BOOK IN 2 BOOK WEEK 2006

Once by Morris Gleitzman

2006-09-07T11:49:00.000+10:00

Felix is a young Jewish boy, he has lived in an orphanage for 3 years and 8 months when he discovers thet the Nazi's are everywhere searching for Jews to send to death camps for their gruesome death. He is in an Orphanage out in the mountains until he discovers that the Nazi's are also burning book's Felix is determined to find out why.
He runs away from the orphanage in search to find his parents, he meets somsone called barney and saves a girl called Zelda when he sees her parents lying motionless on the floor he realises their dead and her house on fire. Felix doesn't find his parents and learns a valuable lesson everyone deserves to have somthing good in their life at leats once and you will have to read the book to find out what happens next.

THE LIFE OF RILEY

2006-08-29T09:18:00.000+10:00

Riley just wants a stick to scratch his back.He doen't want tobe the best of best. People want to be the best of the best.Normen is not happy riley is happy all the time.

what the sky knows

2006-08-29T09:14:00.000+10:00

A littl
The girl wants to know what the sky knows how it is blue,
grey and pink and how to make
clouds or stars or have tea with angels and hold the sun like an orange
or cary birds.I want to know how to make rain fall
or leaves dance or make loud noises or really quiet sounds.

life of riley

2006-08-29T09:13:00.001+10:00

Riley lives in a shoe and he likes a twig to scatch his back and his friend is Norman.Riley is always happy all the time and Norman is not. Riley doesn't want to be the best of the best and Norman is shy because he is not the best. The people want to be the best of the best .When he got married he got a nice home and a nice wife.from josh b lachlan g

Rex

2006-08-29T09:12:00.000+10:00

Rex is a chameleon he is green. he is a class pet he gets taken home.He falls out the window.
he goes in a swimming pool with Jai. On thursday amy took him home amy has little brother he dressed him up as a girl. from Isaac park and mitchell clarke

The Island by Shorai

2006-08-17T10:14:00.000+10:00

TheIsland is a book about a blind urchin who meets a ugly sea creature.
The other people that live on the island play with the creature and they were scared that the creature would run away so they took the creature and put it in a pool.
The creature wasnt happy and one day the blind urchin saved the creature.
The blind urchin and the sea creature were never seen again.

The Island By Jordan and Rena

2006-08-17T10:10:00.000+10:00

Jordan:

The island is an incredible book full of colour and imagination. The island is incredible to imaginational persons mind but dull to the borings mind. The island uses black and white and colour to show feelings and emotions. I would give this book a ten out of ten!

Rena:

I enjoyed this book alot.This book has fascinating drawings and is very open minded and uses colours. In a fantastic ways, I enjoy the way they use black and white for the emotion of the boring people in the book and they use colour for exciting blind boy in the book. I give this book a ten out of ten.

the island

2006-08-15T11:53:00.000+10:00

shannon

The Island by:Emma

2006-08-15T11:51:00.004+10:00

The Island was a good book but it isn't the best that i have read.
I think that the moral of the story is to not try and hold onto something that needs to be free.
The part that I didn't like though was the part when the people kept the sea creature for their own happiness

Rex

2006-08-15T11:51:00.000+10:00

Rex is a Chameleon.
He is colourful.
I realy liked how they took him home.
If I could take a class pet home I would pick a
Hermit crab because its easy to look after
and fun to play with.
By Indi

By Indi and kyle

The Incredible Life Of Riley

2006-08-15T11:18:00.000+10:00

The incredible life of Riley is about a rat that can only be happy.

He compares his life to the way humans do.

Nothing bothers Riley.

People want cars, trains, planes, money.

But all riley wants is a little stickwith a pointy end to scratch his back.

The only place riley wants to live is home, he doesnt need to go on a holiday or travel around the world he loves where he lives.

by Melanie

The Life Of Riley

2006-08-15T11:17:00.006+10:00

Riley is a rat that lives in a shoe.
He thinks that life is perfect and nothing needs to change.
The life of Riley is about a little rat that is comparing humans to himself.

Rileys life is great.
This is a very interesting story.

