MSLS Children's Blog

Special Rhyme time at Wellington Square

2012-01-24T13:19:00.000+11:00

On Wednesday 11th Jan we held a special Rhyme Time in the Wellington Square Shopping centre.

Here are staff from the library having a fun time with the passers by.
Come along at 10.30am on this Wednesday 25th Jan for another half hour of nursery rhymes and bubbles.

Christmas * Christmas * Christmas!

2011-12-07T16:51:00.000+11:00

All our Christmas books are out and about now, make sure you head to your library to check them out. Here are just a few...

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

Holiday opening hours

2011-12-02T14:51:00.002+11:00

SEASONS GREETINGS FROM ALL YOUR LIBRARY STAFF

This year, in addition to being closed on the public holidays, the libraries will be varying the hours of opening over the Christmas/New Year period. Click here for details.

Final childrens sessions for 2011

2011-11-30T17:00:00.002+11:00

I'm almost afraid to write it, as Christmas is apparently looming so large, but our final children's library sessions are also looming :(

Next week is the last week for all Storytime and Rhymetime sessions for the year, with sessions starting back late February next year. Keep an eye out for details at your library or check here mid-February for details.

So next week at our Storytime and Rhymetime sessions we are holding Christmas Breakups and want you to help celebrate. Make sure you come dressed 'Christmassy', for example, wearing a santa hat, Christmas jewellery, tinsel or decorations or maybe your brightest red outfit.

See you next week!

2011-11-02T16:58:00.000+11:00

Did you go out trick or treating for Halloween on Monday? I sure did have a lot of people drop in for treats at my place :P

Just in case you missed out or want to be ready for next year, here are some great ideas:

MAKE AN ORANGE JACK-O-LANTERN
1. Grab an orange
2. Check out some jack-o-lantern pumpkin designs.
3. Sketch the design on paper first, taking into consideration the size of the orange.
4. Ask an adult to assist in cutting off the top of the orange.
5. Hollow out the orange flesh with a teaspoon
6. Ask an adult to help you to carve the design using the tip of a paring knife. Be careful of squirting orange juice when carving since it can sting your eyes.
7. Once you're done, you can leave it as is or fill it with ice-cream or fruit salad like the one in the picture above.

Click on the link below for some pumpkin templates you can adapt:
http://www.dltk-holidays.com/halloween/mpatterns.htm
http://www.ehow.com/halloween/templates.html

Simple Fake Blood:

Clear Corn Syrup
Red Food Coloring
Milk - Optional

However much fake blood is how much corn syrup you'll need. Pour it into a bowl and mix in some red food coloring. Add some blue if you like. Adding a small amount of milk will make the blood appear darker and thicker.

Source(s):
http://www.halloween-website.com/fake_blood.htm

Some spooky books for Halloween...

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

Staff development road trip

2011-10-26T16:50:00.002+11:00

Well, some of the Children's Library staff have recently been off on a road trip to Melton where we attended CHA CHA SAM's professional development for librarians.

Andrea Rieniets and Ande Lemon from Cha Cha Sam make songs and stories that bring children and their communities closer together through singing, dancing and practicing communication and they definitely know how to engage both children and grown-ups.

Liz, Bonnie & I had the best day, filled with laughter, great ideas for making Storytime better and ukelele! Bonnie mentioned she's thrown in one of the new songs we picked up to her Storytime session and I even attempted to do a uke solo today at Storytime (if I could just get my fingers to find the G chord).

Here's a fantastic new song (& Bonnie's new fave) that we picked up whilst in Melton.
A Ram Sam Sam
Sing it slowly, then try a speedy version & see if you can keep up!
A ram sam sam, a ram sam sam (bang fists together -sort of like One Potato, Two Potatoes)
Guli guli guli guli guli ram sam sam (keep doing the same action)
A ram sam sam, a ram sam sam
Guli guli guli guli guli ram sam sam

A rabi, a rabi, (sweep hands downwards, then upwards)
Guli guli guli guli guli ram sam sam
A rabi, a rabi,
Guli guli guli guli guli ram sam sam

Here's a utube version to check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgWAjHmICp4

That's it for now. See you next time!

2011-10-12T16:15:00.002+11:00

Next Wednesday (19 October) the Children's services staff are attending a staff development day. As a result, Storytime at Broadford and Kilmore and Rhymetime at Wallan will not be held. But we'll be back as usual the following week... hopefully having learned some fantastic new skills (get ready for a ukelele solo from me).

Sunday 16 October is World Food Day. Proclaimed in 1979, it's aim is to heighten public awareness of the world food problem and strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty. Maybe you could donate some food to a charity organisation or discuss the possibility of sponsoring a child with your parents? Or you could just be sure to eat all your lunch without wasting anything...

Here are some related websites:

http://www.worldvision.com.au/Home.aspx?source=1300

http://www.thp.org.au/THP_AU_Site/Home.html

Song of the week...
Five Cookies
Action poem

Five little cookies in the bakery shop.
Shinning bright with the sugar on top.
Along comes (child's name) with a nickel to pay.
He/she buys a cookie and takes it away.
(continue with four, three, two and one).

On this week...

Come along to Tastes of the Goulburn in Seymour on Saturday 15 October from 10-4. I'll be there running some Storytime sessions throughout the day but there'll also be face painting, pavement art, carnival rides, plaster and paint activities, a balloon artist giving away shaped balloons and Rex the magician! (& there's lots to keep your parents busy too!). It's in Station Street in Seymour. For information contact the Seymour Visitor Information Centre on 5799 0233 or visit http://www.tastesofthegoulburn.org.au/

Voices around the Campfire will be held at the State Motorcycle Complex in Broadford this Saturday 15 October from 2pm till 7pm. The only thing you''ll need to pay for is soft drink. For the entire community, traditional indigenous stories will be shared, there'll be a grass weaving workshop for making jewellery, singing, cooking and drum lessons will also be held. For more information, call Tracy on 0400 259 886.

Have a Day out with Thomas at Puffing Billy's Emerald Town Station on Saturday 15 October (and on the 22 Oct too). Families can ride Thomas the Tank enging and enjoy the many attractions available, including a 20 minute steam train ride, an animal nursery, a jumping castle and a Thomas and the Fat Controller pantomine. 9am-3.30pm. Rides: 9.30am, 10.30am, 12pm & 1.30pm. Cost: Adults $23.50, Child (1-3 years) $11.50, Child under 1 year: free. Bookings are essential - contact 9757 0700 or visit http://www.puffingbilly.com.au/ It's at the Emerald Town Station, Emerald, The Dandenongs.

Head to Broadford for Wildflowers of the Colin Officer Flora Reserve and the launch of the Broadford Land Management Group on Sunday 16 October.

The annual wildflower display should be even more spectacular this year after two seasons of good rain. Come along to explore the Reserve and celebrate the marvellous arrays of Heaths and Wattles, Orchids and Lilies, and more. Meet at the Broadford Golf Club carpark in Horwood Road, Broadford at 10am. FREE BBQ LUNCH PROVIDED

For further information and bookings contact the Secretary on 0468 795 954.

Books on...

New sibling

Joke of the week...
Here's the best homework excuse ever…
Teacher: Where is your homework?
Student: I lost it fighting this kid who said you weren't the best teacher in the school.

That's it for now. See you next time!

2011-09-23T16:53:00.001+10:00

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!

2011-09-14T17:07:00.001+10:00

Are you counting down to school holidays? Only one more week to go! Our Storytime and Rhymetime sessions run right throughout the school holidays (except over the Christmas break) so pop in for a FREE activity to keep the boredom at bay. There's no need to book, just come along and have some fun. At Storytime, we create crafty items to take home as well as reading, singing and having a great time. Rhymetime sessions are great for burning off some energy, particularly for children who aren't yet ready to sit for a few stories. We sing lots of songs and rhymes, play with puppets and bubbles and sometimes even read a simple story.

Song of the week...
What do you think my name is?
Another great song that I've heard on PlaySchool.

What do you think my name is?
I wonder if you know?
My name is ..... (say your name)
Hello, Hello, Hello, hello
Hello, Hello, Hello!

I wonder what your name is?
I would like to know.
Your name is ... (say your name)

Hello, Hello, Hello, hello

Hello, Hello, Hello!

Cool things to do...
Visit the Seymour Craft and Produce market this Saturday 17 September from 9am till 3pm. It's on at King's Park in Tallarook Street, Seymour. Featuring over 80 stalls offering the very best of quality arts and crafts, fresh produce, plants and garden supplies, specialty food, and our famous regional wines. A great day out for the family, with wine tastings, gourmet foods, music, entertainment and much, much more. For information contact Richard and Carol Hiscock on 5794 1419 or email: stylevent@bigpond.com

What about a trip to Melbourne for The Musical Detective on Sunday 18 September. Presented by PATMA Music Family Concerts, The Musical Detective is an interactive orchestral experience where kids become part of the classical music performance. Sessions at 11.30am and 2.30pm. There will also be pre-concert activities for children at 10.45 and 1.45 where children can learn to conduct an orchestra. Cost: Adult $35, Conc $29, Child (under 13) $18, Child (under 2) FREE, Family (2 adults & 2 children) $90. It's at BMW Edge Theatre, Federation Square in Flinders Street, Melbourne. Enquiries and bookings: 9557 0350

Joke of the week...

What did the teacher say when it rained cats and dogs?

Be careful not to step on a poodle!

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

Web-based language learning that’s easy, fast and effective!

2011-09-08T04:35:00.001+10:00

Mitchell Libraries is excited to launch this web-based language learning program available from Thursday 8 September 2011. This program is available free of charge to all library members.

Byki is a powerful and personalised language learning system, an exciting program intended to provide a fun, engaging and effective environment for language learning. It locks foreign language words and phrases into your memory so that you can recall them perfectly and remember them forever. There are over 90 languages available for you to learn plus 17 English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses. Library members have 24/7 unlimited access – anywhere, anytime with simultaneous access. Byki features listening, reading, speaking and writing exercises, speech analysis to improve pronunciation skills and interactive dialog and reading exercises. Individual progress tracking and assessment tests help identify areas for improvement and move users in the right direction.

