Library News

Let’s start with a snapshot of a CBCA Shortlisted book for 2025. 

How to Move A Zoo By Kate Simpson.

It was still dark when Mr Miller opened the gates of the old zoo, but he wasn't scared because he wasn't alone. He was with Jessie the elephant and together they were going to walk from Moore Park, through the city streets, to the ferry at Fort Macquarie. Jessie was moving to her spacious new home in the soon-to-be-opened Taronga Zoological Park.Jessie's surprising journey was unlike any other and it brought a little warmth to the city on that brisk September morning in 1916.The incredible true story of Jessie the elephant from the bestselling author of Anzac The War Diaries of Alice Ross-King and the highly acclaimed illustrator of Anzac Biscuits.

This is my books of the week and you can read this at home when you borrow it from our fabulous library.

Our Premiers’ Reading Challenge is still underway and concludes in September. Everyone is still logging their reading and submitting some fabulous book reviews. Keep it up! So far, our year one cohort is leading the charge with their book tally. 

The following book review of Pig The Star By Aaron Blabey was written by Maxell S (Prep A), seems fitting for what is coming up in our school.

“I liked seeing Pig and Trevor wear all the different costumes in this book. Trevor is my favourite.”

Books with costumes at this time of year could be very helpful for our upcoming Book Parade.

I bet you were wondering when Book Week is and how long you have to be chained to the sewing machines. Book Week is from the 16th August – 23rd August. Our day to don a costume for our special visitors/grandparents will be held on Wednesday the 20th August. Invite your special friends/grandparents and let them experience the magic of our parade. Visitors are to be here from 9:00am-11:00am. We also take this time to collect a book from each student to add to our library. This book can be one you’ve finished with (in good condition) or a new book that you think APS will thoroughly enjoy.

This is another reminder about our performance happening on the 29th August. Meerkat Productions are presenting Freya Blackwood’s book A Garden of Broken Things for our prep-year 4 students. 

The Garden of Broken Things is a masterfully composed, metaphorical tale that helps children understand both the value of the old and the young. It is told age-appropriately in tender words and watercolour, pencil and pastel.

Freya Blackwood is one of our most accomplished and highly regarded picture book creators. Two of her books are shortlisted in the 2025 CBCA Picture Book of the Year category:  The Garden of Broken Things, and Afloat, illustrated by Freya Blackwood, with text by Kirli Saunders. Our library has many copies of these books available for borrowing.

Below is a glorious reading of ‘How to Move A Zoo’ read by unknown lady with cool green fingernails for your viewing and listening pleasure.

https://youtu.be/c5bGhMPdymQ?si=oND15oupzktYZrQ4

Happy reading folks! And who’s been painting my roses red? 

Lizzy