Foster's Little Bookshop

NATIONAL YEAR OF READING - 2012 AUSTRALIA'S BOOK CHOICE

2012-02-16T10:41:00.015+11:00

Between November 2011 and January 2012, more than 16,200 readers voted online to choose eight titles, one for each state and territory, which would provide the basis for Australia's biggest book group for 2012. The winners were announced on February 14th at the National Library of Australia in Canberra. The books are:

Well Done Those Men by Barry Heard for Victoria

Jasper Jones By Graig Silvey for Western Australia

Wanting by Richard Flanagan for Tasmania

Time's Long Ruin by Stephen Orr for South Australia

TheWhite Earth by Andrew McGahan for Queensland

Listening to Country by Ros Moriarty for the Northern Territory

The Idea of Home by John Hughes for New South Wales

Smoke & Mirrors by Kel Robertson for the Australian Capital Territory

What a great list of books for any book club's list for 2012. If you decide to add these titles to your club's list please send us a review on all or any of them for our website.

NATIONAL YEAR OF READING - 2012

2012-01-24T14:14:00.006+11:00

Nearly half the Australian population struggles through their life without the literacy skills to meet the most basic demands of everyday life and work. There are 46% of Australians who can't read newspapers; follow a recipe; make sense of timetables, or understand the instructions on a medicine bottle.

This National Year of Reading is about children learning to read and keen readers finding new sources of inspiration. It's about supporting reading initiatives while respecting the oral tradition of storytelling. It's about helping people discover and rediscover the magic of books. And most of all, it's about Australians becoming a nation of readers.

The National Year of Reading is supported by some familiar names. William McInnes is the Patron and the list of Ambasadors covers authors, booksellers, politicians, sports women and men, professors, radio and television identities. The children's authors include Felice Arena, Graeme Base, Alison Lester, Andy Griffiths, Jackie French and Shaun Tan. To read more about the National Year of Reading visit the official website here. We are pleased to be involved in this Australia wide movement.

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-04T14:33:00.003+11:00

Alison Lester and Boori Monty Pryor are the first Australian Children's Laureates, this was announced early in December 2011 as the first project for the National Year of Reading. For more information on the Australian Childrens Laureate visit the website here. And to follow the National Year of Reading visit their website here.

The Patron for the National Year of Reading is William McInnes and the list of Ambasadors reads like a 'who's who' of celebraties and politicians. The children's authors who are on this list include Hazel Edwards, Andy Griffiths, Jackie French, Shaun Tan, Alison Lester, Graeme Base and Felice Arena.

This is going to be an interesting year for books and readers, watch this space for more information on these two great initiatives.

CUMULUS eREADER NOW IN STORE

2011-12-15T14:00:00.002+11:00

With Cumulus you can read ebooks purchased from the bookshop you choose. You're not locked in to one platform as you are when you buy Kindle. You can download directly from the internet to Cumulus and use the menus and layouts to view all your books in colour. Look at our ebook website here, see what we recommend and search for that special title.

For those who need to know, these are the tech specs:
Size: 193mm x 115mm x 12.5mm
Weight: 380g
Battery Life: Up to 7 hours
Charge Time: 3 hours
Screen: 7" 16.9 capacitive, 800x480px
ebook software: ReadCloud pre-installed
Camera: 13 megapixel CMOS
System: Android 2.3 Gingerbread
Memory: 512 DDR3 + 4Gb NAND flash
Processor: Telechips 8803 ARM Cortex A8 1.2 GHz
Wifi: Support 802.11b/g
Input/Output: USB 3G dongle, 1080P HDMI, TF card, mini USB
3.5mm audio jack, DC
Media: Flash 10.1, 3D games, audio
Warranty: 1 year

Price $199.00

BOOKBUSKING - FOSTER PRIMARY SCHOOL

2011-12-12T16:18:00.005+11:00

Waiting their turn..........

On Friday December 2nd we had the best day ever with students from Foster Primary School. We set them up outside the bookshop with table and chairs, microphone and a large guitar case. From 10 am to around 2.30 pm 50 students read a small section of a favourite book. People passing stopped to listen and made very generous donations. This fund raising event may well become an annual event.

LADIES DAY AT FOSTER LADIES GOLF

2011-12-08T10:27:00.005+11:00

101 Dalmations complete with dog bowls.

The Three Little Pigs with Wolf.

The Cats in Hats.

November 18 was a great day at the Foster Golf Course when it was invaded by characters from children's storybooks. There were a number of Cats in Hats, more Where's Wallys than I think anyone could handle (finding) Three Little Pigs plus Wolf and many more. We were very pleased to support the Foster Ladies in their annual 'housewives day', it seems like they had a record attendance.

The most entertaining aspect of the day was the arrival of Spot the Dog, who insisted on stealing the flag...................!!

BOOK BUSKING EVENT

2011-11-23T10:55:00.005+11:00

This is Olivia and Ruby who with other students from Foster Primary School will hold a book busking event on Friday, December 2nd at Foster's Little Bookshop from 10am to 2.30pm. Come and hear the students read selections from their favourite books. These students are raising funds for the refurbishment of classrooms 3/4, so please come and suport their efforts.

NEW PRODUCT NEWS - NOTE COUTURE

2011-11-07T16:02:00.004+11:00

We are very pleased to have this quality product in store. There is Big Note which is a lined 50 sheets writing pad, Notepad with 50 sheets and 100 boxed Note Sheets. All have interesting and elegant designs, we have 4 designs per type of pad for you to chose from. These will make excellent Christmas gifts and perhaps simply a gift for you.

RECORDABLE STORY BOOKS - HALLMARK

2011-10-25T16:54:00.009+11:00

These recordable books are the best way for your grandchild, niece or nephew to hear your voice when they live a distance away. If you are a parent who is going away from your child for a little while and you want them to hear you reading a story everynight that you are gone, think about one of these books. They are in store now, come and hear them.

CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI - FOURTH BOOK RELEASE

2011-10-24T13:55:00.003+11:00

Saturday November 8th is the release date for the fourth and last (?) of the Inheritance Series. Click here for information about the series and the author.

Writer's Forum

2011-10-20T10:42:00.004+11:00

Fish Creek/Foster Quills Writing Group is holding a writer's forum in the Fish Creek Memorial Hall Supper Room.

Saturday October 29th from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm

There will be presentations by:
Alison Shields, Peter Cooke, Patrick Morgan and Ruth Carson.
$20 is the cost for the day and this includes lunch and refreshments.

Any enquiries ring Doug Knez 0408170465 or email doug.knez@gmail.com

Buy Your eBooks From Someone You Know

2011-09-27T11:30:00.010+10:00

Foster's Little Bookshop is currently working on a project to be able to offer you a wide range of eBooks from Australia and around the world. Please sign up to our newsletter and you will be among the first to know when this platform is launched.

If you haven't already purchased an eReader note that we will be able to supply eBooks onto any device, from a Sony eReader to an iPad. Only not a Kindle, as Amazon ties you to their device and we believe you should be able to choose which eBooks you purchase.

We are very excited to finally be able to provide a book in any format our customer wants, print, audio and now eBook.

Look What We've Done

2011-09-20T16:11:00.002+10:00

For five and a half years we have had a centre table for displaying books and other products, today these two display centres were installed and they show off all the smaller items that tended to get lost in amongst the books. Our thanks to Ben and Norm Cooper (Promontory Kitchens, Foster) for the wonderful workmanship and for understanding what on earth I was talking about when trying to describe what I wanted. Don't let the 'kitchen' bit confuse you Ben has produced some great shop fittings for other traders, including the fit out for us when we first opened.

New Product News

2011-09-20T15:56:00.006+10:00

We're very pleased to introduce this new product, not only because it looks beautiful, but because it is contributing to the survival of the Sri Lankan elephant and is a paper product that doesn't need a tree or two to make it. The paper for these journals is made from elephant dung (through a very thorough production process) and waste office paper. Take a look at this website to learn more. Or come in and look at these journals first hand, they will make great gifts.

September - Get Reading Month

2011-09-05T09:43:00.005+10:00

Sorry there hasn't been much movement on this blog for a week or two, we have been so busy and the time has just whizzed by..................next thing you know it's September again!!!

I can't complain because September with the Get Reading campaign is a favourite time if only because of the list of 50 books (you can't put down), some I know and some I've not come across yet, so I put my skates on and make sure we have most of the 50 books listed in store when the campaign begins.

When you purchase one of the books listed in the catalogue you receive a free book that has been specially published for this year's campaign, it's a collection of ten short stories written by Australian authors.

There's a catalogue on the counter, so next time you're passing (if you live down this way) come in and pick up your copy. Click here to go to the Get Reading website to see all that will be happening around Australia.

National Bookshop Day - August 20th

2011-08-01T12:16:00.002+10:00

What a great initiative from the Australian Bookseller Association. Saturday, August 20th is the inaugural National Bookshop Day, all booksellers are asking, is that you wander into your local bookshop and shout 'Celebrate'. We're conducting a colouring competition to coincide with this day and details of that are attached here.

We'll make sure there are plenty of photos of the prize winners and we thank Random House for providing the prizes. Thanks Lyndal.

Dinner With Carolyn and Eileen

2011-08-01T11:57:00.004+10:00

We are very pleased to be hosting a dinner with Carolyn Landon and Eileen Harrison on Friday, August 19th at the Rhythm Cafe. Details are in the flyer, please click here.

The book "Black Swan" will be available for sale on the night. Come and help us make this a memorable evening.

Final Twilight Author Series - Ruth Carson.

2011-08-01T11:48:00.002+10:00

This is the pensive Ruth that we saw from time to time last Friday evening. She certainly had the audience in the palm of her hand and the question time afterwards could have gone on forever. Here's what one of the audience had to say the next day by email:

"Wonderful night! Ruth's talk was brilliant! I loved her book and now after hearing her speak of her agony, hard work and determination to make it happen, I am full of admiration and appreciate the book so much more."

This is the end of the author series and what better to finish on but this type of comment.

Twilight Author Series - Arabella Forge

2011-07-23T13:16:00.003+10:00

Arabella Forge was our second last speaker for this years Twilight Author Series and the discussion she created around self suficiency in all its forms was well accepted by the audience. We had many of the audience asking questions and acknowledging Arabella's knowledge in the area of nutrition and sustainable living. She says about her book "Frugavore"......"I started writing this book after I found myself trying to juggle two seemingly opposing things; I wanted to provide good, nutritious food for myself and my family, while also watching my dollars when I went to the supermarket."

Twilight Author Series - Liz Rushen

2011-07-19T15:36:00.002+10:00

Last Friday evening, even though it was freezing outside, we were all sitting in the cosy comfort of the Stockyard Gallery listening enthralled to Liz Rushen. Liz has a passion for the history of the women who made their way to Australia in the early and mid 1800s with little or no support from family, and some of them didn't have family. Liz shares her knowledge on this subject with grace and eloquence. We had a good time!

Twilight Author Series - Patrick Morgan

2011-07-11T11:29:00.003+10:00

Another successful evening last Friday with Patrick Morgan keeping the audience engrossed in those authors and artists who literally walked around Gippsland during the mid 1800s and Patrick had some wonderful images to support his story. We're looking forward to Liz Rushen this coming Friday.