If you want to use Byki at the library you will need to provide headphones to use within the library due to noise considerations.

Byki will be available from the libraries homepage

2011-09-07T17:14:00.000+10:00

This Sunday 11 September is National Bilby Day. These delightful furry Australians now have a special day of their own, as NATIONAL BILBY DAY was officially launched in 2005 and the celebrations are held on the second Sunday of September annually.

The FREE September issue of Melbourne's Child magazine is now available at your nearest Mitchell Library branch. This issue is all about health, with information about developments relating to stem cells, a guide to aquatic and recreation centres, information on decoding the data on food labels, eczema and helping disadvantaged young people.

With the end of this year's sculpture competition, the Children's Book Council of Australia have just announced the theme for 2012 - Champion's Read, so if you're planning to enter next year, that'll be our sculpture competition's theme too! Book Week runs from Saturday 18 – Friday 24 August so you have plenty of time to create something suitably champion-like.

Song of the week...
Going on a Bear Hunt

We're goin' on a bear hunt,
We're going to catch a big one,
I'm not scared
It's a beautiful day!

Oh look! It's some long, wavy grass!
Can't go over it,
Can't go under it,
Can't go around it,
Got to go through it!
(Make arm motions like you're going through
long grass and make swishing sounds)

We're goin' on a bear hunt,
We're going to catch a big one,
I'm not scared
It's a beautiful day!

Oh look! It's a mushroom patch.
Can't go over it,
Can't go under it,
Can't go around it,
Got to go through it!
(Pretend to go through the patch
making popping sounds by clasping
fingers together and clapping hands)

We're goin' on a bear hunt,
We're going to catch a big one,
I'm not scared
It's a beautiful day!

Oh look! It's a wide river.
Can't go over it,
Can't go under it,
Can't go through it,
Got to swim across it.
(Pretend to swim and
make splashing sounds)

We're goin' on a bear hunt,
We're going to catch a big one,
I'm not scared
It's a beautiful day!

Oh look! A deep, dark cave.
Can't go over it,
Can't go under it,
Can't go through it,
Got to go in it.
(Pretend you're in a cave)

Uh, oh! It's dark in here.
I feel something,
It has lots of hair!
It has sharp teeth!

It's a bear!

Hurry back through the river,
(Pretend to swim
and make splashing sounds)
Back through the mushroom patch,
(Make popping sounds)
Back through the long grass
(Make motions like you're
going through grass
and make swishing sounds)
Run in the house and lock the door.
(Make a loud clap sound)
Phew! That was close!

I'm not afraid!

Cool things to do...

Come along to one of our FREE Storytime and Rhymetime sessions - at all Mitchell libraries.

Head to Alexandra on Sunday 11 September from 10-4 for some steam train fun with "Singing into Spring at the Station". There will be a platform BBQ, refreshments and souvenirs and the local logging museum will be open. Entry and train ride $5 with children 3 and under free. For more information, contact Jane on 0427 509 988 or visit http://www.alexandratramway.org.au. Location: Station Street, Alexandra. That's it for this week. See you next time!

Sculpture comptetition winners!!!

2011-09-02T17:10:00.002+10:00

Here are the talented winners of the

2011 School Sculpture Competition

Kilmore

Best sculpture

Alastair Clark from Kilmore Primary

Most unusual

Aidan Lake from St. Patricks primary

Encouragement award

Jayden Willcock-O'Shea from St. Patricks primary

Seymour
Best sculpture

Grace Tricarico from B4 school care

Most unusual

Katelyn Halse from B4 school care

Encouragement award
Harper Greive from B4 school care

Wallan Library

Best sculpture

Jake Pollifrone & Dylan Gray

from Upper Plenty primary

Most unusual

Nusrath Ammena from Wallan Primary

Encouragement Award

Emily Jones from Upper Plenty primary

Lucky voter winners

Kilmore - Emmett

Seymour - Piper

Wallan - Jace

Thank you to everyone who entered - your fantastic art work has really brightened up our libraries. And thanks also to all those people who took the time to vote on their favourites to determine our winning entries!

Library survey

2011-09-01T15:32:00.003+10:00

Now is your chance to let us know what we are doing well and areas where we can improve. We are running our annual customer satisfaction survey for the month of September.

Father's Day is on Sunday!

2011-08-31T17:07:00.001+10:00

Father's Day is this Sunday (4th September), so if you haven't already thought up something to let him know how much you love him, here are some ideas:

*print or make a certificate to award Dad
*write a poem about your Dad and why he's so great
*Make a computer slideshow with photos of your Dad
*Create some envelope surprises! A new spin on the traditional coupon gifts. Each envelope holds a daily surprise for Dad. A great group gift from everyone in the family, each person can pitch in and create special surprises to put in the envelopes.

*Make a super-cute Father's Day puzzle for him. So easy and fun. Grab some icy-pole sticks and then print a picture of your Dad out. Keeping the sticks together (you can use sticky tape across the backs to hold them together), carefully glue the picture onto them. Once the glue dries out, remove the sticky tape and cut between the sticks. Then you are ready to present it to Dad.

*Or create a wallet-sized artwork - get hold of a business card and trace around it onto nice cardboard and then decorate the cardboard so Dad can keep it with him all the time!

And here's a couple of websites with some more ideas:
http://www.dltk-holidays.com/dad/
http://holidays.kaboose.com/fathers-day/
http://www.kidssoup.com/FathersDay/FathersDay.html

Well, our School Sculpture competition is all wrapped up - voting closed on Friday night and we'll be announcing our talented winners TOMORROW!

Cool things to do...
Head to Euroa on Saturday 3rd September at 4pm (till 7pm) for a FREE Father's Day Concert! This is a local community music event and everyone is welcome. Free entry. Refreshments available. Call Gary on 0429 951 902 with any queries. It's at The Flour Mill Gallery, Kirkland Avenue, Euroa.

Or you could check out the 50th Anniversary Spring Fair on Saturday 3rd September from 9am until 1pm for a fun family day. There are lots of activities for kids, like the low cost Animal Farm, Bungy Run, Plaster painting, children's choir and a Jumping Castle. There's also a variety of stalls to shop at : Plants, Preserves, Fruit/veg, Cakes Toys, White elephant and Books. Don't miss the 50th Birthday Cake, BBQ, Devonshire teas and the Monster Raffle draw.

It's at the St Pauls Hall on the corner of Brantome & Fisher Streets in Gisborne. For information contact Mary Duggan on 5428 6497 or email yearn_2@hotmail.com. You can also visit http://www.anglicanparishgisborne.org.au

That's it for today. See you next week!

Book week!

2011-08-24T17:10:00.002+10:00

It's Children's Book Week this week (August 20th - 26th). Book Week is the longest running children's festival in Australia, celebrating its 65th birthday in 2010. Each year, many schools and public libraries from all over Australia spend a week celebrating books and Australian authors and illustrators.

Of course, we are running the school sculpture competition to celebrate. If you haven't already checked them out, pop into Wallan, Seymour and Kilmore libraries to check them out and vote on your favourites. Voting closes on Friday 26th August!

Song of the week...

The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah

The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching one by one,
The little one stops to suck his thumb
And they all go marching in to get out of the rain
In to get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The ants go marching two by two, hurrah, hurrah...
The little one stops to tie his shoe

The ants go marching three by three, hurrah, hurrah...
The little one stops to climb a tree

The ants go marching four by four, hurrah, hurrah...
The little one stops to shut the door

The ants go marching five by five, hurrah, hurrah...
The little one stops to take a dive

The ants go marching six by six, hurrah, hurrah...

The little one stops to pick up sticks

The ants go marching seven by seven, hurrah, hurrah...
The little one stops to pray to heaven

The ants go marching eight by eight, hurrah, hurrah...
The little one stops to shut the gate

The ants go marching nine by nine, hurrah, hurrah...
The little one stops to check the time

The ants go marching ten by ten, hurrah, hurrah...
The little one stops to say "THE END"

2011 Book of the Year Award winners...

Book of the Year: Younger Readers

Honour Books: Younger Readers

Book of the Year: Early Childhood

Honour Books: Early Childhood

Picture Book of the Year

Honour Books: Picture Book of the Year

Eve Pownall Award for Information Books

Cool things to do...

Visit the Kilmore Scout Market on Saturday 30 July from 9am until 1pm. It's held on the last Saturday of every month and features over 40 stalls offering a variety of new and used goods, arts and craft and local produce. It's at Hudson Park, Sydney Street, Kilmore. For more information contact Sharon Wilson on 0427 230 971, email: swilson789@hotmail.com or visit http://tilbatilba.org.au/kilmore

Check out the CARTWHEELS Schools Festival on Saturday 27 August from 5:30pm till 8pm. A celebration of school students work in the Cathedral Cluster Schools, this is an evening to showcase creative works including song, performance, visula arts and music. Community Music Groups also performing. Food available. It's on at the Alexandra Secondary College Grounds. For information contact Nicola Woolford on 57702200 or email: nwoolford@berrystreet.org.au

If you're aged between 4-12 years, head to St. Kilda on Sunday 28 August between 10am and 2pm for a great day out with other cool kids at Cool Kids Day. Kids can participate in activities that will teach them about the environment and the important things that they can do to help look after it. The day will feature live entertainment and activities for children and their families, including a rock-climbing wall, face painting, a snakes display, pot-planting, painting, crafts, games and prizes.

All proceeds will go towards the expansion and further development of the Our Cool School Educational Program, which is one of Australia's leading online environmental resources that reaches more than 125,000 students every year. Costs for adults is $25, concession $20, child $10, family (4 people) $60. It's at St. Kilda Town Hall, 99a Carlisle Street, St. Kilda. Enquiries and bookings: http://www.coolkidsday.org.au/

Joke of the week...

