Yesterday (September 22nd) was World Car-Free Day!  World Car-Free Day is aimed at promoting alternatives to car dependency such as walking, cycling and public transport. So if you missed it, and you usually grab a lift, maybe you could try walking or riding instead. Great for the environment and your health.

School holidays start today, so I'll be off having non-library related fun for a couple of weeks.  Don't forget that Storytime and Rhymetime sessions run throughout the holidays.  If you are bored and need something to keep you busy, you could check out these websites and books... or see 'Cool things to do' below.

· Take a trip to the beach, mountains, nature reserve, or even a great park. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.


· Visit your local museum or art gallery. Most are free and have fabulous facilities for kids, particularly during school holidays when they put on workshops and exhibitions.

· Check out your local library. Modern libraries are kid-friendly, with free story readings, plus cosy corners for kids to lounge on while they read. During holidays, many libraries put on arts and crafts and other activities.


· Invite one of your child’s best friends over for a morning, afternoon, day or even a sleepover. Your child will have a ball, you get to know their friend, you’ll be giving another parent a break, and hopefully, the favour will be returned another time.


· Explore your own backyard. Pack a picnic and blanket and go for a walk in the bushland near your home. Maybe you'll end up on a rocky outcrop looking for crystals and cool rocks, hunting for kangaroos, reading books, or talking to people you meet along the way.

http://www.byokids.com.au/content/view/695/57/
http://www.readersdigest.com.au/school-holiday-ideas
http://beafunmum.com/2011/09/10-fun-school-holiday-food-ideas/
http://www.vic.gov.au/about-victoria-tourism/holidays-daylight-saving/school-holidays/school-holiday-activities.html

This site has some cute ideas for games...
http://www.kleenexmums.com.au/family-fun/school-holidays/activity-ideas/

And some crafty things ...
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/
http://dltk-kids.com/

Skip on in for your copy of the October Melbourne's Child magazine.  This issue is all about Diversity, Difference and Diagnosis with stories about down syndrome, cerebral palsy, aspergers, and the challenges of giftedness.




Song of the week...
Standing on one leg
A fantastic action song :D

Standing on one leg
Is quite tricky
Come on try it too, everyone
One foot in the air
You just hold it lightly there
Then you wobble all about
That's how it's done.

Try and balance yourself
On one leg
Wave your arms about in the air
Jump up very high
So you nearly touch the sky
And then hop hop hop around
Everywhere.

 Cool things to do...
Pop up to Shepparton this weekend for Kidsfest 2011 on Saturday and Sunday (24 & 25 September) from 10am until 4pm both days.  Kidsfest plays host to a wide range of entertainment and educational activities aimed at families with children aged between 0-12 years.  Some event highlights include: Lucy from Jnr Masterchef's cooking demo, LazyTown show, Marvel Super Heroes show, Netball & soccer clinics and an Ice Age show.  There are also jumping castles, clowns, a miniature train expo, showbags, craft workshops and lots more!  It's on at SPC Ardmona Kidstown Adventure Playground with a gold coin per person for entry.  For more information phone: 5821 4213 or visit http://www.sheppkidsfest.com.au/

And on Monday 26 September, check out a special appearance of the Dinosaur Petting Zoo.  A unique and interactive experience for children and adults alike, where you'll meet an amazing selection of dinosaurs and creatures that roamed the Australian landscape millions of years ago.  Shows are at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 4pm at Maude Street Mall, Shepparton.

Or you could head to the Royal Melbourne Show - on from Saturday 24 September to Tuesday 4 October 2011.  For sheer fun, discovery and excitement, there's nothing like this year's Royal Melbourne Show . Whether for kids & family, teens & thrillseekers or gourmet food lovers, there's plenty to discover!
 
For enquires regarding the Royal Melbourne Show please contact 1300 65 65 47 during office hours or visit http://www.royalshow.com.au/

See your game improve this season with Head Coach Steve Atkins at the Hume and Hovell Cricket Coaching Camp from 25-27 September (junior camp) or 2-4 October (senior camp).  Phone 5784 9344 or visit www.humeand-hovell.com.au/coaching-camps/ for more info.

For a fantastic pantomine about friendship, head to Tallarook Mechanics Hall for Two Peas in a Pod (Australian Picture Book of the Year 2011) on Thursday 29th September at 10am.  For $12 you'll get entry, a drink, fairy bread and drawing/word puzzles.  There's also a mini children's market after the show.  Cost is $12 per child over 1 year - Adults are free.  Just pay at the door.  No prams please. 

Visit the Seymour Agricultural Show on Saturday 1st October. It's on at King's Park in Tallarook Street, Seymour from 8.30am until 5pm. Admission: $11 Adults, $6 Children 5-15 yrs & Pensioners, Free Children under 5, 25 Family Ticket – 2 Adults & all children 5-15 yrs, $7 Vehicles. Membership ticket: $27.50 – Admits 2 adults, all children (5-15), car parking, and 50% entry fee discount. (Membership is NOT available for purchase on Show Day or with late entries).  For more information visit http://www.seymouragshow.org.au/

And, of course, you can pop into your local library for Storytime & Rhymetime as they run throughout these school hols!

Phew!

Great new books...
We've just taken delivery of so many lovely new childrens books it's like a treasure trove in our back room!  Soon they'll be filtering out onto the shelves but here are a couple to whet your taste buds :D

And the uber cute:

containing cutouts with cellophane-type colours - it's just gorgeous!

Joke of the week...
Which vehicle is spelled the same forwards and backwards?
Racecar

That's it for this week.  See you next time & happy holidays!