The photograph of a Belarus bus stop is by Alexandra Soldatova
Enchantment takes many forms in wonder tales.
Metamorphosis and transformation are part of life.
In an instant, a girl, a boy, or even a powerful a prince may be transformed into a swan, a frog, a fox, a bird or a bear.
And then, there is the beast...
"De Villeneuve was part of the "second wave" of French fairy tale writers (Madame D'Aulnoy, Charles Perrault, and other salon fairy tale writers comprising the "first wave" fifty years earlier). When she sat down to create Beauty and the Beast (a novella–length tale first published in La jeune ameriquaine, et les contes marins), she was influenced by the work of "first wave" writers, by the story of "Cupid and Psyche" in Apuleius' Golden Ass, and by the various Animal Bridegroom legends of folklore. The story she came up with was uniquely her own, however, and addressed issues of concern to women of her day. Chief among these was a critique of a marriage system in which women had few legal rights — no right to chose their own husband, no right to refuse the marriage bed, no right to control their own property, and no right of divorce. Often the brides were fourteen or fifteen years old, given to men who were decades older. Unsatisfactory wives risked being locked up in mental institutions or distant convents. Women fairy tale writers of the 17th & 18th centuries were often sharply critical of such practices, promoting the ideas of love, fidelity, and civilité between the sexes. Their tales reflected the realities they lived with, and their dreams of a better way of life. Their Animal Bridegroom stories, in particularly, embodied the real–life fears of women who could be promised to total strangers in marriage, and who did not know if they'd find a beast or a lover in their marriage bed."
Dinner in the Castle
― Maya Angelou, Poems
The Planet Of The Dogs takes place long, ago. There were no dogs on planet earth. Invaders and outlaw tribes were an ongoing threat to farms, villages and towns where ordinary people lived.
Dogs came down to Green Valley from their own peaceful planet to help people. Using their courage, intelligence and their great love of humans, the dogs were able to help good people in myriad ways: rescuing lost children; bringing comfort and healing to the old and the lonely; guarding homes and farm; and finally, overcoming the invading warrior tribes and bringing peace to the land...
Reviewer Wayne Walker in Stories for Children Magazine:..." Author Robert J. McCarty has created a charming fantasy-allegory that can be read and understood on at least two different levels. Children will enjoy the story about dogs that come from another planet to help people on earth. But under the surface are the important messages of friendship, love, loyalty, and overcoming evil with good..."
Read Sample Chapters of the Planet Of The Dogs series.
Action and Compassion...An exciting video posted on Facebook by the Logical Indian...a dog, carried along turbulent waters, is rescued... for compassionate people and for all dog lovers...a dog rescue video
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Emma Watson plays beauty. From the trailer, it looks like there are lots of special effects and plot additions. Music from the Disney hit Broadway musical version will be included. The Broadway version was written by Linda Woolverton, the writer also responsible for the very engaging, Maleficent . However, she is not the writer of this 2017 movie version.
Room to Read...bringing books to disadvantaged children
Over 9.7 million books were checked out from Room To Read Libraries in 2012. Here are excerpts from their website describing some of the outstanding work they accomplish worldwide:
"We envision a world in which all children can pursue a quality education, reach their full potential and contribute to their community and the world.
To achieve this goal, we focus on two areas where we believe we can have the greatest impact: literacy and gender equality in education.
We work in collaboration with communities and local governments across Asia and Africa to develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children, and support girls to complete secondary school with the life skills they’ll need to succeed in school and beyond."
Here is a link to the Room to Read Literacy Program
Girls' Education
"Our Girls’ Education Program ensures that girls complete secondary school and have the skills to negotiate key life decisions. Our program reinforces girls’ commitment to their own education, works with girls to develop essential life skills and increases support for girls’ education among their parents, school staff, and communities."
Here is a link to the Room to Read website
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The Dogs of Circling the Waggins Live Here
This is the home of author, blogger and animal advocate, CA Wulff. This is where she lives with her rescued dogs, writes her books, and helps people and dogs. She recently wrote on her blog, Up On The Woof, about her rescue work through the Community page, Lost & Found Ohio Pets on Facebook. The number of lost dogs, abandoned dogs, and rescued dogs is staggering.
Wulff has written two outstanding, practical, How-To books for dog (and animal) owners -- and for caring people who want to make a difference.
Finding Fido: Practical Steps for Finding Your Lost Pet
Here is an Amazon Review:
"Would you know what to do if you found a stray pet? You might think that calling animal control would be the best thing for the animal - but you'd be wrong. Lots of food for thought in this book, including what to do if you find a stray pet, how to keep from losing a pet, and what to do if your pet is lost. The authors are donating all of the proceeds to ARME's Beagle Freedom Project, a group that rescues dogs used in laboratories."
How To Change the World in 30 Seconds: A Web Warriors Guide to Animal Advocacy
Online
Here is an Amazon Review:
"This book not only offers a starting point for animal rescue but serves as a comprehensive resource book for animal rights advocates. C.A. Wulff has done the urgent heavy lifting here so that the heart and the hands of the rescuer doesn't have to be burdened or bound with the anxieties of not knowing where to begin...I whole heartedly recommend this book as a necessary tool to bring about change in the world."
Here is a link to Circling the Waggins...a memoir of the canine connection in real life.
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One of the reasons for JK Rowling's success was that she didn't give a fig for what people thought they wanted. They didn't know they wanted Harry Potter till she wrote about him. That's the proper way round.
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Disney's Broadway musical version, according to Wikipedia, "ran on Broadway for 5,461 performances between 1994 and 2007, becoming Broadway's ninth longest production in history...The musical has grossed more than $1.4 billion worldwide and played in thirteen countries and 115 cities."
The Cocteau film also directly inspired, among several other versions, an opera by Phillip Glass, a Fairie Tale theater with Susan Sarandon and Klaus Kinski, and an original song by Stevie Nicks.
