authors, illustrator, teachers' resources

Kids’ workshops, July 2011 (NSW)

May 19, 2011 Alphabet Soup

ILLUSTRATING WORKSHOP with children’s illustrator, Lisa Stewart

Kids aged 8–12 will use Washi (Japanese) papers combined with drawing to create original works of art.

When: Tues 5 July 2011, 9am–12.30pm.

Cost: $50 per student. All materials provided.

Book early! RSVP to The Children’s Bookshop, 6 Hannah St, Beecroft NSW. Email staff@thechildrensbookshop.com.au or tel 9481 8811.

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WRITING WORKSHOP with Oliver Phommavanh, author of Thai-riffic!

9–12 year olds can explore the writing process, learn how to develop plot, character and setting.

When: Wed 6 July 2011, 9am–12.30pm

Cost: $50 per student, all materials provided

Bookings essential. RSVP early to The Children’s Bookshop, 6 Hannah St, Beecroft NSW. staff@thechildrensbookshop.com.au or tel 9481 8811.

Christmas, info, teachers' resources

Premier’s Summer Reading Challenge 2009 – 2010

November 20, 2009November 22, 2009 Alphabet Soup

For children in Western Australia, the Premier’s Summer Reading Challenge runs from 7 December 2009 until 8 February 2010.

On the ‘kids’ section of the website, you can find out about some authors and illustrators, register for the Challenge and download an entry form. (Make sure you get your mum or dad’s permission before doing this.)

And your parents can take part in the Challenge (and even win prizes), so make sure they get some reading in over the school holidays too! (Tell them to check out the ‘parents’ page on the website.)

There’s also a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page if your parents want to know more. Here’s an example:

Q: What should children read?
A: Children should read what interests them. This could be a variety of books, magazines, comics and newspapers. They all count towards completing the Challenge.

See – you can even read Alphabet Soup and it counts. (And you’d be reading that anyway, right?)

Happy reading!

competitions, info, teachers' resources

summer 2009 writing comp for kids!

November 19, 2009November 19, 2009 Alphabet Soup

Win a $20 book voucher

Issue 5 of the magazine is hot off the press, and that means there’s a new writing competition too! Entries are judged in three age categories: under 7s, under 9s, and 12-and-under.

To download an entry form – and for competition details – head over to the Alphabet Soup website! Entries close 3 January 2010.

Psst! If you’d like some tips for writing letters, the Australia Post website has some useful pages especially for kids.

info

The Night Zoo (Spare Parts Puppet Theatre)

September 26, 2009September 30, 2009 Alphabet Soup

Jamie’s Mum and Dad won’t let her have a pet in their apartment. … Tonight, whilst the rest of the city sleeps, Jamie is getting a visit from the Night Zoo. Meerkat and elephant, orangutan and penguin, thorny devil and giraffe… it’s going to be a jungle up there!

If you are in Perth, Western Australia, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre are performing The Night Zoo during the spring 2009 school holidays. The show has a mix of puppetry, animation and dance. You can find out more on their website: http://www.sppt.asn.au/programme/view/Zoo

Suitable for ages 4 to 10.

School Holiday Shows: 19 September, 26 September – 10 October 2009

Prices:
Adults at Child Prices, $17.50
Groups of 4+, $15.50
Groups of 10+, $13.50

info

The Pied Piper (NSW)

July 6, 2009July 8, 2009 Alphabet Soup

Marian Street Theatre for Young People presents ‘The Pied Piper’

The Pied Piper has been adapted by puppeteer Terry Ryan and will be on at The Lighthouse Theatre during the July school holidays from 13 – 25 July.

Now set in an Australian wheat town, rain breaks the drought and brings prosperity at last – but then come the rats! The Mayor offers a reward of $50,000 to rid the town of rats and this attracts some hilarious characters.

After the show children can meet the actors, have a look at the set, the puppets and costumes, and learn a little bit more about the enchanting world of theatre.

The Pied Piper is suitable for children aged 3 -10 years, and uses storytelling, original songs, music and puppetry.

Where: The Lighthouse Theatre, North Ryde

When: 13 – 25 July 2009, Monday to Saturday at 10.30am & 1.00pm
Prices: Children $16, Adults $20, Families of four $60, Group discounts avail

Bookings: 1300 306 776 or www.mca-tix.com.au (booking fees apply)