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What a great day!
We began by unpacking the layers in a book by Jenny Williams which was very useful particularly for older children. Focusing on details in illustrations and text and how authors emphasis concepts and themes in their work. Next was Dr Stephanie Owen Reeder who explained her process in deciding what her next book would be about. Her stories generally connect with history and she completes extensive research to accurately retell stories from Australian history for children about children. She has written the Heritage Heroes Series which complements history units of work and connects our students to real stories and people of the past. Illustrations and text are beautiful, a must for our school libraries.
Session 3 was Dr Reeder again and Mary-Ellen Betts introducing to us the new National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature which will be built in Canberra adjoining the National Library. It will contain every edition and translation of every Australian Children’s book published. Their vision is that the building will be in the form of an open book! Next we were introduced to the Cultural Diversity Database (CDD) developed by the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature Inc (NCACL) They have researched, identified and described over 340 culturally diverse books created by Australians. (1926-2018) Australian Indigenous books are not included however they wish to have another database to collect these stories.
Kate Colley from Bloomin’ Books at Caringbah entertained us with what’s brand new and what she loves/what’s popular/good quality, to the shelves and gave us her top 5’s. Finally, three very experienced librarians walked us through their libraries and how they function in their schools. Sharing photographs, pearls of wisdom and their programs…
All in all a thoroughly informative and enjoyable day and I hope to return next year. Certainly worth the $250 for the day and a delicious morning tea and lunch.
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