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We like new books and we cannot lie ...

Did you know that in 2022 we purchased 619 new books for the Minimbah library? This averages out to 154 books a term! As part of my role, I am responsible for purchasing all the books for our library. I select books with student interests at the forefront of my mind. Selections are also made to ensure we have a range of texts that link in with units of work being carried out in the classroom as well as purchasing books that are great to read ‘just for fun’.

Libraries are often seen as one of the many hubs of the community, and the Minimbah library is no different. Children come in and out of this shared space throughout the week for library, reading, lunchtime activities and various other lessons. Starting in Term 2 the library will open at 8.30am on a Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for quiet reading. We encourage you to come in with your child and share in some stories or use this as an opportunity to have a look at some of the books we have available for children – you are also welcome to borrow for yourself and your family. Whilst we don’t have adult literature, if you are having a particular challenge or question that you are talking about at home, a book can be a great addition to the conversation. Alternatively, if you are unable to make it on site but need some assistance or suggestions, please feel free to email me bwright@woodleigh.vic.edu.au

New books!

Here is just a selection of new books to shine a spotlight on this term. Some of these titles live within our Teacher Resource collection, however parents are more welcome to borrow them if they are available.

A Big Hug Book Series

Children face many emotive issues, and this series aims to deal with them in direct and gentle terms. The series encourages children to share and discuss their feelings and problems with family and friends. The 'Note to parents and teachers from Shona' at the back of each book, offers understanding and guidance from the qualified clinical and forensic psychologist author.

  • Anger is Like Armour
  • Family is Like a Cake
  • Friendship is Like a Seesaw
  • The Internet is Like a Puddle
  • Life is Like the Wind
  • The Playground is Like The Jungle
  • Worries are Like Clouds


The Memory Tree by Britta Teckentrup

Fox has lived a long and happy life in the forest. One day, he lies down in his favourite clearing, takes a deep breath, and falls asleep forever.

Before long, Fox's friends begin to gather in the clearing. One by one, they tell stories of the special moments that they shared with Fox. And, as they share their memories, a tree begins to grow, becoming bigger and stronger, sheltering and protecting all the animals in the forest, just as Fox did when he was alive.

This gentle and comforting tale celebrates life and the memories that are left behind when a loved one dies.

The Don't Worry Book by Todd Parr

From bestselling and beloved author Todd Parr, a new book that reassures kids everywhere that even when things are scary or confusing, there's always something comforting around the corner.

Dancing with Memories by Sally Yule

Meet Lucy. Lucy lives with dementia. She wishes she didn't, but she does. Her brain has changed, but she is still Lucy. Thank goodness she has a brain AND a heart. A moving and heartfelt picture book for young children and their families, to help them navigate the changes that come with living with Alzheimer's disease.

The Charlie’s Tales series

These are part of our Itty Bitty book collection. This is great for emerging independent readers

The Charlie’s Tales series aims to develop Charlie as a peer role model to set an example for our girls: one who embodies the characteristics of a healthy body image, and seeks to live her life to its full potential. We also hope to build resilience in our girls by instilling positive body image messages through each of Charlie’s adventures.

We have big plans for Charlie, and, more importantly, big plans for our girls. We hope you join us in building up our girls and raising them into confident and resilient women.

The Lie That Wasn’t by Sarah Naish

Arthur is daydreaming in class when his teacher announces, "Remember it's Parents' Evening tonight - don't forget to give your parents the letter." Oh no! Arthur hasn't been doing his homework and doesn't want to get in trouble. Time to tell a lie! But then something strange happens - Arthur's lies start to come true... Mum is at space camp; dad has a snazzy new car and Mr Lott the teacher is stuck up a tree tangled up with sticky tape! Arthur starts to worry - now if he tells the wrong lie, someone could get hurt. This entertaining story for children aged 4-8 help children to explore how telling tricky truths is usually better than telling little lies.

You Don’t Know What War Is by Yeva Skalietska


This is the gripping, urgent and moving diary of young Ukrainian refugee Yeva Skalietska. It follows twelve days in Ukraine that changed 12-year-old Yeva's life forever. She was woken in the early hours to the terrifying sounds of shelling. Russia had invaded Ukraine, and her beloved Kharkiv home was no longer the safe haven it should have been. It was while she and her Granny were forced to seek shelter in a damp, cramped basement that Yeva decided to write down her story. And it is a story that the world needs to hear.

Queenie in Seven Moves by Zannie Louise

To Queenie, home is Peachy, the little house where she’s lived forever. But when she and her mum have to leave Peachy, Queenie discovers that home isn’t a place at all. It’s making new friends and reconnecting with old ones, letting yourself be uncomfortable, and finding the courage to share your song with the world.

Refugee by Alan Gratz

JOSEF is a Jewish boy living in 1930s Nazi Germany. With the threat of concentration camps looming, he and his family board a ship bound for the other side of the world... ISABEL is a Cuban girl in 1994. With riots and unrest plaguing her country, she and her family set out on a raft, hoping to find safety in America... MAHMOUD is a Syrian boy in 2015. With his homeland torn apart by violence and destruction, he and his family begin a long trek toward Europe... All three kids go on harrowing journeys in search of refuge. All will face unimaginable dangers–from drownings to bombings to betrayals. But there is always the hope of tomorrow. And although Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud are separated by continents and decades, shocking connections will tie their stories together in the end.

White Fox by Chen Jaitong

A young white fox called Dilah returns home to find his mother gravely injured. Before she dies, she tells him about a treasure with the power to make animals human. The clues to its location are contained in a moonstone buried beneath their den. But wicked blue foxes seek the treasure too and Dilah must race to find it first. Along the way, he meets all sorts of other creatures: a friendly seal, an ancient tortoise and a fierce leopard - but can he stay one step ahead?

Nano: the spectacular science of the very (very) small by Dr Jess Wade

This exciting non-fiction picture book introduces young readers to the fascinating (and cutting-edge) world of nanotechnology. Everything is made from something but the way we make things, from the materials we use to the science and technology involved, is changing fast. Nano offers a fascinating narrative introduction to this cutting-edge area of STEM, better known by the name "nanotechnology"

An Invitation to the Ballet Theatre by Charlotte Gullian & Helen Shoesmith

Here is your very own invitation to the ballet theatre, asking you to take a tour and peek behind the scenes to see what goes on between performances. Grab your very own VIP access pass and enter the wonderful world of the ballet theatre. Have you ever wondered how ballet dancers stay strong and avoid injury? Or how the magical scenes on stage are created by the set department? Step behind the scenes of the ballet theatre with your very own access-all-areas invitation to find out.


Come together by Isaiah Firebridge

Come Together is a heart-warming, debut picture book for children aged 5 and up from pop artist Isaiah Firebrace, inspired by his petition to the Australian Government calling for Aboriginal history to be taught in every classroom. In this essential book, Isaiah, a Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara man, establishes a foundation of First Nations knowledge with 20 key topics. Alongside bright and contemporary illustrations by Mununjali and Fijian artist Jaelyn Biumaiwai, Isaiah connects us to each topic through his own personal story and culture, from the importance of Elders to The Dreaming. At once accessible and engaging, Come Together will make every Aussie kid proud that we are home to the longest-continuing culture on Earth!

I hope to see you in the library one morning in Term 2!

BRIONY WRIGHT
Minimbah Librarian