Category Archives: Uncategorized

How to encourage your child to read more?

Most people would agree that reading is a good thing, and that it is critical to language and literacy development.  But not everyone is a natural bookworm – so here are some tips on how to help your child develop a love of reading.

Tip 1: Reading should be fun

Your first goal is to convince your child that reading is a pleasurable activity that they will want to do again and again.  Focus on making reading a fun experience.

Tip 2: Target their interests

Choose books that reflect your child’s interests – whether it be trucks/ princesses/ food/ shoes.  There are books on just about every topic – the right one can get the reader hooked on reading for life.

Tip 3: Create a reading-friendly lifestyle

Create a comfortable space for reading – it can be a couch, or beanbag, or cushions, or in bed – and stock up on a variety of books or other reading materials, such as magazines or newspapers.

Incorporate reading into your weekly routine, for example by visiting your local library regularly, or by setting aside some “reading time” at bedtime or on weekends.

Tip 4: Model good reading habits

Let your child see you read.  Show that you enjoy reading, want to do it regularly, and that you feel confident about reading.  You can also explain why you love reading, such as “reading helps me make sense of things”, or “reading makes me laugh”.

If you want to improve your own confidence in reading, there are community resources to support you.  Contact your local library or adult education organisation to see how they can help.

Tip 5: Try different formats

Reading isn’t just about novels.  Some children prefer non-fiction (information books), particularly illustrated titles.  Don’t forget that newspapers, magazines, even recipes and instruction manuals, can offer good reading opportunities – whatever interests the child.

If your child prefers pictures to words, then why not try picture books or graphic novels? There are many sophisticated picture books aimed at older readers (such as The Arrival by Shaun Tan)  , and the graphic novel format has been used on a range of topics including literary classics (for example Nikki Greenberg’s adaptation of Hamlet) .  Children who like to listen to stories can try to read and listen at the same time – play an audiobook and encourage them to follow the story on a printed copy.

Tip 6: Make it a family activity

Some children may find reading more appealing if it is done as a family activity.  It could be reading aloud to each other; or reading silently side by side; or listening to an audiobook together during a car trip.  It can even be watching a film adaptation together (and discussing how it differs from the original book).  Be creative, and choose something that all of you can enjoy.

Tip 7: Talk to the experts

Teachers, school librarians, local librarians and children’s booksellers all have professional knowledge and experience in engaging reluctant readers.  Talk to them and ask for useful strategies and/or book recommendations.   Beloved author Paul Jennings, who is also a teacher and speech pathologist, has written a guide called “The Reading Bug and how to help your child catch it”.

Final tip: Relax

670px-Teach-Your-Child-to-Read-Step-3-Version-2

Remember Tip 1: Reading should be fun?  Encouraging children to read should not be stressful for parents either.
Don’t worry if they don’t read everyday – this is understandable, especially at the beginning.  Be gentle but persistent with your encouragement.
Don’t worry if they don’t choose “good” literature, or if they only read about a single topic or character; sooner or later they will branch out.
Don’t worry if they choose something that is too hard or too easy; gently offer a more appropriate alternative, but also respect their choice.
Finally, try not to feel disappointed if your child shows no interest in reading your own childhood favourites.  Encourage them to read widely, and one day they may give your favourite books another chance!

Coffee Table books your best friend will love

The beauty of coffee table books is that you can showcase your style no matter what your passion is: whether it be travel, shoes, fashion, interior design, antiques or art. They make a beautiful and personal gift and stunning accessory to your home.

Here are 5 Coffee table books that would be perfect gifts for your best friend, no matter their taste:

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:vintageIcons of Vintage Fashion: Definitive Designer Classics at Auction 1900-2000 by Penelope Blanckaert

Examines fashion from the twentieth century through auction sale listings, providing the estimate and amount the item was sold at, with profiles on designers and styles.

 

 

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:shoeThe Shoe Book by Nancy MacDonnell

For centuries shoes have served as a form of expression that communicates to the world who we are or who we want to be. Following on the heels of the success of The T-Shirt Book, The Leather Book, The Bikini Book, and The Trench Book from Assouline’s Anthology Collection, The Shoe Book explores the history and technologies that have shaped the designs and styles that continue to evolve.