BY LUCINDA & TEAGAN!!!

The Life Of Riley

2006-08-15T11:17:00.005+10:00

Riley is a rat that has a happy life and was born happy.He lives in a shoe
and he likes it.Riley thinks he is a human and acts like it. he likes fruit and slugs.

Tia and Jade

The Sound Of The Sea

2006-08-15T11:17:00.004+10:00

THE SOUND OF THE SEA

This is a story about a little boy who goes to the beach every afternoon and loves to hear the waves bashing on the ground, the smell of the salt and to touch the sand . His Mum loved taking him fishing and putting the live worms on the hook for him, or at least helping him. Then his mum got very sick and went away and he went to live with his grand parants and made them put all her pictures away so he didn't get reminded of her
this story is by Jacqueline Harvey and illustrated by Warren Crossett
By Rhiannon

The Life Of Riley

2006-08-15T11:17:00.003+10:00

The book is about a rat who sleeps in a shoe. Riley has a good life.

bradley

Life of Riley

2006-08-15T11:17:00.002+10:00

I like this book because Riley talks about how differently humans live to rats. The pictures are colourful and the story is hilarious.I think this book appeals to 5 to 10 year olds.

Tayla

The Life Of Riley

2006-08-15T11:16:00.000+10:00

The book is about comparing your life with a rat. Riley is a rat with a good life and
Norman has a bad life. The moral of the story is to just be happy with your life.

Sam and Brock

Kisses For Daddy

2006-08-15T11:14:00.000+10:00

Baby bear was grumbly. He didn't want to go to bed.
He didn't want his bath,& he didn't want to kiss
his Mum & Dad goodnight. Now what abot a big
bear kiss for me said dad.No!said baby bear.No kiss for daddy.

I do have something for you.
What is it baby bear

by
Jessica

The Island

2006-08-15T10:56:00.000+10:00

THE ISLAND!

I like The Island because it is a story about a boy who is blind, but can still have fun and enjoy his life. So one day the boy went down to the sea in the morning to reveal the islands treasures.The boy meets a friend who becomes the boy's new BEST FRIEND!

CASSIE

to the light

2006-08-15T10:14:00.000+10:00

It's about a girl named Jamie that loved surfing did not like to care about other people especially her sister.A guy helped her to surf better in the end she came third in a surf competition.

@lex matt

2006-08-15T10:13:00.000+10:00

My belief is that to the light is a really interesting book that is full of surprises. The book is based on a girl named Jamie thats in a surfing competition and has a few problems at school. His sister Skye is also in a bit of trouble and much more!!!!!!

The Island. By Maddi and Brie

2006-08-10T10:23:00.001+10:00

The Island tells a story about a small boy who discovers the amazing things about the island he lives on, except he can't see them. The other tribe on the the island were black and white because they were always sad, until they began playing with the monster that the boy found. The people on the island that were black and white were greedy and trapped the monster in a small pool. The tribe played with the monster every day and began smiling and feeling happy. But the people didn't realize that the monster was unhappy. The boy however did. We also love the illustrations and the texture in this book. The colours are vibrant and bring the book to life.

The story of The Island also tells us if you find something that you like , don't keep it, leave it where it belongs and dont be greedy and move it. Keep it happy too.

By Maddi and Brie

The island Matt c Senio

2006-08-10T10:23:00.000+10:00

We enjoyed the book because it had alot of colours in it. It was interesting because when it was all black and white it ment that they are sad or unhappy. Senio liked the part when the boy was playing with the sea monster. Senio And I liked the part when the people draged the sea monster into the pool. And then the boy had to drag it to the beach little bits at a time. One of Senio and my favourite parts are when everyone is playing with the sea monster. Senio and I thought it was sad when the sea monster sailed away with the boy. Senio and i thought the boy was really brave to live by himself on a beach.

The Island by Cassie and Emma

2006-08-10T10:22:00.000+10:00

The Island is about a blind sea urchin that was never happy until he meet a colourful sea creature. The Moral of the story is not to hold on to happiness. What Cassie liked about the story was when the blind sea urchin found the colourful sea creature to have as a friend because the sea urchin was homeless and had no friends. What Emma likes was when the sea creature was free from the small little pool that he was in.