Twilight Author Series - Neil Everitt

2011-07-05T10:41:00.002+10:00

The series got off to a great start with Neil Everitt holding the interest of the audience. It was good to see so many people willing to come out on a cold winters night, although the Stockyard Gallery is a warm and cosy venue. We're all looking forward to Patrick Morgan this coming Friday evening.

Twilight Author Series - Author Profiles

2011-06-27T14:46:00.006+10:00

Neil Everitt - Friday 1st
Neil says he's always been interested in local history and his association with the Foster and District Historical Society goes back to the very early days in the 1970s when a few dedicated people were keen to preserve the local history of South Gippsland. Neil's first book was written with co-author Jane Vale ('Mud on Your Boots' 1988), which was about the history of Toora, then followed two more books about other aspects of that area. After many years in recess and having a passion for wooden fishing boats and the local fishing industry Neil decided, in 2009, to start researching the history of Port Franklin and the fishing families who lived there over a period of 140 years. This is the book, 'They Fished in Wooden Boats', that was launched on March 13 this year. Neil will talk about researching and writing this book.

Patrick Morgan - Friday 8th

Writer and academic, Patrick has recently published a book on Gippsland literature called 'Foothill Farmers'. Patrick is the author of a number of books including 'The Settling of Gippsland' which won the inaugural Victorian Community and Local History Award, 1998. He writes regularly for Quadrant, Tintean and other journals. Patrick will talk on writing on Gippsland, why writers (and artists) were attracted to the region from the mid 19th Century, which areas they favoured and how their perceptions changed over the decade.

Liz Rushen - Friday 15th

Historian Liz Rushen is well-know in the Corner Inlet District as she and her husband Peter ran Waratah Hills Vineyard for seven years. Whilst at the vineyard, Liz 'brewed' two books on immigrant women to colonial Australia and will be speaking to us about her new book 'Fair Game: Australian's First Immigrant Women'. 'Fair Game' tells the story of the first two ships to bring free women to Australia: the Princess Royal to Hobart and the Red Rover to Sydney. This book analyses how this migration was allowed to happen while telling the women's stories, describing who netted them in the hiring scramble and how they ultimately spread their wings, some landing in Victoria. We also hope Liz will talk about her latest project.

Arabella Forge - Friday 22nd

Arabella Forge is a Melbourne-based nutritionist, food writer and proud home-cook. She works part-time as a Dietitian in Moonee Ponds and writes on the topics of food and nutrition for a variety of magazines including 'Clean Food Organic'. She has appeared on Channel 10's the 7pm Project and The Circle. Arabella released 'Frugavore' in August 2010, the book provides a hands-on, practical guide to a new way of living, proving that frugal eating can also be flavoursome and fun. Learn how to access quality produce straight from the source, rediscover forgotten cooking techniques and create your own kitchen garden complete with compost heap and chicken coop. The book is packed with recipes, resources, tips and tricks.

Ruth Carson - Friday 29th

Ruth launched her first novel 'An Unquiet State' in March 2011. This book was the culmination of her experiences in human services, plus mental illness in general and social dysfunction at State and National level. When Ruth retired from the above areas this led to a resurgence of interest in the arts and more recently creative writing, hence a debut novel was born. This has been an interesting journey for Ruth, who had no interest in publishing, only in the use of words and the images and feelings they touched. Her talk will concentrate on this journey and the development of the story which was subsequently translated into a novel.

Twilight Author Series - July 2011

2011-06-27T09:47:00.002+10:00

We're at that time of year again, when we are able to introduce our community to some interesting authors. This year (five Fridays again!!) all the authors are local, which gives us a great opportunity to encourage local writers. There is a flyer attached here that will give you information on each of the authors, their subjects and the dates they are appearing. Once I have all their photos we'll post them.

More Teddy Bear Photos

2011-06-17T16:08:00.007+10:00

This is dear little Bobby from Mrs. Truscott

Raymond is a second entry from Alana Cox and he's a short stocky little fellow.

Don't you just love the flowers on Daisy? Sheila Ryan entered her and had the name already picked.

And this is Ollie B Bear and the second entry by Fleur Wheeler, and he's become the favourite of a few people.

Aren't they stunning Teddy Bears? Only a few more days to go before the judging and the silent auction on Monday 20th, for those that are available for sale.

Teddy Bear Photos

2011-06-14T16:38:00.013+10:00

These are the beautiful Teddy Bears that are gracing our window, please come by and have a look.

This is "Linton" and his maker didn't want anyone to know who she is. Pity, because "Linton" is a lovely bear.

"Kate and William" by Nan MacKay, they look big in this photo, in the 'flesh' they are simply a couple of handfulls.

"Jolly Jack" by Les McKay a stout and solid chappy.

"Geelong Bear" and there's no doubt which team he barracks for, by Barbara Grant.

"Fonzie" is every bodies favourite Teddy Bear, by Fleur Wheeler. We have a second bear from Fleur and he'll appear in a couple of days.

Two happy chappies "Dozer" and "Benny" made by Natasha Metherall.

"Cobby" by Alana Cox. This little bear has been 'bed tested' by Alana's daughter before he came to stay with us for a little while. And can you guess where he's going when this competition is over?

This is "Bert" also by Natasha Metherall. Big, hairy and a wuzz.

"Belle" by Shirley Westaway doesn't care if the team is winning or not, she's still a solid supporter.

And a "Basket of Bears" by Lyn Paterson from Healesville. Lyn brought her little basket of pleasure all the way across country to enter them in the competition.

The judges for this Teddy Bear competition are well known to the Foster community, they are Anda Banikos and Anne Roussac-Hoyne. Entries close on Thursday June 24th and judging will take place on the Friday afternoon. We will have a silent auction for the those Teddies that are for sale and that begins on Monday June 21st.