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:beverlyIn the Spirit of Beverly Hills by Nancie Clare

Assouline began with an idea and a belief: the first, a notion that beauty, perfected, has meaning that is capable of transforming our lives; and the second, that a book–artfully crafted and highly considered in its visual content–can open our eyes and minds. With our first book, La Colombe d’Or, we sought to convey the experience of a small hotel in the south of France, a tiny, sublime world of art, history, luxury, and inspiration unto itself.

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:hamptonsThe Big Book of the Hamptons by Assouline

Celebrates the mystique and romance of the iconic and extravagant neighborhood of the Hamptons, exploring the architecture and gardens of the area’s opulent mansions.

 

 

 

 

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:sartoriarlistThe Sartorialist by Scott Schuman

Scott Schuman just wanted to take photographs of people on the street who looked great. This book is an anthology of Scott’s favourite shots from around the world. It includes photographs of well-known fashion figures as well as those shots of the anonymous passerby whose imagination and taste delight the viewer.

Guest Book Reviewer: Palace of Tears

Palace of Tears is the debut novel from Julian Leatherdale. It is an historical, generational story, centred on a luxury hotel in the fictional town of Meadow Springs in the Blue Mountains and has all the elements of family passion, secrets and tragedy.

 Department store entrepreneur Adam Fox built the lavish palace based on luxury spa resorts in Europe. The story of the hotel intertwines with the story of the family who live in a cottage next door – much less well off than the wealthy Foxes but, over generations, sharing tragedies as well as love, hate and jealousy.

Initially I was daunted by the size of this book at over 500 pages, however Leatherdale achieves a good balance between educating and entertaining readers about events in Australia during the 1900’s and early 20th Century.

I love that Leatherdale mixes fictitious elements with real events and actual people. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, opera star Nellie Melba and Australian film makers and directors Raymond Longford and Lottie Lyall all visit Adam Fox’s luxurious resort.

The author’s historical research into some of the less familiar events of early 20th Century history made for very interesting reading and for me in particular, the internment of the Germans during the war years was fascinating due to my own family history. His references to events of that time and fictional activities surrounding it were amazing and his passion evident.

I think this book is well worth the read, and with summer coming and holidays, it would be one to put on the list.

I hope Julian Leatherdale writes more novels as I will be lining up to read them.

 

 

The 5 most beautiful children’s picture books of all time

Favourite picture books from childhood leave lasting memories.  Then there are the special ones, the books that are more like works of art.  These are the treasures that you keep long after you leave childhood.  If you are looking for a gift that  will leave lasting memories, here are our 5 top picks:

https-::covers.booko.info:300:arrivalThe Arrival by Shaun Tan

In this wordless graphic novel, a man leaves his homeland and sets off for a new country, where he must build a new life for himself and his family.

 

 

 

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:gardenThe Garden of Abdul Gasazi, written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg.

When the dog he is caring for runs away from Alan into the forbidden garden of a retired dog-hating magician, a spell seems to be cast over the contrary dog.

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:outsideOutside Over There, written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak

With Papa off to sea and Mama despondent, Ida must go outside over there to rescue her baby sister from goblins who steal her to be a goblin’s bride.

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:snow

 

Snow-white and the Seven Dwarfs, written by Jacob and Willhelm Grimm, illustrated by Nancy E. Burkert

Retells the tale of the beautiful princess whose lips were red as blood, skin was white as snow, and hair was black as ebony.

 

 

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:east

East of the Sun and West of the Moon: Old Tales From the North, illustrated by Kay Nielsen.

Featuring 15 Scandinavian fairy tales — including the popular “Billy Goat’s Gruff”– this is one of the most stunning children’s books ever produced. The text is lavished with 25 intricately detailed colour and numerous black-and-white images that glow with Nielsen’s phantasmagorical style.

 

Would you read a Banned Book?