Why did the teacher wear sunglasses?
Because his class was so bright!

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

Not long to go!

2011-08-10T16:54:00.003+10:00

Entry to the One World, Many Stories School Sculpture Competition is open to all primary-aged children who live in Mitchell Shire. Entries close this Friday (12 August), so be quick!

Get your sculptures in to be in the running. You could win a prize for the Best, Most Unusual or even the Encouragement categories at each library branch so the odds are pretty good! See below for the entry form or pick one up from your nearest Mitchell library.

Friday (12 August) is International Youth Day. International Youth Day is the best time to commemorate the power and strength of the youth all around the globe. International Youth Day has been celebrated every year on 12th August since 1999.

Song of the week...
Hands on Shoulders
A good action (and listening) song ;D
Hands on Shoulders
Hands on knees
Hands behind you,
if you please!
Touch your shoulders
now your nose
Now your hair and now your toes
Hands up high in the air
Down at your sides and touch your hair
Hands up high as before
Now clap your hands, 1, 2, 3, 4!

Cool things to do...
Head to Avenel for their Produce & Craft Market on Sunday 14th August. Grow it, bake it and make it!! Regular features include live music and free kids’ art, plus a scrumptious BBQ and plates of delicacies in the Tennis Clubrooms. It's at Jubilee Park, Livingstone Street, Avenel from 10am till 2pm. For information contact Trish Heaslip on 0419 392 196. For more info contact Heathcote Visitor Information Centre on 5433 3121 or email: info@heathcoteonshow.com.au

Or search for the City of Lost Toys with Dora the Explorer live on Friday 12 & Saturday 13 August at the Princess Theatre in 163 Spring Street, Melbourne. Families can join Dora, Boots, Diego and their friends on a musical adventure through the number pyramid and the mixed-up jungle. Along the way the audience will use their map-reading, counting, music and language skills to successfully get Dora and her friends to the City of Lost Toys. It's on at 10.30am and 1pm and costs $29.50-$49.50. For bookings, phone: 9299 9800

If you like...

Harry Potter

Get your sculptures in!

2011-08-05T16:18:00.003+10:00

Entry to the One World, Many Stories School Sculpture Competition is now open to all primary-aged children who live in Mitchell Shire. Get your sculptures in by close of business next Friday (12th August) to be in the running for prizes. A prize will be awarded to the Best, Most Unusual and Encouragement categories at each library branch so the odds are pretty good! See last week's blog for the entry form or pick one up from your nearest Mitchell library.

Another thing to look out for is the Mitchell Kids' Passport. Grab one for some great discounts at local businesses and if you collect 3 stamps, you can enter the draw to win a $100 voucher each month. Passports are available at libraries and council Customer Service Centres.

Make sure you wear your jeans today (5th August) for Jeans for Genes day. Jeans for Genes Day is the main annual fundraising event for the Children’s Medical Research Institute. It began in 1994 and to date has raised over $55 million for the Children’s Medical Research Institute. We encourage all Australians to wear their favourite jeans to work or school and make a donation or buy a badge for the privilege.

The August issue of Melbourne's Child is now available. This one is all about education, with stories on autism, standing up to homophobia in schools and when to send your child to school. Grab a FREE copy at your local library.

Song of the week...
We danced to this one this morning at Storytime and had lots of fun shaking our sillies out.

Shake your sillies out - The Wiggles
We're gonna shake, shake, shake our sillies out,
Shake, shake, shake our sillies out,
Shake, shake, shake our sillies out,
And wibble our wobbles away!

We're gonna nod, nod, nod our noddies out,
Nod, nod, nodd our noddies out,
Nod, nod, nodd our noddies out,
And wibble our wobbles away!

We're gonna clap, clap, clap our crazies out,
Clap, clap, clap our crazies out,
Clap, clap, clap our crazies out,
And wibble our wobbles away!

We're gonna jump, jump, jump our jiggles out,
Jump, jump, jump our jiggles out,
Jump, jump, jump our jiggles out,
And wibble our wobbles away!

We're gonna stretch, yawn, stretch and yawn again,
Stretch, yawn, stretch and yawn again,
Stretch, yawn, stretch and yawn again,
And wibble our wobbles away!

We're gonna shake, shake, shake our sillies out,
Shake, shake, shake our sillies out,
Shake, shake, shake our sillies out,
And wibble our wobbles away!

Cool things to do...
Pop in to the Nagambie Lakes Market on Saturday 6th August from 8.30am until 1pm. Check out the regional produce, arts & crafts, food stalls, plants, playground and there's heaps of off-street parking at Buckley Park. It's at Jacobson’s Outlook and Blayney Reserve, Nagambie. Contact Julie on 0408 602 841 or visit: http://www.nagambielakestourism.com.au/

Or head to Yea instead for their Yea Country Market. It offers an array of stalls, fresh local produce, arts and crafts, children's activities, play ground and skate park. The Yea Country Market showcases local producers, growers and makers and is a community event with a gold coin donation entry - funds from entry are donated to local charities each month. It's at the Yea Railway Park, Station Street, Yea. For information contact Sophia Demos at yeamarket@gmail.com

Children's Storytelling at the Shrine of Remembrance on Sunday 7 August at 2pm. This is an ideal way to introduce young children to the Shrine and would suit children aged 5-9 years. Each storytelling session is interactive and followed by a tour of the Shrine. Bookings are essential, phone 9661 8100 or visit: http://www.shrine.org.au/ Head to St. Kilda Rd, Melbourne to check it out.

Great new book...

We read Press Here at both my Storytime sessions this week and it was a big hit! It's bright and colourful and super-interactive. Even the kids who are sometimes a bit reluctant got into it. Simple but oh-so-fun! This is a great book for pre-school kids but I think my 9-year old would also enjoy it.

Joke of the week...

What did the beanstalk say to Jack?

Stop picking on me!

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

2011-07-27T16:54:00.001+10:00

Okay, so I've been on holidays and am hoping you've missed the blog! I'm back, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed :D

Don't forget to enter the One World, Many Stories School Sculpture competition! Open to all primary school children within Mitchell Shire, it is free to enter and there are prizes at each branch for the Best, Most unusual and Encouragement categories. Themed sculptures can be delivered to libraries from Monday 1 August up until closing time on Friday 12 August.

We think the theme relates to the way a book can show you what things are like for people in a different country, a different world or just a different situation to our own. So you could make a sculpture relating to another world or culture or maybe about a story that is special to you.

Some ideas could be…
 a double-sided sculpture to compare one country to another, side by side, sort of like the book, Mirror by Jeannie Baker

 a sculpture of a character from a book depicting another world, like the dragon in Eragon
 a sculpture relating to a book that is special to you

TO ENTER:
1. Create your themed sculpture (out of paper mache, clay, playdough, icypole sticks, etc
2. Deliver your creation to the correct library for your school
3. Complete an entry form

See below for an entry form you can print off or grab one from the library. For more information, drop into your local library or call 5782 1322.

Song of the week...

Jack in the box

A fun action song!

All is quiet (crouch down as small as you can)

Down in the box (say this slowly to build up suspense)

Until somebody opens the lid... (say this slowly too)
Boo! (burst upwards and shout "BOO!")

Cool things to do...

Friday 29th July is Schools Tree Day and Sunday 31st is National Tree Day, a great opportunity to plant or give some love to a tree. You could feed a tree, weed around it or even help your parents to give it a prune. Maybe you could climb a tree or make some decorations to go in it. For a cool pinecone birdfeeder that you can make, visit http://www.busybeekidscrafts.com/Pinecone-Birdfeeder.html

Last year over 312,000 people at 3,500 sites dug deep to improve their natural surroundings. Tree Day shows children how easy and fun it is to help our environment.

If you live near Wandong you could take part in Wandong Heathcote Junction Community Group's replanting of trees lost in the bushfires from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Sunday 7 August at Epping Kilmore Road Wandong. RSVP to Marie Dooley on 57871451.

Goulburn Park in Seymour is also going to have some tree planting going on from 10am until noon on Sunday 21 August. RSVP to Vivian Pasic on 035734 6378.

For more information about National Tree Day visit http://treeday.planetark.org/

Visit the Kilmore Miniature Railway on Saturday 30th July from 10am till 1pm at White Street, Kilmore near the Leisure Centre (weather permitting). The Miniature Railway runs on the last Saturday of every month.

Visit the Kilmore Scout Market on Saturday 30 July from 9am until 1pm. It's held on the last Saturday of every month and features over 40 stalls offering a variety of new and used goods, arts and craft and local produce. It's at Hudson Park, Sydney Street, Kilmore. For more information contact Sharon Wilson on 0427 230 971, email: swilson789@hotmail.com or visit http://tilbatilba.org.au/kilmore

Head to Lake Mountain Resort on Sunday 31 July for the Lake Mountain Mini Series. It's is a great way to introduce young skiers to racing. This event runs over three different weekends during snow season. Choice of classic or skate skiing.

For information contact Kristy Benson on (03) 5908 1708 or send an email to kristy@lakemountainresort.com.au. You could check out http://www.lakemountainresort.com.au/ for more information.

Or you could head off to Kyneton to see the kids show My Grandma Lived in Gooligulch on Friday 29 (at 1pm till 1.55pm) or Saturday 30 July (2pm till 2.55pm).

Internationally acclaimed children’s writer Graeme Base and multi award-winning writer/director Garry Ginivan have combined to adapt one of Base’s best-loved stories to the stage. Full of imagination and humour, My Grandma lived in Gooligulch tells the story of a surprising Grandma in a tiny country town. She lives a magical life full of adventure. Her friends are Australian animals and they can talk!

It's at the Kyneton Town Hall and costs just $16 each for both adults & children or $54 for the family (2 adults, 2 kids). Children under 18 months are free. Phone Bookings can be made by calling: 1300 88 88 02, alternatively you can email kthtickets@mrsc.vic.gov.au. For more information, visit http://www.takeapeek.com.au/

Sculpture competition entry form
Just print this off, complete and drop into the library with your sculpture between Monday 1 and Friday 12 August. Good luck!
2011 One World Sculpture Competition Entry Form

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

Yay! School holidays are coming!

