Sandhya made a great suggestion in the comments on my previous post – to put up a list of all the countries from where we had families participating in the postcard swap. That would have been too easy (!) so in addition to the list of countries, I’ve added a link or two to interesting bits and pieces about children’s literature or individual books for each country. These are not meant to be representative of children’s literature in the given country – it’s more of a pot pourri sort of approach – hopefully you’ll discover some new gems and have your appetite whetted for some world literature!
Argentina
A selection of Argentinian books from Travel for Kids
On hunting for genuine Argentinian kids’ books by DadWagon
A brief biography of Argentinian illustrator, author and Singer, Isol
Australia (we had participants from New South Wales, Norther Territory, Victoria, South Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, Western Australia)
The Book Chook – a fantabulous kids’ books’ site from an Australian author passionate about literacy
A brief history of Australian children’s books from the Australian Government
Children’s Book Council of Australia
Bahamas
The House in the Sky: A Bahamian Folktale
Bermuda
An extensive list of books about Bermuda, including non fiction, books for adults, cookery books and more
Brunei
An article about a recent book fair in Brunei
Bulgaria
Now that the dust has settled on our International Postcard Swap for Families I thought I’d write up a post about how I did it and what I’d change next time. This is partly for my own benefit – so that when I hold another swap it’s easier for me, but also because a few of you have asked for some details about how I held the swap – maybe some of you will feel inspired to hold your own swaps (in which case, do let me know!).
What I loved about holding this swap and why I would do it again
I got such a huge kick from “meeting” families around the world, some of whom I know I will be getting to know better now that I’m a regular reader of their blogs! It really was wonderful to play a role in kids and families learning a little bit about different cultures and parts of the world. Even if it was only in a teeny-tiny way I do feel I’ve contributed to “international understanding” and that, if I’m honest makes me feel proud and happy.
Not only did my kids learn plenty of new things as a result of the swap, so did I! I’m not proud to admit that there were some countries involved in the swap which I couldn’t place on a map. But I can now! Hooray! As well as geography I learned some new technical / bloggy / organizational skills which has been an added bonus.
It feels a little unseemly to say it but my blog stats zoomed up as a result of the swap – although I know many swap participants won’t become regular readers of my blog, some have, and hosting the swap had definitely increased my readership and “visibility” in the parts of the blogosphere I inhabit.
What wasn’t so thrilling about the swap and which you need to be prepared for if you’re hosting a swap
Hosting a swap will take up a lot of your time. How much time it takes up with depend on how prepared you are, how many people are participating (you might decide in advance to cap numbers at a certain point) and what your policy is on replying to individual emails. I deliberately set up the swap so that the weekend when I was sorting out addresses was a long holiday weekend here when my husband would be around to play with the kids. Definitely warn in advance any partners that you’ll be busy with the swap and ask for their understanding and help!
After the swap I was somewhat burnt out – although I loved doing it, I really wanted an extended period away from the computer once it was all done. Next time I will certainly endeavour to have some blog posts scheduled for after the swap so that things keep ticking over whilst I spend some time recharging. Of course if your swap only involves 20 people (rather than over 230 families) you may not have to worry about this.
The nitty gritty of the swap mechanics
Preparing for the swap
Decide exactly who you want to participate in the swap. Is the swap for anyone, families only, any family (eg one with grown up kids, or only with kids under 18), children only etc. Of course you might expand the pool of people who can sign up once you’re up and running, but it will certainly save you time and energy if you’ve thou
Spurred on by the International Postcard Swap for Families that we’re hosting here on Playing by the book, I thought I’d bring together a list of picture books which features sending and/or receiving post/mail, or writing letters. With the help of the generous community who make up the Child Lit email group at Rutgers I’ve come up with 99 books which in some way feature letters, cards or parcels.
Such a list would be rather unwieldy on a blog post so I’ve made it available on Amazon, split into 4 parts. Click on the links below to take you to the list:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
As for some play…
Here are lots of (US) postage stamp colouring sheets
Take inspiration from this commercial toy post office to make your own!
Make your own mail bags for delivering mail
Make pretend postage stamps or a post box using the tutorials in the mail themed issue of Kids Craft Weekly
And some music…
Return to sender by Elvis Presley
Please Mr Postman by The Carpenters
Postcards by Robyn Archer
What’s your favourite song about post / letters? And your favourite kids’ book which features mail?
Several weeks ago I read a lovely post about collecting postcards at an Australian blog called Adventures with Kids. This got me thinking about a postcard swap for M and J – they both love making cards and receiving post – but when I searched online for one I couldn’t find any open internationally specifically for families. Not one to give in easily I thought I would set up my own… but of course before I could do that I wanted to find some lovely books to share with my girls, and with you, about writing, sending and receiving post.
Photo: Post Box
The Giant Hug by Sandra Horning, illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev is a heart warming, funny and informative book about the joys of sending and receiving mail. When Owen is asked what he wants to send his Granny for her birthday he is determined to send her a giant hug. Not a picture of a hug, but the real thing.
At the post office the clerk is rather surprised at this request but plays game. “We don’t normally send hugs, but I suppose we could give it a try.” And so starts the journey of Owen’s hug – passed from person to person involved in sorting and delivering the mail right across the country, sometimes accompanied by laughter, bristles, blushing and delight. Granny is thrilled when her giant hug is finally delivered right into her arms, and we’re all left laughing when we discover what she sends back to her much loved Grandson.
We all loved this story. M’s interest was immediately captured because the illustrations reminded her of Richard Scarry – and not just because they depict cute animals doing all sorts of human jobs. The generosity and willingness of all participants to play their part in spreading the happiness was lovely to see – I’d love my kids to live in such a community. As well as providing us with many good giggles, it also gave us the opportunity to discuss how post actually gets from A to B, and M found it intriguing to think of all the different people and places that would see her next card she puts in the post. J loved the book because of all the cuddles and hugs we had as we read it! All in all a perfect book about how you can post a little bit of love to friends and family wherever they are.
In response to this delightful story J and I illustrated some postcards of our own in anticipation of mailing them to some of you in what I hope w
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These are great–I especially look forward to checking the resources for the countries from which we received postcards. Thank you!
Another idea for the U.S.–here is a website that lists children’s books by state:
http://www.mrsmcgowan.com/projects/flags/states_books.htm
Wow! Awesome swap!
And here are some more links for books from India:
Tulika Books – http://www.tulikabooks.com/
National Book Trust:
http://www.nbtindia.org.in/innerPage.aspx?aspxerrorpath=/books_catalog2.aspx
Childrens Books Trust: http://www.childrensbooktrust.com/cbt.html
Tara Books:
http://www.tarabooks.com/
What a great idea, thanks for all your work Zoe!
Hi Fiddler – thanks for the great link!
Choxbox – you always come up trumps!
Mari-Ann – can you suggest anything more by way of Bermudan books for kids?