Here is a link to the song, Beauty and the Beast, sung by Stevie Nicks
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“[I] went from fighting on the battlefield, to laying in a bed and having people take care of [me], back to being independent and doing everything on [my] own…”
Chris Strickland, Age 22, Corporal, U.S. Army, regarding his Service Dog, Ruthie.
Mission and Services
"NEADS/Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans provide independence to people who are Deaf or have a disability through the use of canine assistance.
NEADS (National Education for Assistance Dog Services, also known as Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was established in 1976. Our Assistance Dogs become an extension of their handlers and bring freedom, physical autonomy and relief from social isolation to their human partners.Service dogs are provided free to veterans.
The Human Canine Bond- NEADS has trained over 1,500 Assistance Dog teams since 1976. NEADS is accredited by Assistance Dogs International, the internationally recognized governing body that establishes industry standards and practices. NEADS offers a wide spectrum of Assistance Dog services"
Visit their website: NEADS
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“When I was a child, adults would tell me not to make things up, warning me of what would happen if I did. As far as I can tell so far, it seems to involve lots of foreign travel and not having to get up too early in the morning.”
― Neil Gaiman, Smoke and Mirrors
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The World and Its Wonders
Maria Tatar, in her wonderful book, Enchanted Hunters, describes how reading ignites a child's mind and transports them to worlds of imagination and wonder. In this excerpt from the chapter entitled Theaters for
the Imagination, she discusses how fairy tales -- wonder tales -- opened the doors to new worlds:
"The deep, almost visceral connection between childhood and wonder had what was once perceived to be a dark side. The child's innate curiosity about the world and its wonders was repeatedly demonized and linked with the evils of idle hands...The rise of the fairy tale created a tectonic shift in children's literature and revealed that something had been long off kilter. Fairy tales -- sometimes referred to as "wonder tales" because they traffic in magic -- opened the door to new theaters of action, with casts of characters very different from the scolding schoolmarm, the aggravated bailiff, or the dis approving cleric found in manuals for moral and spiritual improvement. Books were suddenly invaded by fabulous monsters -- bloodthirsty giants, red-eyed witches, savage bluebeards, and sinister child snatchers -- and they produced a giddy sense of disorientation that roused the curiosity of the child reader."
Maria Tatar, Enchanted Hunters, the Power of Stories in Childhood.
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Movies 2016
Alice returns May 27 in Tim Burton's Through the Looking Glass (Disney)...Much the same wonderful cast...Here is the delightful trailer
Inside Out 2, A Pixar film that has a humorous, Judy Blume approach to the mind of a young teenage girl...Inside Out was a multiple award winner...here is the trailer link: Inside Out 2
The Angry Birds Movie (Sony)...Inspired by the computer game...Opens in May...Here is the trailer for The Angry Birds Movie
The Jungle Book (Disney)...in 3D and Imax 3D...Opens April 15...Here is the fast action trailer for The Jungle Book
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Warners)...written by JK Rowling...a return to the world of wizardry...Opens Nov 18...set in the USA in 1926...here is the announcement trailer
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Elegant and Deep
"If I am a scholar, I am also a parent. To read to a child is to experience not just the pleasures of instruction or the warmth of entertainment, but the immense importance of quite simply reading...Even the most ordinary prose becomes mag
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By: Susanne Gervay,
on 11/12/2014
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: News, Room to Read, Melina Marchetta, Charities, Jennie Orchard, Australia Day Ambassador, I Am jack by Susanne Gervay illustrated by Cathy Wilcox, 'Elephants Have Wings' by Susanne gervay illustrated by Anna Pignataro, Alice Pung, Citizenship ceremony at Woollahra Council, Glee Books, Kings School, Murray Farm Public School, Order of Australia, Tara school, Toni Zeltzer Mayor of Woollahra, Add a tag
Days of being an author – is called crazy-good and up-for-air. Madly frantic!!!!
Racing from KINGS School, to TARA Girls School to Murray Farm Public School to share my I AM JACK books and ‘Elephants Have Wings.’ The librarians are so hospitable – I got well fed and lots of coffee and I got to share my books with gorgeous kids.
Then it’s Gleebook shop Book Launch of Alice Pung’s first young adult novel – Laurinda – launched by my friend and colleague Melina Marchetta. Both Alice and Melina are Room to Read Writer Ambassadors like I am. We’re all on a mission to get books to kids in the developing world.
Then it’s off to a fabulous Indian restaurant with the Room to Read team led by Jennie Orchard and stayed too late because I was having a great time.
Highlight was the citizenship ceremony at Woollahra Council. I addressed a packed house overlooking the beautiful harbour. Purple-blue jacaranda trees heavy with flowers greeted em and I got to hang out with the Mayor Of Woollahra Toni Zeltzer. Loved the gold chains and warm welcome by Toni and all the Council staff but more than that – I had the privilege of addressing 36 new Australians – from Hungary, Germany, Malaysia, Turkey, Pakistan …
I am an Australia Day Ambassador – it’s something I love doing. I’ll be flying to speak in Tamworth this year on Australia Day.
It was moving addressing the 36 new Australians and their families and friends from countries as diverse as Thailand, Singapore, Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, UK … Pakistan. The Pakistan young man and his 3 young friends were beside them
selves that they became Australians today.
I loved speaking to them about our immigrant country that embraced them all and I did a show and tell and held up my Order of Australia.
They loved it. I loved it and it was very special. Made me think about my parents and their journey here.
The post Melina Marchetta, Schools and Citizenship address appeared first on Susanne Gervay's Blog.
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By: Susanne Gervay,
on 11/7/2014
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: News, Room to Read, BEING JACK by Susanne gervay, Deb Abela's New City, Deborah Abela's New City, Kate Forsyth's The Impossible Quest, Stanmore Public School, Susanne Gervay's Being Jack, Add a tag
Fabulous kids at Stanmore Public School.
Fabulous teacher librarian -Jan
Fabulous chickens – I scored a fresh egg. Thankyou chooks.
