Nail Art for Book Lovers

Do you want to take your love of books to your fingernails?

Book blogger Ananda Salles creates book covers on her nails.

Take a look at Bookish on iView.

Shaun Tan

Shaun Tan is one of Australia's most successful artists and illustrators. He is known for picture books such as The Rabbits, The Arrival, The Lost Thing and The Red Tree. His books tackle subjects such as immigration, colonialism and depression in young people.

In this article, Shaun talks about his interest in Grimm's fairytales and the process of creating his latest book - The Singing Bones.

How Shaun Tan transformed Children's Literature by Lorien Kite.

It is available in the school library. Click here for the link to Oliver.

Student Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins is the second book in The Hunger Games Trilogy. It is fun, engaging and a real page-turner!

Collins describes and juxtaposes the impoverished District 12 with the privileged Capitol, however, most of the action takes place in the deceptively dangerous arena. Collins protagonist, Katniss, is a fierce fighter who is denying her love for Peeta who is brave and very protective of her. Then there is Gale, Katniss' hunting partner, who has a soft-spot for her since they met, creating a love triangle!

Collins vivid description of the dramatic action helps to create suspense which leaves you holding onto the edge of your seat! This book is great for people who love action and romance.

- Kaylan Prestwidge 9M

Have you read a great book lately? Fill out the Contact Form (located to the left of the screen) and you too could see your review published here!

Thank you Kaylan for such a fantastic review!  - Mrs Crisafulli

Roald Dahl Read-a-thon

How many Roald Dahl books can you read between August 1 and September 13 ??

To celebrate 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl, Penguin are holding a read-a-thon. In order to unlock the entry form to be in the running to win a weekend away to see Matilda The Musical on stage in Brisbane for you and your family, you must read at least seven books and complete the seven quizzes on those books by Tuesday, September 13.

To enter the competition you'll have to answer the following question:

Who is your favourite character from Roald Dahl's Matilda, and why?

The best answer wins!

Visit the following webpage to register. Good Luck!

https://www.penguin.com.au/competitions/roald-dahl-100-readathon/

The Lost Sapphire by Belinda Murrell

The Lost Sapphire is one of seven time-slip books by Belinda Murrell that cleverly weaves modern-day and historical narratives creating seamless relationships between characters that exist many years apart. 

Marli is staying with her dad in Melbourne, when she discovers a mysterious family heirloom in the form of an abandoned mansion that is being returned to her family from the government after ninety years. Marli sneaks into the locked garden to explore, and meets Luca, a boy who has his own connection to Riversleigh.

It's 1922 and fifteen-year-old Violet leads a life of privilege. An army of servants looks after the family - including new chauffeur Nikolai Petrovich, a young Russian emigre. But at a time when women have little control over their futures, can Violet avoid the family curse to lead the life she wants?

For more of Belinda's wonderful time-slip stories visit her webpage at http://belindamurrell.com.au/

New Bios in your Library

Two new Biographies - two amazing, successful women! 

Maggie Smith: A Biography by Michael Coveney

Two-time Academy Award winner, Dame Maggie Smith, has been performing on stage and screen for over six decades. With recent high-profile roles as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film franchise, and as the formidable Dowager Countess of Grantham, in the successful television series Downton Abbey, Smith has never been more universally admired by generations of audiences. Coveney gives readers a rare glimpse into Smith's fascinating life by drawing on archives, interviews, and personal encounters, in an effort to discover the working-class lady at the centre of all the hype, who started in comedy revues, and is now one of the biggest stars to ever come out of Britain.

Natural Born Keller: My Life and Other Palaver


Much-loved Australian radio and television personality, Amanda Keller, lifts the lid on her own life in this hilarious new book. Keller attempts to look back as to what it was that made her the powerful, influential woman that she is today *insert cough. From her sunny childhood in Brisbane, her daggy teenage years in Sydney, her "finest moments" at college, and finally to the establishment of her career amongst the heavy weights of Australian television and radio. Vivid, funny and entertaining.... just like Keller herself!

Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta

I read this book and loved it, but I am going to give the floor to this YouTube reviewer who can sell it much better than I can.... Enjoy!