SHOP | FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS!
We are absolutely delighted to bring you a selection of books written, illustrated and published by local authors! All books are available at SHOP Strathnairn which is open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm.
Grandma’s Knicker Tree By Barbie Robinson and Ian Robertson
A charming story about the importance of gardens, of grandparents and of families doing things together.
When our dads say, 'Money doesn’t grow on trees you know,' Grandma smiles and says, 'Mmm, but knickers do.'
WHAT?! Grandma’s got an underpants tree?
She sure has and you know what else? It blooms all year round with all kinds of knickers to suit everyone in the family.
But one morning, Grandma finds her precious tree has been attacked with knickers strewn all over the garden. Grandpa and the grandkids spring into action, setting up an after dark stakeout.
Will the kids be able to stay awake long enough to find out whodunnit?
About the Author
Barbie Robinson is a Canberra-based arts journalist, photographer, writer, designer, arts marketing / events manager and co-Principal of not-for-profit website and internet radio station LIVING ARTS CANBERRA. Barbie has authored and designed three poetry books the most recent of which, That looks on tempests, was published by For Pity Sake in 2018.
About the Illustrator
In his many years as an educator Ian enjoyed using children’s picture books to introduce reading skills and to stir imagination. As a mature age student, he completed a BA Vis Arts Hons at the Australian National University. Ian is now retired and living in the Shoalhaven region of New South Wales. Grandma’s Knicker Tree has given him another opportunity to help open doorways to creativity and problem solving for young readers.
Swifty the Greyhound
Swifty the Greyhound, Where is my Pie? by Marilyn Chalkley and Illustrated by Jane Ostler
Swifty the greyhound is a retired champion with a nose like a prune who steals pies and loves Vegemite. She’s had a tough life but what makes her happy? And will she run away?
Award winning former journalist and pastry chef Marilyn Chalkley tells the true story of her rescue greyhound Swifty with engaging illustrations by British artist Jane Ostler. This charming picture book in rollicking rhyme is suitable for 3-7 yr olds.
10% of the proceeds go to charity Greyhound Connections in Canberra Australia which rehomes retired and rescue greyhounds.
Chicken or Egg by Jo Hollier
Chicken or Egg by Jo Hollier
Chicken or Egg is a fun art book which asks the eternal question about the origins of life. How did life start? How can you have an egg without a chicken or a chicken without an egg? Do chooks have families or what about caged chickens? Does there have to be a head of the family or are we all equal? Start a conversation around these issues while you read to your little ones and enjoy the images and personalities of the characters.
Reading this book is an interactive experience. As you flick through the pages looking at the chickens you will find subtle references to relationships within family groups and how characters interact.
Because chickens are vocal creatures their names are based on roles or singers of opera. This combined with the quality of images will stimulate an interest and appreciation for how art is made.
A little bird told me, Mimi King
A Little Bird Told Me, By Mimi King and Illustrated by Lindy Longhurst
This is a children’s favourite!
Molly is a normal little girl who gets sick The doctor prescribes a medicine made from a plant that grows on the side of a cliff. She has lots of animal friends who want to help her They try to retrieve the plant from the side of the cliff but it is too high and too difficult to reach.
The little bird retrieves the plant Molly's mother mixes up the medicine and Molly gets better.
Molly can play with her friends and the animals again. She is very grateful to everyone who helped her to get better but is curious to know how the doctor knew about the plant.
"A little bird told me," is the only answer she will give.
Poppy and the Bushfire, by Mimi King and Illustrated by Illustrated by Kieron Pratt.
Poppy loves the Australian bush, just like we all do. But … he smells smoke. When he gets home, the fire brigade rings him and asks Poppy for his help - can he bring out his huge bulldozer and help put out the fire? There’s much work to be done, so Poppy works all night long trying to put out the fire. Many people lose their houses, their clothes, and everything else they own.
But this is Australia, and Australians will always be good mates and help each other out whenever they get into trouble. Read about the difference Poppy makes to the lives of his mates.
The Poppy Series also includes Poppy Tried to Sleep and Poppy’s Song