Newsletter 3

Welcome to the on-line KIDZ BOOK CLUB newsletter.

A Word from Phil Kettle

"With reference to over a 100 books, 18 in-depth book reviews by students, and the opportunity to meet so many authors, illustrators and book specialists, the making of KIDZ BOOK CLUB - A DVD Reading Guide has been great fun. This year we are planning a range of Kidz Book Club activities with schools and libraries, so I hope to see you soon. Happy reading!"

 

Jarvis Walker Reading Initatives Sponsor Kidz Book Club

Jarvis Walker is an Australian owned company that has made fishing gear for Aussies since 1946. Their range of TOOCOOL and MARCY children’s fishing gear promotes healthy, outdoor activity that brings family and friends together.

Jarvis Walker Reading Initiatives sponsored each of the Kidz Book Club episodes. Have you read.. "Toocool - Pier Fishing" and "Marcy – River Fishing"?

These two books can be found where Jarvis Walker children’s fishing gear is sold. Or you can contact us by email myinfo@kidzbookclub.com.au for information about the books.

TOOCOOL loves to go fishing for snapper off the pier. He uses squid for bait. Once he caught a snapper that weighed 1 kilogram. Snapper can grow as big as 20 kilograms, and they can live for 25 years.

MARCY loves to go fishing for bream in the river. Bream can weigh up to 4 kilograms. The biggest bream Marcy has caught was 1 kilogram. Marcy uses sandworms for bait. Her dad cooked the bream for dinner on the B-B-Q.

 

KIDZ BOOK CLUB  -  6 Episodes

 

Episode 5 – NOW ON SALE

In Episode 5 Phil Kettle with students Be and Taha find themselves surrounded by wonderful books at the Books Illustrated Gallery. We meet Gallery Director Ann Haddon and children’s author Doug MacLeod who had everyone laughing. Be and Taha interview well known children’s illustrator Ann James in her studio and meet some very talented goldfish. Library facts, a guide to lots of great books to read, emails from students setting up their own school Book Clubs, and finally after quite a search, Zac was found in a tree reading “A Bad Beginning” by Lemony Snicket.

In Episode 5 the interview with illustrator Ann James drew Taha and Be into an extraordinary world of colour and imagination. And who would have thought that paint brushes could be made out of so many different things? One of the books our students reviewed was Just One Wish by Sally Rippin. The book provided an opportunity to explore what life can be like for children who come to Australia from other countries, especially when they don’t speak English. Many children speak several languages, indeed Taha shared some thoughts in Turkish given that Turkish was the first language he learned to speak.

As for Be, she just loves to read, and she did an exceptional job reading The Wrong Book by Nick Bland out aloud as part of her book review. The third book Taha and Be reviewed – Mostly Sunny With A Chance Of Storms by Marion Roberts - was highly recommended by both students who considered that it offered adults and children a wonderful insight into the way some families work.

 

Episode 6 – Out Now

Host Phil Kettle joins students Mairead and Lachlan for Episode 6 – the last in this series of Kidz Book Club. Andy Griffiths is our guest author and his interview with Mairead and Lachlan is lots of fun. In fact there are a few interesting tales about Andy’s school days revealed to all! There are three book reviews and we hear about what it’s like to be a children’s book editor from Emma Short who edited both the Toocool and Marcy book series. There’s a guide to lots of great books, and to complete this series of Kidz Book Club Zac spoke with Phil Kettle about his books and the importance of reading.

Lachlan and Mairead were thrilled when they found out that they would be the students interviewing Andy Griffiths. So many questions, so little time to ask them ! Summing up her time with us at Kidz Book Club Mairead wrote – "I found it really interesting to be filmed professionally, I've never done that before, and it was so exciting to interview Andy Griffiths. The whole day went really well. I learnt a lot about how a program is actually filmed. It was really fun to be a part of it."

Lachlan, having "road tested" the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Sue Whiting on his younger sister, was keen to recommend it. Both students considered the artwork to be enchanting and the accompanying CD to be a great idea. Lachlan summed up his second time on Kidz Book Club when he wrote "the books we read were interesting, especially Aussie Kid Heroes by Dainne Bates, which had many different stories combined into a factual yet casual read. The book gallery was a great place and I enjoyed looking through the many books on the shelves. I saw a lot of books that I knew, and also many that I had never seen before. Overall it was a fun day, but interviewing Andy Griffiths was the highlight."

