The Eastern Regional Library Show 27th July 2011

Library staff members Lesley Conway and Pia Butcher run a radio show each Wednesday 12:05pm-12:45pm on Eastern FM 98.1 called The Eastern Regional Library Show. Tune in next week for a great show.

On Wednesday's show

 

Some lovely new books from the junior and teenage collection were reviewed by Pia today. Three new picture books are....Red bridge written and illustrated by Kylie Dunstan. Clarie has said goodbye to all of her friends and moved with her family to another country where everything smells different and looks different. How will she ever make friends or get used to the new place? A lovely story about adaptation. Long live us written by Edel Wignell illustrated by Peter Allert is a fractured fairy tale involving many of our favourite fairy tale characters in new ways. Who is 'good' and who is 'bad'? An entertaining take on values. And Black swan written and illustrated by Celia Bridle. Illustrated in monochrome, this delightful story feels like a folk tale. A black swan escapes from a cage and flies away to alight at a village by a lake. The villagers ask the swan to stay and incubate an egg they have found. When a volcano threatens, the black swan saves the villagers and the egg from destruction.

For teens, two new novels....Merrow written by Ananda Braxton-Smith is the story of Neen whose parents have disappeared, and the villagers believe that her mother is a Merrow or selkie. Neen believes them and determines to find out the truth despite her aunt's dissaproval. Anna and the french kiss by Stephanie Perkins follows Anna who was looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta USA. However her parents have other ideas and ship her off to a boarding school in Paris. She is less than thrilled until she meets Etienne St. Clair, a smart and charming french student with a serious girlfriend!

---- Lesley

The Eastern Regional Library Show 29th June & 6th July 2011

Library staff members Lesley Conway and Pia Butcher run a radio show each Wednesday 12:05pm-12:45pm on Eastern FM 98.1 called The Eastern Regional Library Show. Tune in next week for a great show.

On the last two shows

In the midst of school holidays and with many enjoyable activities on offer across our branches, we should not forget the simple pleasure of sitting down with a good book, or even better, of having one read to us.

Pia has some recommendations for great new books in our children's collection which you might want to check out over the next few weeks. In the Picture books you will find titles like Hidden alphabet by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, where the letters of the alphabet are cleverly disguised amongst pictures of the relevant objects for each letter and Peeking ducks by Krista Bell where three little ducklings investigate the busy Li River in China, peeking here and there and find surprising dangers along the way. Other picture books mentioned by Pia are A dog like that written by Janene Cooper,  Thank you for looking after our pets written and illustrated by Tim Hopgood, I spy with my little eye, written and illustrated by Edward Gibbs,  Don't worry Douglas! written and illustrated by David Melling, Big animal mix up, written by Gareth Edwards, That's not a daffodil! written and illustrated by Elizabeth Honey, and last but not least, Rollo and Ruff and the little fluffy bird.  Written and Illustrated by Mick Inkpen, this is another delightful story by the creator of Kipper and Wibbly Pig, with three new characters. There are footprints all over the Cornershop yard and something has been nibbling Rollo's mat!

For primary school age readers we have Hanging out by Catherine Bateson, illustrated by Adam Carruthers. When cousin Weston from Sydney comes to stay, Ben is really worried. He has told a lot of fibs about his life in Melbourne and Weston is about to find out! A short chapter book with lots of illustration for younger readers. Also Captain Congo and the Klondike Gold written by Ruth Starke and illustrated by Greg Holfeld. A graphic novel for children sees Captain Congo and his faithful friend Pug  off on another adventure, this time to the Yukon to investigate lights and ghosts that are scaring the miners on the gold fields.

Then for young teens, Thai-riffic by Oliver Phommavanh is about Lengy who is off to High School with a whole set of new problems for him,  not to mention his embarrassing parents who run a Thai restaurant and an annoying younger brother, and Just a girl by Jane Caro who writes about the thoughts and feelings of  Elizabeth I as she awaits her coronation day.

We are also giving plenty of forewarning of National Family History Week which runs from the 29th of July to the 8th of August. Activities will be run across Eastern Regional Libraries branch which Kathy Smalley will be telling us about in two weeks time, but also both the Genealogical Society of Victoria (GSV) http://www.gsv.org.au/  and Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies (AIGS) http://www.aigs.org.au/ have talks and open days which could be very informative.

