Jemima Shafei-Ongu Writer | Public figure
Jemima Shafei-Ongu Writer
Reviews
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25.01.2022 The CBCA Book Week runs from 17-23rd October 2020. Check out the link below to learn more about this years titles and the resources available. #CBCA2020 #kidlitaustralia
25.01.2022 Feeling inspired by nature (and taking twice as long on my bushwalk to photograph something every few seconds!)
23.01.2022 Once in a while, a wonderfully written book comes along that makes you laugh and relate and learn and love all at the same time. Naomi Danis's I Hate Everyone (illustrated marvellously by Cinta Arribas) captures the roller coaster of emotions that is so often experienced by young children (and all of us, really). Yet, with therapeutic skill and understanding, along with creative talent, Danis so respectfully demonstrates the power of relational attachment that parents can bring to a young person's emotionally difficult experiences, to support growth and learning. This is SO one of my favourite books. Watch the reading here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6VFMCdcwVo&feature=youtu.be
22.01.2022 This is a lovely little book that has been made FREE to download! It's very clear and answers a lot of questions children may have about Coronavirus, addressing a number of issues including how children and adults might be feeling about various things. It's a UK based book, so bear this context in mind, but has a diversity of characters represented. It's hard to know what to say to young children, but clear, honest, open-ended communication is highly recommended and this book creates a space for all that. (Thank you Nosycrow publications, Elizabeth Jenner, Kate Wilson, Nia Roberts & Alex Scheffler) #caronavirusforkids #nosycrow
22.01.2022 The birth of the new moon late last week marked the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, celebrated by 1.8 billion Muslims around the world. Among fasting from dawn to dusk, communal prayers, and being charitable, it is a time for families to gather and share food. However, with pandemic caused by Covid-19, this Ramadan will be different for many families who can't physically connect, yet children all around the world can still read about various traditional Ramadan experi...ences with a number of picture books. While there are a growing number of books about Ramadan, I am sharing one old and one new title. Take a look at 'Zaki's Ramadan Fast' (by Ann Moslimany, illustrated by Erica Butler: Amica Publishing House Seattle) which was gifted to our family by a dear friend when our girls were very little and 'The Gift of Ramadan' (by Rabia York Lumbard, illustrated by Laura K. Horton: Albert Whitman and Company). #Ramadanpicturebooks #diversepicturebooks #celebratingdiversity
20.01.2022 Such beautiful illustrations - what books can do for us when we're home...
20.01.2022 This Maurice Sendak quote shared by FridayReads made my morning! I have very fond memories of being read 'Where the Wild Things Are', as well as reading it to my students and children. #MauriceSendak #Fanmail #kidsareawesome #funnykids #FridayReads
20.01.2022 Oh the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss had a special place on my bookshelf when I was based in schools as a counsellor and still has a special place in my heart. Which is why I couldn't help grabbing the 30th anniversary edition in Target a few days ago (despite owning more than one copy already!) Such a layered and colourful telling of the range of experiences and emotions we have in life. #DrSuess #holidayreading #emotionalliteracy
17.01.2022 It's been too long since I've been to the NSW State Library. I managed to get down there with my lovely niece yesterday to discover SO many changes, including this lovely new edition of a Children's Library - don't forget to look up for a floating literary surprise! #nswstatelibrary #childrensbooks #picturebooks
17.01.2022 Everyone should have access to a street library. I love our little street library at the end of a walking bridge over the river.
15.01.2022 I love to see books which help increase the emotional literacy of young people and explore health and wellbeing issues which are often hard to talk about.
14.01.2022 This years world veterinary day theme is "Environmental protection for improving animal and human health". It's such an important message. Humans and animals have rights and we must protect them. Have been so blessed to see how many different parts of the world look after animals and observe the different relationships communities have with animals. I remember vets in Izmir, Turkey (in the giant park of Alsancak) used to vaccinate and desex strays for free. I'm also lucky to have pet sat and have had amazing pet sitters.
