Mindfulness is a notion that has been becoming more and more prominent in recent times. A consequence of our time - but one most worthy of exploration.
People's lives are busy. We forget to stop and smell the roses. This book reminds us to do just that.
Simple activities guide us through a peaceful re-connect to our surroundings, to nature, to life.
Beautifully crafted, this text has great application in the home and in the classroom. The illustrations lend themselves to conversation starters - framing the discussions around nature, reflection and pace.
Each frame brings with it a simple narrative of how to be mindful - exploring things such as meditation, yoga, nature, creativity and true insight. Further details can be found at the end of the book - a helpful resource for parents and teachers alike.
Lea McKnoulty has cleverly created an illustrated journey to capture a sense of inner peace and calm. The fact that these experiences are 'mostly free, spent in nature and devoid of technology' is a winner any day!
Highly recommended for all ages.
Author/illustrator: Lea McKnoulty
Self-published
For further information: www.makingmindfulchildren.com
With thanks to the author for the provision of a review copy.
The twenty-first century has brought with it increased demands of our time and personal resources. Everyone is busy; everyone is time-poor; everyone is over-committed.
The children of this century are no less busy. Between school, after-school sport, extra-curricular activities, homework, parental commitments - it seems life is simply rushing us by.
Sometimes a call to a simpler time is hard to resist.
Caleb's awesome adventure is just that. It captures a time and place where children can be mindful and present in the here and now.
Caleb and his sister Zali are about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime. They are going to visit their grandparents and great grandparents - all on their own! Living on a farm in country Australia, a bus-ride away, the children delight in experiencing a life of self-sufficiency. Learning all about farming animals and growing food, all whilst learning new skills of times gone by - restoring old coaches, making patchwork, doing needlework and cooking up a storm!
Woven throughout the text is the engendering of family values and mindfulness exercises. Love, belonging, fun, purpose and freedom are embraced throughout the narrative - values that have clearly endured across the generations.
Caleb's awesome adventure is a deeply personal book for the author, semi-autobiographical in a sense - a potpourri of treasures and nostalgia, highlighting the importance of belonging and family. A book that will inevitably spark family conversations.
Recommended for independent readers from 7 years of age.
Author: Bonnie Mae, 2014
Hilltop Publishing (Aust)
With thanks to the author who provided a review copy.
A bright story based on the famous river riddle - how does Jack get to the market on the other side of the river - with a boat that will only carry so much and a sheep that's keen on the cargo and a fox that's keen on the sheep!
Join Jack and apply your problem solving skills to try and help him with his dilemma. Will he make it to market on time?
Written by Jim Dewar and illustrated by Anil Tortop
Scholastic Australia
RRP $14.99
Paperback
Recommended for 4 years +
A touching story that captures the past and the act of remembering. Beautifully depicting the essence of family as they visit grandad in a nursing home. While photos help grandad remember some stories, Georgie reminds him of other precious memories, like the time they made paper hats together.
This book is wonderfully sculptured through its words and visuals - representing the special bonds between family as they deal with the reality of Alzheimer's.
Highly recommended. Brought to you by the team that created Anzac biscuits.
Author: Phil Cummins
Illustrator: Owen Swan
Publisher: Scholastic
RRP: $24.99
Hardcover
Every child's dream - a day in the snow! This day has arrived for Sam, if only he could get his grandad ready and out the door. Turning the usual dynamic on its head, Sam gets increasingly impatient waiting for grandad to get ready. Waiting, waiting, waiting... all his friends go by, then all the cats and dogs go by... then something that will surprise even Sam!
Publisher: Koala Books
Hardcover
RRP $24.99
Recommended for 4-6 years
Written and illustrated by Sam Usher
A collection of simple verse for children all about various sea creatures. Each page is also accompanied by some facts about the animals. Bright and vivacious illustrations capture the essence of the sea.
Written by Janeen Brian and illustrated by Cheryl Johns, this book is sure to be a popular fishy companion to 'Silly Galah!'
Publisher: Omnibus Books
Hardcover
RRP $24.99
Recommended for 3 years +
Looking for a last minute treasure for the father in your life?
Tomorrow is Fathers' Day here in Australia - the day when we celebrate all things fatherly. This year once again, the children's book publishers have been busy getting daddy-themed titles on the shelves. Check out some of these at your local book shop today!
'Daddy, you're awesome' by Laine Mitchell and Renee Treml
A simple rhyming text celebrating all those special talents of animal dads everywhere.
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
Hardcover
RRP $16.99
Recommended 3+ years
'Daddies are great' by Meredith Costain and Polona Lovsin
Delightful rhyming text exploring the special relationship between fathers and their children. Told through the eyes of a variety of dogs and their puppies!
Publisher: Koala Books
Paperback
RRP $14.99
Recommended +3 years
'Dear Dad, I want to be just like you' by Ed Allen and Simon Williams
Full of real letters written to all the animal dads! Open the flaps on the envelopes and read the pull out letters. Join in the fun yourself with your very own notepaper and envelope to write a special note to your dad. Perfect for Fathers' Day sentiments.
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
Hardcover
RRP $16.99
Recommended 3+ years
'My dad is a giraffe' by Stephen Michael King
Delightful story told through the eyes of an imaginative young boy. Childhood creativity is a feature of this picture book brought to you by one of our favourite picture book author/illustrators.
Publisher: Scholastic
Hardcover
RRP $16.99
Recommended 4+ years