---- Lesley

State Library Exhibition: "Look! The art of Australian picture books today" opens 3rd December

The Look! exhibition at the State Library celebrates the worlds and stories revealed in children's picture books. It features original artwork by Australia's most talented illustrators.

The exhibition is open 3rd Dec 2010 - 29th May 2011, 10am-5pm daily (to 9pm Thursday, closed 25th Dec-3rd January)

Free Opening Celebration

Enjoy entertainment by Play School presenter Jay Laga'aia and Christof! the clown, storytelling and drawing with popular authors and illustrators, tours and creative activities in the Play Pod!

Authors and Illustrators:
Anna Walker, Ann E Stewart, Terry Denton and Elizabeth Honey

When: Saturday 4th December 11am-4pm
Where: State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne

Complete schedule on State Library website

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 28th July 2010

Library staff members Lesley Conway and Pia Butcher run a radio show each Wednesday 12:05pm-12:45pm on Eastern FM 98.1 called The Eastern Regional Library Show. Tune in next Wednesday for a great show.

On 28th July's show

Comic books have been around since at least 1827, and the combination of fast paced storyline and pictures continues to evolve and grow in popularity. The current popular format is the graphic novel, and it is used in storytelling for young children, teenagers and adults. A new series for younger readers features Babymouse. The first title in the series is Babymouse, Queen of the world! by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm. Babymouse is an endearing character with a big imagination. Babymouse longs to attend Felicia Furrypaws' sleepover party. When she finally receives an invitation she is estactic, but forgets her promise to watch a movie with her best friend, Wilson Weasel. Read the book to find out if the party lives up to her expectations. There are several more titles in the Babymouse series.

For teenage readers, Apache: girl warrior by Tanya Landman is about Siki who in her fourteenth summer witnesses Mexican soldiers killing her little brother. Swearing revenge upon them, Siki undergoes a great deal of hardship to become an Apache warrior. Based on a true story this exciting novel gives the reader a first hand look at the Apache way of life and being. And Beautiful creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl is a great novel for those who love paranormal romances. A deliciously dark fantasy about Ethan Wate and new girl in town, Lena Duchannes. Lena is cursed and, on her sixteenth birthday, her fate will be decided.

A new addition to the  picture book collection is Black book of colours by Menena Cottin and Roasana Faria. Thomas can't see colours but he can hear them and smell them and touch them and taste them. The reader can try the see the world the way Thomas sees it through raised, textured line drawings. Braille letters are included as an introduction for sighted readers.

---- Pia, Youth Services Librarian
Knox Library

The Eastern Regional Library Show 23rd June 2010

Library staff members Lesley Conway and Pia Butcher run a radio show each Wednesday 12:05pm-12:45pm on Eastern FM 98.1 called The Eastern Regional Library Show. Tune in next Wednesday for a great show.


On 23rd June's show
School holidays are here again, so don't hesitate to check out the varied program on offer. Winter holidays are also a great time to sit cosily at home and catch up on reading, so Pia brought along some new titles to tempt your housebound student.

For younger readers, the picture books and early readers by Leigh Hobbs are very popular. His characters Old Tom, Fiona the pig and Mr Chicken and Horrible Harriet are quirky and often cranky, and appeal to readers who like anti-heroes. The latest from Leigh Hobbs is Mr Chicken goes to Paris which provides a whirlwind tour of the sights of the city, with some adventures for Mr Chicken along the way. He visits the sights of Paris unaware that his enormous presence is the most astonishing spectacle of all. Trick Rider by Julie Hunt and Beth Norling is the latest in a new series about the adventures of Little Elsie. In this book she joins a circus and does leaps and lofty tumbles. The crowds loves them but mean Ma Calico won't pay the performers. Little Elsie finds a way to make her pay. Other titles in the series are On the run and Ghost Hunter.
Everything I need to know I learned from a children's book : Life lesson from Notable people from all walks of life edited by Anita Silvey includes recollections from over 100 people from all walks of life. They recall a children's book they loved and its impact on their lives. Each individuals story is accompanied by an excerpt and illustrations from the children's book, plus an informative background essay by the editor.

----Lesley

The Eastern Regional Library Show 21st & 28th October 2009

Things have been a bit hectic lately so I have been remiss in updating the summaries from the last 4 episodes of The Eastern Regional Library Show so I'll upload them here in these two posts. Many apologies.

For those that don't know, library staff members Lesley Conway and Pia Butcher run a radio show each Wednesday 12:05pm-12:45pm on Eastern FM 98.1 called The Eastern Regional Library Show. Tune in next Wednesday for a great show.


