parent, ‘read to a child’, I don’t want it to sound like medicine. I want it to sound like chocolate.”
— Mem Fox

This from Mem Fox really resonated with me today.

I always love reading to my kids, it’s one of the highlights of my day and gives me rest from constant busyness + connections on a physical, mental and emotional level and great discussions that give me insight into their amazing minds.

 But, in my enthusiasm to read many and varied books to them, our reading doesn’t always come across like chocolate (sometimes you’d think I’m trying to take them to the dentist!).

 So I’m grateful for this timely reminder that what is most important is helping my kids love books, not how many we read in a day.

Pandemonia: a fun and noisy chain reaction of calamities!

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Pandemonia: a fun and noisy chain reaction of calamities!

ages 3 to 8 years
When I was in my early 20’s I was privileged to teach English in China, an amazing experience filled with people, culture and experiences. And I got to visit the Beijing Zoo.

I had no real interest in the zoo itself, but I’d always wanted to see a panda. So in 42-degree heat and what felt like 110% humidity I made my way across Beijing. And … it was rather disappointing. The panda WAS cute, but

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move over fractured fairy tales, fantasy can be good for us all!

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move over fractured fairy tales, fantasy can be good for us all!

I’m always a little embarrassed when someone asks me what I like to read. My favourite genre (although I will basically read and enjoy anything) is fantasy, with a particular love of fairy tale re-telling.

I know in general it’s a popular genre, but I like to think of myself as a practical sort of person, and I almost feel like it’s a weakness, that little part of myself that won’t grow up (ok there is probably more than just one small part that hasn’t grown up : )).

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All The Colours I See: exploring and loving our colourful world

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All The Colours I See: exploring and loving our colourful world

ages 1 to 8 years
Spring is in full bloom in Tasmania, it’s the most divine season. Lush green from all the rain, vibrant splashes of colour from the blossoms and spring blooms (daffodils everywhere!) and all that bright sunshine! There’s a whole mass of colours you forget exist in the long cold winter.  

All the Colours I See is the perfect book to compliment our spring colour fever. It’s a beautiful die-cut colours primer that explores the different hues in the world around us.

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after our marathon break—books about running to inspire, educate and entertain

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after our marathon break—books about running to inspire, educate and entertain

Well that turned into a marathon break - the best laid plans and all that! (If you're reading this post in isolation, we took what turned into a way-too-long break from WTBA to get a few other things in order.) 

Speaking of marathons :), I’ve been reading Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. It’s witty and conversational in tone, fascinating and eye opening. Quite inspiring.

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