 

Books illustrated Gallery and Showroom

We were delighted to be able to film Episodes 5 & 6 of Kidz Book Club at the Books Illustrated Gallery & Showroom. Students Taha, Be, Lachlan and Mairead had great fun exploring the ‘book mansion’ at 300 Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park in Victoria. People wanting to visit the Books Illustrated Gallery & Showroom can do so by appointment. Contact Ann Haddon - Gallery Director on (03) 9534 7751 or info@booksillustrated.com.au or www.booksillustrated.com.au where you can read about the venue and subscribe to Books Illustrated E-News.

Sketch by children’s book illustrator Leigh Hobbs

 

Purchase KIDZ BOOK CLUB on-line

Priced specifically for schools and libraries at $27.50 (gst inclusive) + $2.50 postage and packaging, KIDZ BOOK CLUB can be delivered to your door for $30 each episdode, or $180 for the full set.

 

DOWNLOAD FREE TEACHERS’ NOTES

FREE Teachers’ Notes are available to those who purchase KIDZ BOOK CLUB DVDs. The Teachers’ Notes can be downloaded directly from www.kidzbookclub.com.au once you have registered on-line.

 

You Can Contact Us

www.kidzbookclub.com.au  or  myinfo@kidzbookclub.com.au
P.O. Box 4121  Eaglemont  Victoria  AUSTRALIA 3084
PHONE – 0417663396

Newsletter 2

Welcome to the on-line KIDZ BOOK CLUB newsletter.

Glossary
KIDZ BOOK CLUB – a DVD Reading Guide for young students, where everyday kidz ask the questions and provide information about books. Hosted by international award winning author Phil Kettle.
TEACHERS’ NOTES – a series of free documents for teachers who purchase episodes of the Kidz Book Club program.

A Word from Phil Kettle

“Thank you for your support ! We have had some great feedback sent to us about Kidz Book Club. It seems that schools and libraries are finding the program a very helpful reading resource, as well as a means by which to motivate young readers of various ages and abilities.

With Episode 3 just out, and Episode 4 in post-production, we are starting to plan some Kidz Book Club activities with schools who have been using the program as a Reading Guide.

A special thank you to all of our students, authors, illustrators and publishers who have been involved to date. Your contribution to our first few programs has been fantastic.”

INTERESTING CLASSROOM QUESTION

Are you a BOOK COLLECTOR or a COLLECTOR OF BOOKS ?
Many people ask themselves this question. It is a good conversation starter for your classroom. Unpack each of the concepts as part of your follow up activities after watching an episode of Kidz Book Club. A discussion such as this can greatly motivate young readers and open their minds. Why not send us an email to let us know how the activity unfolded, and just how many book collectors versus collectors of books you have in your class. Send you email to myinfo@kidzbookclub.com.au

 

2009 Introductory Season of KIDZ BOOK CLUB  -  6 Episodes

A total of six KIDZ BOOK CLUB episodes will be produced this year. Episodes 1, 2 and 3 are now available. Episode 4 is well on the way.

Episodes can be purchased individually, or you can purchase all six episodes at once. A number of schools have opted for this option as it means a single payment, rather than six individual payments.

PLEASE NOTE - if you purchased an individual episode/s to start with, you can make a single payment for all remaining episodes. Email any questions or queries you may have to myinfo@kidzbookclub.com.au

Episode 1 
- out now
Episode 2 – out now
Episode 3 – out now
Episode 4 – coming soon
Episode 5 – 30 September 

Episode 6 – 30 October

 

Episode 3 – NOW ON SALE

Braving the winter weather with host Phil Kettle, Amy and Lachlan make some new ‘feathered’ friends filming Episode 3 at the old DROMKEEN homestead. With the magnificent backdrop of garden sculpture, Australian children’s literature and original artwork, there are lots of book reviews, as well as reading insights and book selection guidance. Amy and Lachlan interview entertaining children’s author Michael Wagner, who shares a few old secrets. The creative, colourful and talented heard we were filming, so you’ll be seeing Elise Hurst and Kevin Burgemeestre in Episode 3. Plus there’s library learning, and lots of laughing in the trees as Zac and Phil relive the joys of reading old riddle and joke books.