On 21st October show


History Week and Childrens' Week, from the 25th - 31st of October makes for a very busy time in our libraries. There are a range of activities and exhibitions from Local History groups which are interesting for the light they throw on our region, and also can provide some extra data for family historians. Several of the photographic displays have photos for which the organisers are seeking identification. If you have some local knowledge, or family connections, you may be able to help fill in some of the gaps for the Historical Societies. Kathy Smalley reminded us that Ann Dixon will host a talk and display Hats, history and the Cup at Yarra Juntion Library on Wednesday the 28th of October, and that the Military History group is meeting at Croydon Library on Friday the 30th of October.

Kathy wanted to let family history researchers know that the two databases which are available on public internet access in our libraries, Ancestry and Find My Past, have not made available the newly published 1911 UK Census. It is available to individual subscribers, and public libraries will continue to lobby to have it made available to organisational subscribers. We will keep you posted.

An interesting upcoming event for family history researchers is  Introduction to  Italian family history for Australians which will run at Lilydale Library on the 23rd of November, don't forget to book.

At this point most of the activities for children are booked, but there are still places at Boronia Library on Friday the 30th for Halloween hullabaloo for kids, and some presentations on literacy for 2 and 3 year old children presented by visiting librarians from the United States, at Lilydale on Friday the 30th of October.

Music today was from At the drop of a hat by Flanders and Swan.


On 28th October show

Pia brought along a great range of children's and teenage books along today including Troll by Julia Donaldson and David Roberts which is a quirky take on The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Two stories are being told at once, a tale of  strangers trip trapping over Troll's bridge, and the tale of some pirates far out to sea. The pirates are moving from island to island finding treasure and getting hungry, but not enjoying their food. Gradually the two stories come together with a surprise ending.

Noodle Pie by Ruth Starke is about Andy's father (a former refugee) returning to Hanoi for the first time in over twenty years along with Andy. Vietnam is a shock to Andy. His relatives seem to be money grubbing and their restaurant is not the big place he expected it be. But he, and the reader, learn about Vietnamese culture and life at the same time. A wonderful, funny read.

Miki Falls: Spring by Mark Crilley is a teenage graphic novel, Manga style. It is Miki's final year in High School and she's determined to make it the best year yet. Enter a mysterious new male student. Hiro is very self possessed and doesn't seem to need  friends. Miki finds herself falling for him...

Ripple and the horses of White Cloud Station by Trudy Nicholson tells of Suzy, Alexa and Lucy who live and breathe horses. Unfortunately for Suzy her allergies prevent her from having a horse of her own. Until, that is, she finds Ripple. He has been gathered up in the annual round up on White Cloud station ready to be sold at auction. Through some happy circumstances Suzy finds herself Ripple's proud owner. A book about horses that young girls will love.

The fantastic undersea life of Jacques Cousteau by Dan Yaccarino relates the fascinating story of Jacques Cousteau, the undersea explorer, the undersea world he discovered and the inventions he helped build and design to enable himself and the world to see it better.

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show 24th June & 1st July

Library staff members Lesley Conway and Pia Butcher run a radio show each Wednesday 12:05pm-12:45pm on Eastern FM 98.1 called The Eastern Regional Library Show. Tune in next Wednesday for a great show. We've got two updates today

On 24th June show

Pia had some delightful new books on hand today. Frog Princess is a picture book by Rosalind Allchin which is a very different version of the classic tale of the Frog Prince. When a lady frog finds the Princes' golf ball she insists that he kiss her so she can turn into a Princess. Cleverly the prince suggests that she try being a princess for a day and if she still wants to, he will kiss her at midnight. Through a series of funny misunderstandings the Frog discovers that being a princess isn't quite what she thought it would be and leaves her somewhat disappointed.

A book for young adult readers is Beastly by Alex Flinn, another book which takes a fresh look at at a fairy tale. Kyle Kingsbury had it all , money and popularity. Unfortuantely it didn't make him a nice person. One day he goes a bit too far and tries to humiliate a witch. For his punishment she changes him into a beast, only to be changed back if he finds love's true kiss. Kyle quickly finds that his popularity was only superficial. Life as a beast changes Kyle in ways he could never imagine. A movie is currently being made of this story. Will it be the next Twilight?

