Harold Returns

Inevitably and invariably, there are a category of books that exist revolving around some of life's slightly funny, yet necessary truths. I am talking of toilet training and the 'Where Do I Come From?' -esque books that are a rite of passage for every human being. If you never experienced Harold the Giraffe (not quite sure if this is something that you can experience??) in your primary school education, then it's never too late to pick up one of these books! 

This is Harold by the way - where children go into a dimly lit van to learn about drug, alcohol and sex education. Memories. 

Anyway, these topics no matter how awkward they may seem or be to bring up with your offspring (hopefully not someone else's) shouldn't be avoided but celebrated in song! I mean books.

This is my favourite book on potty training. ON MY POTTY by Leslie Patricelli is the internal struggle of a toddler deciding whether or not he should use his potty is riveting stuff. The resolution will make you sigh a sigh of relief as he finally fulfills his destiny.

Then how could we go past the classic WHERE DID I COME FROM and the latter WHAT'S HAPPENING TO ME. With the pictures that you aren';t sure if you're cartoons or realistic, the frank wording and a bit of wink wink humour. The 1970s was and still is a great time fro books on bodily education. I think?

This is a lot milder in its content -  HAIR IN FUNNY PLACES by Babette Cole is another funny look into the human body that aims to break up the awkwardness with lovely watercolours. And by personifying hormones into a mean sort of couple. Kind of like Mr and Mrs Twit but no really.

 

Socks and Sandals Are Nice (or - Jasper Jones!!)

Some of you may remember the 2010 best selling book Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey that blew the critics away and was praised as an Australian To Kill a Mockingbird and if so, there has since been a play adapted! I first thought it was only in NSW but upon checking trusty old google, it is set to be part of the MTC 2016 season! I cannot wait although truthfully speaking I should probably read the book again as I think a whole lot of it went over my head the first time (I was fourteen okay).

I also wish that I could rock the socks and sandals. Broadsheet had so pretty good things to say so I guess we're all just holding out breaths for the premiere! (Tickets on sale in March!!) Let us know what you think!

See what Broadsheet had to say or the Timeout about its run in Sydney town or in AussieTheatre if you're interested in the more technical aspects or the Daily Review. Okay there are a lot of articles but honestly nothing compares to seeing live theatre in the flesh. Alright, one more. 

And this is kind of timely - but also not really because it's booked out (but hey, people could cancel) but the Wheeler Centre has a talk on adapting books for the screen which is vaguely relevant because JJ is also coming out as a film later this year with Hugo Weaving and Toni Collette. Is there any Australian film that does not feature Weaving as an offbeat if not flamboyant character? I don't think so. The Wheeler Centre actually has some really amazing talks of which I want to start going to more! And often they're free so what's not to love? 

If you deign to find out more about the film you could try IMDB, or the Sydney Morning Herald, Screen Australia or Inside Film. Alright that is enough of the links for this post I think. Enjoy!

It's Time to Eat

I am supremely excited (although when am I not excited about something?) because very soon it will be Lunar New Year!! Especially auspicious this year as it falls on the eighth (in Chinese the word for eight sounds like the word for prosperity, kind of like Australian Rhyming Slang but not really). I always love it because of all the family events and food not to mention red packets filled with money. In a way there's something cool about being involved in festivities and an occasion that people of your heritage have been doing for generations. 

And the atmosphere in China Town is seriously awesome when there's all the beating of drums and lions dancing here and there. I will admit that as much as I love them they still scare me a tad when they come close. I think it's the blinking eyes that do it - never mind it's been happening my whole life. Last year I distinctly remember being caught between two groups of lion dancers with both parties telling the crowd to move back but I couldn't as they were back to back...trapped! I was a little scared I'd loose an eye to firecrackers but luckily I didn't and I think only ate (accidentally) a little instead. Ah yes the sweet smell of burning stuff and sound loud enough to slightly leave you deafened for the day. But happy nonetheless because you've feasted on delicious food all day. 

Excitement overload!!!

 

This will be me. It's also the year of the Monkey in case you were interested.

You can see what's on in Melbourne here