Book Launch - Wonthaggi

2011-05-27T10:53:00.007+10:00

Up From The Underworld: Coalminers and Community in Wonthaggi 1909-1968

by Andrew Reeves

At different stages of its history the State Coal Mine and its highly unionised workforce represented a national benchmark for the introduction of new mining technologies, for the operation of successful state enterprises and ultimately the exercise of political influence within the coal industry. While Wonthaggi's mineworkers represented only a small fraction of the Miner's Federation's national membership, their role in the union's recovery following the depression of the 1930s proved highly influential. In particular, it was the success of the 1934 Wonthaggi strike that provided the Federation with the blueprint for community mobilisation that was to be used successfully for the following decade.

Professor Stuart Macintyre, University of Melbourne says this about the book:

"Through their union the people of Wonthaggi built up their clubs and societies, their co-operative store, women's auxillary, hospital, theatre, hall and brass band. They fought for better conditions, endured mass unemployment and led the labour movement out of the humiliations of the Depression. Andrew Reeves tells the story of this close-knit occupational community with an intimate knowledge of its rich history."

This interesting and very historic book will be launched by Senator The Honourable Kim Carr on Friday, June 3rd at the State Coal Mine, Wonthaggi, Visitor Centre, Garden Street, at 3pm.

Teddy Bear Competition - May/June 2011

2011-05-09T11:16:00.002+10:00

Last year we held the Wild Tea Cosy competition to raise funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, this year we thought the Teddy Bear would be a wonderful replacement. Look here for the details. The Teddy Bear has a long and interesting history.

The name Teddy Bear came from former USA President Theodore Roosevelt whose nickname was 'Teddy'. During an incident on a bear hunting trip in late 1902 Roosevelt was asked to shoot a bear that had been tied to a tree, he refused and demanded the bear be dispatched immeditately to put it out of its misery. A cartoon subsequently appeared in the media with Roosevelt and the bear and this inspired Morris Michtom to create a new toy which he called 'Teddy's bear'. President Roosevelt received a copy of the little bear and gave permission for his name to be used.

At the same time in Germany the Steiff firm, unaware of Michtom's bear, produced a stuffed bear from their own design, they exhibited the toy at the Leipzig Toy Fair in March 1903 and exported 3,000 to the USA.

Seymour Eaton wrote 'The Roosevelt Bears' as a children's education book, composer John Bratton wrote 'The Teddy Bear Two Step' which became 'The Teddy Bear's Picnic'. Some popular mass market bears are Rupert, Sooty, Paddington and of course Winnie-the-Pooh. In the USA and Australia the teddy bear is now used by police, fire and emergency workers for children in emergency situations.

So, the humble teddy bear isn't so humble after all. We think this toy is a good choice for our fund raising competition. We hope you agree.

Book Signing - Ruth Carson

2011-05-02T15:29:00.003+10:00

Ruth Carson is a local author who is launching her first book this month and we're very pleased to have her sign copies of that book at the bookshop on Saturday 14th May. There is a flyer attached if you'd like to pass it on to anyone you think might be interested.

Living Books - The Day

2011-04-12T14:08:00.017+10:00

Early in the day when everyone was setting up it all looked a bit empty.

Then suddenly there were people everywhere! And the Living Books were now in business....................

This is Pat Hendry - If I Can Help Somebody

Here is Nita Law - The Red Carpet Walk

Marianne Ruff - A Long Journey

Jo MacKenzie - From the Kitchen to the Microphone

Graeme Wheeler - Journey to a Strange Land

Chris Aitken - Kids Can Teach Us Much, We Only Need to Listen

Blair Donaldson - A Split Second And A New Life

Greg Bradshaw - Too Far From Home

Now the gymnasium has many people and they are all listening!

The Living Books all said they had a great day and those who came to 'read' them agreed.

Living Books - 2011

2011-03-11T10:51:00.008+11:00

Here are more of the Living Books we will see and hear on Saturday, April 9th at 2pm in the Gymnasium of the South Gippsland Secondary College. We have one more title to add to our list and it will arrive later next week. Enjoy reading the book descriptions, just click on the title.

TOO FAR FROM HOME

THE RED CARPET WALK

IF I CAN HELP SOMEBODY

KIDS CAN TEACH US MUCH

A SPLIT SECOND AND A NEW LIFE

Living Books - 2011

2011-03-10T14:12:00.004+11:00

These are the first of the Living Books for the Prom Coast SeaChange Festival this year. The Living Book Event is on Saturday, April 9th starting at 2pm. Come and hear these wonderful stories. More will appear on the blog in the next few days. Click on the titles and read the descriptions.

JOURNEY TO A STRANGE LAND

A LONG DARK JOURNEY

FROM THE KITCHEN TO THE MICROPHONE

Meg Viney - The Not So Humble Zucchini

2011-03-08T11:49:00.001+11:00

The Not So Humble Zucchini
by Meg Viney

Cooking is a wonderful form of play. This has been so for Meg Viney since she was a child. Born in Melbourne, Meg's parents were keen gardeners - mother did the herb and flower gardens, father did the vegetable garden, which was abundant, they didn't need to buy vegetables. Although Meg's interest in food began at a young age, a course in her early 20s with Mme Vivienne de Stoop sparked her imagination and confidence, teaching her that food is an art-form to be enjoyed.

Meg has written about food for many years, writing books for students and a cooking colum for a local newspaper. However, it was Bill, her soul mate, whose love of food is sophisticated and knows no bounds, who set up the challenge to eat his entire crop of zucchini. Bill walked into the kitchen with buckets of beautiful produce and asked "what are we going to do with this darlsie?" It was Bill who suggested that Meg write this book.

The decision to illustrate the book came about because Meg wanted it to have a relaxed country feel, and Pauline John, a talented artist friend, does exquisite line drawings. Meg asked if Pauline would illustrate the book and she agreed - her work visually expresses Meg's intention for the book.