Lachlan and Amy told us that they had great fun filming at DROMKEEN, in fact Lachlan said it was almost better than playing cricket! While a little nervous to start with, both Lachlan and Amy had much to tell us about the books that they had read, and indeed they were delighted to do so in the company of the many colourful peacocks roaming the grounds at Dromkeen. Informative, inspirational and humourous these two students shared their genuine love of reading and their great appreciation of the importance of books.

 

Episode 4 – TO BE RELEASED 30TH AUGUST

Phil Kettle with students Laura and Christopher explore the gardens and the unique collection of original illustrations, artwork and manuscripts from Australian children's literature housed at DROMKEEN. There are book reviews and an interview with author / illustrator Gabrielle Wang who shares some enchanting tales and wonderful creations. Library tips, musical lips and paper snips feature when Lindy Dadd, Robert Greenberg and David Miller drop by. From the trees Zac catches up with old friends Edward and Edwina, and also guides children in the direction of many great new books to read. And finally host Phil Kettle finds someone to answer every one of his reading questions.

Christopher and Laura said that they thoroughly enjoyed their Kidz Book Club experience and greatly appreciated the opportunity to explore Dromkeen. They even braved the chilly weather to be filmed with some very famous garden sculptures, for which we were most grateful. Keen to see the DVD which will be available in September 2009, Christopher and Laura provided some wonderful insights into reading and their favourite books. As fine examples of students who not only love to read, but young readers who are willing to read different genres, both Laura and Christopher said that they had enjoyed making the program and had learnt a lot about what happened during the filming and production of a DVD.

 

Purchase KIDZ BOOK CLUB on-line

Priced specifically for schools and libraries at $27.50 (gst inclusive) + $2.50 postage and packaging, KIDZ BOOK CLUB can be delivered to your door for $30 each month.

 

DOWNLOAD FREE TEACHERS’ NOTES

FREE Teachers’ Notes are available to those who purchase KIDZ BOOK CLUB DVDs. The Teachers’ Notes can be downloaded directly from www.kidzbookclub.com.au once you have registered on-line. You can access the Teachers' Notes once the relevant episode of the KIDZ BOOK CLUB program has been released. FREE Teachers' Notes for Episodes 1, 2 and 3 are now available.

 

Thank You DROMKEEN

A special thank you to DROMKEEN and their very helpful director and staff. KIDZ BOOK CLUB Episodes 3 & 4 were filmed at DROMKEEN - the home of Australian children’s book illustration. The Dromkeen Collection Art Gallery is a beautiful colonial homestead at Riddells Creek, in Victoria. The Gallery houses the Dromkeen Children's Literature Collection, a unique collection of original illustrations, artwork and manuscripts from Australian children's literature, particularly picture books. The Collection includes not only finished illustrations and artwork, but also preliminary artworks such as sketches, storyboards and dummy books revealing the creative processes behind book production.

Each year, DROMKEEN hosts thousands of visitors from across Australia and overseas and provides an exciting range of activities and programs for students, families, adults, and broader educational and publishing communities.

DROMKEEN OPENING HOURS

Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
Sunday from 12noon to 4pm
Closed Saturdays and Public Holidays.

FOR FURTHER DROMKEEN INQUIRIES

Dromkeen Collection Art Gallery

1012 Kilmore Road
Riddells Creek, VICTORIA 3431
T (03) 5428 6799
 F (03) 5428 6830

E dromkeen@scholastic.com.au
 W www.scholastic.com.au
Dromkeen Director - Kaye Keck

 

You Can Contact Us

www.kidzbookclub.com.au  or  myinfo@kidzbookclub.com.au
P.O. Box 4121  Eaglemont  Victoria  AUSTRALIA 3084
PHONE – 0417663396

Newsletter 1

This on-line newsletter will keep you up to date with all that is happening in the world of KIDZ BOOK CLUB hosted by international award winning author Phil Kettle.