Two recent news stories show that book censorship is alive and well, even in “open-minded” Western countries. Coincidentally, they occur just before Banned Books Week (Sept 27 – Oct 3). Organised annually by the American Library Association, Banned Books Week aims to galvanise the whole book community – librarians, teachers, authors, booksellers, journalists and readers – to defend our freedom to read and to access information.

Paradoxically, having your book banned may be an honour of sorts, since many beloved and revered books – including To Kill a Mockingbird, Harry Potter, and The Great Gatsby – have experienced bans. Is book-banning ever justified? Read these and see for yourself:

Into the River by Ted Dawe

Into the River is a young adult novel by New Zealand author Ted Dawe, about a Maori boy who won a scholarship to an elite boarding school. It won two New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards, in the Best Young Adult Fiction and the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year categories. This raw, gritty story has been praised for its authentic rendering of teenage behaviour; however, its references to sex, drugs and racism has attracted complaints from Family First, a conservative lobby group. An interim ban now forbids the sale, distribution or display of this book in New Zealand. Ironically, the ban has generated global interest, and may result in greater availability of this book worldwide.

https-::covers.booko.info:300:henriettaThe Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Henrietta Lacks was a poor black farmer who died in 1951. Her life was unremarkable, but her death had extraordinary consequences – her cells, taken without her knowledge or consent, became the first “immortal cell line” to be successfully propagated, enabling a range of research and ultimately leading to important medical advances including polio vaccine, chemotherapy, and gene mapping. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is more than a simple biography or medical history, because it also raises challenging questions about race and ethics. This best-seller has won multiple awards and has been included in over 60 critics’ best of year lists. However, these accolades have not stopped a recent challenge from a Tennessee parent, who wants the book removed from her school district. Her claims of explicit language has led the author to argue that she is “confusing gynaecology with pornography”.

https-::covers.booko.info:300:indianThe Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie

On the one hand, this book received the most challenges (complaints/requests for removal) in the US in 2014; on the other, it is a multiple-award winner, and has been named on three ‘Best Books’ lists by the library industry. Based on Sherman Alexie’s own experiences, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a coming-of-age story about a Native American boy, who transfers to an all-white high school in search of a better education. His daily trips out of his home on an Indian Reservation, and his experiences at his new school, give him a new perspective on his culture, his family, and his own life. This book has been controversial for its references to bullying, sex, violence and drugs; however its humour and diary format is engaging and has particular appeal for reluctant readers.

https-::covers.booko.info:300:readYou can’t read this book by Nick Cohen

The internet and social media has made more information available, and has offered more people the chance to be heard. This means free speech is safer than ever – right? In You Can’t Read This Book, Nick Cohen argues that, in fact, increased freedom is co-existing with increased censorship. He shows how the traditional opponents of free speech – religious fanaticism, plutocratic power and dictatorial states – remain powerful, with the ability to effect censorship by stealth, through influencing public discourse and legal development. Citing many examples, including the Satanic Verses, Julian Assange, evolution of libel laws and the murder of Theo Van Gogh, Nick Cohen challenges us to be complacent at their peril.

https-::covers.booko.info:300:censorThe Censor’s Library by Nicole Moore
In an archive seven storeys underground, Nicole Moore discovers 793 long-forgotten boxes of books – all banned by Australian authorities between the 1920s and 1980s. Her survey of “the books Australia is not allowed to read” reveals the history of censorship in Australia, and how it has shaped Australia’s intellectual and cultural landscape. The Censor’s Library also reflects upon the changing social, political and legal environment of twentieth century Australia. A fascinating and meticulously researched work.

https-::covers.booko.info:300:libraryLibrary Wars by Kiiro Yumi, from the novels by Hiro Arikawa
In Japan in the near future, the government has enacted the Media Betterment Act, resulting in widespread censorship of books and media. Public Libraries have become the last bastion of free speech, and have formed their own military – the Library Defense Force – to protect their collections and literally fight for the freedom to read. Library Wars follows the story of Iku Kasahara, an idealistic rookie as she becomes an invaluable part of the Library Defense Force. True to its shoujo (girl’s manga) style, much of the story focuses on character development and romance; however, there’s still plenty of combat action and machinations thanks to its political-thriller plot.