By Cassie and Emma

The island william

2006-08-10T10:21:00.006+10:00

I think the island is an ok book. I like the colour of the pictures and how the boy cannot see but is more aware of the beauty of the island more than anyone else on the island.The book "The island" is sad. I think the bind boy finds a giant sea creature and plays with it for a while and for the first time the tribe smiles and is happy but the tribe don't want the big giant sea monster to go away. They capture the monster but overnight the blind boy takes the monster back to the sea and boy goes out to sea with the monster the blind boy is never seen again.

the island,bronte/indiana

2006-08-10T10:21:00.004+10:00

It has very creative drawings.
I like the way that the urchin is so happy with the monster.
It has a very amusing story line.
I also like the way that the illistrator has done the colouring.
I do not understand why the villagers are always upset because they have so much.

WE LOVE THE STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Bronte AND Indiana.

island claudia laurin

2006-08-10T10:21:00.003+10:00

We really enjoyed the book called "The island" it is very fun to read. It has very nice pictures and it is illustrated by John Heffernan and Peter Sheehan.It is illustrated nicely and it has got great characters in it. We like it a lot because it has got a great story and views. Iit has a lot of talent and people in it.

from claudia and laurin

super saints the island

2006-08-10T10:21:00.002+10:00

Aj and reuben

we think that this is a lesson to any one that is greedy because what you take could haunt you for the rest of your life. I also think that it is very weird that none of the tribal people notice the colourful land only the blind man out of all of them only he could see the beautiful.we also think that its a wonderful story and the colours are very pretty.

The Island Caitlin and Blaze

2006-08-10T10:20:00.002+10:00

We like this book because it's got great colour.
We like how the boy never complaned even though he was blind.
The people on the island never appriciated what a beautiful island they had.
We dislike how the islanders traped the sea moster for their own happyness not the monsters.
The moral of the story is that you should not keep happyness for your self.
We rate the story as 10/10.
Even though you are blind love every thing you have.

We love this story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Island by Justin & Jack

2006-08-10T10:20:00.001+10:00

I didn't like this book because it was to happy and the illustrations were mostly black and white and they hurt the sea monsters feelings. I also did not like it because all they did was work and they never smiled or any did anything happy.
Jack

I did not really like this book because most of the villagers were unhappy most of the time in the story it wasn't really that colorful and happy but the illustrations were very good.

By Justin & Jack.

The island

2006-08-10T10:20:00.000+10:00

I really liked this book because it was a interesting book and it was sad then it goes into a fun and exciting story and we liked colourful pictures and the blind little child.The Child is having the most fun on the island.Then the unhappy people find out aboat the fish and they take the fish monster out of the water and put it in a pool and then the unhappy people are haveing fun but the monster isnt happy and then it starts to die . Then blind little boy goes and takes it out of the pool and puts it back where its meant to be and it swam off. It lived a happy life and so did the boy.

Max

The Island

2006-08-10T09:23:00.000+10:00

I DISLIKE THE BOOK BECAUSE IT JUST ABOUT A BLIND BOY AND COLORS AND SAD PEOPLE AND THEY WERE HAPPY FOR A DAY AND THE NEXT THEY WERE ANGRY AND THEY MISSED THE BOY IS WELL. THEY WERE NEVER HAPPY AGAIN.

BY BRONTE.G AND SHELDON.D

PICTURE BOOK 'The Short and Incredibly Happy Life of Riley'

2006-08-01T11:32:00.000+10:00

Here's a book to get you thinking about what life's all about:

Human beings live for quite a long time and for a lot of that time we are not happy.

We want to be taller, shorter, fatter, thinner, older and younger. We want our straight hair to be curly, our curly hair to be straight, and our brown eyes to be blue. We want to be somewhere else with someone else, eating something else and wearing something fantastic no one else can afford.

Rats live for quite a short time and for most of that time they are very, very happy…

And we think we are better than rats! (http://www.lothian.com.au/more.aspx?ISBN=0734408064)

Are you happy with your life? What have you got to be thankfull for?