Welcomed 3 authors – Kate Forsyth, Deb Abela and Susanne (Me) – and we’d told stories and had the kids rolling in the aisles!
to a triple a first time ever triple-book launch by three major publishers at an inner city Sydney school- for the kids of Stanmore :-
Deborah Abela’s ‘NEW CITY’ Penguin Random House ISBN 978 174275 855
Kate Forsyth’s ‘THE IMPOSSIBLE QUEST” Scholastic ISBN 9 781743 624067
Susanne Gervay’s ‘BEING JACK’ HarperCollins ISBN 9 780732 296148
Raising awareness of Room to Read bringing literacy to more than 9 million kids in the developing world.
It was a brilliant afternoon with totally engaged parents and school. Good one!
The post I LOVE my writer friends – Deborah Abela and Kate Forsyth – launching books and getting an EGG! appeared first on Susanne Gervay's Blog.
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By: Susanne Gervay,
on 8/31/2014
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: News, SCBWI, CBCA, Room to Read, author Sandy Fussell, author Sue Whiting, fantasy authors Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrel, SCBWI Australia & New Zealand, Deborah Abela author, Zak the Yak, Authors Wendy Blaxland, Marjorie Crosby-Fairall, Jodie Wells-Slowgrove author, 'Jellybean Goes to School' by Margaret Roc, Room to Read Australia, Ben Johnston ENGIBEARS, Jennifer trad Reid, Katrina McKelvey, Lesley Gibbs, Liz Anelli illustrator, Mike LeFroy author, Susanne Gervay Gracie and Josh, Add a tag
Zac the YAK from Room to Read romps in for CBCA’s BIG BOOK DAY OUT with so many wonderful authors, illustrators, storytelling, SCBWI, jumping castle, barbecue and more … what a brilliant day!
The SCBWI stand was buzzing with Ben Johnston’s hands-on workshop Engibear Series
Margaret Roc’s BIG JELLYBEAN competition.
Lesley Gibbs launch to the very scary very funny picture book SCARY NIGHT.
The hilarious Mike Lefroy entertaining kids with talented illustrator Liz Anelli – HOWZAT!
Wilderness Fairies flapping through the Fair – Jodie Wells-Slowgrove!
S
ue Whiting’s Firefighters with kids in firemen raincoats! Kids loved it.
Marjorie Crosby-Fairall’s workshop with The Croc and The Platypus – so creative!
Wendy Blaxland brilliant play about Blaxland’s Crossing” …. and much more … authors Sandy Fussell, Deborah Abela, Kate Forsyth, Belinda Murrell, Oliver
Phommavanh ….. a feast of creators.
Even more fun with the CBCA Newcastle and Sydney West regions with Jennifer Trad Reid and Katrina McKelvey.
What a day!
The post ZAC the YAK at SCBWI at CBCA BIG BOOK DAY OUT appeared first on Susanne Gervay's Blog.
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By: Susanne Gervay,
on 8/14/2014
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: I AM JACK, BOOK WEEK, Room to Read, Monkey Baa Theatre, Tim McGarry Director of Monkey Baa Theatre, I am Jack adapted by Monkey Baa Theatre, Room to Read Australia, BEING JACK by Susanne Gervay illustrated by Cathy Wilcox, News, Add a tag
Sooooo much happening – August is when kids’ authors & illustrators are on the move – across Australia – speaking at schools, events and spreading the LOVE of books.
Monkey Baa Theatre is putting on a week of I AM JACK at Darling Quarter Theatre – nearly full houses, but this year I can’t do the post play Q & A as I’ll be speaking at schools. I love doing those Q & A’s with Tim McGarry.
There’s the Benefit for ROOM TO READ – reaching more than 9 millions kids in Asia and Africa. They won’t be all at the Benefit Sat 23 August – ha – but all funds go to building schools and literacy programmes and books.
Launch of my 4th and final BEING JACK – the 15 year journey creating the I AM JACK series.
Treat yourself and see the many amazing authors and illustrators in your schools and bookshops, libraries and events!
CELEBRATE BOOKS & READING!
MonkeyBaa Theatre – www.monkeybaa.com.au
Room to Read – www.roomtoread.org
BOOKINGS for 5 p.m. Sat 23 August. All funds go to Room to Read: monkeybaa.com.au/show/jack-room-read-fundraiser/
The post BOOK WEEK~ Monkey Baa Theatre’s I Am Jack~ Launch of BEING JACK at ROOM to READ BENEFIT appeared first on Susanne Gervay's Blog.
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By: Susanne Gervay,
on 6/19/2014
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: News, I AM JACK, Room to Read, MONKEY BAA THEATRE, Deborah Abela Grimsdon, I Am jack by Susanne Gervay illustrated by Cathy Wilcox, at The Hughenden Hotel Woollahra, author Jacqueline Harvey, Oliver Phommavanh's Thai-riffic!, Jennie orchard Room to read, Christian Marchegiani SWANS boxing coach, NRL anti bullying, Wendy Rapee Room to Read, Add a tag
Love being a Writer Ambassador for Room to Read with the coolest writers around – caught up with the brilliant Room to Read team of Mihiri, Jennie Orchard & Wendy Rapee at The Hughenden Hotel &:-
Jacqueline Harvey famous for her ALICE MIRANDA books
Oliver Phommavanh famous for his THAI-RIFFIC Books
Deborah Abela famous for her MAX REMY SPY super books and GRIMSDEN
Me – famous for my I AM JACK series which advocates for kids & Room to Read
Hey, we’re a famous lot!! Ha, ha, ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We’re raising awareness at the launch of BEING JACK (4th & final I AM JACK) in a BENEFIT for ROOM TO READ:-
with a live performance of I AM JACK by Monkey Baa Theatre
When: 5 p.m. Sat 23rd August 2014
Launched by: Christian Marchegiani Swans boxing coach and anti school bullying advocate.