22 May 2009
KIDZ BOOK CLUB launched at the Queensland State Library.

 

A Word from Phil Kettle

“Over the last 10 years I have visited hundreds of schools. I may have even visited your school. Teachers have regularly told me that they would love a program that provides students with information about reading and books, as well as a way of introducing students to different authors and illustrators. I’m proud to be part of a program that does these things. Welcome to Kidz Book Club. I hope you enjoy it.”

 

2009 Introductory Season of KIDZ BOOK CLUB  -  6 Episodes

The 6 KIDZ BOOK CLUB Episodes produced this year will be released on DVD. Each month you can purchase a new episode from www.kidzbookclub.com.au or you can order all 6 Episodes at once, and they will be sent to you as they are released.

* Episode 1 – May
* Episode 2 – June
* Episode 3 – July
* Episode 4 – August
* Episode 5 – September
* Episode 6 – October

 

Episode 1 – NOW ON SALE

Emily and Taha had a good time with Phil Kettle and the crew making Episode 1 of KIDZ BOOK CLUB. Well aware that they were contributing to a READING GUIDE for Primary School students, they were keen to provide their opinions and give advice. They also learnt a few things about a very different world. Emily shared “it was a great experience and I learnt that things aren’t filmed in sequence … and if you make a big blooper, you can do it again.” Taha told us he had lots of fun and loved reading the books. Nervous to start with he said he “woke up early to an unforgettable day.” Emily and Taha interviewed Mark Carthew. There was someone spotted reading a book in the trees, and authors Kerry Cue and Michael Pryor dropped by for a chat.

 

Episode 2 – ON SALE IN JUNE

You’ll meet Victoria and Hamish in Episode 2. They really enjoyed several of the books they reviewed and were keen to recommend them to others. In fact they had so many good things to say, Phil Kettle was left wondering if he was needed to host the show! Lots of animals made appearances on Episode 2 (some more official than others). There was a birthday party for everyone’s favourite hippo and a run-away ant that targetted Victoria (sorry folks – it didn’t make the final cut). Did we mention the singing dog ? Victoria told us “I arrived so early I had to wait in the car. I interviewed Hazel Edwards and it was very interesting hearing about her books …….. I had a fantastic time.” Hamish said he had lots of fun and found working on KIDZ BOOK CLUB “a very exciting experience.” He said “it didn’t feel like we were making a DVD.” Author and publisher Paul Collins provided some valuable insights. Then Phil Kettle spotted that young man reading in the trees again. And at the end of the day author Meredith Costain invited everyone home for afternoon tea in her backyard.

 

Selection of Participating Students

Many students were interviewed in 2008 when we were looking for a good mix of young people for the show. We had several key criteria, including a love for books and reading. In the end we selected 10 students (6 girls and 4 boys) to partake in the 6 Introductory Season Episodes to be made in 2009. Thank you to all of the students who participated in our interviews and a round of applause for all of those supportive teachers and parents, with whom we have had contact.

 

Purchase KIDZ BOOK CLUB on-line

Priced specifically for schools and libraries at $27.50 (gst inclusive) + $2.50 postage and packaging, KIDZ BOOK CLUB can be delivered to your door for $30 each month. FREE Teachers’ Notes are also available to those who purchase KIDZ BOOK CLUB DVDs. These can be downloaded directly from the KIDZ BOOK CLUB website after you have registered on-line. If you wish you can make one payment at the outset for all 6 DVDs. As each Episode is released it will be sent to you, and you can then access the relevant FREE Teacher’s Notes in your own time once the DVD has arrived.

 

Thank You

This project has been a huge team effort and many people have been very generous. Thank you to the series producer, crew and post production specialists. Thank you to our IT gurus, logo and webpage designers. Thanks to our promotional enthusiast, publishing industry contacts, and to those who ensured venues, catering, props and clothing. Finally a big thank you to the authors, illustrators and students who played an active voluntary role in making this READING GUIDE for Primary School students.

 

You Can Contact Us

www.kidzbookclub.com.au  or  myinfo@kidzbookclub.com.au
SUSAN HALLIDAY
MANAGER - KIDZ BOOK CLUB PROJECT
P.O. Box 4121  Eaglemont  Victoria  AUSTRALIA 3084
PHONE – 0417663396