With this year being the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, a number of books have come out telling his story. Several for children...What Mr Darwin saw by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom is a wonderful account of Darwin's momentous trip on the Beagle. We follow Darwin as he voyages around the world exploring the Andes, the Brazillian rainforest and last but not least the Galapagos islands. This story allows the reader to learn how Darwin fomulated some of his theories. The facts come in diary format as well as illustrations with little boxes on the side containing more facts. One beetle too many: the extraordinary adventures of Charles Darwin By Kathryn Lasky and Matthew Trueman is another wonderful account of Charles Darwin's travels on the Beagle. This is what is called faction or an information novel. There are some wonderfully detailed illustrations emulating some of Darwin's scientific drawings as well as some funny illustrations.

We also talked about podcasts and how there are some that I enjoy listening to.

Adult book shows
The Radio National Bookshow with Ramona Koval http://www.abc.net.au/rn/bookshow/
BBC World Bookclub http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/

Children's Book show
Just one more book http://www.justonemorebook.com/


On 1st July show

Lyn Baines has been sleeping poorly lately. The blame for this can be laid at the door of writers who write genuinely scary novels. Sarah Waters The Little Stranger has received some rave reviews, and Lyn testifies to the great writing and intriguing plot. It centres around the decaying grand house of the village, refuge for the last three members of a family, which becomes disturbed by mysterious sounds, writings on the wall, and eventually murder. The narrator is the doctor who grew up in the village,and now lives uneasily between the working class and gentry. The novel has many threads to it, including class friction, the dramatic social changes in post WW II Britain, and the supernatural.

A Perfect Death by Kate Ellis is a novel set in contemporary Britain which combines Lyn's love of history and detection. It is the latest in a series of crime novels which bring together a police detective and his archaeologist friend. The author skilfully draws the discovery of the archaeological dig into the crime mystery, and in this case it centres around some Roman ruins threatened by housing development, and the murder of a woman which almost replicates a medieval murder in the same location.

Music today was from Great voices of the Twentieth Century : John McCormack, and Lyn recommends another CD by the voice of our time Bry Terfel, which includes several of the same lovely British folk songs, Scarborough Fair.

---- Lesley

The Eastern Regional Library Show 25th February 2009 & 11th March 2009

Library staff members Lesley Conway and Pia Butcher run a radio show each Wednesday 12:05pm-12:45pm on Eastern FM 98.1 called The Eastern Regional Library Show. Tune in next Wednesday for a great show.

It's 2 for the price of 1 today, as I did not get around to putting in Pia's session from the 25th February.

On Wednesday 25th February show

For listeners from a fortnight ago who wondered what became of the titles of the picture books which Pia had on the program, I am now adding those to our blog.

Baby Dragon by Amy Ehrlich, illustrated by Will Hillenbrand : Baby Dragon waits for his mother to come back, just where she told him to. He counts his claws, he sings a song and he doesn't run off to play with Weasel or Frog. But waiting is hard-especially when Crocodile swims by and offers him a river-ride...

Mr Big by Ed Vere : A true friend comes in any shape or size. Mr Big is big and scary to others. No one stays around to discover what he is really like. Inside Mr Big feels very small and lonely. People are captivated by Mr Big's piano playing and this leads to him being invited to "jam" with some musicians. Mr Big finds he has another problem now- no time to himself but that is just the way he likes it!

Too many toys by David Shannon : Cooper has lots and lots of toys. Everyone gives him some. His Mum and Dad decide that enough is enough...some of the toys must go. Mum and Cooper carefully sift through his toys and put some into a big box for disposal...however!

Louise, the adventures of a chicken by Kate Di Camillo and Harry Bliss : Louise is a little chicken who has lots of exciting adventures... sailing with pirates, joins a circus etc. In the end , Louise discovers that home is the best place to be.

On Wednesday 11th March show

Today I spoke to Anthea Wynn, joint author with Val Nigol of Aged Care Homes : the complete Australian guide, who was on the program last year giving some background to her research into aged care. I wanted to talk to her at greater length because she has had a fascinating working life, and I thought she would have some interesting things to pass on about how her writing career developed. She had her first article published at the age of 14, in a local Melbourne newspaper, and given the response that we receive for the Eastern Regional Libraries National Story Writing Competition, there are still many writers diligently entering short works and articles to the many competitions, newspapers and journals which foster non-professional writing. Anthea encourages all writers with ambition to pursue these avenues, and particularly to become a member of the Victorian Writers' Centre, www.vwc.org.au. For a very modest joining fee, you can be kept up-to-date about competitions, work shops and informative talks given accross the state.