City Guide: Bali

Bali is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, friendly people and sense of adventure. Whether you’ve travelled to Bali, have it on your bucket list or are happy to explore it through books, here are our recommended Bali reads:

https-::covers.booko.info:300:GeckoGo to Sleep, Gecko!: A Balinese Folktale by Margaret Read MacDonald

The author of The Girl Who Wore Too Much retells the folktale of the gecko who complains to the village chief that the fireflies keep him awake at night but then learns that in nature all things are connected.

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:BaliBalilicious – The Bali Diaries by Becky Wicks

She lifted the burqa on Dubai in Burqalicious. Now Becky Wicks turns her attention to Australia’s number one tourist destination: Bali. It seems to be the new in thing to find yourself these days even if you are not particularly lost.

 

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:roughguideThe Rough Guide to Bali & Lombok by Lesley Reader

With full – colour throughout, clear maps and stunning photography, The Rough Guide to Bali & Lombok will ensure you make the most of these alluring islands, with insider tips on everything from indulgent spa retreats and fantastic shops, to the best hotels, restaurants and bars to suit every budget.

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:balihouseA House in Bali by Colin McPhee

In the 1930s a young American composer heard some gramophone records of music of the land that forever changed his life. As a result, Colin McPhee lived for the day when he could travel and study the beautiful island of Bali, its people, culture, and music. His classic text written in the 1940s still remains the only literary narrative of the island by a classically trained musician, and this unique perspective allowed him to immerse himself in the people, and music of his beloved Bali. And in the end, he only left the island in 1938 as the threat of the second World War loomed over the Pacific. McPhee’s work is a landmark look at Bali’s distinctive gamelan tradition, and is now available again more than 50 years after it was written.

https-::covers.booko.info:300:100yearmanThe Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson

After a long and eventful life Allan Karlsson is moved to a nursing home to await the inevitable. But his health refuses to fail and as his 100th birthday looms, a huge party is planned. Allan wants no part of it and decides to climb out the window… Charming and funny; a European publishing phenomenon.

 

Bringing Children’s books to life

When a story is lifted from the pages from a book to take life in another form (film, theatre production or a television show), I don’t know about you but I often hold my breath. Sometimes it can soar from the pages and sometimes….well, it can crash (let’s be honest).

With school holidays knocking on the door, we find two of our favourite childhood classics have been converted to film: Yet another Peter Pan adaptation is released in Pan and the all-time Australian favourite Blinky Bill.   If you are thinking of taking the kids to see either of these movies this school holidays, it’s a great opportunity to read the books first so you can discuss differences between the two.  We’re also super proud of Tim Minchin’s production of Matilda, showing to rave reviews!

Here are some other great book to movie adaptations: http://www.tipsonlifeandlove.com/parenting/kids/12-great-films-based-on-beloved-childrens-books

The Adventures of Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie

https-::covers.booko.info:300:peter

We all know the story: a mischievous boy that never grows up and leads a band of ‘lost boys’ who have adventures battling pirates and occasionally meeting ordinary children when they venture outside of Neverland.  This publication from Boomer Books is specially designed and typeset for comfortable reading.

 

 

 

Pan, directed by Joe Wright

Set as the prequel to the Peter Pan story we all know, this is the story of an orphan who is spirited away to the magical Neverland. There, he finds both fun and dangers, and ultimately discovers his destiny – to become the hero who will be forever known as Peter Pan. (IMDB)

https-::covers.booko.info:300:blinkyThe Complete Adventures of Blinky Bill by Dorothy Wall

Similar to Peter Pan, Blinky Bill is also a mischevious boy (just in the form of a koala). He is a national icon and one of Australia’s most well loved and best known characters. His friends are well known Australian animals such as his kangaroo friend Splodge, his platypus friend Flap, Marcia the marsupial mouse, and his mentor Mr Wombat or Wombo, as Blinky prefers to call him. In general throughout the stories he does things that are realistic for koalas as well as things that child readers would like to do. The author speaks directly to the reader through the stories.  Great for younger readers.

