WTBA is a collection of and conversation about powerful books that strengthen, elevate, inspire and help to grow powerful, resilient kids. We're a book oriented guide for parents, grandparents, educators, aunts, uncles and anyone involved in nurturing children and caring for friends.
‘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
ages 4 to grownup
There is so much that connects the human experience through the passage of time. Here the power of place is powerfully illustrated through the lives of consecutive children living on one plot of land over 200 years. It's a beautifully diverse group of children who are amusing and relatable and individually fascinating.
ages 2 to 8 years
Alison Lester has a gift for writing words that bounce – there’s a rhythm to her words that's easy for the reader to catch and hold onto. The Journey Home isn't a rhyming book, but it does read in a lyrical sort of way. There’s a repeated refrain of ‘come inside and stay’ making this a good early reader.
ages 4 years to grownup
Heavens this is a beautiful book! It’s a teary one; a lovely wander through the life of a baby girl told through the eyes of her mother. Truly, I get goosebumps every time I read it—it’s my go-to baby shower or pregnancy present for mothers who are expecting girls .
A young mother holds her newborn and kisses her fingers. And she tells the baby of her mother-wishes for the baby’s life. Things like:
Blossum Possum is the first alarmist to believe the sky is falling and she decides to tell the Prime Minister. There's danger and suspense along the way but each character oozes personality and attitude.
ages baby to 8 years
Age guide: 2 to 8 years & grown-up
With the friendliest looking boa constrictor ever greedily gobbling children on a nature walk with their teacher (it’s pink and green instead of the usual yellow and green or brown) – this is a joyful and funny book. It’s especially funny if you could possibly be one of the people the book is inscribed to: ‘all absent-minded parents and enthusiastic teachers’.
Which I imagine covers most adults at one time or another.
This is the story of a school nature walk gone horribly wrong, then most satisfyingly redeemed.
Read MoreAge guide: baby to young child
Dad reckons the trouble with dogs is that they take over your life. But really Dad is just as much in love with Rosie and Dave as the rest of the family.
Rosie and Dave were brought home from the animal shelter in Let's Get a Pup (also by Bob Graham). Since then Rosie has cemented her place on the couch but Dave just keeps getting wilder.
Read MoreA conversation about books + kids. A website resource and book reviews for educators, parents, grandparents. The main focus is emotional resilience.
