Library News

Welcome back to Term 3! So wonderful to be back in the Library with everyone. 

This week, we explored a book called Cat and Fish, illustrated by Neil Curtis and written by Joan Grant. Whilst the actual story is charming and whimsical about differences across frienships, the true delight in this book is the stunning illustrations of Neil Curtis. 

The illustrations are rendered exclusively in black and white pen and ink line drawings, creating a striking monochromatic aesthetic throughout the book. Cat and Fish won the Children's Book Council of Australia's picture book of the year in 2004.

When I first picked this book for our Library session, I was curious on how the children would respond to a picture book in black and white. To my amazement, they were thoroughly mesmerised with the book! All of them said that the black and white illustrations allowed them to perceive more than coloured illustrations would have. They also said that they could engage with the images more deeply. How fantastic for the children and how lucky are we to be amongst such great minds! 

Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge

We have 60 children registered! A huge thank you to all our parents who have enabled this fantastic effort. 

The Challenge is open to all Victorian children from birth to Year 10 and aims to help young readers develop a lifelong love of reading. It is not a competition; it is a personal challenge for children to read a set number of books by  Friday 4th  September, 2026.

It's not too late to join. If you would like your child to participate in the challenge, can you please return the note to the school office or via email. Then your child will be registered to participate in  the challenge. 

If you have any questions about our Library, the Premier's reading challenge or the Scholastic Book club, please don't hestitate to email me at premalatha.parmar@shpreston.catholic.edu.au

Library sessions for 2026 will be held on Thursdays. Please kindly remind your child/children to return their books on the day. 

Happy Reading!

Prem 🤓