Meg's overall aim for this cookbook is to encourage readers to have the confidence to use their imagination, to express themselves creatively in the kitchen and to share the feast with friends.

New Product News

2011-02-28T16:33:00.005+11:00

Our new product range includes journals, note paper and fine writing paper, look here. We also have Australian made packaged note paper with envelopes made from recycled paper. This is an example of the beautiful Claudia Rossi journals. To see more of these journals click here.

We now have a small range of Lamy Fountain Pens and whilst some are definitely for adults, there is one style for a child and another for a teenager. This is quality craftsmanship at its best and we are very pleased to be stocking them.

We believe the romance of writing still exists and we're doing our part in keeping it alive.

Surviving Breast Cancer

2011-02-07T16:49:00.003+11:00

'Breast Cancer: Taking Control' is a book that is available for loan from Catherine Enter, McGrath Breast Cancer Nurse at South Gippsland Hospital. The book can also be ordered through us at Foster's Little Bookshop.

Catherine is also hosting a webcast event of a live public forum at the Community Health Centre in Foster on Tuesday 22nd February at 7.30 pm. See the attached flyer for information. The forum is Moving Forward: Surviving Cancer and is being produced by the Rural Health Education Foundation in collaboration with the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute. Anyone affected by breast cancer; family members and carers are encouraged to attend the webcast. Catherine can be contacted on (03) 5683 9780 for any further information.

February - Review a Book

2011-02-04T14:48:00.005+11:00

It's February again and we have a selection of books to be reviewed by our customers. Our contacts at Random House, Harper Collins and Penguin have supplied the books and look forward to the reviews we'll post on our website 'Book Reviews'. So come on in and pick a book to review and see your comments on the website. This worked very well last February, we received over 50 reviews.

Anda Banikos - Kurbads

2011-01-14T13:43:00.004+11:00

This book is a Latvian Folk Tale that Anda Banikos has translated and illustrated. The songs and stories of the Latvian people have provided constant folkloric threads in the fabric of their changing society. They have been passed by the storytellers of one generation to the next. This beautiful book is now on our display table.

January 2011 Book Signing - David Arnault

2011-01-11T14:03:00.003+11:00

This will be our first book signing event for 2011 and we're very pleased that it is David Arnault. David has a list of books to his credit most of them belong to the Kovic Files series. Come along on Saturday, January 22nd to meet David and talk about his books, he'll be here from 11.00am. Check out this flyer to see more about David's work.

WELCOME TO 2011

2011-01-03T11:45:00.005+11:00

Living Books

In April 2009 we participated in the Promcoast SeaChange Festival with a Living Book Event and we'll be doing the same this coming April. We already have a number of people who are prepared to be a Living Book for this event and we are looking for a few others. These are photographs of the event in 2009 and this document describes a Living Book Event and a Living Book, just in case you're wondering.

Those who participated in 2009 said it was a memorable event and one of those people will be taking part again this year. We'd love to hear from anyone interested, we will be advertising in the local newspaper, The Mirorr, later in January.

"Quay - Food Inspired By Nature" by Peter Gilmore

2010-12-13T16:35:00.000+11:00

A Video of 'Quay'

2010-12-13T15:57:00.002+11:00

We featured this cookbook early in the year and now Murdoch Books has sent us a link to a video showing how beautiful a cookbook can be. I hope you enjoy.

The Millenium Trilogy DVD

2010-12-04T09:35:00.004+11:00

Murdoch Books have sent us a few copies of the DVD of the first book of Stieg Larsson's trilogy and we'd like to give them away to our regular customers. The first three reviews of the trilogy that arrive at the bookshop will receive a copy of the DVD.

What do you remember most about the three books? What impressed you about the way they were written? If you were recommending this trilogy to someone what would you tell them? The review you write can be two of three paragraphs (or more if there's more you want to say) it's the first three reviews that arrive at the bookshop that will receive the DVDs.

You can submit the review at the counter at the bookshop, by mail, by email or submit it direct to our website (fosterslittlebookshop.com.au). The review needs to cover the three books and remember to include contact details with your submission. Start writing!!

Christmas Decoration Making December 4th, 2010

2010-11-25T16:22:00.003+11:00

Each year we hold a Christmas Decoration Making morning for our smaller customers, the ones who love to fling sprinkles and glue around (which takes Bob at least four goes with the vac before it's all gone!), make beautiful decorations for their Christmas tree and listen to great story telling. This year we will have the wonderful tones of Nola Mills and I know the children will love her. This photo is from last year and our resident story teller (who's in Perth as I type) Jennifer Jones had the little ones in the palm of her hand.

We kick off at 10.00am and will throw the last tired parent out around 1.00pm. So if you're in the area and you have a small child with you (no entry without one) we'd love to see you. That's Saturday, December 4th.

Shopping After Dark - November 2010

2010-11-18T12:29:00.003+11:00

We've held our Shopping After Dark for three years now and we're looking forward to doing it again. It's on Thursday, November 25th from 7.00pm to 8.30pm. There will be a glass of wine and some nibbly cheese for our customers. It would be great to see you there. Click here for your invitation. And if it all gets too much for you there's always the red couch to slump upon!

Patrick Morgan - 'Foothill Farmers'

2010-11-09T14:43:00.003+11:00

On Saturday, November 20 Patrick will be at the bookshop to talk about and sign copies of his book 'Foothill Farmers'. Gippsland has an extensive imaginative literature of poetry, novels, plays, short stories and children's books as rich as any comparable region in Australia. As well as local writers like Mary Grant Bruce, Hal Porter, E. J. Brady and Mary Fullerton, famous Australian writers like Marcus Clarke, Henry Lawson, Rolf Boldrewood and Katherine Susannah Prichard wrote books based on Gippsland after visiting here.