Blinky Bill: The Movie

Blinky Bill is a koala with a big imagination. An adventurer at heart, he dreams of leaving the little town of Green Patch and following in his explorer father’s footsteps. Mr Bill went missing in the Outback some time ago and Blinky is the only one who believes his father is still alive.

When Blinky discovers a mysterious marker that hints at his Dad’s whereabouts, he embarks on a journey that takes him beyond the boundary of Green Patch and into the wild and dangerous Outback. He quickly makes friends with Nutsy, a zoo koala, and Jacko, a nervous frill-necked lizard.

Pursued relentlessly by a vengeful feral cat who has a personal score to settle with Blinky, the trio must learn to work together if they ever want to survive the rugged Australian landscape and find Blinky’s father! Source: blinkybill.com.au

Make sure you download the app so the kids can add Blinky Bill characters to their photos and movies!

https-::covers.booko.info:300:matildaMatilda by Roald Dahl

Matilda Wormwood’s father is a mean crooked crook. And her mother’s just plain stupid. They think Matilda is a nuisance who should watch more TV and read fewer books! But her lovely teacher Miss Honey thinks Matilda is a genius. Matilda has a few extraordinary tricks up her sleeve, so her horrible parents and even more horrible headmistress had better watch out.

 

Matilda the Musical, music and lyrics by Tim Minchin

Matilda The Musical is the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

Winner of 50 major international awards, including 12 for Best Musical, Matilda continues to delight audiences both in London and on Broadway before arriving at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from July 2015.

 

 

Take 5: Books with adult and junior versions

Are you looking forward to the day when your kids will be old enough to share what you are reading, or to discuss issues you are passionate about?  That day may come sooner than you think.  Some great books are now available in junior versions aimed at 5-15 year olds.  While many teens will enjoy the original (adult) versions, these junior editions will allow new generations of readers to access these inspiring and thought-provoking works.
Ugly: My Memoir by Robert Hoge

One recent example is Ugly, the joyous and uplifting memoir of Robert Hoge.  Ugly follows Robert’s life from his birth to the birth of his daughter.  His childhood is suburban and familiar, filled with childhood pranks, school camps, bad haircuts, and siblings.  What makes his story extraordinary is that Robert was born significantly disfigured – a massive tumour distorted his facial features, and his legs were twisted and useless.  Despite this, Robert’s family is determined to give him an ordinary upbringing.  Lots of love and courage, as well as a series of groundbreaking operations, allow Robert to triumph over his difficult beginnings, and grow up to be a successful journalist, science communicator and political advisor.

Ugly by Robert Hoge

A younger readers’ version of Ugly was published in August this year, allowing 8-15 year olds to share in this inspirational story.  Ugly also offers a reflection on disability, beauty and ugliness – all important issues for this age group.  May have particular appeal for fans of R. J. Palacio’s Wonder.

 

 

 

The Happiest Refugee by Anh Dohttps-::covers.booko.info:300:refugee1

The plight of refugees is in the spotlight once more, making this a great time to revisit this heart-warming book.  The Happiest Refugee is comedian Anh Do’s memoir, which begins with his family’s escape from war-torn Vietnam.  During their journey in a leaky fishing boat, Anh and his family nearly die from disease, starvation, dehydration and pirate attacks.   Even when they are rescued and resettled in Australia, there is no simple Happy Ever After: Anh and his family face many hardships while they rebuild their lives.  Fortunately, hard work, determination, a loving family and a sense of humour help them to overcome many difficulties and pave the way to success.

The Happiest Refugee has won many awards, and was so popular that it became a live show that toured Australia.  What makes it so special is Anh’s irrepressible optimism – he can find the silver lining in even the darkest cloud.