Find the silver linings in your life this week.

THE RINGMASTER

PICTURE BOOK Come visit Peter Sheehan's 'The Island'

2006-08-01T11:24:00.000+10:00

This is a delightful book which shows us that there is more to people (or monsters) than meets the eye. We are not always what we appear to be.

"How do we find happiness? "And once we find it, can we hold onto it? "This book tells the story of an island on which a hard-working tribe lives. They rarely smiled, and never laughed, and although there was much beauty on the island, no one noticed. No one, that is, except a little blind boy."The blind boy brings happiness to the people of the island. He shows them how to laugh. But that's not enough for them. They want to capture this happiness and keep it forever. "If only they knew." (http://www.readings.com.au/bookweb/details.cgi?ITEMNO=9781865048130)

Can you see past the surface?

THE RINGMASTER

PICTURE BOOK 'Run, Hare, Run!' (by John Winch)

2006-08-01T10:06:00.000+10:00

'Run, hare, run!' is the story of a hunter, his hound and a hare... and the creation of one of the world's most famous drawings.' (Text taken from blurb)

A long time ago, by the edge of a forest, lived a wild brown hare. This story follows in the footsteps of the great sixteenth-century artist Albrecht Durer and his dog as they chase a hare for the artist's famous sketch. John Winch's highly detailed, stunning oil paintings brilliantly depict the early renaissance setting, while his evocative text conveys the drama of the situation from the hare's point of view. Run, Hare, Run is a stunning picture book, as well as a fresh and original way of engaging with one of the world's great artworks. (http://www.readings.com.au/bookweb/details.cgi?ITEMNO=9781877003875)

"Since I first set eyes on a reproduction of 'The Hare' by Albrecht Durer, I have been attracted by its simplicity and grace, and wondered about the story behind the drawing... Little is know about the picture - was it drawn from life, or from a museum specimen? - but the artist's love of nature is evident in his simple and economical rendering of the hare. Personally, I am sure it was drawn from life!" JW (http://www.johnwinch.com.au/illustration/runharerun.html)

Have you ever found a song or a picture that made you look at life a little differently?

Explore art this week. Be inspired.

THE RINGMASTER

PICTURE BOOK Now appearing! 'Irving the magician' (by Tohby Riddle)

2006-08-01T09:43:00.000+10:00

Visit the magical world of Tohby Riddle:

On the shelf above the sideboard, next to a dusty violin, was a book. And on its spine were the words: The Incredibly Marvellous World of Magic.

When Irving finds a mysterious book gathering dust on a shelf in his aunt's apartment, he is inspired to become a magician. Little does he know what kind of magic he's about to create . . .

Accompanied by beautiful, evocative illustrations, Irving the Magician is a thought-provoking story about magic from the award-winning creator of The Singing Hat.

What makes your world magical? Is there someone in your life who sees the magic in life?

Share the magic this week.

THE RINGMASTER

PICTURE BOOK Do I hear 'The sound of the sea' by Jacqueline Harvey?

2006-07-21T14:17:00.000+10:00

A story to help understand about death:

This moving tale explores the relationship between a young boy, Samuel Sullivan, and his mother.

Samuel is remembering the precious times he spent with his mother before she became ill and went away.

With the love and support of his grandparents, Samuel gradually starts to understand and little by little realises that although his mother is gone, she is with him always. (http://www.booksdirect.com.au/dsp_body_common.cfm?CompanyCode=407424&action=shortlist)

Do you think that this book is a good way to talk about the idea of death?

Be good to your parents this week. You know why...

The Ringmaster

YOUNGER READERS Not three times, or twice. Just 'Once', By Morris Gleitzman.

2006-07-18T19:23:00.000+10:00

A very sad book:

Once I escaped from an orphanage to find my Mum and Dad.

Once I saved a girl called Zelda from a burning house.

Once I made a Nazi with toothache laugh.

My name is Felix.

This is my story.

(http://www.penguin.com.au/)

What can you do when life takes an unexpected turn? When has this happened with you? Compare your situation with Felix's - or just share your thoughts.