2011-06-29T13:39:00.001+10:00

School holidays start Friday but remember that we run our Storytime and Rhymetime sessions throughout the year - even during school hols!

Early primary children enjoy Storytime activities and Rhymetime songs just as much as their younger siblings and are welcome to join in the fun :D No bookings are required, so just turn up on the day and there is no cost involved so it's something free to do on the holidays.

At Storytime, we make craft items like 3D puppies, giraffe puppets and other fun items. Each week has a new theme, where we read a few stories, sing songs and sometimes even have bubbles, puppets or musical instruments to play with. Sessions run for about an hour.

Rhymetime sessions involve lots of singing, finger plays, puppets and music. Sometimes a very simple story might be read. There are usually bubbles to pop, too! These sessions are around 30 minutes.

Just a reminder about our annual sculpture competition for school children living in the Shire. This year the theme is One World, Many Stories. We think this relates to the way a book or story can show you what things are like for people in different countries, worlds or situations to our own. This means that you could make a sculpture relating to another world or culture or maybe about a book that is special to you.

Some ideas might be:

*a double-sided sculpture that compares life in one country and another, side-by-side, sort of like the book, Mirror by Jeannie Baker;

*a sculpture of a character from a book about another world, like the dragon in Eragon; or

*a sculpture relating to a book that is special to you.

Remember that sculptures can be made out of paper mache, clay, playdough, icy pole sticks, etc.

Sculptures can be delivered to the appropriate library from the 1st to the 12th of August so you have about a month to create something fantastic!

July 3rd-10th is NAIDOC week! NAIDOC is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous Australians in various fields.

Song of the week...

A cute song to share with baby.

Tick, tock, tick, tock (Swing baby from side to side)

I'm a little cuckoo clock (Swing baby from side to side)

Tick, tock, tick, tock (Swinging)

Now I'm striking one o'clock (lift baby gently up to the sky once)

Of course, you can keep counting upwards, just lift baby the appropriate number of times for the number.

Cool things to do...

Head to Seymour for the 24th Seymour Doll & Ceramic Craft Show on Sunday 3rd July. There's a competition, exhibition and even trading tables. It starts at 10am and runs till 4.30pm and is at the Anglican Hall on Anzac Avenue in Seymour.

Admission costs are: Adults $4, Seniors $2.50, Child (6-12) $1.50 and children under 6 are free. Donation of proceeds to SES Seymour Branch

For information contact Sophie Berens on 5799 1723 or 0438 512 453 or email: sophie@berens.com.au

Also in Seymour on Sunday 3rd July is the Seymour & District Art Society Annual Awards Exhibition. Entry cost is via a gold coin donation and it's at the Old Court House Gallery, Emily Street Seymour. For more information, contact Ted Gray on 5799 2390.

There's also the Nagambie Lakes Market with regional produce, arts & crafts, food stalls, plants, playground and heaps more! Off street parking at Buckley Park. The market is at Jacobson’s Outlook and Blayney Reserve, Nagambie. For more info contact Julie on 0408 602 841 or visit http://www.nagambielakestourism.com.au/

Create your own crafty bug family at Bugs Alive on Tuesday, 5 July from 1pm till 3pm. Suitable for school-aged children. All craft materials are supplied. Cost: $10 per child. Bookings essential. It's at Dromkeen National Centre for Picture Book Art, 1012 Kilmore Road, Riddells Creek VIC 3431. For information contact Dromkeen on 5428 6799, email: dromkeen@scholastic.com.au or visit http://scholastic.com.au/dromkeen

For some great school holiday fun, head to Tallarook for the interactive Circus Clown Show with Tony Bones the clown. There are magic tricks and music too! Entry includes a drink, fairy bread and craft activities. And there's a mini children's market after the show. It's at the Tallarook Mechanics Hall on Thursday 7th July at 10am and costs $12 per child (over 1 year). Family ticket: $36. Adults are free. Pay at the door. No prams.

And don't forget that Storytime and Rhymetime will run throughout the school holidays! Drop into your local library or phone 5782 1322 for session details.

Books on...

Going to the hospital/dentist/being sick

Joke of the week...

Doctor, doctor, I keep thinking I'm a clock.

Don't worry - you're just a little wound up.

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

Red Nose Day this week

2011-06-22T14:18:00.001+10:00

Red Nose Day is on Friday 24 June! This is the major fundraiser for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Kids.

Funds raised through Red Nose Day activities assist SIDS and Kids in providing vital services and programs to the Australian community. SIDS and Kids is dedicated to saving the lives of babies and children during pregnancy, birth, infancy and childhood and to supporting bereaved families.For more information or to make a donation visit http://www.rednoseday.com.au/

The renovations are well underway at Kilmore Library. But the Celtic Festival will be making use of the John Taylor room this weekend. Looking forward to a gorgeous-looking library really soon!

Remember that this means that Kilmore Library will have to close for a couple of weeks from Monday 13 June 2011 until Wednesday 29 June, reopening Thursday 30 June 2011.

Song of the week...

Bend and stretch

Bend and stretch (bend over, then stand straight up and stretch)

Reach for the stars (stand up tall and try to touch the sky)

There goes Jupiter (Point to the left)

Here comes Mars (Point to the right)

Bend and stretch (bend over, then stand straight up and stretch)

Reach for the sky (stand up tall and try to touch the sky)

Stand on tippeetoes (stand on tiptoes whilst continuing to stretch)

Up so high!

Cool things to do...

Head to Kilmore for the annual Celtic Festival this weekend (25 & 26 June). As well as Irish dancing, Irish pipers, a highland dance competition and presentation, traditional irish music and a celtic market, there is also the Celtic youth program (on Sunday) in the John Taylor Room at Kilmore Library from 1-4pm. For information phone 5781 1711, email kilmorecelticfestival@yahoo.com or visit http://www.kilmore.info/

Visit the Kilmore Scout Market on Saturday 25 June from 9am until 1pm. It's held on the last Saturday of every month and features over 40 stalls offering a variety of new and used goods, arts and craft and local produce. It's at Hudson Park, Sydney Street, Kilmore. For more information contact Sharon Wilson on 0427 230 971, email: swilson789@hotmail.com or visit http://tilbatilba.org.au/kilmore

Inside a star-covered tent, children will discover how wonderful the world is through beautiful imagery and stories at Songs from Above. Suits children aged 2-4 years. 10-10.30am and 11.30am-12pm on 21-26 June. Cost is $16 per person. Children must be accompanied by and adult. This is on at the Arts Centre, 100 St. Kilda road, Melbourne. Bookings are essential: phone 1300 182 183 or visit www.theartscentre.com.au/kids

For some aussie fun, head to Bundoora Homestead tomorrow (23 June) from 2-3.30pm for Gumleaf Anthems! Uncle Herb will talk about his Australian Indigenous heritage and the tradition of gumleaf playing in Victoria. He will demonstrate the art of gumleaf playing, with audience participation encouraged. Cost is $5 per person. Bookings are essential. Contact 9496 1060. It's on at Bundoora Homestead Art Centre Access Gallery, 7-27 Snake Gully Drive, Bundoora.

If you love The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, head to The Arts Centre on the 24 and 25 June (and also on the 28th June at 6pm) for a musical adaption telling the story of a clever little mouse in a forest full of predators. Suits 3 year olds and over and runs for 50 minutes (no interval). It's on at 10am and 12pm and costs $18 per person. This is on at Gasworks Theatre, Gasworks Arts Park, Cnr Graham and Pickles Streets, Albert Park. Enquiries and bookings: 8606 4202.

Books on...

Starting school/kinder

Joke of the week...
How do astronauts serve dinner in space?
On flying saucers.

Website of the week...

http://www.factmonster.com/

Although it's an american site, this has some really interesting info, like:

the origin of the teddy bear,
how coins are made,
fashion through the decades,
fun sport facts and superstitions,
the seven wonders of the modern world,
games and quizzes, and even
maths flashcards.

Plus it has lots more!

That's it for this week. See you soon!

Global Wind Day

2011-06-15T13:08:00.004+10:00

Today is Global Wind Day! If it were actually windy, we could make a kite and fly it. Maybe on the weekend... See If you're feeling bored for kite-making ideas.

Song of the week...
Everybody jumping
Might try this one out at Storytime this week. Just do the move to go along with the verse.

Everybody jumping, jumping, jumping,

Everybody shaking, shaking, shaking,
Everybody shaking, just like this.
Everybody clapping, clapping, clapping,
Everybody clapping, just like this.
Everybody stomping, stomping, stomping,
Everybody stomping, just like this.
Everybody sitting, sitting, sitting,
Everybody sitting, just like this.

Of course, you can make up all kinds of crazy actions as well as these ones... smiling, making noise (with instruments?), etc. Have fun!

Things to do...
Featuring over 80 stalls offering the very best of quality arts and crafts, fresh produce, plants and garden supplies, specialty food, and our famous regional wines, the Seymour Craft and Produce Market is a great day out for the family. There's wine tastings, gourmet foods, music, entertainment and much, much more. It's on Saturday 18th June from 9am till 2pm and is at Kings Park Tallarook St, Seymour. For more info contact Richard and Carol Hiscock on 5794 1419 or email stylevent@bigpond.com

Every Sunday from 11am till 4pm, the Melbourne Tramway Museum near Kilmore is open for business. You can see the unique collection of Cable Cars & Electric Trams from Melbourne, Ballarat & Geelong and even take along a picnic to enjoy.