The Little Refugee by Anh Do, illustrated by Bruce Whatleyhttps-::covers.booko.info:300:refugee2

The Little Refugee is a picture book adaptation of The Happiest Refugee, aimed at primary school students.  From young Anh’s point of view, we learn about Anh’s life from his birth in Vietnam to his early years in Australia.  Atmospheric illustrations by Bruce Whatley (of Diary of a Wombat fame) effectively contrast the Do Family’s frightening journey with the more humorous situations as they settle into Australian life, and emphasises how hard work, persistence and a sense of humour triumph over hardship. The Little Refugee was awarded CBCA Honour Book in the Information Book of the Year category in 2012.

https-::covers.booko.info:300:Weather1The Weather Makers by Tim Flannery

The Weather Makers is the book that identifies Tim Flannery as an international authority on climate change.  It is an award-winning, best selling work that has been highly influential, with endorsements by policy makers, scientists, and writers worldwide.  The Weather Makers tells the climate change story – from its its history, to its current status, and onto potential future impact.  It also encourages its readers to start taking action to avert the imminent climate crisis.  The Weather Makers is widely admired for being authoritative and comprehensive while remaining readable and accessible to the general public.

https-::covers.booko.info:300:Weather2We are the Weather Makers: the Story of Global Warming by Tim Flannery

Since Tim Flannery dedicated The Weather Makers to children, “to all of their generation who will have to live with the consequences of our decisions”, it makes sense to produce a version of the book that speaks to youth readers directly.  The result is called We are the Weather Makers.  It is underpinned by the same vigorous scholarship, but with updated data, and more streamlined, concise prose.  While it is aimed at 10-15 year olds, We are the Weather Makers will appeal to anyone who wants a succinct version of the original, important work.

https-::covers.booko.info:300:Eats1Eats, Shoots and Leaves: the Zero-Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss

When Lynne Truss wrote her “small book on punctuation”, she had no idea that it would become a bestseller that reinvigorates interest in the niceties of the English language.  Eats, Shoots and Leaves is more than a guide to punctuation use – it is also a lament and a call-to-arms.  Through amusing anecdotes drawn from history, literature, and real signage, Lynne Truss discusses the origin and history of different punctuations and how they should be used. Eats, Shoots and Leaves manages to be witty, informative and compulsively readable, because it shows that misplaced or absent punctuation can change the meaning of sentences in dramatic and funny ways.

https-::covers.booko.info:300:SpaghettiThe Girl’s Like Spaghetti: Why, You Can’t Manage Without Apostrophes! by Lynne Truss, illustrated by Bonnie Timmons

The adult version of Eats, Shoots and Leaves has inspired two picture books illustrated by Bonnie Timmons.  While Eats, Shoots and Leaves focusses on the use of commas, The Girl’s Like Spaghetti focusses on apostrophes.  Each book contains double spread pages that show how dramatically meanings can change when punctuations are placed differently.  For example, “the girl’s like spaghetti” may describe your best friend, while “the girls like spaghetti” sounds like a good meal!  The witty illustrations allow even young children to appreciate the quirkiness of the English language, and the importance of good punctuation.  Perfect for Ages 6-12.

https-::covers.booko.info:300:FastfoodFast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser

Fast Food Nation is Eric Schlosser’s critique of the American fast food industry.  He shows how the rise of fast food has resulted in many societal problems including rising obesity rates, widening income gap, labour exploitation, and potential for mass outbreaks of serious diseases (such as BSE, aka “mad cow disease”).  It is also a warning for the future, as emerging economies embrace fast food as part of their yearning for a Western lifestyle.  Eric Schlosser is an investigative journalist who has used a compelling narrative to make serious topics – politics, economics, health, business strategy, psychology – interesting and accessible.  Fast Food Nation is a seminal work that has inspired other exposes into big businesses, such as Super Size Me and Enron: the Smartest Guys in the Room.

https-::covers.booko.info:300:ChewChew on This by Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson

Chew on This is an adaptation of Fast Food Nation aimed at 10-16 year olds.  Eric Schlosser teams up with fellow journalist Charles Wilson to refine the original text and make it more accessible to the age groups that most favour fast food.  Chew on This has retained the engaging narrative and the solid research (including footnotes) of Fast Food Nation, but is more concise and straightforward.