'Foothill Farmers' analyses imaginative works relating to exploration, Aborigines, squatting, selection, mining, timber-getting, war and other topics. There is a bibliography included listing 80 authors and 130 books.

This is the second book for Patrick Morgan who published 'The Settling of Gippsland: A Regional History' in 1988 which won the Victorian Community History Award in 1998. 'Foothill Farmers' was launched on October 22nd at the Monash University Auditorium at Churchill, by writer Chester Eagle.

Click here for a copy of the flyer for the book signing.

Recipes From Murdoch Press

2010-11-06T17:16:00.004+11:00

True to her promise Marianne from Murdoch has sent me a couple of great recipes from two of their latest cook books. Take a look and see if what you cook looks anything like what these chefs cook. The first is from 'My Party' by Pete Evans and 'Quay' by Peter Gilmore. You can download both of these pdf files and enjoy.

Saturday, October 23rd Chonyi Taylor

2010-10-25T16:49:00.003+11:00

We had a bookshop full of interested and interesting people to meet Chonyi on Saturday. Most of those who came to have their copy of Chonyi's books signed stayed to talk with her and ask questions. And some who came not knowing there was a book signing in progress stayed to listen also. It was a calm, warm and friendly atmosphere. We thank Chonyi for her time and company.

Chonyi Taylor - Book Signing

2010-10-19T10:18:00.001+11:00

I'm very pleased to report there has been great interest in the book ENOUGH! by Chonyi Taylor. We will have the pleasure of Chonyi's presence on Saturday, October 23rd at 11 am to sign copies of her book. If you can't be here, let us know and we'll put a copy of her book aside to be signed for you and it can be picked up later in the week.

Chonyi Taylor

2010-10-02T12:41:00.005+10:00

Chonyi Taylor was ordained as a Buddhist nun by the Dalai Lama in 1995. Active in the worlds of both Buddhism and Western psychology, she teaches Buddhism from simple to advanced levels and participates in interfaith conferences and workshops for psychologists and health professionals. Her book 'Enough!: A Buddhist Approach to Finding Release from Addictive Patterns' is straight forward, no holds barred, easy to read information. Don't think this book is only for those who suffer from drug or alcohol addiction, it is in effect for anyone with habitual patterns of any nature. It's a practical ste-by-step guide to finding freedom from addiction and compulsion.

We're very pleased that Chonyi will be at the bookshop on Saturday, October 23rd to talk about her book and to sign copies. Read more about the book here.

Visit Chonyi's website.

Murdoch Books - 365 Good Reasons to Sit Down to Eat

2010-09-06T14:09:00.005+10:00

This book by Stephane Reynaud has some wonderful recipes and I'm going to share one of them with you. The team at Murdoch Books are taking up the challenge to cook all 365 of the recipes. I'll let you know how they go. Thanks to Marianne for the information she constantly sends me. Here's the link for the recipe which is November 11, one day before my birthday!

Murdoch Books - Grillhouse

2010-09-06T13:29:00.006+10:00

My contact at Murdoch Books, Marianne, has alerted me to the fact that I can get some recipes from a couple of their latest books on to our blog............we'll to give you the link. Here's the first of them from a wonderful new title "Grillhouse" by Ross Dobson. And this is what the book looks like. I wouldn't mind feedback on how well (or not) this works.

Liz Dunoon

2010-09-06T12:21:00.002+10:00

'Helping Children with Dyslexia' is a book that has been a long time coming. Liz Dunoon came to our notice because she is proactive and rather than wait for the distributor to make contact with us about her book, she did. Visit her website and look at what is being done to help children and adults. Here's the link.

Dr Ann Dettrick

2010-09-06T12:16:00.003+10:00

This coming Thursday (September 9th at 11 am) we will have Dr Dettrick in the bookshop to sign copies of her new book. 'A History of Medicine in Gippsland' is a very interesting collection of stories about doctors and nurses in the Gippsland area from the early 1800s to the early 1900s. Anyone interested in the history of this area will be in for a good read.

Gardenia's Garden

2010-09-03T15:26:00.003+10:00

A young friend at Kinglake is in the process of rebuilding her garden after the Black Saturday fires and she has developed a blog so her friends and family can watch her success. I felt it would be alright to tell you about this on our blog. Here's the link.
http://ingardeniasgarden.blogspot.com/

Let her know you are watching.

Avid Reader - Tom

2010-08-24T11:09:00.002+10:00

This is one of the young avid readers in Foster. Tom's dad bought Chrissie's book for him earlier in the week and Tom came to meet the author last Saturday to have the book signed. It was great listening to Tom and Chrissie talk about the characters and the plot of the book. Tom and his brother Will have been consistent in giving me feedback on the books they read and it's wonderful for a bookseller to have access to this sort of information. And our thanks to Tom's parents for permission to use his photo on our blog.

Chrissie Michaels - Book Signing

2010-08-23T14:57:00.003+10:00

When Chrissie arrived last Saturday to sign copies of her book she had a few things to compete with, not the least was the Federal Election, then there was finals of the local football and netball down the road, plus it was a very wet Saturday. Still, to her credit Chrissie met our customers with a bright smile and a happy face. Thank you Chrissie for your time and energy. We have a wonderful photo of Chrissie with one of our young avid readers and when we receive permission to print the photo we'll make sure it goes up on the blog.

Liz Rushen - Book Signing - August 14, 2010

2010-08-16T14:17:00.008+10:00

Liz Rushen certainly brought a crowd with her last Saturday. So many people wanted to talk with her about her books (not just this one, the other three as well) and then purchase a signed copy of "Fair Game". It was a very busy morning, while people waited to see Liz, they also browsed.................that was nice.