Be thankful for the silver linings in your life this week.

The Ringmaster

YOUNGER READERS 'To the light' by Pat Flynn

2006-07-18T19:06:00.001+10:00

A story for the water babies, grommets, sport-nuts, popular people and fringe dwellers:

Jamie loves to surf and is fortunate enough to have coaching from a former world champion while preparing for a competition.

Meanwhile at school, Jamie becomes friends with Mark, a loner and sister Sky is devastated to find out that she is not the most popular girl in school anymore.

This is a great story which has a clever twist in the conclusion. (http://amlib.eddept.wa.edu.au/webquery.dll?v1=pbMarc&v20=14&v27=85124&v30=20D&v40=3749&v46=3751)

Is popularity important to you?
What do you think about sport generally? Do you have a passion about any sport?
SO WHADDA U THINK O THE STORY????

Let your freak flag fly this week!

The Ringmaster.

YOUNGER READERS 'Helicopter Man' By Elizabeth Fensham

2006-07-18T18:53:00.000+10:00

The story of a young boy who has a parent who is a little different:

Told in diary format from the viewpoint of twelve-year-old Pete, this moving story captures how children must feel when they live with a schizophrenic parent.

Pete doesn't understand why he and his dad are always on the move hiding from the helicopters. It is only when they are picked up by the police after 6 years on the run that Pete comes to realise that his father has a mental illness that needs treatment.

The story has a positive outcome and, although not having wide appeal, could be a useful addition to the library collection for older primary students. (http://amlib.eddept.wa.edu.au/webquery.dll?v1=pbMarc&v20=14&v27=81026&v30=20B&v40=3386&v46=3388)

When have your parents embarrassed you? Is that ok, or should they STOP IT! What do you think of this story - and how would you describe the weird and wonderful things that your family does? (CAUTION: Make sure that this is appropriate for other children to read - or it might be removed!).

Love your family for who they are this week.

The Ringmaster.

YOUNGER READERS Can you see 'Millie and the night heron'? (Catherine Bateson)

2006-07-18T18:37:00.000+10:00

The story of an interesting girl - or not? You be the judge:

"The daughter of an artist and a scientist, and your own interesting self, Millie. What more could you need?”

But Millie isn’t sure that Tom, her mum’s boyfriend, is right about that.

A new town, a school project due, an enemy called Tayla, a boy with the initials RH and Tom himself…. It’s all too much even for an interesting girl like Millie.

But as her father says, change is needed, and sometimes it’s the biggest changes that make us who we are.

Millie and the Night Heron is a gentle, lyrical and moving tale from award-winning author Catherine Bateson which reminds us all to stop and remember the important things in life. (http://uqp.uq.edu.au/book_details.php?id=0702235261)

Are you interesting? Are you happy with who you are? If not what do you think you could do to change things?

This week, describe yourself to us and share your own thoughts about this book.

The Ringmaster

OLDER READERS Find James Moloney's 'Lost property'.

2006-07-16T00:27:00.000+10:00

An intriguing book which actually takes on religion and spirituality. As well as growing up, relationships and an unusual holiday job. This is packed full of juice:

Josh Tambling gets a lot of things right. He is a top student, plays in a band, has a bodacious girlfriend and a dad who was a rugby league star. Living is comfortable with his parents and an energetic little sister.

However, there is sadness at the heart of the Tambling family. Older brother Michael disappeared two years ago. He had fallen off the rails, almost died from his recklessness with alcohol. Now he talks only to Josh on the phone, only briefly, and won't give his whereabouts. The strain is unbearable.

School holiday work at the lost property office at the train station puts Josh in touch with other people's losses and unexpectedly provides a link to Michael, setting Josh on a quest to bring his brother back. Josh has an inquiring mind, a serious bent that eventually puts a strain on his relationship with his fun-loving girlfriend and attracts him to the more mature Gemma, girlfriend of another band member.

'Religions don't have a monopoly on judging right from wrong,' I said bitterly. I'd worked that much out in Study of Religion classes. I should have stopped there, but it was a bugbear of mind that I'd fumed over, sitting in church beside Dad, and so I had to add, 'Oh, they claim it all right, but mostly they are just trying to make rules to suit their own view of the world.'

