A book review before 'the' book review!

Did you know that I discovered a book shop in Merimbula which I never knew existed?

Actually this bookshop extended their range, and I just didn't know about it.

Anyhow, I got lost in this shop browsing through books, not really looking for anything in particular, nor was I going to buy anything, unless a book just jumped off the shelf and into my loving arms, then yes I would certainly consider it.

Well the book 'Lost! A True Tale from the Bush didn't exactley jump into my arms, but the cover completely captivated me and I picked it up and was left breathless at all the remarkable images on every page I turned.

In August 1864, three children––Isaac aged nine, Jane seven, and Frank

just three––survived for nine long days and eight cold winter nights in the

desolate mallee scrub of the Wimmera District of western Victoria. They walked for

nearly 100 kilometres with no food or shelter and very little water. Against all the odds, the

children were finally found, very ill but alive.

This is their inspiring story.

I walked out of the bookshop with such excitement and delight with this book in my hands!

This is one of our read alouds for this term in AO3 which covers Australian History, literature and art appreciation.

Just couldn't wait to share this book with you!

Have any of you read this true story?

Loongie, the greedy crocodile...

Morning friends!

Loongie is a saltwater crocodile who lives among the mangroves at

Walaman Creek in the remote Kimberley region of

Western Australia.

He has no friends and no-one will come near the creek while he's around.

Loongie soon learns why being greedy has it's consequences.

Jeanne from http://ohpeacefulday.blogspot.com/ blogged a while back about Aboriginal book week or day and whatever books you purchased in that week went towards helping the education of the Aboriginal community. I have just spent the last 10 minutes over at Jeanne's blog, but cannot find the post!

Anyway, 'Loongie' was one of the books that I purchased due to the absolutely stunning illustrations by Bronwyn Houston.

Her vibrant expression of colors is what captures my attention and I wasn't the only one in awe of her delicious art work the other day when we were all the laying on the bed reading books.

My husband has a real gift with the Aboriginal community, a love and compassion that has flowed over to me in the years of us being married.

There is a moment I recall on our honeymoon when Dave & I were on our way out for dinner in Noosa and an Aboriginal walked past us and says to Dave "hey brother", and Dave was like "yeah, hey bro" and I was like 'right'!

Now over the years I have come to understand and respect Dave's gift with the Aboriginal community and the people just love him and Dave loves them and everywhere we go where there are aboriginals Dave is always accepted into there groups and because I am a part of Dave they just accept me, it's really amazing!

In talking about the aboriginal community, today the movie 'Rabbit-Proof Fence' is airing on channel 7. Based on a true story, set in 1931, three Aboriginal girls set off on a trek across the Outback in search of their family after escaping a government mission.

The children and I will be watching this for it is a very real part of our history and I want my children to see how Aboriginals were treated and to develop an understanding and a compassion for the aboriginal community.