School of Thought 

Relating to life experiences and themes through books.

With Rosemary and Natalie

Children’s literature has the potential to open a world of possibilities and discovery for readers and listeners alike.  By delving into books, we can share experiences, through text and illustrations and begin to make sense of complex themes and messages.  You may have a favourite book which supports your family, to make sense of a new or perhaps challenging experience, like starting school, welcoming a new family member, overcoming anxiety or coping with grief.

We have recently been introduced to a new book, The Present Box which is a sensitively written and creatively illustrated book about grief and loss, with the intent of 'explaining death and funerals to children gently and lovingly'.  The Present Box follows the story of a young child who experiences the death of someone they love. This book is sensitively written by an experienced Funeral Celebrant and End of Life Companion, Michelle Jewels-Parsons, with stunning illustrations by her 6 year old niece Ellie Rose Hanham.

We are thankful to one of our generous LNPS families who has kindly donated, The Present Box, to our school library.  Rachel writes ‘I work with Michelle and after speaking with the children they loved the idea of donating (a book) to the library.  The children and I attended the book launch of The Present Box and loved having it personalised by Michelle.’  The Present Box is available for purchase online at www.thepresentbox.com.au or to borrow from our school library, Tirkandi.

Bob Graham is a prolific, Children’s Book Council award winning, Australian picture book author and illustrator, whose characters face real issues that ‘real children’ face each day.  His themes are extensive, ranging from How to Heal a Broken Wing, which is a memorable book for any child who cares for other living creatures, to Greetings from Sandy Beach, which tells the story of one family's camping holiday at the beach - a beach they must share with a bus load of school kids and The Disciples of Death motorbike gang! Our school library has an extensive collection of Bob Graham picture books available to borrow.

Morris Gleitzman is another sought out author whose novels relate to life experiences and every day themes. He states that one of his favourite things about stories is the chance they give us to experience empathy in the privacy of our own imaginations.  A character might be different to us on the outside, but a good story takes us beneath the surface of that character to a place where we find part of ourselves.  Help Around The House is described as ‘the funny and moving story of a boy and his friends never losing heart in a sometimes heartless world. Perfect for 8+ readers.’  Funny Stories And Other Funny Stories is another example of light hearted life experiences. Follow the link to read a selection of Funny Stories. https://www.morrisgleitzman.com/funny-stories-chapter-1.htm

Enjoy reading together with your child/ren and relating to life experiences through books.