Quite moving and gritty, without being contrived, Lost Property is a novel that will work well with most teenagers, particularly those with the maturity to discuss and explore the journey through adolescence into emerging adulthood. Students might reflect on their own rites of passage, the crucial decisions and circumstances that shape them. Loss, Moloney suggests, is inevitable. Recovery and growth, it appears, is ultimately in the hands of individuals. (Martin Turner, Western Suburbs Weekly)

What's your take on religion and spirituality? Are they the same or can they be separated? Can religion accept compromise so it better 'fits' modern life, or should we better 'fit' our religions? Is there are place for religion and / or spirituality today?

This topic is a fundamental big one this week folks. Here's a challenge: Go to a place of worship to see what it's all about. If you don't normally - is there a reason? If you do and you're not happy - try somewhere else. If you can't do that, try having a discussion with a religious (or non-religious) friend and see what makes them tick.

The Ringmaster

OLDER READERS Barry Jonsburg's: 'It’s Not All About You, Calma!' (It's about ME!)

2006-07-16T00:12:00.000+10:00

This is a book for people who's lives bounce from one drama to the next. Or people interested in poetry. Or english. Or just have trouble getting a handle on real life:

Calma Harrison is in love. Not just with herself, but also with the handsome checkout guy at Crazi-Cheep. But when Calma gets a job at Crazi-Cheep, her cynical approach to customer service makes headlines.

And then there is the small matter of the rest of her life, which is fast falling apart: her absent father turns up unexpectedly and wants to "talk" to her mother, The Fridge, is keeping secrets and her new best friend, Vanessa is hiding something horrible.

Fearing the worst for her family and friends, Calma knows the only sure way to shape events is direct, personal intervention...

What are some of the crazy directions your life has gone? Are you known for being cynical? The The Age newspaper said, “If this book doesn’t want to make them [teenagers] read, nothing will”.

Whaddaya reckon?

The Ringmaster

OLDER READERS Chasing me, or 'Chasing Charlie Duskin'... (Cath Crowley)

2006-07-15T23:59:00.000+10:00

This week we look at friendships and road trips. Here's the lowdown:

Charlie Duskin is running. Fleeing from failures and memories and friends who have given up on her. And she’s not only running, she’s chasing things – like a father who will talk to her, friends who don’t think she’s as invisible as a piece of cling wrap, and an experience with a boy in which she doesn’t look like an idiot.

But Charlie Duskin is about to have the best summer of her life. She’s about to meet a friend who’ll change her forever. She’s about to fall in love. She just doesn’t know it yet.

For the older reader, Chasing Charlie Duskin is courageous story about fitting in.

Charlie finds herself embarking on a road trip with her father that takes her away from friends, boys and embarrassing moments that have alienated her to happier days where she is about to have the best summer in her life.

People every day have problems fitting in. There are all kinds of solutions people come to. What's your story? Is Charlie's story relevant to you?

This week, have a think about where your road trip would talke you if you had a chance to go anywhere tomorrow. Consider what you'd like to get out of it at the end.

The Ringmaster

OLDER READERS 'No worries' by Bill Condon

2006-07-15T23:42:00.000+10:00

Bill Condon 's novel tackles the theme of responsibility. Brian has dropped out of school, got a job, looks after his mother and deals with his father's issues as well. Here's a bit more about the book:

Brian Talbot: seventeen, high school dropout, nightshift worker at the local dairy, in love.

When life is kicking you down, you need to kick back, but when your old man lives in the shed in the backyard, and your mum has problems of her own, that’s not always easy.

Sometimes, though, you just gotta hang in there, and you never know what might happen…

Both humorous and confronting, Bill Condon has created a gripping urban tale of life, death, love, joy, and family, which reminds us all to hold on to the important things, however difficult that might be.

1. What's important to you in life?
2. What part do you play in your family?

Should you start taking more responisbility of your life, or less? It's still all about balance though...