The museum is at 330 Union Lane, Bylands - just out of Kilmore. Entry costs $10 for adults, $7 for concessioners, $5 for children and $25 for a family (2 adults and 2 children). For more information visit http://www.tramway.org.au/museum.php

Playgroup Victoria is presenting a parenting talk by Steve Biddulph on The secret of happy children : the four parenting styles and the stages all kids go through TONIGHT (15th June) from 7.30pm till 9pm at Glen Eira Town Hall Auditorium on the corner of Glen Eira and Hawthorn roads, Caulfield. Go to www.trybooking.com/LPO to book. Cost: Playgroup Victoria members $25, non-members $30. Babies and children cannot be accomodated at these events. For more info visit http://www.playgroup.org.au/.

Great new books...

I always love a book that gives you an excuse to make lots of noise, and this is definitely one of those books.

When Baby lost Bunny gives you lots of opportunities to woof, quack and moo in a rhyming story about a baby who is being misunderstood each time he tries to tell his family about his lost toy. The book has a great rhythm too:

We went for a walk.

Mumm, Daddy and me,

And Baby in his buggy,

And our dog, Mr D.

This is a book that'll be asked for over and over.

Books on...

Bullying

Joke of the week...

Where would you put an injured insect?

In an antbulance!

If you're feeling bored...
Let's go fly a kite! Since today is Global Wind Day, why not create a kite to launch? Here are some websites to go to for inspiration (& instructions!):

http://betterinbulk.net/2010/03/kite-directions-for-preschool.html

http://www.blueskylark.org/kites/plans/Merlito_Crespo_paper_sled/kite.html

http://www.bigwindkites.com/20kids/

http://www.my-best-kite.com/kite-for-kids.html

or a very impressive pyramid kite at http://www.squidoo.com/pyramidkite

That's it for this week. See you soon!

Everybody jumping, just like this.

Queen's birthday weekend

2011-06-08T12:45:00.001+10:00

I'm looking forward to the Queen's Birthday public holiday on Monday. Make sure you get something to read, watch or listen to in preparation for the COLD as we will not be open on Monday.

Today is World Ocean Day, so I might throw in some ocean-y bits-and-pieces in the spirit of things.

Song of the week...
3 Jellyfish

3 jellyfish, 3 jellyfish, 3 jellyfish sitting on a rock
One fell off
Ohhhhhhhhhhh :(

2 jellyfish, 2 jellyfish, 2 jellyfish sitting on a rock

Another one fell off
Ohhhhhhhhhhh :(

1 jellyfish, 1 jellyfish, 1 jellyfish sitting on a rock

Then he fell off
Ohhhhhhhhhhh :(

No jellyfish, no jellyfish, no jellyfish sitting on a rock
Then one jumped on
Hooray! :D

1 jellyfish, 1 jellyfish, 1 jellyfish sitting on a rock

Then another one jumped on
Hooray! :D

2 jellyfish, 2 jellyfish, 2 jellyfish sitting on a rock

Then another one jumped on
Hooray! :D

3 jellyfish, 3 jellyfish, 3 jellyfish sitting on a rock

Cool things to do...
Explore the Heathcote Region this weekend when artisan winemakers and growers, chefs, brewers, artists and musicians welcome you for Heathcote on Show. From opera to blues, seasonal menus, exclusive tastings, launches art shows and more at over 30 unique locations across the Queen's Birthday Weekend.

Or head to Avenel for their Produce & Craft Market on Sunday 12th June. Grow it, bake it and make it!! Regular features include live music and free kids’ art, plus a scrumptious BBQ and plates of delicacies in the Tennis Clubrooms. It's at Jubilee Park, Livingstone Street, Avenel. For information contact Trish Heaslip on 0419 392 196. For more info contact Heathcote Visitor Information Centre on 5433 3121 or email: info@heathcoteonshow.com.au

Mentioned this one last week but kind of forgot to mention a date... Eeek! If you love Yo Gabba Gabba! head to the Palais Theatre, Lower Esplanade, St. Kilda for live show featuring DJ Lance Rock and his swag of friends, including Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Plex and Toodee. It's on THIS SATURDAY 11th June at 10am, 1pm and 4pm and costs $29-49 per person (children under 12 months are free on the knee). For more info & bookings go to: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/

If you like the idea of heading to Melbourne, you could head to Fed Square (at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image) for Little Big Shots, Australia's annual travelling children's film festival. It's on from the 9th to the 13th June and features more than 80 local and international children's shorts, animations, documentaries and child-produced films from 20 countries around the world. Books about...

The festival aims to inspire discussion of world cultures, different languages, cultural diversity, emotional intelligence and human values. It suits children from 2-18 years. Costs are: $7 per session, family pass $24 (4 people), multi-pass $24 (4 sessions). Enquiries and bookings to 8663 2583 or visit http://www.littlebigshots.com.au/ or http://www.acmi.net.au/

There are also workshops over the weekend - check out the website above for details.

Toilet training

Joke of the week...
What kind of fish goes well with ice-cream?
Jellyfish!

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

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

2011-06-01T15:57:00.003+10:00

Okay, it's officially winter and I'm freezing! Hopefully it'll warm up for the weekend so you can do something special for the environment on Sunday 5th June for World Environment Day. Maybe you could plant a tree, pick up some litter or go and check out a lovely natural spot nearby ... and enjoy it. For more info on World Environment Day visit: http://www.unep.org/wed/

We've been really busy at Mitchell Library Service with the renovations going on at Kilmore Library. So far, there's been some work on the airconditioner/heating and the beginning of some nice new toilets but soon we'll be closing the library to replace the carpet and repair the roof. This means that Kilmore Library will have to close for a couple of weeks from Monday 13 June 2011 until Wednesday 29 June, reopening Thursday 30 June 2011.

Borrowers will still have access to the library catalogue online through the library website so you can renew items and place holds on titles. Broadford, Seymour and Wallan libraries will all be open as usual. You are, of course, invited to place holds and elect to collect those items from one of our other branches until Kilmore is open again.

For more information, call Kilmore Library on 5782 1322.

We've also been busy with Simultaneous Storytime which was on last week at all our branches. Children dressed up in their BLING to celebrate, with a prize awarded to the child with the best costume at each library. I'll be sure to put some photos onto the blog (maybe Friday if I get a chance) of all the fun we had.

Melbourne's Child magazine is now available

The June issue of Melbourne's Child is now available at your local Mitchell Library branch.

This one is all about Pregnancy and Babies with information about gestational diabetes, the latest facts and figures about pregnancy and childbirth in Australia, Melbourne’s first breastmilk bank, a maternity hospital resource guide and some info on sibling rivalry. Just drop into your library and pick up a FREE copy.

Song of the week...

These are baby's fingers

Just do the actions to go with the words

These are baby's fingers
These are baby's toes
This is baby's belly button
Round and round it goes!

Another baby-themed song that I love is Yucky Mucky Nappy - it's a PlaySchool song but not sure about copyright. You could always reserve it in to listen to, along with tonnes of other fantastic PlaySchool songs. You can reserve this over Swift as we do not currently hold CDs at Mitchell Library Service. If you're not sure, ask your library staff or check previous blogs for info on how to reserve across Swift. :)

Cool things to do...

Listen to The Mitchell Shire Concert Band presenting Winds of Winter on Saturday 4th June from 2 till 5pm. Guest artists include the Mercury Jazz Ensemble and the Sunday Creek Barbershop Quartet. Table seating and standard audience seating available. Tables must be prebooked. Bring along your own nibbles and drinks and have a cosy afternoon listening to the music of the Mitchell Shire Concert Band. It's on at Wallan Secondary School Performing Arts Centre in Wallan.

Come along and see a showcase of photographs taken by young people aged 12-25yrs at the Our Place Our Lives - Youth Photography Exhibiton. It's open from the 4-11 June on Saturdays/Sundays from 10.30am-3pm and weekdays from 10.30am - 4pm at Old Flour Mill, 17 Kirkland Avenue, Euroa. Costs: Adults $10; Family $20; Concession $5. For more information / bookings contact Pam Collings on 5783 2502 or email: pam@collings.id.au

If you love Yo Gabba Gabba! head to the Palais Theatre, Lower Esplanade, St. Kilda for live show featuring DJ Lance Rock and his swag of friends, including Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Plex and Toodee. It's on at 10am, 1pm and 4pm and costs $29-49 per person (children under 12 months are free on the knee). For more info & bookings go to: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/

Scienceworks Explore-a-saurus is on from the 1st of June. It is an interactive exhibition featuring animatronic dinosaurs that demonstrates the ways palaeontologists use fossil evidence to learn about how dinosaurs lived; discoverng everything from what they at and how fast they ran, to what colour they were and even how they cared for their young.

Children can discover what it's like to be a palaeontologist by uncovering fossils and bones, comparing the types of plants that dinosaurs ate, examining insects under microscopes, re-creating the sounds of various dinosaurs and seeing how they digested their food.

It's on at Scienceworks, 2 Booker Street, Spotswood. Adults: $16, Concession: $6, Child: $5 (this includes general entry). For more info contact 9392 4800 or visit www.museumvictoria.com.au/scienceworks

Books about...

Pregnancy

Joke of the week...

What is a baby's motto?

If at first you don't succeed, cry, cry again!

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

Temporary closure of Kilmore Library

2011-05-31T16:32:00.004+10:00

Kilmore Library is currently undergoing refurbishment involving both external and internal works. These works have started and will include repairs to the roof, new toilets and new carpet. Kilmore library will be closed for approximately 2 weeks from Monday 13 June 2011 until Wednesday 29 June, reopening Thursday 30 June 2011. Borrowers will still have access to the library catalogue online through the library website to renew items and place holds on titles. We apologise in advance for this interruption to our services. Broadford, Seymour and Wallan libraries will be open as usual. For more information, call Kilmore Library on 5782 1322 until Sunday 12 June 2011. After this date, please contact the Wallan Library on 5783 3555 for updates on the renovation and assistance with library related enquiries.

It's Library & Information Week!

2011-05-27T17:49:00.002+10:00

We catalogue stuff!

We look up stuff!

We research stuff!

We know stuff!

This week is Library and Information week and we want you to know what we can do for you! Libraries enable access to a range of information, services, facilities, events and community contacts.

