Today I re-discovered poetry with Australian author, Libby Hathorn.
Having poetry recited to you by someone with such melody and silkiness in her voice is quite special. What lucky grandchildren!
Libby presented to the Sydney Region Teacher Librarian Network Meeting today, held at the NSW Department of Education's Futures Learning offices at the Australian Technology Park in Redfern.
Today's focus was her most recent work but the impact of poetry in all of her work was what I found most compelling. Her recent compilation of Australian poetry, 'The ABC Book of Australian poetry- A treasury of poems for Australian children', took us backwards to the influences of poetry on her writing.
Libby also introduced us to some of her other new works including, 'A baby for loving' and a very poetic picture book about a day in the garden - 'Outside'. Illustrated by the incredibly talented Ritva Voutila, 'Outside' is soon to be developed into an opera. Its illustrations are stunning, with a very Tim Winton/Alice through the looking glass, quality. The beautiful language within lends itself to the development of poetry for all grades of students. 'Outside' is definitely on my Library Wishlist.