Champagne, nibblies and we’ll have a great time
BOOKINGS: – Monkey Baa Theatre Company
Lend Lease Darling Quarter Theatre
Terrace 3, 1-25 Harbour Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Ph : 02 8624 9341 ( Ext 3 )
E: [email protected]
www.monkeybaa.com.au
Tickets: $30 for adults; $20 kids and family tickets
The NRL SUPER SPORTS STARS SHOULD BE DROPPING BY – They say NO to bullying too.
Come along and have a BALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
www.roomtoread.org/australia
The post Launching Launching last I AM JACK ~ at Benefit for Room to Read – 5 p.m. 23 Aug at Darling Harbour! appeared first on Susanne Gervay's Blog.
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By: Lorie Ann Grover,
on 4/13/2014
Blog: readergirlz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: first book, reading is fundamental, Operation Teen Book Drop, room to read, girls write now, 826 national, #rockthdrop, the lisa libraries, world literacy foundation, Add a tag
As we get ready to Rock the Drop on Thursday, the 17th, here's a list of seven philanthropies you might look into. Get your book ready to drop with a bookplate and think how else you might contribute to Support Teen Literature Day!
Operation Teen Book Drop, 2014 – Seven Literary Philanthropies We Love
1. Girls Write Now
Founded in 1998, Girls Write Now is the first organization in the country with a writing and mentoring model exclusively for girls. Girls Write Now provides guidance, support, and opportunities for at-risk and underserved girls from New York City’s public high schools to develop their creative, independent voices, explore careers in professional writing, and learn how to make healthy school, career and life choices.
2. First Book
A recognized leader in social enterprise, First Book has pioneered groundbreaking channels to provide new books and educational resources at deeply reduced prices — and for free — to schools and programs serving children in need.
3. 826 National
826 National is a nonprofit organization that provides strategic leadership, administration, and other resources to ensure the success of its network of eight writing and tutoring centers. Its mission is based on the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.
4. The Lisa Libraries
The Lisa Libraries donates new children's books and small libraries to organizations that work with kids in poor and under-served areas. It was started by author Ann M. Martin and friends to honor and memorialize children's book editor Lisa Novak. Since its founding in 1990, the Lisa Libraries has contributed over 300,000 books to nonprofit organizations across the country.
5. Room to Read
Room to Read works in collaboration with communities and local governments across Asia and Africa to develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children, and support girls to complete secondary school with the life skills they’ll need to succeed in school and beyond.
6. Reading is Fundamental
Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is the largest children’s literacy nonprofit in the United States. It prepares and motivates children to read by delivering free books and literacy resources to those children and families who need them most. RIF inspires children to be lifelong readers through the power of choice.
7. World Literacy Foundation
The World Literacy Foundation is an independent not-for-profit charitable body, founded in Australia in 2003 that acknowledges education as a basic human right, and believes that literacy unlocks the door to a life of learning.
By: Lorie Ann Grover,
on 3/31/2014
Blog: readergirlz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: first book, reading is fundamental, Operation Teen Book Drop, Justine Magazine, room to read, girls write now, 826 national, iheartdaily, #rockthdrop, the lisa libraries, world literacy foundation, Add a tag
It's coming! Support Teen Literature Day is Thursday, April 17th, 2014! So we all need to get ready for Operation Teen Book Drop. Above is the banner celebrating the day and our fabulous sponsors: iheartdaily and Justine Magazine. Feel free to grab and share it!
Below is the bookplate for you to print and glue into the young adult book you choose to drop in a public gathering place to Rock the Drop on April 17th. Follow us on facebook and twitter and plan to post a pic. #rockthedrop
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 3/11/2014
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Pamela Cook author, Jennie orchard Room to read, Emily McGuire author, Mihiri Room to Read, Room to Read Australia, Wendy Rapee CBCA, Room to Read, Belinda Murrell, The Hughenden Boutique Hotel Sydney, illustrator Sarah Davis, Add a tag
Champagne, catching up, sharing publishing news, writers, illustrators …. at The Hughenden Hotel in Sydney.
Why? To spread the news of ROOM TO READ – educating the children of the developing world.
How many kids, has Room to Read helped? 9 million children and growing!
The brilliant Jennie Orchard heads the writer ambassador program for ROOM TO READ – and writer ambassadors came – award winning author Emily McGuire, best selling children’s author Belinda Murrell, Country Saga author Pamela Cook, Sarah Davis award winning ….. Susanne Gervay …. and we were there to discuss how to reach everyone with the message of Room to Read.
Come on -
-let’s get kids reading
-let’s especially give girls education
- let’s work with communities to stop illiteracy.
www.roomtoread.org/australia
The post Writer Ambassadors endorse Room to Read educating the kids of the developing world appeared first on Susanne Gervay's Blog.
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By: Susanne Gervay,
on 12/2/2013
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Alison Lester illustrator, Yvette, author Deborah Abela, the Society of Women Writers, author James Roy, Lisa Berryman HarperCollibs, SCBWI Australia East and New Zealand, 'Ships in the Field' by Susanne Gervay and Anna Pignatar, Louise Park author, SCBWI INSIDE STORY, Sue Murray assistant editor School Magazine, 'Jellybean Goes to School' by Margaret Roc, 'My Mother. My Father' edited Susan Wyndham, author Gerard Windsor, author Jesse Blackadder, CBCA Northern Beaches, Daceyville Public School, editor Sharon Rundle, Hazel Edwards OAM, illustrator Tony Flowers, Paul Collins Ford Street Publishing, SCBWI Book Fair at The Hughenden, Sue Meyer artist, Susan Wyndam Literary Editor Sydney Morning Herald, The Children's Bookshops Beecroft, The Ensemble Theatre Kirribilli, UNLEASHED Writers Festival Gymea, writer Margaret Rice, News, Writing, Room to Read, Tim McGarry, Thomas Keneally, Jan Latta, The Hughenden Boutique Hotel, Jennie Orchard, Australian Publishers Association, author Margaret Roc, Professor Elizabeth Webby, I Am Jack by Monkey Baa Theatre, Christopher Cheng author, illustrator Sarah Davis, Author Meredith Costain, Add a tag
How do you feeling about our crazy life?