So you want to be a…. photographer

I have always loved and been interested in photography but it didn’t truly come alive for me until my son was born a few years ago. As a first time mum, I wanted so badly to capture every moment with my son while he was still young. I started to live and breathe photography. All my spare time was spent scouring the library for photography books, reading article after article online, and working on my skills to capture everything around me. I have also completed some basic photography courses and attended workshops which have been helpful in networking and sharing knowledge with other photographers.

This year I joined the AIPP (The Australian Institute of Professional Photography) and received accreditation. It was a big milestone for me. Since I didn’t have any formal training, I felt it really validated me as a Photographer! I still learn new things every.single.day. As a professional photographer you need to maintain up-to-date skills so I like to do one workshop a year and also participate in short courses here and there. I read photography books to find new ideas and techniques to try out. I like to set photography challenges for myself to try new things. I also follow some successful photographers on social media who kindly share their knowledge and skills. Currently I’m focused on learning how to run my business in a very competitive world and how to stand out in the sea of other family photographers. For this purpose I see a mentor once a month who helps me hone my business skills. It’s all about constant learning and having the courage to put yourself out there!

Here are a few of my favourite photography books:

https-::covers.booko.info:300:EnvisioningEnvisioning Family by Tamara Lackey

 

 

 

 

 

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:absolutelyHow to Photograph Absolutely Everything by Tom Ang

 

 

 

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:artThe Art of Photography: An approach to Personal Expression by Bruce Barnbaum

 

 

 

 

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:eyeThe Photographer’s Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos by Michael Freeman

 

 

 

 

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:extroadinaryExtraordinary Everyday Photography: Awaken Your Vision to Create Stunning Images Wherever You Are by Brenda Tharp and Jed Manwarin

Tilda Swinton’s Holiday Reading List

Tilda Swinton’s holiday reading list is as eclectic as the film roles she chooses. Here are her recommended reads:

https-::covers.booko.info:300:Chanel

Auntie Mame By Patrick Dennis

“Mame: Who did you ever dream of being adopted by?”

 

 

 

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:Gifts

 

 

A Time Of Gifts By Patrick Leigh Fermor

“For anybody who has ever fantasised about walking across Europe with a backpack. Written by a great writer and a proper hero amongst men.”

 

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:ClimateLove In A Cold Climate By Nancy Mitford

“Lady Montdore is one of the greatest creations in English literature; Uncle Matthew, another; Cedric, yet another. It’s the dottiness and passions of the English aristocracy pretty much nailed in one.”

 

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:Lightyears

 

Light Years By James Salter

“An urbane American marriage seen from above — a kind of exquisite horror story of the deathly chic of people having all their bases covered and somehow missing the point all the same. Very, very beautiful. Very, very sad.”

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:Expectations

 

Great Expectations By Charles Dickens

“Faces you will never forget, and a lesson to treasure all your life: Be prepared to be surprised, [and] cherish life as it finds you. And love Joe Gargery with all your heart.”

 

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:Shadow

 

Owning Your Own Shadow By Robert A. Johnson
“A tiny, precious book on the balancing wisdom of the psyche. Hooray for that dark stuff!”

 

 

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:Child

 

The Child, The Family, And The Outside World By D.W. Winnicott

“The book to have by you when becoming a parent. And ever after.”

 

 

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:Wodehouse

 

The Best of Wodehouse By P.G. Wodehouse
“Sentences to eat with a spoon, and funny like nothing else on Earth.”

 

 

 

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:OHaraThe Collected Poems Of Frank O’Hara By Frank O’Hara

“Joy and life, and more life and more joy, and street corners, and Coca-Cola, and love.”

 

 

 

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:Jarman

 

Modern Nature By Derek Jarman

“Joy and life, and more life and more joy, and making a garden out of stones, and making films, and love.”

 

 

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:Days

 

The Many Days: Selected Poems Of Norman MacCaig By Norman MacCaig

“Scotland’s preeminent poet of both the mountain and the capital’s pavement. Doubleness is a Scottish art: Passion and Calvinism; the west and the east; the highlands and the lowlands. MacCaig embraces this split with true affection and verve.”

As found on Refinery29.com