Swoon the Swoop

Ok BIG birthday coming up. Here's the start of my 'what to get a 5 year old' wish list.
#1 A Swoop Bag. I could even scoop him up too when he's misbehaving?

thanks for the tip www.the-tassie-twigs.blogspot.com.au x

AO = awesome

Styling from American Outfitters Winter 2012 is so darn cool, and the clothes are pretty awesome too don't you think?

Tick Tock, make a clock

My parents bought the boys a handsome German cuckoo clock. It now sits proudly by our dining table and creates great conversation. It does need to be wound A LOT, so I am often told off by them both for not having it tick tick tocking ALL the time.

To add to our new found love of clocks, perhaps this DIY version would be a nice addition to our wall...

Face painting just got a whole lot better

I've just been working on a super hero post for Kidstylefile and came across this fantastic stencil kit. It seems to only be available in the US? Shame, I think it's great...

No guru's here

My little pup is almost 5 and I'm suddenly having palpitations over which high school he should attend, which city we should live in, what spiritual guidance I should give him and what style of parenting I should follow. Pahhhhhh. Do you ever get overwhelmed by the job of mothering and send your brain into a fizz? Well today's my day and apart from the cold I've inherited from him and the last of the Easter eggs I've devoured from the cupboard, I'm feeling, well a little 'stuffed'. I'm also finding it hard to work my usual 7 night time slots, preferring to catch up on my reading for my other work, or simply lapsing into a sofa coma. Maybe it's the time of year, maybe I'm getting old, but geeesh it's a tough gig at the moment and I'd love a little more time!
In saying all that, just LOOK at the portrait I had done this morning. Although I do look slightly like a strung out guru, the 'all knowing, wise' sentiments of those namaste Indians falls short at my feet. Apparently that bindi you see is my brain. So with that size, no wonder I 'stuff' myself so quickly? But hey, I'm smiling for him aren't I?!

Owl Know How

What a week of major creative talent in the bookshop! This evening we were entertained by AMAZING textile artist Cat Rabbit and SUPER TALENTED animator Isobel Knowles, who collectively would knock your socks off with their abilities in art.
Celebrating their first book Owl Know How, the bookshop hosted the girls as they shared some of the work they have been doing together this past year. Sheesh people, these girls are true geniuses. And both Australian. And both terribly sweet.
Cat made a new pair of specs for our shop mascot. I think he looks a bit like me now? Here are some characters from the book that they kindly shared with us today.

The day I met Oliver...

Ok, so you know when you dream of meeting someone but know it'll never happen, and then like some kind of amazing set of circumstances, it actually happens?
Well, that happened to me today. I met Oliver Jeffers. My. all. time. favourite. picture. book. author.

He drew, he joked, he encouraged, he told stories, he drew some more. He was ACE.

Launching his new book The HUEYS, Oliver also retold the fabulous Stuck story and The Incredible Book Eating Boy. There must have been over 30 drawings just seamlessly produced and his energy and enthusiasm was palpable. If every parent in the audience wasn't spell bound, I'll eat my beanie.

Oh and on that note, we had local knitters recreate the famous red beanies from his books, the audience all wearing them proudly as they watched with awe. So fun, so fun.

If you don't know his books, head over here right now or visit your local bookstore.

 

Radio Gaga

Ever made a crystal radio? Well for all you scientific types, this might get you giddy. Me...well, I'm trying.

Happy Mothers Day

It's our turn down here to celebrate being a mum. I was treated to some major cuddles and kisses this morning plus some rather perfect presents from the boys. The most beautiful part was the pride they had in presenting me with their creations. It almost made me burst with love.
You just can't beat that feeling...
Happy 'day off' ladies x

Ace Apparel Test Drive - Havoc Denim

I love supporting Aussie talent and was thrilled to receive a pair of unisex coloured jeans from Melbourne based Havoc Denim. Usually it's our eldest who gets to try out for Ace Apparel, but this time it was our chunky monkey's turn. I ADORE the shade of blue they sent, the signature white accent stitching is bold and super cute and actually makes these skinny jeans even more gorgeous on him. Soft and pretty easy to get on, even for a 3 year old, we chose a size four as our little brother is big for his age. He's not great with the zip but can still manage toilet trips alone. Pulling them up and down can sometimes be tricky for mini fashionistas, but these jeans passed the test. 

Thumbs up from us and a big thanks to Havoc Denim. 

Fine Little World

I'm totally in love with maps at the moment and have started to collect different versions for the boys bedroom wall. This version, a collaboration between Fine Little Day and Steffie Broccoli would make a very colourful addition, that's for sure. Imagine the daydreaming opportunities on this one!

Is it any Wonder...

I brought Wonder away with me, attracted by the simple graphic cover, interested in the subject matter and how the author would handle the sensitive subject -  a boy starting school for the first time, at 10,  avoiding the public space for years due to a rare facial deformity. I'm half way through and enjoying its dry humour, the oh so brave 'Auggie' and the way the story is shared through each of the main characters. Its a 'stop and think' book for anyone entering the world of teenage-dom or in need of a lesson in compassion.

There is simply no reason why you can't share in some of the books your kids read, to get an insight into what they enjoy, an understanding of favoured characters and narrative style. In the case of Wonder, you'll probably learn a few things too. Now I'm not suggesting you become a helicopter reader, but as a children's bookseller I find it so valuable to read books for all age groups. It keeps you in touch and broadens your horizons and most importantly can create some great conversations around the dinner table.

Here's an interview with the RJ Palacio that you might find interesting and the song that inspired the tale...

Peter and the Wolf - possums!

Jack has just been reading and listening to Peter and the Wolf at school and as he hasn't stopped talking about it, we borrowed a version from a friend to listen to. Although we had a copy, it has seen better days and I couldn't stand the skipping CD anymore!
So this new version we have is read by Aussie icon, Dame Edna Everage. It's CLASSIC and very sympathetic to the original - a few hilarious comments thrown in, purely for grown ups of course.
On this particular CD, Barry Humphries reads Babar the Elephant, while Edna completes the collection with the wonderful Carnival of the Animals.
The boys are listening and immersed in lego role play as I'm writing this, every now and again, discussing what's happening to Peter, the duck or the naughty wolf. What a nice way to start the day...

Don't buy it online, why not support your local store instead?