Ask the PUG!!!!!!
Can any more events, parties, book fairs, get togethers …. be squished into the 4 weeks before December’s Christmas!!!!!!
It’s on … we’re heading for the turkey and an almighty crash!
Diary of November 2013:-
- Celebrations of Hazel Edwards receiving an Order of Australia – YEAH!
- MC for SCBWI’s INSIDE STORY with our loved authors & illustrators at The Children’s Book Beecroft telling the inside story of creating their books including Deborah Abela, Tony Flowers, Yvette Poshoglian, Jan Latta, Christopher Cheng and more.
- Lunch with assistant editor of School Magazine - LOVE Sue Murray - a talented playwright as well as editor
- Sharon Rundle editor and friend and I went off to the launch of ’A Country Too Far’ at Glee Books- caught up with professor Elizabeth Webby and Tom Keneally, Rosie Scott and others.
- brilliant theatre at the opening at The Ensemble of ‘Rapture Blister Burn’
- catching up with my favourite actor Tim McGarry to talk about the I AM JACK USA tour for 2014
- Society of Women Writers’ at the State Library – lunch and collect a prize for ‘Ships in the Field’ – lovely
- Christmas celebrations at the CBCA lunch Northern Branch – catching up with children’s laureate Alison Lester and fabulous illustrator Sarah Davis
-Unleased Writers Festival in Sydney – loved speaking about the journey of writing with the audience
- post Unleashed Festival shared the book industry over dinner with publisher Paul Collins and author James Roy
- I’m the prize on e-bay for the UNLEASHED FESTIVAL! Talented author Mo Johnson won me – well a mini mentorship!
- Caught up with Sue Meyer at the Francis Keevil Gallery to se Sue’s beautiful art
- lunching with the fabulous authors Meredith Costain & Louise Park for Christmas cheer
- dinner with my wonderful publisher Lisa Berryman from HarperCollins to share news and my new book JACK 4 – yet untitled!
- coffee with Jesse Blackadder – love her last book STAY the last dog in Antartica -at The Hughenden who’s down in Sydney for a minute meeting her publishers
- my darling friend Kim’s 40th birthday
- the Australian Publisher Association party – sooo good and caught up with the HarperCollins team there.
- speaking at my old school Daceyville’s Creative Writing Festival – aaahhhhh – memories
- Books in Homes committee meeting selecting books for indigenous & disadvantaged kids – great charity
- launching Margaret Roc’s ‘Jellybean Goes to School’ at the Lindfield Learning Hub – lots of jellybeans and love Margaret
- the SCBWI BOOK FAIR at The Hughenden with some of our best ever authors like Sopgie Masson. kate Forsyth, Belinda Murrell, Deborah Abela and the lsit goes on.
- at the BOOK FAIR supporting ROOM TO READ www.roomtoread.org – loved seeing Jennie Orchard, Wendy Rapee, Cathy and Margaret and the Room to Read team.
- MC for Susan Wyndham’s talk on her book she edited and contributed to ’My Mother. my Father’ (Allen & Unwin) with authors Margaret Rice and Gerard Windsor – such great wrietrs at The Hughenden. Buy the book for Christmas.
Phew – that’s November!
The post Writers Go Crazy in November as XMAS starts %@# appeared first on Susanne Gervay's Blog.
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By: Susanne Gervay,
on 10/15/2013
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Oliver Phommavanh's Thai-riffic!, James Knight author, Pamela Cook author, Room to Read, Kate Forsyth, Belinda Murrell, John Larkin, I Am Jack by Susanne Gervay, Berkelouw Bookshop, Deborah Abela author, Add a tag
Come on and join us – in a celebration of books, authors, kids at Berkelouw Bookshops
10.30-noon on Sat 26th October
Room to Read is supported by many of Australia’s top writers for children and young adults. On this occasion
Susanne Gervay and Deborah Abela will be at Paddington;
Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell at Balgowlah;
Sarah Davis at Leichhardt;
Oliver Phommavanh at Mona Vale;
John Larkin at Dee Why
James Knight at Rose Bay
Pamela Cook will be at Cronulla with her hugely successful romance novel, Blackwattle Lake.
The post AUSTRALIAN AUTHORS, BERKELOUW BOOKS SUPPORT ROOM TO READ & KIDS’ LITERACY appeared first on Susanne Gervay's Blog.
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By: Susanne Gervay,
on 4/15/2012
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: National Year of Reading, Room to Read, NSW Writers Centre, CAL, SCBWI Australia and New Zealand, illustrator Lesley Vamos, Books in Homes, News, SCBWI, Add a tag
Writers and illustrators from around Australia and New Zealand are coming together with great Australian publishers and
NSW Writers Centre
Copyright Agency Limited CAL
SCBWI leadership
to celebrate the vibrant children’s book industry in all its delivery ways – from print, illustration, picture books, e-books ….
SCBWI Conference blogspot has been launched today – see what’s happening.
http://scbwiaustnzconferenceblog2012.blogspot.com.au/
supporting Room to Read and National Year of Reading
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 3/30/2012
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: News, Room to Read, Charities, Susanne Gervay's 'Always Jack', 2012 National year of Reading, Cherrybrook Public School, Central Coast Adventist School, Ships in the field by Susanne Gervay, St Jerome's School Punchbowl, Add a tag
Love talking to the fantastic kids around Australia as
an Ambassador of the National Year of Reading, Ambassador for Room to Read and as a writer.
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 2/6/2012
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: News, Room to Read, Add a tag
Supporters, writers and friends piled into The Hughenden to celebrate the contributions of Australian volunteers to Room to Read – www.roomtoread.org – bringing literacy and education to the children of the developing world.
To date Room to Read has reached 6 million children in countries from Nepal to Uganda.
John Wood founder of Room to Read established it 11 years ago, He is in Sydney for the great GALA Wine event which raised $1 million for Room to Read.
