VESUVIUS POOVIUS :: toilets matter! (world toilet day is November 19)

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VESUVIUS POOVIUS :: toilets matter! (world toilet day is November 19)

Ages 4 to 12 years
Vesuvius is a problem solver – and Rome has a big problem. A poo problem. 

No one knows what to do with all the poo. It’s so bad that ‘Some people even dropped it into other people’s pockets when they weren’t looking.”  (Now if that line doesn’t bring at least a grimacy smirk to your face I don’t know what will.)

Because poo is such a problem, it’s also a “forbiddenus wordus’, which leads to a whole slew of hilarious euphemisms like ‘huge daffodil’ and ‘cola cube’. Aside from all the usual uses for a poo book, this one does a great job of teaching how and when and why to use a euphamism.

Vesuvius – clever if marginalised chap that he is – figures out the solution:  tunnels and rain. 

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My Two Blankets: the transforming power of friendship

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My Two Blankets: the transforming power of friendship

My Two Blankets is a charming story about a young girl who ‘came to this country to be safe’ and the way she was able to reclaim a safe, happy and loved childhood. Positive, enlightening, it engages on many, many fronts.

ages early childhood to teen

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the beauties and agonies of separation and connection, hope and fear, home and war

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the beauties and agonies of separation and connection, hope and fear, home and war

ages 5 years to grownup
Set in Australia. There’s something special about Anzac Day—the cool early morning spent standing with a crowd at the Dawn Service, family breakfasts, and of course Anzac Biscuits to nibble on all day.

And the sense of privilege and peace that comes with living in a free and protected country.

As is true of all war stories, Anzac Biscuits is pretty horrific, but a story that must be told: to remember history, to notice everyday blessings and to understand sacrifice. It does a particularly lovely job of the noticing everyday blessings and understanding sacrifice parts. 

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how ordinary people doing good things led to powerful, enduring wartime bonds

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how ordinary people doing good things led to powerful, enduring wartime bonds

ages 4 years to grownup

"They didn't even know us," said Adele. "But they died trying to help us."
Henri thought of his new soldier friends.

Do Not Forget Australia tells a true story through the eyes of a young, fictional French boy, Henri. His village, Villers-Breetonneux, was all but destroyed by the first ever tank battle between the British and the Germans. The Germans won, but Australian brigades followed the British and won the town (on 25 April, 1918 – Anzac Day). 

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finding the compassion and courage to give even when we feel unappreciated

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finding the compassion and courage to give even when we feel unappreciated

ages early childhood to preteen
Sophie is a spider with a heart full of compassion, a soul full of courage and an amazing talent for weaving webs. When she sets out to find her place in the world she finds a boarding house, moves in and sets to work weaving wondrous webs...
 

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difficult life seasons can still be filled with love and joy

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difficult life seasons can still be filled with love and joy

‘Tight times’ is the reason the serious little fellow telling this story can’t get a dog. But in spite of the obvious troubles, this is an affirming, reassuring and peaceful book, with a dose of humour thrown in for good measure – as it always should be. (He does get a cat, who turns out to be a great 'dog'!) 
ages about 4 to 12 years and grownups

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a joyful, boisterous, poignant book with a completely satisfying ending

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a joyful, boisterous, poignant book with a completely satisfying ending

Age guide: 2 to 12 years. 
Mr. Nick has a passion—he loves knitting. He knits every morning on the train ride to work, and his friend Mrs. Jolley does too. When sickness strikes Mrs. Jolley, Mr. Nick puts his passion to work to serve and lift and love Mrs. Jolley. 

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