August Book Signings

2010-08-09T16:35:00.005+10:00

Chrissie Michaels will be at the bookshop on Saturday August 21st from 10.30 am to sign copies of her book 'In Lonnie's Shadow'. Check out this interview with Chrissie.

Liz Rushen's new book "Fair Game" tells the story of the women who were brought to Australia by the British Government in 1832 on two ships the 'Red Rover' from Cork and the 'Princess Royal' from London. Liz will be signing copies of this book at the bookshop on August 14th from 10.30 am. We have all of Liz's books in stock, I'm sure she'd be happy to sign any of them on the day.

Genevieve Moore

2010-08-03T12:40:00.005+10:00

Our guest author delighted us again for the last of the Twilight Talks for 2010. Genevieve Moore entertained us with stories of her neice; we saw her swiming with dolphins and heard how sweet and happy this child is. We also heard how the book 'Catherine's Story' came to be published. Genevieve told us that her book is being released in the USA this month, in Norway in 2011 and in Chinese speaking countries in traditional Chinese characters in 2011. Which certainly highlights how universal 'Catherine's Story' is. We are looking forward to more books from Genevieve in the not too distant future.

Thanks to all our guest authors for this year. We will do this again in 2011, perhaps under a new name, so watch this space.

Cheryl Glowrey

2010-07-29T14:18:00.004+10:00

Cheryl had the audience enthralled with her description of Corner Inlet in the 1800's and the tall ships that used to ply their trade in the inlet. Certainly conjured up a different picture of Corner Inlet the peaceful, calm inlet we see daily. As always there were plenty of questions for Cheryl during and after her talk. I can't wait for the next book she's in the process of writing.

Ray Smithies

2010-07-20T10:11:00.002+10:00

Ray Smithies certainly had the audience entertained last Friday night, there were plenty of questions. He talked about the process he went through to write his book "Scorpio's Lot", all the research that was need to make sure the facts were correct and as an author he retained credibility. Ray also discussed the publishing process from an author's perspective and again received plenty of questions. A small audience and yet a very appreciative one. Well done Ray.

Arron Wood

2010-07-15T13:58:00.003+10:00

This young man is enthusiastic, entertaining, informative, knowledgeable and fun. How he isn't doing more of these author talks is a mystery to me. I'd like to think the publicist at New Holland will find other people like us to enjoy his company. The feedback from our audience last Friday night was positive and very flattering. Thank you Arron for a great night!

Dr Sue Turnbull

2010-07-05T15:28:00.004+10:00

Sue Turnbull certainly had the audience in the palm of her hands on Friday (2nd July) as the first of our authors for the Twilight Talks. Thanks Sue for such a great start to the series.

Twilight Talks - Authors and Dates

2010-06-27T15:38:00.016+10:00

Dr Sue Turnbull - Friday July 2nd

Sue Turnbull is an Associate Professor in Media Studies at La Trobe University where she teaches about popular culture, television and media audiences. She has been a co-convenor of Sisters in Crime Australia since 1992 and has published extensively on crime fiction and its readers. She is currently writing a book on the television crime drama for Edinburgh University Press. Sue is also chief crime fiction reviewer for The Sydney Morning Herald and has been a judge for the Age and currently the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards.

As for books, Sue says she has four in the pipeline – including one on Australian Screen.

Arron Wood - Friday July 9th

Arron Wood has spent most of his life growing up in the country on a billabong. A keen sportsman, Arron's family has strongly influenced his appreciation for the environment and education. His dedication to the environment has won him a number of national and international environmental awards. He was winner of the 2006 United Nations Individual Award for Outstanding Service to the Environment and the 2001 Young Australian of the Year (National Environment Winner) and Prime Minister’s Environmentalist of the Year Award. Arron's commitment to the environment was covered on ABC's Australian Story in 2004 and he hosted Channel Seven documentary Our Water, Our future which aired in 2005.

His book ‘The Billabong Boy’ was published in June 2010.

Ray Smithies - Friday Juy 16th

Ray Smithies was born in Melbourne and when he was a child the family moved to Wangaratta in northeast Victoria, where they lived for the next twenty years before Ray moved back to the city. He now lives near the wine/grazing district of the Yarra Valley with his wife Pauline, two sons and a daughter. Ray writes in his spare time and particularly enjoys delving into the criminal side of life with its combination of mystery and adventure. He enjoys visiting the diverse country side of the Gippsland hills and coastal seascapes, an interest that is reflected in his work. Ray has also taken an active interest in sports medicine and is a qualified sports therapist. He has lectured to triathlon and various sporting groups on the subject of injury treatment and prevention. He devotes time to assist charitable groups and organisations in diagnoses and hands-on therapy. His book ‘Scorpio’s Lot’ was published in September 2009

Cheryl Glowrey - Friday July 23rd

Cheryl Glowrey is a well known Foster identity, besides being a published author she is also the Principal of South Gippsland Secondary College. Cheryl spent her childhood on dairy farms in South Gippsland and has a strong interest in the local environment. She has a Masters in Letters in Australian History and has written about the declining hill communities of South Gippsland. In late 2009 Cheryl republished ‘Snake Island & The Cattlemen of The Sea’ which was first published in 2000. This book is an extension of her interests and is the forerunner of further writing about life in Gippsland. We are waiting with interest for the next book on the history of Corner Inlet which is at the early stages of writing.

Genevieve Moore - Friday July 30th

Genevieve Moore now lives in Foster after a move from Melbourne in recent years. As well as recently publishing her first children’s picture book, Genevieve has been an improvisational performer, voice-over artist, radio announcer and human resources consultant. Genevieve now has a small business which will keep her in this area for some time to come. We’re hoping there will be another children’s book in the not too distant future.