Jennie Orchard who founded the Australian branch of Room to Read and the author ambassador programme was celebrating.
Deborah Abela and Susanne Gervay are author ambassadors for Room to Read.
SCBWI Australia and New Zealand supports Room to Read
The Hughenden supports Room to Read.
Apps creator and writer Karen Robertson who was at The Hughenden, is creating an app for Room to Read for the picture book Zak the Yak created by John Wood.
Author Mark Thomason hs committed to write the next Zak the Yak picture book.
Room to Read is now a partner for The National Year of Reading 2012.
Authors and illustrators supporting Room to read at the event included Margaret Roc, Aleesah Darlinson, Nathan Luff, Lesley Vamos, Sarah Davis, Chris Cheng, Oliver Phommavanh and lots more.
Support the kids of the world through education
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By: Susanne Gervay,
on 1/28/2012
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: News, SCBWI, Chris Cheng, Prue Mason, National Year of Reading, Room to Read, MONKEY BAA THEATRE, NSW Writers Centre, The Hughenden Boutique Hotel, Sheryl Gwyther, Frane Lessac, Alannah & Madeline Foundation, Pamela Rushby, Dianne Wolfer, Cancer Council, Books in Homes, Tina Marie Clark, Corrine Fenton, France Plumpton, Add a tag
Looking forward to a year where we can be part of a world community promoting literacy in developing counties like Room to Read – www.roomtoread.org or in Australia like Books in Homes www.biha.org.au
It’s the National Year of Reading which is launched February 14 in libraries across Australia. Call your library and find out how you can celebrate.
I’ll be at the State Library in Macquarie Street Sydney as an Ambassador for the National Year of Reading.
The Cancer Council’s Relay for Life is a community celebration of those living with cancer and working towards its eradication. Join in – walk the circuit, barbecue those sausages, enjoy the bands and festivities in your local area.
Writers can pursue their inspirations – participate in your Writers Centre, Children’s Book Council, SCBWI – see the meetings across Australia.
I’ll be running the SCBWI events at The Hughenden Hotel in Sydney and am Festival Director of the Kids and young Adult Literature Festival 30th June at the NSW Writers Centre – come along.
Support the brilliant Monkey Baa Theatre which adapts the best in Australian children’s literature – www.monkeybaa.com.au
The Alannah & Madeline Foundation working against school bullying – love them.
So many fantastic things to do, enjoy and celebrate.
Let’s make 2012 count.
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 12/9/2011
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Susanne Gervay's I AM JACK, The National Year of Reading 2012, Sandy Comerford Chair of Monkey BaaTheatre, Susanne Gervay Patron Monkey Baa Theatre, Tim MacGarry, Tim Winton's Bugalugs, Room to Read, MONKEY BAA THEATRE, Hitler's Daughter by Jackie French, Duncan Ball's Emily Eyefinger, Sandra Eldridge and Eva Di Cesare, News, Add a tag
I LOVE MonkeyBaa Theatre.
Tim MacGarry, Sandra Eldridge and Eva Di Cesare, the Directors of Monkey Baa Theatre are creative, passionate and have done a brilliant job adapting Australian children’s lietrature for the stage.
Their adaptation of Jackie French’s ‘Hitler’s Daughter’ will be touring North America next year.
Next year opens with Tim Winton’s Bugalugs – it’s booked across Australia.
However the piece de la resistance is the adaptation of Duncan Ball’s ‘Emily Eyefinger – it was magic – the comedy, the digital support and animation enhancing the talented actors. Of course Tim McGarry (who plays my JACK in ‘I AM JACK’) was the star to me – he was hilarious. They were all great and played to full houses.
The Christmas party was fun with cast members, production manager Sam Johnston (who did I AM JACK – love Sam), the Monkey Baa team. board members and of course … actors. Love them all.
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 10/1/2011
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: 'Sounds Spooky' by Chritopher Cheng and Sarah Davis, Better Read than Dead Bookshop, Literary events, Room to Read, Sarah Davis illustrator, Serena Geddes illustrator, Margaret Hamilton Australian publisher, Maurice Saxby OAM, Add a tag
Sarah Davis’ spooky model of the haunted house was centre stage at the launch of ‘Sounds Spooky’, a brilliant picture book illustrated by Sarah Davis and written by Christopher Cheng.
Maurice Saxby gave a wonderful reading of Sounds Spooky celebrating the originality of the book’s design, unique three dimensional models created by Sarah and the spooky words of Chris.
Publisher and former President of the CBCA Margaret Hamilton, illustrator Serena Geddes, author Wendy Fitzgerald, librarians, children and friends came to celebrate. People crowed into Better Read than Dead Bookshop in Newtown and we all partied.
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 9/24/2011
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: School Visits, Room to Read, Super Jack by Susanne Gervay, Tory Gervay, I Am Jack by Susanne Gervay, Always Jack by Susanne Gervay, www.roomtoread.org, Young Australia Workshop, NO to school Bullying, National year of Reading 2012, www.love2read.org.au, Central Coast Adventist School, News, Add a tag
Thankyou to the kids and teachers of Central Coast Adventist School for loving I Am Jack and my JACKS!
‘I Am Jack’ is a core study at the Adventist School for a term. As I entered the library, it felt like I was welcomed by friends. The warmth of the kids and teachers was a special way to end nearly 2 months on this Book writing tour.
It was so much fun driving with my daughter Tory from Sydney to the Central Coast especially since my GPS went crazy.
We ended up at this Buddhist Cafe and gallery set amongst rolling hills and the green countryside. Beautiful. Then I got to speak to this fantastic kids on their last day before school holidays.
