Good evening all, Mad Martha here! I am utterly excited to be bringing you this ode today, as I have just met this most famous and fantastic of children’s authors, Mem Fox! Yes, Bruce and I made a perilous journey to Chermside Library to see the lady herself (and the wonderful illustrator Judy Horacek, who collaborated with Mem on Where is the Green Sheep? and Goodnight, Sleep Tight) discuss all things literacy. Alas, we did not manage to get a photograph with Mem or Judy, but they were kind enough to sign our copies of the two books on which they collaborated. Here are some pictures:
You can really see the excitement on Bruce’s face. It’s good to see him openly displaying his emotions in such a way. For my part, I was so excited that my hand was shaking as I took the photo during the signing.
Considering the incredible and widespread influence Mem Fox has had on children’s literacy in Australia, I thought it fitting to honour her with my very best efforts. To this end, I have created an epic ode that references just a few of her 40 books. I would like to offer this ode as my personal thanks to Mem for her passionate efforts to promote child-parent (or grandparent, or carer) bonding through reading. I have titled this ode, “Time for a Story”.
It’s time to arise;
stretch and open your eyes!
Start the big day anew,
Oh I DO love you!
It’s time for a bite;
first we’ve had since last night!
What would you like most?
Magic vegemite toast?
It’s time to go out
and see who’s about.
What clothes will you choose
to match Grandpa’s red shoes?
It’s time for your lunch;
here’s an apple to crunch.
But I’d rather drink juice
than say “Boo!” to a goose!
It’s time for a play!
Should we draw or use clay?
Dress up like a cat?
Chase a magic blue hat?
It’s time for a scrub;
Quickly! Into the tub!
Oh you bold, cheeky child,
you just drive me wild!
It’s time now for bed,
cuddle up, rest your head.
But before we sleep,
Let’s find that green sheep!
Sleep well little mouse,
You are safe in this house.
I’ll turn out the light,
now Good night, sleep tight.
If you have never encountered Mem Fox before, firstly…you call yourself a reader? And secondly, get on to her work POST HASTE! You’ll be a fool to yourself and a burden to others if you don’t.
Adieu, adieu,
Mad Martha
Oh, the changed expression Bruce’s face is priceless! He is clearly moved! A splendid ode too!
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You got to meet Mem Fox!!! You are soooo lucky! 🙂 Time for Bed is the book I usually give new parents. That’s simply a must-have in any parent’s library as far as I’m concerned!
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Oh! you two are some lucky beings!!! What a treat! For you — and for us to share! I don’t know a lot about Ms Fox but I can see that I need to know more! Thanks for sharing your fabulous experience!
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I don’t know Mem Fox either, but I will be investigating her work. I really need to read “Shoes for Grandpa” since I have a special interest in children’s books about grandparents.
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It’s a treat – lots of repetition and rhyme…Wilfred Gordon Macdonald Partridge is another of Mem’s books that features a grandparently relationship 🙂
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I’m a total fan of the Divine Ms Mem! And I love your ode. Seeing as Mem and I share a continent, I am definitely sharing this with her next time we cross paths.
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Oh goodie, because that means WE share a continent too! (May I compliment you on your choice of such a fine continent, btw 😉 ) Please do share it, as I would have already, but I can’t find a facebook page for her and couldn’t contact through her website. Love your name, also….BookChook…..just lovely….
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