How to be an explorer of the world

I came across this book when I was looking for a secret Santa gift for my friend Emma.  She is soon to start a design course in Melbourne and I thought it would open the mind and get her exploring.

How to be an explorer of the world by Keri Smith



It's packed full of fun things to do and will appeal to any age.  Theres lots of things like I can do with Rosie (she's not even two) to make and play.

I like the the 'found paper' page.  It tells you to collect paper you find and then arrange it together. Singly they aren't that interesting but together they look good and what child doesn't like paper!

Found paper

I like the whole book but heres some of the pages...

World of colour, collect colour paint sample card you like and write what the colours remind you of

Miniature Ecosystem - collecting water from three different places in one jar
placing in a sunny window and watch / document the results

Grocery shopping - making list or collecting items that maybe are the same shape, colour, things you've never eaten before, all the types of cheeses etc.  It would be a fun one to keep the kids occupied whilst doing the grocery shopping.  It could be a competition for them.

Library exploration - picking an item and then going to the library so research  all about it, it maybe to collect pictures, make notes, sketch.  See what you can collect and present it as an installation.

It's full of thinking and observing projects that everyone can enjoy.  Check out Keri's website for this and her other very cool books.  I got mine from kinokuniya book store in Sydney city priced $19.95. www.kerismith.com
Thanks to Keri for letting me tell you about her book.

Enjoy

Jennie

Tree Child

If you are a grown up and love the Tree of Life store then you must visit their new Tree Child.  It's opened in Westfield Bondi Junction, in Sydneys Eastern Suburbs. Check out some of the beautiful things.

The beautiful shop front

Go in and colour a picture for their 'Touch of Love' project sponsoring children in India.

 http://www.treeoflife.com.au/Global-Love/a-touch-of-love

I'm sure you'll see more stores in the future.

http://www.treeoflife.com.au/

enjoy, Jennie

Bindi-eye bop

Margaret brings her grandson to my playgroup and is a talented singer and songwriter.  She's just self published a children's book filled with sixteen fun songs.  It also comes with a CD and is beautifully illustrated by her friend and artist Janet Selby.

Example page - Easter Bilby song

From jumping on trampolines, dodging bindi-eyes, caring from the environment and saving water.  It features echidnas, bilbies, dinosaurs, blowflies and cockatoos.

It's $25 including postage within Australia.  Check out http://www.margaretbradford.com/ or call Margaret on 0403 936 785 or Janet on 0421 369 707 to order your copy.

Enjoy, Jennie