As an ambassador for the National Year of Reading 2012, love speaking to kids and promoting books – next year is going to be a major one – log onto and have fun:- www.love2read.org.au
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 9/17/2011
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: I AM JACK, Room to Read, MONKEY BAA THEATRE, Super Jack by Susanne Gervay, I Am Jack by Susanne Gervay, Always Jack by Susanne Gervay, www.roomtoread.org, Stewart Eglington The Southport School, Susanne gervay ambassador for Room to Read, The Southport School Gold Coast, News, Add a tag
I drive towards The Southport School at Southport on the Gold Coast Queensland. The skies are sparkling blue, the sun bright and the sprawling fields the green of spring.I had the pleasure of meeting Stewart Eglington again, a brilliant teacher and educator who two years ago took The Southport boys to MonkeyBaa Theatre’s ’I Am Jack’ which was the feature event of the Somerset Celebration of Literature Festival.In my 29 years of teaching that (I Am Jack) was the most powerful and moving experience that dealt with bullying in an honest open yet sensitive manner.Stewart Eglington.
Coordinator of Students and Staff
The Southport School – Preparatory School
I spotted Stewart when I saw boys running towards him. They had things to tell him and share the education experience. When I asked if they’d like a photo with Stewart, there was a rush and crush.
Such great teachers – a special thanks to Mr Mac and librarian Deborah Schinckel and all the staff for the warm welcome.
It is such a special experience when a school embraces my JACK series where I invite readers to come into my home and life.
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 9/16/2011
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Literary events, Room to Read, MONKEY BAA THEATRE, NSW Writers Centre, SCBWI Australia and New Zealand, Cancer Council NSW, Susanne Gervay's 'Always Jack', Government House NSW, Professor Marie Bashire, Sir Nicholas Shehadie, Susanne Gervay OAM, News, Add a tag
The sun was shining, Government House was a gracious reminder of the past, the gardens flowering for the investiture of Australians for their contributions to Australia.
We sat in the sumptuous sitting room, as guests gathered for the ceremony. It was inspiring to hear the contribution of so many awarded decorations for courage, extraordinary services in fields as varied as medical, business, government, social justice …. and of course my very special Order of Australia (OAM) for children’s literature and professional organisations.
My wonderful children were there which made it doubly special.
Thankyou to my friends who sent me letters, emails, gifts.
Thankyou to the organisations who are part of my life that supported this award – Room to Read, The NSW Writers Centre, SCBWI, CBCA, MonkeyBaa Theatre and many others.
It was a time where I reflected on my parents’ journey as refugees to Australia. I know they were there with me. We had lunch at 21 Double Bay where my father took me as a girl to share Hungarian dishes, laugh and share stories.
I carried a private momento of my parents with me today.
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 8/12/2011
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: News, Room to Read, Erin Ganju co founder Room to Read, Jeni Orchard Room to Read, Langmeil Winery, Mallesons Stephen Jacques lawyers Sydney, Susanne Gervay's I AM JACK endorsed by Room to Read, Add a tag
‘When you educate a girl, you educate a family that includes that girl’s future children, her comunity, her nation and the world.’
Room to Read’s girls’ education programme is now educating nearly 11,000 girls in 8 developing countries -Laos, India, Zambia, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Nepal, Bangladesh.
As an author ambassador for Room to Read, I support education as the real way to fight poverty. Reaching girls, means we will reach boys and community.
The Hughenden Hotel Woollahra, supports Room to Read – their menu includes a Book Menu where all books sales go to Room to Read.
Erin Ganju, co founder and CEO of Room to Read spoke at the Sydney event raising awareness of their Girls’ Education Programme. Jeni Orchard has taken Room to Read to Australia inspiring corporates and the ordinary person to make a difference with Room to Read.
Meg Lee, who I’ve known since a little girl, is a co-chair of the Mallesons Stephen Jacques Room to Read, Power of Ten Committee raising funds for girls’ education. I’m really proud of Meg.
Such a wonderful supporter night, with soprano Katie Connor singing movingly, together with young musicians for the Australian Youth Orchestra.
SUPPORT ROOM TO R
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By: Dianne Hofmeyr,
on 6/17/2011
Blog: An Awfully Big Blog Adventure (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Room to Read, Dianne Hofmeyr, Everest, Summits, Rob Hart, Mike Horst, Seven Summits, Add a tag
There are some incredible athletes amongst our ABBA bloggers but if scaling Everest only happens in your dreams, read on – Just a few weeks ago on 14th May, a friend of mine, Rob Hart, made the summit and raised $15 000 in sponsorship for the Room to Read Project in South Africa and for building a school in Nepal. The trip took seven weeks, starting in Kathmandu on March 30th, and ending there on May 17th.Passionate about Room to Read Rob and his wife, Anna, first got involved with the project when they moved to Singapore in 2008. Room to Read daily transforms the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on books, literacy and gender equality in education. Apart from building libraries and encouraging children to read, they support girls, who in most circumstances would’ve had to drop out of school, with special scholarships which give them the chance to complete secondary school and reach their full potential.
But back to Everest!
Rob has climbed the Seven Summits at the rate of one a year since 2003. He says: 'I’ve dreamt of climbing Everest since I can first remember, and that dream morphed to include the highest mountain on each continent. The attraction of frozen digits, howling winds and inedible food eludes many, but to me the draw is that such adventure and challenge is still available in modern times.'
This year’s success was his second attempt at Everest. In 2005 the mountain defeated him with icy winds. Even this year’s assent was not without its drama. Coming face to face with other climbers on their way down who hadn’t made the summit, he writes: ‘We meet mostly disappointed climbers coming down in the other direction, because the wind was quite strong the day before, May 12. One girl sobbing through her oxygen mask stands out, her dream in tatters for the time being. I know how that feels from last time. Some of the others did not make the top, but are just happy to be getting down alive.’
The ‘getting down alive’ part is brought grimly home when they came across a Japanese climber who’d died two days before. ‘Apparently he had got hypothemia, become disorientated and when his sherpa tried to help him, he became aggressive and pulled off his goggles, and so they had to leave him. He was still attached to the rope, looking like a wax model, and just a few meters off that path, so we cut him loose and retied the rope so that climbers could continue to use the fixed line.’