Anthea became a freelance technical writer focusing on marketing communications in the mid-90's, and wrote on a broad range of subjects from advice on hysterectomy to consumer credit risk. She continues to write, and also she says, to find it both daunting and fun. Her most fundamental advice is, just do it. As with most skills, it is practice which helps us perfect our work, and she quoted popular author Joanne Harris who made three hours a week, in the midst of a busy family and working life, her writing time. The discipline payed off and Harris is now a best seller.

Anthea's next project is a small book on the fortified wine, port. There may be a larger book about fortified wines to follow. We hope to talk to Anthea in the future about these projects.

----Lesley

The Eastern Regional Library Show 10th December 2008

Library staff members Lesley Conway and Pia Butcher run a radio show each Wednesday 12:05pm-12:45pm on Eastern FM 98.1 called The Eastern Regional Library Show. Tune in next Wednesday for a great show.

On today's show

Every Christmas we are asked in the library for some suggestions for presents of books for children and teenagers. Pia has compiled a list of some books which she found particularly enjoyable this year.

For the littlies, Ten Little fingers and ten little toes by Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury is a delightful picture book . Very simple, lyrical and clever text with the gorgeous illustrations by Helen Oxenbury. A story that very quickly invites the reader to tickle the toes of their child and give three little kisses on the end of their nose. Another is Splat the cat by Rob Scotton, the perfect book for all those young ones heading off to school next year. Splat doesn't want to go to school. He tries every trick in the book to avoid it but in the end he must. When he gets to school he finds that it is a whole lot more fun than he ever imagined.

For older children (and in fact teenagers and adults who love puzzles) Enigma by Graeme Base is another very clever picture book by the award winning author/illustrator.The magic props belonging to the residents of the Retirement home for Elderly magicians have disappeared. The magic show will have to be cancelled. Enter Bertie Badger to save the day. He visits each resident in turn to find out what is missing and then hopefully locate it. As always there are lots of things to look for on each page and an enigma wheel at the end to help crack the secret code.

Finnikin of the rock by Melina Marchetta is a departure from Melina's previous novels for teenagers set in the contemporary world; this is a fantasy. The world of Lumatere is an exciting and dangerous one, a world that Finnikin must negotiate to locate the people of his country and to help rebuild it. Where the streets had a name by Randa Abdel Fattah is a story of today. We have heard a lot from the Israeli side of the conflict with Palestine. Now it is time to hear the opposing view. When her grandmother becomes dangerously ill, 13 year old Hayaat decides to enter the occupied territories to retrieve some of the soil from her Grandmother's homeland. Though only about 20 kilometers away, it is in the Israeli territory. It takes hours to move, with so many checkpoints. An amazing and thought provoking tale.

Picture books with a Christmas theme are especially enjoyable at this time of the year. Some new ones with an Australian theme are Russell's Christmas magic by Rob Scotton about Santa being stranded in Firefly Wood with a broken sleigh and Russell the sheep coming to his rescue. An amusing tale. An Aussie night before Christmas by Yvonne Morrison and Kilmeny Niland is a chance to see Santa in a whole new way as he delivers gifts in a rusty old ute wearing old thongs and stubbies. And Aussie jingle bells by Colin Buchanan, illustrated by Nick Bland is the tune of jingle bells with words with an Australian flavour! It even has a CD with it.

Music today was from the CD Carol of the drum, produced by the Royal Australian Navy Band.

---- Lesley

The Eastern Regional Library Show 22nd October 2008

Library staff members Lesley Conway and Pia Butcher run a radio show each Wednesday 12:05pm-12:45pm on Eastern FM 98.1 called The Eastern Regional Library Show. Tune in next Wednesday for a great show.

On Wednesday's show

Pia brought in a lovely pile of new books for children and young adults today. The first is in the teenage collection, which has hosts of great reads by exciting writers such as Garth Nix, Phillip Pullman, Tamora Pierce and John Marsden. Knife of never letting go by Patrick Ness is described as speculative fiction. In a world which has reverted to simpler times, Prentisstown is a town inhabited only by men. There is no privacy as everyone can hear each others thoughts, even animal thoughts can be heard. Todd is the only child left. It is only days till he will become a man at the age of fourteen. No big celebration though as he finds himself, his dog and a stranger, the first girl he has ever seen, on the run from the males of Prentisstown.