Mitchell Library Service don't just offer books for loan, we offer so much more... DVDs, talking books, ebooks and magazines are also available for loan. If we don't hold the item you want, we can get it in for you AT NO COST from one of the other Swift libraries around Victoria. We can even get a variety of music CDs in from other Swift libraries.

We offer FREE internet - wireless and broadband on one of our pcs, send and receive faxes and our printing and copying rates are fantastic - in black or colour.

We visit local schools, maternal and child health centres and kindergartens to have fun and introduce them to what the library has to offer. We also offer introductory tours for community groups.

We even offer a housebound service - selecting and delivering books to people who can't get in to the library.

We provide FREE Rhymetime and Storytime sessions where children (and parents) can make new friends whilst singing, rhyming, watching puppets, doing fingerplays, playing with musical instruments and bubbles, creating crafts and reading great stories. There's no need to book, either, just turn up at one of our fun weekly sessions.

But what we really offer is a sense of community and belonging, our borrrowers say:

"It's a pleasant change in a world that’s so rushed, to have the staff provide top assistance, advice and service - all done with friendship and a smile!"

“I'm always met with a cheerful, smiling face"

"I only come into talk to the library officers, as they make me feel at home"

No child is too young to join the library and membership is free.

Song of the week...
I'm a little birdie
(Sung to the tune of I'm a little teapot)

I found this whilst browsing the internet the other day (http://www.perpetualpreschool.com/preschool_themes/birds/bird_songs.htm) and loved it...

I'm a little birdie
Cute and fat
I eat worms
I don't like cats.
When I see a cat come out to play,
I spread my wings
And I fly away!

Cool things to do...
Head to the Kilmore Scout Market this Saturday 28th May. Held the last Saturday or every month. Featuring over 40 stalls offering a variety of new and used goods, arts and craft and local produce. It's at Hudson Park, Sydney Street, Kilmore. For more information contact Sharon Wilson on 0427 230 971 or email swilson789@hotmail.com. You can also check this website: http://tilbatilba.org.au/kilmoremarket

Visit the Kilmore Miniature Railway on Saturday 28th May from 10am till 1pm at White Street, Kilmore near the Leisure Centre (weather permitting). The Miniature Railway runs on the last Saturday of every month.

Play with cardboard day is on Sunday 29th May at Federation Square in Melbourne from 1-3pm. Monash University architecture students have created play spaces for children with cardboard boxes. Suits 8-12 year olds. Bookings are essential - phone 9664 7900 or visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/artplay. The actual location is Birrarung Marr, Federation Square, Flinder Street, Melbourne.

Great new books...

This is a book that suits senior primary students as it has vampirey humour that just goes over the heads of younger children. The illustrations tell a very funny story that tells a slightly different story to the words.

This is a story about dealing with neighbours that are very different. The Pire family are shocked to discover their new neighbours, the Wolfsons, stay awake during the day. They also have an annoying pet and a strange liking for sunlight. But when the Wolfsons attempt to shoot them out of the sky, things come to a head!

Joke of the week...

Why does Dracula have no friends?

Because he's a pain in the neck.

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

Simultaneous Storytime is this week!

2011-05-25T10:11:00.000+10:00

National Simultaneous Storytime

starts today at our usual Storytime sessions.

Kilmore 9.15am 25th May

Broadford 11am 25th May

Seymour 10.30am 27th May

Wallan 10.30am 27th May

National Simultaneous Storytime aims to promote reading, literacy and books in young children and provides a great opportunity to involve parents, grandparents and others to participate in and enjoy the occasion. At the same time, it highlights the importance of reading and literacy for children, and demonstrates how this can be a fun experience.

The picture book chosen for 2011 is Feathers for Phoebe by Rod Clement. This colourful and creative tale will be enjoyed by thousands of children, at hundreds of locations across Australia!

In the spirit of Feathers for Phoebe, we are inviting children to dress-up when they come along to Storytime. Come in feather boas, masks, hats, gaudy necklaces and bangles or spiffy sunglasses - pretty much anything with bling! The best-dressed child will win a small gift.

Simultaneous Storytime is next week!

2011-05-18T13:12:00.005+10:00

National Simultaneous Storytime

is next week at each of our libraries starting from Wednesday 25th May at our usual Storytime sessions.

Kilmore 9.15am 25th May

Broadford 11am 25th May

Seymour 10.30am 27th May

Wallan 10.30am 27th May

National Simultaneous Storytime aims to promote reading, literacy and books in young children and provides a great opportunity to involve parents, grandparents and others to participate in and enjoy the occasion. At the same time, it highlights the importance of reading and literacy for children, and demonstrates how this can be a fun experience.

The picture book chosen for 2011 is Feathers for Phoebe by Rod Clement. This colourful and creative tale will be enjoyed by thousands of children, at hundreds of locations across Australia!

In the spirit of Feathers for Phoebe, we are inviting children to dress-up when they come along to Storytime. Come in feather boas, masks, hats, gaudy necklaces and bangles or spiffy sunglasses - pretty much anything with bling! The best-dressed child will win a small gift.

Although it sounds far away, also looming on the horizon is the Children's Book Council of Australia Book Week from 20th - 26th August. We'll be holding our annual sculpture competition again so if you have plans to make something fantastic, you might want to start soon to give yourself plenty of time.

Sculptures need to be delivered to libraries from Monday 1st August up till close of business on Friday 12th August 2011 and can be made out of paper mache, clay, playdough, icypole sticks, recycled items, etcetera). This year sculptures must tie in with the theme One World, Many Stories. Good luck!

For more information about Book Week, visit http://cbca.org.au/bookweek.htm.

Song of the week....

Hickory, dickory, dock

Hickory, dickory, dock

The mouse ran up the clock (mime mouse running up arm with two fingers)

The clock struck one (Put up one finger and make a loud 'BONG!' noise)

The mouse ran down (mime mouse running down clock/arm)

Hickory, dickory, dock.

Hickory, dickory, dock
The mouse ran up the clock

The clock struck two (Put up two fingers and make two loud 'BONG!' noises)

The mouse said 'BOO!' (Make an impressive scary face)

Hickory, dickory, dock.

Hickory, dickory, dock
The mouse ran up the clock
The clock struck three (Put up three fingers and make three loud 'BONG!' noises)
The mouse went 'Whee!' (mime mouse sliding down clock/arm)
Hickory, dickory, dock.

Hickory, dickory, dock
The mouse ran up the clock
The clock struck four (Put up four fingers and make four loud 'BONG!' noises)
The mouse said 'No more!' (cross arms and shake head)
Hickory, dickory, dock.

Children's Book Council
Book of the Year shortlist for 2011
Here is the last lot of nominated books, this time it's the books nominated for the Eve Pownall Award for Information Books category. These are intended for an audience ranging from birth to 18 year olds (some books may be for mature readers).

Our World: Bardi Jaawi: Life at Ardiyooloon was very popular with the students at schools I visited this month - it shows how to do some amazing things, like how to find water and make cool stuff.

Cool things to do...
Don't forget about Simultaneous Storytime next week - see the start of this blog page for more info.

Head to Seymour Craft & Produce market at Kings Park, Tallarook Street, Seymour on Saturday 21st May from 9am till 2pm. The market features over 80 stalls offering the very best of quality arts and crafts, fresh produce, plants and garden supplies, specialty food, and our famous regional wines. A great day out for the family, with wine tastings, gourmet foods, music, entertainment and much, much more. For information contact Richard and Carol Hiscock on 5794 1419 or email stylevent@bigpond.com

Or head to Tallarook Hall for Live and no longer lost in Tallarook with songwriter, singer, comedian and prominent radio personality Greg Champion who captures what it is to be Australian through his unique combination of comedy, sports parodies and country/folk music.

Recently arriving at the Tallarook General Store looking for the road to Echuca, Greg will return to discover if the town is really as ‘crook’ as the song says.So come along and show him how GREAT Tallarook is!

Single tickets: $30 pp, concession $27 per performance. Fully licenced bar. 2 course dinner available at $20pp by Cafe Chariot. For info contact Louise on 0413 050 761 or visit www.trybooking.com/NEO

Today is Werribee Open Range Zoo's Play Day at K Road, Werribee, where all Playgroup members enjoy 20% off full-price adult and child tickets (only valid on presentation of a Playgroup Victoria membership card).

Families can watch african wildlife on an open savannah with a close-range view of rhinos, giraffes, hippos, lions and zebras and can even check out the new-look cheetah exhibit.

Open from 9am-5pm. Tours begin at 10.30am weekdays. Normal entry price: Adult $24.80, Child $12.40, Concession $19.20, Family (2 adults & 5 children) $56.80-$78.40. For more info contact 9731 9600 or visit http://www.zoo.org.au/

Great new books...

This is one of those books that the adult reading will enjoy as much as the child they are reading it to.

Emily Brown and her rabbit Stanley are very adventurous, climbing up Mount Everest, whitewater rafting down the Zambezi River and visiting the land of the dinosaurs. When their good friend Matilda the elephant joins them in their adventures, her mummy calls on the emergency phone worried about what might happen.

Kids will love the way Emily speaks to Matilda the elephant's mummy:

"Hello" snapped Emily Brown. "Emily Brown speaking,

and this better be a proper emergency!"

And later:

"Matilda's mummy!" cried Emily Brown. VERY FIRMLY INDEED.

"Elephants do not wear socks, clean or otherwise!

And clean socks are not an emergency!"

Joke of the week...

Hickory hickory dock.
The mouse ran up the clock
The clock struck one
But the rest got away with minor injuries

Thats it for this week. See you soon!

National Volunteer's week

2011-05-11T10:14:00.002+10:00

This week is National Volunteers week, so spare a thought for the wonderful people who give their time to help others. More than 5 million Australians volunteer - there are fire fighters with the Country Fire Authority, State Emergency Service members, meals on wheels delivery people, just to name a few. Australian volunteers are essential to society, and many charities would struggle to survive without the support of their volunteers. Thank you to all you volunteers!

