Story Time
Stories, stories, so many to tell!
August was such a joyful month, I was invited to share some of my favourite stories with incredible children at a number of story time events. I had so much fun, dancing, playing music and yodelling as we read amazing books (I am hoping the children had fun too!).
As the month of August includes one of my favourite weeks, Book Week, there were plenty of opportunities to be immersed in a world of stories. The theme of Book Week was Escape to Everywhere and escape I did. It has been a challenging year and the chance to break free from the day-to-day to read to children and get lost in books was just what I needed to put life into perspective. There are many lessons children teach us, to be around their energy and zest for life is one of the magical parts of being an author (ahhh…there is that title again “author,” I am still learning to own this title. I am slowly getting there, thanks to the children who are reading Charlie’s Adventures…).
One of the appearances I was fortunate to be part of, was at the most charming bookshop, Harry Hartog. The lovely staff welcomed me into their store to read some classic stories to very enthusiastic children. With my daughter in toe, we escaped to the jungle, the bush and offcourse Hawaii. On our voyage we learnt that bears like to play the violin, it is fabulous to yodel and dancing the hula is a true treat.
As part of this story time session I read a book I grew up with, Wombat Stew. This story holds many memories for me and my parents. It signifies a special moment in my childhood. I was very shy growing up (not much has changed) and my teacher in grade one decided to cast me in the lead role as the quiet Wombat, in Wombat Stew. I didn’t have to speak I just had to dance and move around as the other kids sang “Wombat Stew! Wombat Stew!” I really enjoyed the experience (as you may know I enjoy being in the spotlight on stage although I’m shy…quite the dichotomy, see blog post Center Stage) and in that moment my parents saw me come out of my shell, a magical moment for them. Reading Wombat Stew as part of the story time session at Harry Hartog took me back to that shy girl I was (and to some extent I still am), it was such a pleasure to reconnect with that little girl and share this treasured story with the children at the session.
After a story time event, I often wonder whether the children I had met and read to found as much glee as I did in that moment. I hope that they develop a fondness for reading (if they hadn’t already) and that the stories I shared become classic favourites to them too. With this in mind, a magical moment happened to me after my appearance at Harry Hartog, my three-year old daughter (she turned three at the end of August! Another highlight of my month) came running into the kitchen as I was cooking dinner holding up Wombat Stew, a book she rarely picked up, “Mummy, can you please read this to me?” she asked and then she danced around the kitchen singing “Wombat Stew! Wombat Stew!” In that special moment I knew I had at least made an impact on one little girl, even though it may have been my own daughter!
Reading to children is so important and I am always eager to participate in story time sessions. Sharing stories with children ignites their imagination, their sense of creativity and exploration. It brings greater awareness of the world and is fundamental to language development. Reading to children is such a rewarding experience. Cuddling up with my daughter and escaping in the words on the page brings us closer together. Being able to lose ourselves in a book, in a shared moment is calming and beautiful. It is a spectacular feeling and one I hope many of you experience with those dear to you.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH
Book Week 2017 ‘Escape to Everywhere’
Had a lovely morning celebrating Book Week 2017 Escape to Everywhere! It was wonderful to meet some amazing & insightful children. Mahalo to Harry Hartog Bookseller & Westfield Woden for including Charlie & I at this very special event.
When you are fortunate to meet an author-illustrator whose books you grew up reading & they are as charming as their books, it is magical 
⭐️ So grateful for the opportunity to meet Bob Graham. An inspiring encounter.
A lovely morning reviewing some amazing entries for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Make Your Own Story Book competition.
A fabulous evening! Fabulous company, fabulous authors & lots of laugher at Girls Night In at the Canberra Writers Festival 2017 
Kathy Lette, Maggie Alderson, Jane Caro and Jamila Rizvi
It is with great delight that I welcome Margaret Wild to Creative Kids Tales. We are so pleased to have Margaret join the community. Read the introduction here https://www.creativekidstales.com.au/authors-illustrators/ckts-featured-authors/2383-margaret-wild
