Blog Note: Taking a Break from Poetry, Thank-yous and Best Wishes

For the last few weeks I have put my poetry writing on hold and have succumbed to the pull of children's novels. Presently I am in the middle of reading, reading and reading and am enjoying being lost in the novels that I have picked up to read over the Christmas holidays. I am also in the middle of writing a children's novel and am shaping my first chapter and would like to post it here for some feedback in the next couple of weeks before I go back to work. Apart from reading I will aim to review some of the children's novels that I've read. I am awaiting a batch of books from New Zealand authors that I ordered some time ago but due to the recent snow here in Northern Ireland I might not get it until next Christmas. I will review those in due course.

Thanks to my wife for her unending and constructive feedback that she has given on all of my writing. Thanks too to Anna (New Zealand), Jodi (USA) and Marg (about to move to Australia) for joining me on my journey with this blog, I thoroughly appreciate it! Looking forward to more joining me on my journey.

'Blogger' is wonderful as you can actually see who is viewing your blog and I know I now have regular visitors from places such as Croatia and Russia and am pleased there are people interested in what I am writing and reviewing.

I trust everyone had a great Christmas time. I wish you all the best for 2011 and look forward to connecting with more of you here on the blogspot network. Nga mihi aroha ki a koutou katoa.

Timu

Poem: 'Talking Turkeys' by Benjamin Zephaniah

A favourite Christmas poem of mine by poet Benjamin Zephaniah.

Reviews: Selection of 3 Christmas Picture Books

'Aliens Love Pana Claus' by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort

My daughter has requested this a lot before bedtime since we bought it a few weeks ago. My daughter is not even 3 years old yet and she finds this book totally appealing! I have not read any of the previous 'Alien' books and would probably choose not too personally but my daughter absolutely loves it! Some witty rhymes and funny pictures give a different slant to the traditional Christmas story you would normally hear at this time of the year. This picture book is a bit tongue and cheek but children cannot get enough of it! Recommended for a bit of a laugh with your kids at Christmas time!

'Dear Father Christmas' by Alan Durant

This is my daughter's favourite book at the minute! Holly, the girl in the story, starts writing letters to Father Christmas from December 1st, after seeing 'him' in the local shops! Not at all expecting it, she gets a response from him! They communicate through a number of letters until Christmas Day. The letters from Santa are like those in 'The Jolly Postman'. They are tactile, removable and create great interest in the story. When Holly finally gets to meet him he arrives with his reindeer and sleigh and she gets to go on the ride of her life! While this story is longer than traditional picture books, it still is a great story for children to experience the magic that is Christmas time.

'Suzy Goose and the Christmas Star'

This simple story is about Suzy Goose who tries to jump up and grab a star from the skies for the top of the Christmas tree that her and her friends share. After many attempts she becomes discouraged as she realises that it is impossible to grab one for their tree. As she trudges back to tell her friends the bad news she discovers that one particular star in the sky is stationed exactly above the tree-top. This finishes off the decorating of Suzy and her friends' Christmas tree, much to their joy and excitement!