Genevieve’s book ‘Catherine’s Story’ published January 2010 is based on her niece, who as an infant, suffered from a kind of epilepsy known as infantile spasms or West Syndrome This left the child with profound and multiple learning disabilities. She’s not able to understand much of what is said to her, is unable to speak or walk without support and unable to perform any of the activities of daily living. The story book shows how all the things that make Catherine different also make her special.

Winners and Runners Up of The Tea Cosy Competition

2010-06-27T15:26:00.002+10:00

Winners and Runner Up of the Novelty Category
The judges weren't able to choose between these two tea cosies, so we have two winners.

Fleur Wheeler (Sea Urchin) and Jenny Renshaw (Ho Ho Ho)

The Runner Up is Lyn Paterson (Fifi)

Winner and Runner Up of the Traditional Category

Shirley Westaway (A Bling Thing)

The Runner Up is Linda McMullen (Cosy Chick)

The Last of The Tea Cosies

2010-06-21T12:50:00.012+10:00

Jo Mackowski sent us this treasure in the mail from Queensland, she said it has been made from the left over wool she used for knitting slippers for her grandchildren. Yes, they do need warm slippers in the winter up North. So, we thought we'd be smart and simply call this tea cosy 'Slippers'.

This little poodle is notable because he is the work of a mother and son team. Sue and Matt Power put him together and they are pretty pleased with the outcome.

'Ho Ho Ho'..............and what else would you call this little Father Christmas. When you lift his little hat there's a bald head surrounded by fluffy white hair. I've stopped being surprised about the creative and wonderful minds in this town.

This is 'T Berta' our own little Lady Bird and she is the creation of Vanessa Checkley. And so is the next one.

What can I say? This is 'Dumbo' and he's so cute! Vanessa Checkley is responsible for this as well.

I think Les MacKay might be a little disappointed in how this looks in the photo, because he looks great in the window..............Chuck Chickadee and his little poem says "I'm Chuck Chickadee and I keep your tea as warm as can be."

'Buttons and Bows' by Lorraine Brown, who by the way didn't think this was good enough for the competition, you can see we didn't agree with her.

This is Phyliss Barlow's second entry and she's called it 'Hot T Bunnies'. All the little bunnies are made separately and sown on, so all the little ears stand up in the centre. She's such a clever lady.

This is the 'Bling Thing' and it's the handy work of Shirley Westaway. When you see it in the flesh (so to speak) it has glitter and shine, pity this hasn't shown up in the photo.

More Tea Cosies!!

2010-06-11T13:15:00.007+10:00

Here are some more of those tea cosies of the really wild kind. We are getting close to the end of the competition and I'm told there's a number of these little fellows still to come.

The photo doesn't do this any justice it's another Tania Pell and we called it Pretty Ribbons.

Remember Connie Arnup? Her previous tea cosie was called Slightly Pom, she's come up with another one and we've named it Just Trad, 'cause it is.

The title for this little wonder is The Big Pineapple and I know a least one person in this town who is hoping to buy it when we get to the 'selling' part of the competition.

Tania Pell was responsible for The Little Imp and she's also responsible for this one - Teddy Bear's Picnic - and there's another one later. She's so competitive!!

This little fellow is by Jeanette Allan and his name is Mr. Tomato (and why not, I ask!!)

Loani Prior

2010-05-28T10:24:00.001+10:00

One of the things I failed to mention in previous posts is that the Wild Tea Cosy competition was inspired by Loani Prior's wonderful books. 'Wild Tea Cosies' and 'Really Wild Tea Cosies'. You can see a wonderful array of tea cosies on her blog. http://wildforteacosies.blogspot.com/ We're working towards a blog as colourful and entertaining as Loani's.

2010-05-27T16:38:00.000+10:00

Here's another posting of Wild Tea Cosies for our competition. We hope you enjoy looking at them. As more comes in we'll set them up on the blog.

I'd like to present a wonderful, traditional tea cosy called 'Slightly Pom', I don't think our photograph does it justice. It has been entered by Connie Arnup who is 94 years old!! There's another one from Connie that we'll add in to a later post.

This is another entry by Barbara Moon, 'Cosy Christmas' is its name. Barbara tells me that the decorations on the sides are removable if you wanted to use them for Christmas tree decorations. Where do these creative people get their ideas??

This is 'Miss Prissy' and I'm glad I'm not judging these tea cosies because I have a soft spot for this little lady. Leonie Margetts let us have this one for the judging, although I'm not sure we'll be selling it when the competition is over.

Tania Pell is responsible for this tea cosy and his name is 'Little Imp', we have two more of Tania's cosies out the back and when time permits we'll post those as well. This is the one that's in the window at the moment.

This little lady 'Fifi' came all the way from Healesville to Foster for the competition and her 'owner' is Lyn Paterson. A bit difficult to see in the photo, but 'Fifi' has a long pink tongue that reaches to her nose.

Here's another of our entries, this one is shaped to represent a book and it's title is 'Teapot Tales', it was entered by Prue Fleming. When you get the chance to look at the back of the tea cosy it actually says 'the end'.........!!

2010-05-24T16:16:00.000+10:00

We thought a blog would be a great way to keep our customers and friends aware of what's happening at Foster's Little Bookshop. These are photos of the first of the entries for the Wild Tea Cosy competition that runs until June 24th. Hope you enjoy seeing them as much as we are when receiving them.

This little cosy is called 'A Basket of Flowers' by Barbara Moon. You can see it but there's a small lady bird up amongst the flowers.

This is an entry from Fleur Wheeler, 'Sea Urchin'. Fleur said when she started making the tea cosy she couldn't stop..........it was like eating peanuts!! Fleur is away overseas at the moment and tells me when she returns there is another cosy in the pipeline.