The Ringmaster

OLDER READERS Double takes with 'Double Exposure' (Brian Caswell)

2006-07-15T14:38:00.000+10:00

Here's a story about comparisions that occur between siblings. A lot of people experence this. Brian Caswell describes the phenomonen this way:

Chris Eveson is a genius; streetwise, artistic and sensitive, and rebelling against the domineering abuses of his father. Unlike his twin brother, Cain, who seems average in every way – at least to the outward observer. But gifts and talents run much deeper than two dimensions.

Brian Caswell’s extraordinary new novel will draw you into a web of mysteries, and of horrors from the past buried by lies in the present.

Feel free to have a chat about the comparisions you've gone through, or maybe when teachers compare you to a sibling. Is it always bad, or is it sometimes a good thing?

Relish your own talents this week. Perhaps even jot them down. Boost your own self esteem, don't wait for someone else to.

The Ringmaster

OLDER READERS The Story of Tom Brennan by J. C. Burke

2006-07-15T14:29:00.000+10:00

Tom's having a bit of trouble in his life at the moment. Here's a bit of an explanation:

What would you do if you were the middle child of a family who just experienced a shocking family crisis?

Meet Tom Brennan, a college student who had everything, a good family and an absolutely fabulous life. But that was before his brother’s neglectful accident, which killed two people, landed him in gaol and made their cousin into a paraplegic.

Now Tom, along with his sister and parents, has to live with their grandmother and uncle. Tom’s life is falling apart, he has to go to a new college and cope with his mother’s deep depressions.

How will Tom ever play rugby without his beloved brother along his side? Will he ever get his life back on track and lead a normal life, or will he keep running and hiding from his past?

Do you think that J. C. Burke has done a good job writing about the troubles that Tom's got himself into? Give us an insight as what your opionion is. Did you relate to what Burke said, or not?

Have a think about what your life is really like. Is sit fabulous, or is there a bit that you can do to make it better?

The Ringmaster

EARLY CHILDHOOD Blow some 'Kisses for Daddy'

2006-07-13T16:47:00.000+10:00

'Kisses for Daddy' by by Frances Watts & David Legge can be described like this:

'Now what about a big bear kiss for me?' said Dad.
'No!' said Baby Bear. 'No kiss for Daddy.'
'Oh dear,' said Daddy, carrying Baby Bear up the stairs. 'How about a koala kiss instead?
Baby koalas give their daddies cuddly, clingy kisses, like this¨'

When a grumbly Baby Bear refuses to give his father a goodnight kiss, their bedtime routine is transformed into a delightful game, as Daddy imagines all the different sorts of kisses that other animal babies give their dads.

This warm, affectionate story is perfect for children and their dads to share!

Share your thoughts about this book with us.

Give your dad a kiss this week,
The Ringmaster

EARLY CHILDHOOD Is Daddy really Having a Horse?

2006-07-13T16:41:00.000+10:00

This is what the kids've been tellin me bout this book lately...

Everyone will love this funny, tender story about what not to expect when your mum is expecting.

Mummy is having a new baby and Caitlin is delighted. But she is not as excited as her brother Lachlan. He is sure that Daddy’s having a horse! When the big day finally arrives, both of them are surprised.

This is a unique picture book that celebrates the role of fatherhood in a time when dads are becoming more involved in parenting. It is perfect for children awaiting the arrival of a new brother or sister in the family, as it explores both the uncertainties and joy which surround this momentous occasion.

What do you think?

Give your dad a hug this week. Have a little think what you've done for HIM this week,
The Ringmaster

EARLY CHILDHOOD 'Annie's chair' or your chair?

2006-07-13T16:38:00.000+10:00

Here's a little bit about what 'Annie's chair' by Deborah Niland is all about.

This insightful and amusing story about a little girl's attachment to her chair will appeal to preschoolers and adults alike. Annie's anger when Benny the dog takes over her favourite possession, refusing to budge, will resonate with young children, who will enjoy the happy compromise at the end. A carefully chosen, outwardly simple text, ideal for reading aloud, combined with illustrations that vividly convey Annie's character and feelings make this a book not to be missed.

You tell us what you think about it!