For younger readers, from around ten to fourteen years, Diary of a Wimpy kid by Jeff Kinney is a novel in cartoons. Funny and sad at the same time, our hero Greg writes and draws himself into this diary (sorry journal!!) about the every day trials, troubles and fun of young teenager.

And for the very young, a delightful picture book Russell the sheep by Rob Scotten. Poor Russell cannot get to sleep and he tries everything, including a walk, sleeping in a cave and on a branch before finally finding the foolproof method.

Two picture books that Pia didn't have time to talk about, but recommends are Edwina, the dinosaur who didn't know she was extinct by Mo Willems, a fantastic newish author/illustrator. Edwina is happy with her life. All the townsfolk love her except for Reginald who insists she shouldn't be here as she is extinct. At first Edwina is depressed about this peice of news but then she decides to go on with life regardless. And

Roland Wright Brand new page by Tony Davis, illustrated by Gregory Rogers. A sequel to Roland Wright Future Knight. Roland has been invited by the King to become a page at his castle. Unfortunatley not everyone is pleased to see him. Hector, another of the pages, doesn't believe lowly born people should be allowed to become pages. He picks on Roland. Should Roland retaliate in the same way as Hector...?

---- Lesley

The Eastern Regional Library Show - 23rd July 2008

Library staff members Lesley Conway and Pia Butcher run a radio show each Wednesday 12:05pm-12:45pm on Eastern FM 98.1 called The Eastern Regional Library Show. Tune in next Wednesday for a great show.

On 23rd July's show

Pictures tell a story in remarkable ways, and today there are picture books for readers of all ages. There is also a lot of pleasure for adults in reading picture story books to children. Today Pia had a new book by one of my favourite children's illustrators, Anthony Browne. Browne has a love of gorillas, chimpanzees and monkeys which feature in most of his very bright, very realisticly painted pictures. His backgrounds are usually quirky, full of surprising details, like a kitchen kettle transforming into an animal (in his early book Willy the Champ), and his stories are about the big challenges of life, bullying, not fitting in, families which aren't happy, and in this latest Little Beauty the importance of having a friend.

Another picture book dealing with friendship is Smitten : a lint-free love story by David Gordon. In this tale of love and friendship between a mitten and a sock who look after each other on the hectic city street, we discover that "True friendship makes perfect pairs".

Picture books can be very helpful for young children dealing with big issues, such as in Feeling sad by Sarah Verroken. Duck is feeling sad. "Black clouds are hanging over her head, and her worlds seems full of darkness. But Duck soon hatches a plan to bring back colour." A simple and effective use of black and white pictures which gradually introduce colour graphically describes the feeling of depression/sadness, and how it can lift.

Finally, a gorgeous look at the life of a horse as it devolops from a foal, in Horse by Malachy Doyle and Angelo Rinaldi.

Cheers, Maryanne

The Eastern Regional Library Show - 11th June 2008

Library staff members Lesley Conway and Pia Butcher run a radio show each Wednesday 12:05pm-12:45pm on Eastern FM 98.1 called The Eastern Regional Library Show. Tune in next Wednesday for a great show.

On Wednesday's show

Today was a farewell to Jill McCallum, regional Youth Services Manager, who has been a cheerful and effective advocate for services to, and literature for, young people in our region. Jill looks about 21 still, but is retiring to spend a well-earnt time reading and eating chocolate.

Jill has been a regular visitor to the radio program, particularly for discussion of the winners of Children's Book of the Year awards, with Pia Butcher.

She has been happy to talk about her particular favourites amongst the tens of thousands of books she has seen over the years, and today brought along her all time favourite, Maurice Sendak's Where the wild things are. This classic picture book is now being filmed, and we are looking forward to seeing how the delightful, whimsical pictures of Sendak translate to the screen. I brought along one of my favourite children's authors, who has a lot in common with Sendak. Bob Graham is an Australian author who has the same knack as Sendak of giving the child's perspective of the world, but also layering his story and pictures so that there is much to be discover in them for older readers.

Jill also talked today about a book which is at the other end of the spectrum of picture books. The arrival by Shaun Tan is directed at older readers, and is beautifully illustrated story without words, describing the experience of someone coming to an alien culture. There are moments of isolation, of loneliness and puzzlement, but also hope and friendliness. Tan has produced several books in this style, all quite intriguing.

Music today was Handel's The arrival of the Queen of Sheba.

---- Lesley