‘A quick 9 hour slog up the mountain and I am on top of the world. As you can see I was tired enough to want to sit down. With only 2 of us up there it was impossible to hold the flag out properly - Mike took 3 photo's of me with my flag with his hands out of the gloves in -20C, and this is
By: Susanne Gervay,
on 6/16/2011
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Room to Read, MONKEY BAA THEATRE, NSW Writers Centre, Charities, HarperCollins Australia, Always Jack by Susanne Gervay, Pink Ribbon Day Cancer Council, The Cancer Council Australia, The Hughenden home of SCBWI, Add a tag
Yesterday I was part of the Cancer Council’s photo shoot for their Pink Ribbon Day – with kids, babies, young women, old women, guys – it was great fun and something close to my heart as a multiple breast cancer survivor and author of ’Always Jack’ that carries the Cancer Council’s logo – the yellow daffodil.
SUPPORT the Cancer Council’s Pink Ribbon Day in October.
http://www.pinkribbonday.com.au
Beautiful congratulations are coming from all over Australia & the world.
Thankyou to HarperCollins Australia for the stunning bouquet of flowers.
Thankyou to the organisations I advocate for – the NSW Writers Centre, Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People, Room to Read, CBCA, the Children’s & Illustrators Network (at the Hughenden), SCBWI, Books in Homes, Cancer Council …
Thankyou to my very funny friends – who think an OAM is hilarious and keep courtseying and sending me cards with OAM.
Thankyou Australia for the OAM!!!!
Thankyou for SCBWI – the messages are coming from everywhere.
As the child of post war refugees, my parents with my baby brother, left everything to escape Hungary across minefields in the dead of night, for freedom. In the Austrian refugee camp, they hoped a country would take them.
They wanted to be chosen by the USA, but it was Australia who offered them home. They didn’t know what or where Australia was, except it was far away from war, communism and imprisonment.
They came on a refugee ship, without language, possessions, community, but with hope. Like many, they rebuilt their lives in a new country. It is the story of America, Canada, UK …. many countries.
It’s hard to believe that as the child of refugees, I have been awarded an Order of Australia. It is overwhelming and deeply meaningful.
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By: Susanne Gervay,
on 6/14/2011
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: OAM, Order of Australia Medal, Susanne gervay Australia Day Ambassador, News, SCBWI, Room to Read, The Hughenden, NSW Writers Centre, Charities, Add a tag
The Queen’s Honours list – I am overwhelmed and teary by this honour from my country.
I’ve set up a special file for the beautiful congratulations, emails, phone calls, letters …
Thankyou to my friends across Australia and the world.
Special thankyou to Society of Children’s Book Illustrators and Writers SCBWI - states across USA, Hong Kong, Scotland, Singapore … to India – for your messages.
Thankyou to Room to Read, the NSW Writers Centre, the Children’s Writers * Illustrators Network at The Hughenden, the school librarian’s network … and family and friends.
Feel embraced by your all. THANKYOU.
LOVE YOU ALL!.
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By: Susanne Gervay,
on 5/6/2011
Blog: Susanne Gervay's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: www.roomtoread.org, Glowinskis' Library, Jamie's A Hero by Susanne gGrvay, Oleśnica, News, Markus Zusak, Room to Read, Tristan Bancks, Libby Hathorn, Deborah Abela, Add a tag
There’s something romantic about Teddy’s Library in historic Olesnica. With nearly 7500 children’s books in Glowinski’s Library, in different languages from 88 countries, children and parents have access to the world culture of books.
I’ve donated from time to time my books. Teddy just sent me this photo of his grand daughter Daria holding ‘Jamie’s A Hero’ – my first book. I’m reminded to post some books next week to the Glowinski Library.
Daria wants to be a librarian like her grandfather. I find it touching.
As an author Ambassador of Room to Read with my writing friends like Deborah Abela, Markus Zusak, Libby Hathorn, Tristan Bancks, we can change the world through books and literacy.
Teddy’s library is doing that there in his small corner of the world.
Thankyou Teddy.
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I'm fascinated by mountain climbers, while being a complete wuss who's terrified of heights myself. And what a brilliant cause! Awful, the story of the disorientated Japanese climber. Thanks, Di!
Refreshing! You always bring us amazing high skies, pure waves and nature at her most uncontaminated and challenging, Dianne. I can tell it's one of your blogs just from the picture. Your friend, and Room to Read, are wonderful.
Thanks Sue and Michelle... sorry not to have followed up before but a few hours ago flew over your home city Michelle lying like a jasper stone in the midst of all that water. I've been in Le Marche & the flight back flies directly over Venice. Incredible to see such detail from the air... tried to imagine you there! And then found youe comment on return.
Wow!
Leslie
What a beautiful account of an extraordinary event. The last picture makes me cry. Thank you Di. xx Vanessa
One of my very favorite programs at RtR, is their “Local Language Publishing.” They found, after having built many schools and libraries around the poorest countries in the developing world, that the literacy rate was not improving as much as they expected. By digging deeper, they realized that it was because of the books! A child in a rural, poor, mountain region of Nepal (or Sri Lanka, Vietnam, etc…) does not identify with “Curious George Goes to The Fire Station” or “Cat in the Hat”. The storybooks that filled the newly built libraries had no cultural relevance to these children and also, they were in English. Now, RtR is the LARGEST publisher of local language children’s books – they have more than 553 original titles – in languages that no one else would ever publish in – and they use local artisans, authors, in order to create new, culturally-relevant children’s book and it also helps fuel the local economy – The LLP program operates in eight RtR countries (Cambodia, India, Laos, Nepal, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Vietnam and so far publishes in 25 different languages.
I have many of these books at home as I use them to show potential donors when talking about RtR. If you have children, or have ever read to a child, you will know what pure joy reading can be when a child has a favorite book. In my home, “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson is a book we ALL love and reading it with our children is a amazingly fun! It is great that RtR lets us give children who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity, the ability to have a favorite book too!
ps - Thank you Di! xx