This week - Pay it foward....
The Ringmaster

EARLY CHILDHOOD Tell me what you think about 'What the sky knows', by Nike Bourke ;Illustrated by Stella Danalis

2006-07-13T16:23:00.000+10:00

Here is the background to 'What the sky knows':

A magical book of wonder, curiosity and imagination. This story invites you to fly with birds and angels, float with clouds and balloons, to change colours, blow breezes and stir up storms.

Stunningly illustrated by Stella Danalis, What the Sky Knows follows a dreamer's journey through the vibrant landscapes of a child's world.

Tell me what you think of the story and what it's about

Blow your mind this week and read a picture book just for fun,
The Ringmaster

EARLY CHILDHOOD Emily's Rapunzel Hair by Cecily Matthews

2006-07-13T16:13:00.000+10:00

This is a blurb for 'Emily's Rapunzel Hair':

A sumptuously illustrated storybook for preschoolers and primary readers, featuring seven charming stories about four-year-old Emily as she waits impatiently to grow long, flowing hair — just like Rapunzel.

Four-year-old Emily wants long, flowing Rapunzel hair. She wants to have pigtails in blue ribbons, just like Lucy Brown. Dad tells her that she will have to wait until the new baby is big enough to walk before she can have Rapunzel hair.

While Emily waits for her hair to grow (and experiments with wearing red tights on her head to provide the illusion of Rapunzel hair), we join her on her everyday adventures — from a trip to feed the ducks at the lake, to visiting her grandparents on their farm (and seeing the letterbox frog).

Freya Blackwood's lush, classic illustrations convey Emily and her quirky way of looking at the world, perfectly.

Have a look at your question sheet to see what things you would like to write about this book, and post your thoughts in the comments section. Remember, you are commenting on the book for it's designed audience - not necessarily about it's suitability for your own grade. Keep in mind that this book is aimed at a very young age group...

Be free this week and let your hair out,
The Ringmaster

What should Cinderella (or Cinder-fella) wear to the ball?

2006-07-13T15:36:00.000+10:00

This post is for children to add comments about what costume they're thinking of creating for the Annual Character Parade.

Remember: The Book Week Theme this year is BOOK IN. So if your costume is related to a book where there is a Circus, Movie, Footy match, Concert, etc... you might be in the running for some Brownie Points!

You're also welcome to add ideas that you've seen work in the past that you did - or really liked when someone else did it.

Good luck with your ideas.

NB: A good costume is usually the product of days rather than minutes...

Enjoy,
The Ringmaster
(Mr Kuiri: Teacher-Librarian @ SHS + Emmaus)

EARLY CHILDHOOD Our thoughts on 'Rex', by Ursula Dubosarsky and David Mackintosh illus.

2006-07-13T11:32:00.000+10:00

This is the blurb for 'Rex':

Rex is the class pet and every day someone takes him home. The students record in words or pictures, everything that happens whilst Rex is visiting their place. Easy-to-read minimal text and Mackintosh's brightly coloured illustrations capture the simplicity and joy of young children at school.

Use your question sheet to help you work out some ideas that you can share with other children who look at this site.

Regards,
The Ringmaster
(Mr. Kuiri)

Welcome to Book Week 2006

2006-07-11T22:30:00.000+10:00

Hi - all you little reading rampagers! Welcome to Book Week 2006, and thanks for 'Booking in' to our blog.

Soon we'll have have a heap of posts where you'll get to see what other kids and teachers think of this year's short listed Book Week Books... We'll be going through on book a week in library and if your teachers have a bit of time, it's likely that they will read a few to you as well.

Also, keep an eye out for unfamiliar posts. I will be inviting some other schools to participate, so you'll get to see what other children who you haven't met think about the same books!

I hope you enjoy sharing your thoughts with us. I'll be on the lookout for all of your opinions.

In the comments section below, jot down a favourite memory you have of a past Book Week. It might be one of the books that a teacher read, a costume that you made, or an activity you loved doing.

Or, for younger children who haven't had a book week yet, we'll put some thoughts down about a past book week book I will read to you.

Regards,
The Ringmaster
(Mr Kuiri)