Reading to St. Mary's P.S. Geelong -lots of fun

Hi there,
Had a great morning this morning. I was invited to read my picture book to the year 3-6 children at St. Mary's p.s. in Geelong. It was lots of fun and the students were very receptive to the story. I think they all loved the magic pestle...and what it could do! The Italian teacher was brilliant and extended on the story by guiding the children into making their own "Assissi plate" which was the first time I had heard of this. The plate is oval in shape and consists of a story that is told in pictures around the rim with a central picture in the middle. It was wonderful to go around and see each student's progressing work. So much talent and so refreshing to see how they re-interpreted how to represent the different parts of the story. I was also very impressed to hear the teachers encouraging the children to take as much time as they needed. I think this helped the children to really focus and their detailed drawings were a tribute to them. Thanks St. Mary's: it was a brilliant experience!

The Three Broad Beans - book launch a success!

On August 23rd 2010 I held a book launch for my first picture story book -The Three Broad Beans. It was a most amazing experience and so wonderful to see so many people from my past and present: all my sisters were there and my in-laws came all the way from Horsham too! There were friends and children I have taught (some now in primary school and one in high school and a couple of my older students from TAFE with their children!!) I was overjoyed to see everyone and to experience this celebration with them all.

It was held at the Belmont library and sponsored by the Geelong Regional Library Corporation. Susan Hall (librarian) gave a heartfelt introduction & spoke of the oral tradition of story telling and how this story, being one of those told over generations has now been written down. It impressed her that it should be done by the youngest daughter of this migrant family. It was a celebration for my family and for my mother who was very humble in life but now one of her story lives on for others to enjoy! It can be found at the Geelong libraries as well as the state (Victoria) and National Libraries of Australia. My mothers Italian story is now part of the fabric of Australian history!

I feel so happy about this and now that the books have sold out, I have decided to reprint them and they are due to arrive sometime in the next two weeks. I will have to work out the best way of selling them!

If you'd like a copy please feel free to contact me on email: alittlegrace@westnet.com.au with your details and I will be very happy to send one to you. They will cost $19.95. I hope you'd like a look! They would be perfect for 6-12year olds...and Christmas is just 'round the corner!

cheers,
Gracie