Paula Xiberras
When I call Mem Fox she is re-adjusting her washing machine and tells me today, she is being ‘pure housewife’. As soon as ‘Betty’, the affectionate name of Mem’s washing machine is at an equilibrium we talk about Mem’s visits to Tassie this year and how it has become, in her own words, a hot destination for her in her crusade to improve literacy.
Mem has the pedigree for literacy teaching having worked for 24 years as a lecturer at Flinders University. Mem has also always had a passion for reading out loud. This may in part be informed by her background in drama and public speaking, yet as Mem tells me we can all make a great go of reading out loud, it’s fun and the implications for improving childhood literacy are ‘enormous’, as well as giving the opportunity for parents to bond with their children.
Mem also believes our migrant populations are ‘brilliant’ with their demonstration of a keenness to learn and become literate in English and she has a book coming out called ‘I’m Australian Too’ which will explore this topic.
Mem is known for her lively books that utilise rhyme and repetition essential for children learning to read and retain knowledge
The topic of the most recent book is ‘Duck’s Away’. In spite of what you might assume it’s not based on the much loved nursery rhyme, but instead on an incident Mem witnessed on holiday at Lord Howe Island when out for a walk with her husband. Walking by a creek with a bridge they saw a hapless mother duck crossing the bridge with her ducklings, grow increasingly ‘hairless’ as her baby ducks fell one by one into the water until the mother duck joined them.So was born Mem’s story.
Mem’s new book ‘Ducks away’ illustrated by her wonderful collaborator Judy Horacek is out now and Mem and Judy will be visiting Tasmania on the following dates …
DUCKS AWAY! EVENTS IN TASMANIA:
Story time event Devonport Library
Tuesday November 1, 2016 10:30–11:30am
Story time with Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. Contact Jilly Cole [email protected]
Devonport Library, 21 Oldaker Street, Devonport TAS, Ph (03) 6478 4234
Ducks Away! conversation with Mem Fox and Judy Horacek
Tuesday November 1, 2016 7pm
In a special event tailored for parents, teachers and librarians, they’ll share the secrets that make their collaboration work and introduce you to their latest book, Ducks Away! Tickets are $15 booked here.
Entertainment and Convention Centre, 145-151 Rooke Street, Devonport TAS
Story time event Launceston Library
Wednesday November 2, 2016 10:30–11:30am
Story time with Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. Contact Alice Imlach [email protected]
Launceston Library, 71 Civic Square, Launceston TAS, Ph (03) 6777 2455
Story time event Chigwell
Wednesday November 2, 2016 3:30–4:30pm
Story time with Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. Contact Chris Mason [email protected]
Child and Family Centre, 4 Bethune Street, Chigwell TAS, Ph (03) 6275 5333
Story time event Kingston Library
Thursday November 3, 2016 11:00am–12:00pm
Story time with Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. Contact Lousie Holmes [email protected]
Kingston Library, 11 Hutchins Street, Kingston TAS, Ph (03) 6165 6211
Story time event Rosny Library
Thursday November 3, 2016 1:30–2:30pm
Story time with Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. Contact Lidia Foley [email protected]
Rosny Library, Bligh Street, Rosny Park TAS, Ph (03) 6165 6446
Mini story time event Hobart
Thursday November 3, 2016 4:00-4:30pm
Story time with Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. Contact Clive Tilsley [email protected]
Fullers Bookshop, 131 Collins Street, Hobart TAS, Ph (03) 6234 3800
Story time event Glenorchy Library
Friday November 4, 2016 10:30–11:30am & 1:30-2:30pm
Story time with Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. Contact Anna Zylstra [email protected]
Glenorchy Library, 4 Terry Street, Glenorchy TAS, Ph (03) 6165 5491