If you're not a volunteer already, maybe you could try it out? Check out http://www.volunteer.vic.gov.au/information-for-volunteers/new-to-volunteering/what-can-i-do for some ideas about different volunteer roles.

Song of the week...
Hey Diddle Diddle
Hey diddle diddle, the cat and the fiddle,
The cow jumped over the moon.
The little dog laughed to see such fun
And the dish ran away with the spoon!

Cool things to do...

Head to Epping Plaza on the corner of High and Cooper Street in Epping between April 28 - May 15 for the Great Moscow Circus.

Renowned Russian performers together with exclusive international guest acts from around the world, showcasing a performance of sensational skill and agility. Over 2 hours of breathtaking entertainment from the worlds most famous circus.

The Performers will astound you with a thrilling combination of acrobatic artistry, along with Incredible magical illusions.Not only does the Great Moscow circus feature sensational death defying acts like The Wheel of Death, but they offer the never seen before in Australia, Grande Finale, with four daredevil motorbike's from Brazil in the splitting 'Globe of Death'!

The show starts at 7.30pm on weeknights, with a 1pm, 4pm & 7.30pm session on Saturday 14th May and a 12 noon session on Sunday the 15th. Book through Ticketek on 132 849 or phone 0429 MOSCOW (0429 667269).

If you love space, stars and planets, you could travel to Melbourne Observatory tonight at 8pm for Lunar Tour where families can learn about the mysteries of the moon with expert guides and at 8pm on Monday 16th May (& Monday 23rd) to learn about the rings of Saturn and the stars that light up the southern night sky, with a guide from the Astronomical Society of Victoria.

Costs are $18 for adults, $14 for concessioners and $50 for families (2 adults and 3 children). The Observatory is at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Elwood Avenue, South Yarra. Enquiries and bookings can be made by phoning 9252 2429.

Children's Book Council
Book of the Year shortlist for 2011
Here are some more of the nominated books, this time it's the Younger Reader category. These are intended for independent younger readers.

Just a dog: I've been taking this one around to the schools I visit and the senior primary kids are loving it

Joke of the week...

How does the Solar System hold up it's pants?

With an asteroid belt!

That's it for this week. See you soon!

Swift upgrade / catalogue unavailable

2011-05-09T11:37:00.000+10:00

Sorry, slight confusion regarding the timing the catalogue will be unavailable...

The catalogue will actually be unavailable on Tuesday 10th May from 9.15 pm (not 9.15am as previously stated). The system will be back online at approximately 10.00am Wednesday morning - 11th May.

This means that you will not be able to access the system to browse, reserve or renew items on the catalogue until it is back online.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

Melbourne's Child magazine is now available

2011-05-04T12:27:00.001+10:00

The May issue of Melbourne's Child is now available at your local Mitchell Library branch.

This one is all about Birthdays with ideas for home made presents and down-to-earth parties. There is info about parties for twins and a fantastic party directory that you can stash away till your next birthday. Just drop into your library and pick up a FREE copy.

SWIFT upgrade

2011-05-03T17:10:00.002+10:00

On Tuesday 10th May, from 9.15 am our libraries, as well as all the other Victorian SWIFT libraries will not be live due to the upgrade to the new version. We will be offline on this day and until approx. 10am on Wednesday 11th May.

This means that you will not be able to access the system to browse, reserve or renew items on the catalogue until it is back online.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

Mother's Day is on SUNDAY!

2011-05-03T16:01:00.005+10:00

What a gorgeous day it is today! Don't forget that in a few more sleeps, it'll be Mother's Day! On Sunday morning, you might want to pick something from the list below to say 'Thanks' to your mum:

1. Make her breakfast in bed

2. Go out to the garden and pick some lovely flowers to give her
3. Make her a handmade Mother's Day card
4. Give her a big hug and kiss
5. Take Mum on a picnic
6. Give her a foot rub or a facial
7. Make some coupons or print them out from this site: http://familycrafts.about.com/od/mothersday/ig/Printable-Mother-s-Day-Coupons/
8. Make Mum an award certificate for being such a great mum
9. Make some gorgeous bath salts (for instructions keep reading)
10. Thank her for being your mum: write Mum a poem, a letter or story to tell her just how special she is!

Song of the week...
I Love Mother
(Original Author Unknown: Sung to: "Frere Jacques")
I love mother, I love mother,
Yes I do, yes I do
All I want to say is
Happy Mother's Day
I Love you, I love you.

Things to do...

FINAL CALL FOR MILKYBAR KID ENTRIES

The search is well underway for one of Australia’s most well-known young adventurers – the MILKYBAR Kid – but there’s still time to put your child forward!

Since March 27, parents and guardians have been invited to film a short audition video of their potential MILKYBAR Kid using a script from www.milkybar.com.au and upload them to the website for their chance to fill the iconic boots of this much-loved character.

Video entries must be uploaded by 11.59pm on Tuesday 3rd May 2011 (today!)* – so get out your handycams and video-enabled mobile phones and get filming! Public auditions are also being held at participating supermarkets nationwide – simply go to www.milkybar.com.au for dates and times.

The chosen child will star in the new 2011 MILKYBAR television commercial, and enter the hearts (and lounges) of Australians as part of one of Australia’s most iconic television campaigns. The child just needs to be between 7 and 10 years old and possess a certain star quality.

For more information: https://www.milkybar.com.au/audition/index

Registrations for the MS Readathon, now in its 32nd year, are now open. This iconic annual event asks children and their families to read to help raise funds for MS Australia to assist people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).

So why should kids register?:

Raise funds for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS)
Discover some really awesome books
Improve their reading
Help their school raise funds
Receive a Target gift card as a thank you!

For information: http://www.msreadathon.org.au/HOME.aspx

Children's Book Council
Book of the Year shortlist for 2011

Thought I'd give you a few more of the nominated books, this time it's the early childhood category. These are intended for children in the pre-reading to early reading stages.

To find out how to place a hold (reserve) on one of these books, read Did you know? below!

Did you know?

If you really want a book (or CD! or DVD) but we don't have it at Mitchell Library Service, you can place a hold (reserve it) from one of the 15 other libraries that are part of the Swift consortia for FREE! This means that you can now select and reserve any of more than 2 million items!

Basically, it's the same as placing a hold with Mitchell - the item is delivered to your local library and you receive a letter or email to advise you when it's available for you to pick up.

You can place a hold online or at the library on our catalogue PCs.

To place a hold:

1. Type in the library's web address: http://libraries.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/

2. Click on the navy blue Catalogue button
3. In the QuickSearch box, type in either:

*the title/name of the book, CD or DVD you'd like

*the name of the author or artist, or

*the topic you are interested in

4. Drop down the Library box and select ALL and press enter to see a list of items available throughout all the Swift libraries

5. Click on the Place Hold button beside the thing you want to reserve

6. Type in your borrower number, including the 33/ and the 7 digits (if the number ends with an 'A' then type in a hyphen - instead, so if your card was 33/875038A, you would key in 33/875038-)

7. Type in your PIN number (this is the last 4 digits of your phone number unless you've changed it to something different)

8. Specify the pick up location that you want to pick up your reserve from, ie. Seymour

9. Don't worry about the Expiration date

10. Repeat steps for any further reserves you want to make!

How to make lovely bath salts for Mum...

You'll need to check with Dad before you do this.

Materials:

•Bottle or Jar
•Epsom Salts or sea salt
•Food Coloring
•Perfume or Essential Oil

Instructions:
Combine the desired amount of Epsom salts (enough to fit in your bottle or jar) with food coloring. Mix well so color is even. Add your perfume or essential oil and mix again. Spread the mixture out on a sheet of wax paper to dry for a couple of hours and then put it in the bottle or jar.

While the salts can be used right away, the perfume or essential oil will blend better with the salt if it is allowed to set in the jar for a few weeks.

Joke of the week...
The Zoo

One day Joe's mother turned to Joe's father and said," It's such a nice day, I think I'll take Joe to the zoo."
"I wouldn't bother," said father. "If they want him, let them come and get him!"

That's it for this week. See you soon!

Lest we forget

2011-04-25T08:00:00.012+10:00

It is ANZAC Day today, on ANZAC Day, the 25th April each year, we remember the brave men and women who have served our country in times of war.

People who have defended our country get special medals. These medals are proudly worn on ANZAC Day when we especially remember all the people who have died or suffered in wars so that we might live freely.

If you get a chance you could head to your local Anzac Day Service. There are services in Kilmore, Pyalong and Wallan - just head to the Mitchell Shire website for details at http://www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/Calendar/Calendar.asp?h=-1. Or head to the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne for the dawn service or the march http://www.shrine.org.au/content.asp?document_id=2504.

For more information about ANZAC Day: visit http://www.anzacday.org.au/education/childhood/explanation.htm

Don't forget that our FREE Storytime and Rhymetime sessions run throughout the school holidays (except for the Christmas break). Just drop in - no bookings are required!

And a reminder that National Simultaneous Storytime is on again this year at each of our libraries starting from Wednesday 25th May. National Simultaneous Storytime aims to promote reading, literacy and books in young children and provides a great opportunity to involve parents, grandparents and others to participate in and enjoy the occasion. At the same time, it highlights the importance of reading and literacy for children, and demonstrates how this can be a fun experience. The picture book chosen for 2011 is Feathers for Phoebe by Rod Clement. This colourful and creative tale will be enjoyed by thousands of children, at hundreds of locations across Australia! Don't worry: I'll remind you again closer to the date it's on.

Poem of the week...

The Ode is part of a special poem that is said during the ANZAC Day service. Here are the words:

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Some books to read on ANZAC Day...

Cool things to do this week...

See top of this blog entry for ANZAC day services you could take part in.

