Betty and the Yeti by Ella Burfoot

 

Reading this tale about Betty on her red Sled brings back memories when I used to live in Switzerland, and how my brothers used to terrorise me down the snowy and ice packed hills we lived on, that was lined by snow laden trees. A memory that also included two sleds,  a precise crash, a dislodgement of my favourite jingly jangly pom pom beanie, a bump on my forehead and lots of snow down my coat and in my hair!  Crawling back home sopping wet, I didn't get the type of sympathy I was looking for from my mum, and all my brothers got was the side eye from my step dad.

They're  gone now, ( my parents that is biological and step)  hopefully yucking it up in heaven and comparing notes on the "wild kids" !  I'd like to think they're keeping an eye out for us still on earth.  

Miss you.

lots of love

Dx

The Gruffalo's Child

Hello all, it's been quite the ride these few weeks, settling in and trying to find my rhythm has been uppermost in my day to day.  Funny isn't it as we get older we crave more routine and serenity!  I laugh at myself thinking when did I become like this!  However one thing does remain,  a sense of humour throughout all of this.  Most recently my dear Step dad passed away, I can truly say I'm a complete orphan now! (pleae sir can I have some more!) He was a good man, who did so much for my family. without him I don't think I would have been the person I am today.

Anyway, hope you enjoy this tale, take a break, have a laugh.

lots of love

Dx

The Boy and the Toy by Sonya Hartnett read by Dx

When my children were younger (yes yes it's going back yeaaarrsss) I had very strict rules on electronic devices and robotics in the house. (though I make a lot of jokes I was very strict with the kiddos)  everyone had to leave the phones either in their rooms or at the side table for mealtimes  and at night time phones had to be docked and there was a cut off time as well for the internet.  Watching the kids, I know for a fact they loved spending time playing lego, jigsaws and monopoly with me when I was around, otherwise it was crash bandicoot or one of the other playstation games.  Many a time I caught my youngest sitting in front of the tv in the middle of the night with the volume turned down low so he wouldn't get caught! (sneaky sneaky!) .  But when it came to friends, nothing beat their buddies knocking on the door with "come and play". or "is it ok for you to come out" and the constant nagging for stayovers!, plus we always had cats and dogs and they loved their pets.  

what do you think of today's society, where they do not have the time to do all these things  or for kids who now have become so isolated due to video and online games that they would prefer to be online instead of outside, which has also become somewhat unsafe.. sigh

I think this book has a subtle prod at that and it's quite refreshing to read .  What are your thoughts on AI, will it benefit our children, grand children?  What are the guardrails for these precious young minds?

This book really made me think , and I hope it does for you.

For all the children of the world and my beloved Idris

Dx

The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson

What a week it has been!  I've moved house to the City , so new adventures are afoot!  Not only were there many changes in my life but I think the world is going through a massive shift.  With Chinese Warships close to our waters , Israel not honouring the cease fire agreement, the debacle of the Ukraine and US meeting,  flooding and we're now bracing for a Cyclone!  When it rains, it pours (yes pun intended)

I find reading and uploading these children's tales so much for gratifying than the pointless debates that occur on social media when one posts one's opinion.  What is the world coming to when gaslighting becomes the norm?  

My only wish is to ensure our children and grandchildren have as much of a normal and stable environment to flourish, these incredible beings are our future, they are our little treasures, so for my little Treasure Idris and all the children of the world this is for you. 

Enjoy

Dx

Koala Lou by Mem Fox. A. brilliant Australian tale of the cute lil K...

A few months back the Godmother and I trekked through the wildlife park to spot a Koala who had been roaming around , however the Koala was well tucked away !  I do see lots of Roo's, goanas, all the different types of birds, wallabies , emus and what not though, strolling through the patches of land that have not been cleared for development,  it would be really horrible if Koalas become endangered as it looks like we're heading in that direction.  

In this reading Koala Lou does her best to get her mum to say "Koala Lou, I do love you" amidst the growing members of her family. follow us as we see her through the bush olympics!  

what drives me on is that I get little messages from my grandson (who is starting to read on his own) and his gleeful "Oma!  I love you"!  when I've uploaded a video.  

My love to all the children of this world, where ever you may be, my thoughts are with you, and big hugs to Idris.

Dx

The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss (with a purple hat mind you!)

Hello all, I'm getting regular on this innit! lol. I guess reading Children's stories and publishing them on you tube is more my speed nowadays!   As I was reading this book I wondered how many parents still read to their kids, or even had the time to do so?  Is it still a great way to bond, educate  and entertain our kids at the same time using nothing more that words and imagination ?  I do hope so.  Those are my fondest memories , reading to the kiddos.  I was also really surprised to find out that this book is 66 years old! Yep it was first published in 1957.. finally something that is older than me! ha ha!  

Anyway I do hope you enjoy this as much as I did reading it .

Dx

Guess How Much I love you by Sam McBratney

 

This book has so many memories, the most important one is that it was given to my daughter "Ni" (as her brother calls her) by my close and very dear friend who's since passed on.  Everytime I look at it I see her cheeky grin, and the quips she made when she passed the stuffed toy that came with the book. 

It's hard to believe this book is over 3 decades old (written in 1994), and that iconic " I love you to the moon and back" can be seen etched on everything from keychains, tee shirts and even tattoos !

I hope you derive as much enjoyment from it as my kids (and I) did .  Happy Reading

Dx