Have a browse at the Kilmore Scout Market at Hudson Park in Kilmore on Saturday 30 April from 9am till 1pm. Held the last Saturday of every month. Featuring over 40 stalls offering a variety of new and used goods, arts and craft and local produce. For more information contact Sharon Wilson on 0427 230 971 or email swilson789@hotmail.com

Check out Dinosaurs Alive! at Waterfront City Piazza, Docklands Drive, Docklands. Set in an indoor forest-themed and specially lit exhibit area, allowing patrons to get up close to seven scale-size moving creatures, including the magnificient Stegosaurus and the mighty carnivore, Tyrannosaurus Rex. Open daily from 10am till 4.30pm until 8 May 2011. For more information, visit http://www.dinosaursalive.tv/

Ticket prices: Child (3-4 years) $8; Child (5-14 years) $13; Concession $16; Adult $18; Family $55; Additional children at $10 each with family ticket (up to 3 additional). Family: 2 Adults + 2 Children or 1 Adult + 4 Children (Additional children at $10 each with family ticket - up to 3 additional)

If you love to wash your face in orange juice, you'll have a fantastic time grooving along with Peter Coombe on Saturday 30 April at the Northcote Uniting Church Hall, 251 High Street, Northcote at 2pm. Tickets cost $17 per person (plus booking fee). Enquiries & bookings can be made by phoning 9427 9198 or visit http://www.cornerhotel.com/ for more info.

Some ANZAC Day craft sites to check out...
http://www.anzacwebsites.com/activities/craft.htm
http://www.littletaka.com/2010/04/23/anzac-day-crafts-activities-info/

Joke of the week...

What do you get when two dinosaurs collide?
Tyrannosaurus wrecks!

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

Happy Easter!

2011-04-19T16:31:00.005+10:00

Bet you're all enjoying your school & kinder holidays. Easter's this weekend, so this week we'll run with the Easter theme. Hope you have a lovely time catching up with your family, eating eggs or doing something fun!

Song of the week...

Nine Little Bunnies
to the tune of "Ten Little Indians"

One little, two little, three little bunnies,
Four little, five little, six little bunnies,
Seven little, eight little, nine little bunnies,
Hopping* all around.

Hop, hop, hop, hop, hop, hop, STOP!**
Hop, hop, hop, hop, hop, hop, STOP!
Hop, hop, hop, hop, hop, hop, STOP!
Hop, hop, hop, hop, STOP!

*Insert other actions as desired -- hop, jump, skip, run, walk, tiptoe, dance, etc.**On the word STOP, students must freeze.

Things to do...

Go and visit Kerrisdale Mountain Railway for the Easter Steamfest on from Saturday 23rd till Monday 25th April from 10am till 4pm, travel to 'Summit Station' and take in the fantastic view, on your return watch all of the steam museum display and visiting steam engines in action. Fun for all ages.

Sausage/drink packages available. Trains run at 11, 12, 1, 2 and last train at 3. Disabled parking and facilities.

Bookings are essential. Phone Jennifer 5797 0227 or 0407 823 739. Head to 7523 Goulburn Valley Highway, Kerrisdale. For more information email: douglas@eck.net.au or visit http://www.kerrisdalemtnrailway.com.au/

Easter things to do...
Decorated eggs
You'll need hard boiled eggs that have been left to cool down for both these coloured eggs. So you will need to ask an adult for some help. And remember, If you are going to eat the hard boiled eggs, keep them in the fridge.

Food Coloring Dye
You need:

Food coloring
Hot water
White vinegar
Small bowls or cups
Slotted spoon
Cooking oil
Soft cloth
For each color measure 1/4 tsp food coloring in small bowl. Add 3/4 cup hot water and 1 tbsp white vinegar to each color. Add eggs and allow to sit until they are the desired color. Remove with slotted spoon. Polish dry eggs with small amount of cooking oil and soft cloth.

Crayon Eggs
You need:

Wax crayons
Paper towels
Egg dyes in different colors
Slotted spoon
Cooking oil
Soft cloth

Draw crayon pattern on hard boiled egg. Dip egg in dark colored dye. Keep egg in dye until desired color is reached. Remove with slotted spoon and place in 200 degree F oven for a few minutes until wax is melted. Wipe with paper towel. Variation: Dip egg again in lighter dye to fill in pattern where wax was. Polish finished eggs with cooking oil and soft cloth.

Why not make up your own Easter egg hunt? You could have clues leading to each egg, just like this:

I am the Easter bunny
I jump around all funny

Find the eggs from me

The clues are like a key

Move around without a sound

Look up, down, and all around

The first egg will be found

By something that grows out of the ground

(Hide an egg near a tree)

The second egg is hidden where

You like to sit and stare

It is bigger than a chair

Move the cushion and the egg is there

(Hide an egg on the couch)

The third egg is hidden in something plastic

There are many sizes from which to pick

It keeps food fresh for a picnic

Look inside, it is not a trick

(Hide an egg in a plastic container)

The fourth egg is hidden by
Something you look out to spy
At the birds flying by

Check out each one, low and high

(Hide an egg near a window)

The fifth egg is hidden next to
Things you might use to draw a zoo
Some of the colors are black and blue
They are long and skinny too
(Hide this egg near some pencils)

The sixth egg is out of sight
Look by where you go at night
It is under something fluffy and lite
You lay your head on it in the moonlight
(Hide this egg near a pillow)

The last egg is hidden behind

Something big and on of a kind

It hangs in the bathroom with a design

This is the last egg to find

(Hide the last egg near a shower curtain)

Or come up with your own set of clues!

Joke of the week...
How does the Easter bunny stay in shape?
Lots of eggs-ercise!

Children's Book Council Book of the Year

short list for 2011

Picture books

Cool Easter sites:

Easter jokes: http://childstoryhour.com/jokeseaster.htm

Easter activities: http://www.kidssoup.com/Easter/easter.html

Easter crafts: http://crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/easter/

That's it for this week. See you soon!

2011-04-05T15:06:00.003+10:00

The FREE April 2011 issue of Melbourne's Child is now available at your local library. This month, it's all about Food & Fitness: with articles on child-friendly bike trails in Melbourne, extracurricular classes and lunchbox legacies..

Song of the week...
The Wheels of The Bus
Children perform actions and sounds suggested by the words
The wheels on the bus go round and round,
Round and round, round and round
The wheels on the bus go round and round
All day long.

The driver of the bus says "Move along please! Move along please! Move along please!"
The driver of the bus says "Move along please!"
All day long.

The people on the bus bounce up and down, up and down, up and down.
The people on the bus bounce up and down
All day long.

Substitute these also:

The horn on the bus goes beep beep beep.
The wipers on the bus go swish, swash, swish.
The doors on the bus go open and shut.
The bell on the bus goes ding-ding-ding.
The conductor on the bus says, "Tickets please"...
The lady on the bus says, "Get off my feet"...
The babies on the bus say, "Wa-Wa-Wa"...
The mummies on the bus say, "Shhhh, Shhhh, Shhhh"...
The people on the bus say, "We had a nice ride"...

Things to do...
Grow it, bake it and make it!! Head to the Avenel Produce & Craft Market on Sunday, 10 April from 10am till 2pm at Jubilee Park, Livingstone Street, Avenel for live music, free kids’ art, plus a scrumptious BBQ and plates of delicacies in the Tennis Clubrooms. For info contact Trish Heaslip on 0419 392 196.

Or you could head to Luna Park for school holiday activities from 9 April till 1 May. Families can enjoy the thrill of the rides and attractions as well as free Easter activities, including free chocolate eggs, photo opportunities with the Easter bunny and an Easter-egg hunt on Easter Sunday. Unlimited ride tickets: Child (under 4 years) $14.95, Child (4-12 years) $31.95, Adult (13 years +) $41.95, Family (2 adults + 2 children) $125. Open every day during the April school holidays from 11am till 8pm and until 11pm on Thurs, Fri & Sat nights. Luna Park is at the Lower Esplanade, St Kilda. For more information call 1300 888 272 or visit http://www.lunapark.com.au/

What about becoming a Junior Ranger in one of Victoria's parks? Parks Victoria's Junior Rangers holiday program aims to entertain kids aged 6-12 while they learn more about the environment and the role that parks play in protecting our animals and plants.

Programs will run in a number of parks including Mornington Peninsula National Park, Point Nepean National Park, Serendip Sanctuary, Buchan Caves, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Coolart Wetlands and Homestead, Williamstown, Croajinggolong National Park, Mount Buffalo National Park and the Great Otway National Park. For more info call 13 19 63 or visit http://www.juniorrangers.com.au/

More lovely thank you's
Just got another lot of thank you cards from those fantastic kids at Broadford Primary School for you to admire. Thanks so much Room 13 & 14!

This one's from my namesake!

Joke of the week...
What did the bus conductor say to the frog?
Hop on.

Website of the week...
Check out http://www.curethebullies.com.au/ for a new way of looking at cyber-bullying. Kids can diagnose themselves with Commentitis, Gang-green or Slaggermania and find out how to cure themselves. A great way to learn about the seriousness of cyber-bullying.

That's it for this week. See you soon!

Something to do this weekend

2011-04-01T13:05:00.000+11:00

On Sunday the 3rd of April, your favourite authors and illustrators will be taking over the lawns of the State Library for a day of books, books, books.

Jump onto the train or get in your car but whatever you do, get yourself in to the city for the biggest FREE celebration of children's books that Melbourne has ever seen.

With puppet shows, readings and music, as well as activities organised by the Children's Book Council of Australia, Playgroup Victoria and Books Illustrated, you won't even have time to stop for an icecream... But you can.

Including...

Terry Denton
Roland Harvey
Leigh Hobbs
Elizabeth Honey
Judy Horacek
Elise Hurst
Bob Graham
Andrew McLean
Janet McLean
Chris Morphew
John Nicholson
Sally Rippin
Boori Monty Prior
Anne Spudvilas
and many more...

It's on at the State Library of Victoria from 10am till 4pm. No bookings required. For all the details, go to http://www.wheelercentre.com/ or http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/