13.01.2022 My twin young-adult daughters gifted me with this book recently (I got very spoilt on my birthday), which is a beautiful story of transitions, family support and identity. When I asked them about their choice of this particular story, they said that they knew how much I appreciated diverse representation (both in the creators of books and in the characters of the stories). They also said that it was a cute story which was heartfelt and important, and that the mother's encou...ragement reminded them of supportive things I used to say to them- (sniffle sniffle). Towards the end of the story, mama in the story says: "Don't carry around the hurtful words that others say. They are not yours to keep. They belong to those who said them." A lovely story by olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad with S.K. Ali and art by Hatem Aly #diversebooks #empowerment
12.01.2022 This week is Refugee Week in Australia, which coincides with World Refugee Day on 20th June. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of issues facing people with refugee experiences and celebrate their strengths, resilience and contribution to our communities. Watch my fellow writer, Inda Ahmad Zabri - Writer/Illustrator as she shares her journey highlighting picture books and interviewing special guests like Irena Kobald (author of My Two Blankets) about their stories commem...orating young people with refugee experiences. She also makes some great suggestions for practical things we can do to help. Did you know that half the world's refugee population are children? Find out more facts here: https://www.globalgiving.org/learn/world-refugee-day-facts/ #refugeeweek #yearofwelcome #humanrights
10.01.2022 The State Library of NSW is hosting a selection of Pamela Allen's delightful drawings and writing material from now until 23rd October 2020. Pamela Allen's books were filled with quirky characters and playfulness. I remember story time with my children involved a lot of fun and laughter and I can't wait to go down there and check out her fabulous work up close! https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au//mr_archimedes_and_friends_mr_24
10.01.2022 Hot off the press! "Found" by the remarkable Bruce Pacoe, Aboriginal activist and author (including the game changing "Black Emu") is a gorgeously illustrated (Charmaine Ledden-Lewis) story of families separated - stolen from homeland and heard. Told through the experience of one little calf whose anguish of loss and longing is matched by their resilience and determination to search for their family, this is one little gem that is layered with meaning. #BrucePascoe #Magabalabooks #Found #CharmaineLeddenLewis
09.01.2022 Ooh 'How to Draw a Dingo Face' illustration workshop by Tania Harricks! And it can be turned into a mask, what fun! #holidayactivities #illustrating #dingo #westwords #taniaharricks
08.01.2022 I've been hearing people rave about this book lately so I just had to SEE for myself. And now, I SEE what the big deal is. Robert Henderson's 'I See, I See' is a joyfully interactive book, with clean and simple, yet exceptionally clever illustrations that begin a child's journey to considering other points of view. Developing 'perspective-taking' is a vital skill in developing 'psychological flexibility' (the opposite of rigid thinking). There is plenty of scope for discussion and interaction as I discovered sitting up in bed with my husband the night I brought it home. Reluctant initially, he sat opposite me to read it together only to get to the end and say, 'let me go first this time'. So we read it again! #Roberthenderson #iseeisee #allenandunwin
08.01.2022 This is what happens when you have too many things that you're interested in and passionate about and you want to read everything about everything but need to slow down to take the next bite of that wish list. #bookdelivery
07.01.2022 If you're thinking about writing for children but not sure where to start, Jen Storer's "Scribbles Academy" course is a fabulous place to start. Jen's warm, kind, creative and encouraging approach is remarkable as is her expertise in the industry. Filled with ideas and learning opportunities, you won't regret it! #Thescribblesacademy #jenstorer #writingforchildren
07.01.2022 School's out in Oz and that means more time to be creative at home! If kiddos are home this Wednesday, check out the free class Kat below! #katandfox #lovetodraw #freeschoolholidayactivities
07.01.2022 I'm so grateful to have experienced having a loving mother and being a mother to three amazing women. I know at times I roared like a lion or was tough like a rhino, but I hope as well, that my girls thought of me as their super mum. And I know from the loving card I received today, that they know how much I love them. Anthony Browne's 'My Mum' was a family favourite that I enjoyed looking through again today. Whatever today is for you, may you find peace and love in your heart.
06.01.2022 This is happening at 11am today! National simultaneous story time promoting literacy and a love of reading across the country, with everyone reading the same book at the same time: Whiney and Britney Chiken Divas by Lunida Gifford. You can register here to receive your electronic copy to read along together. https://membership.alia.org.au//national-simultaneous-stor
06.01.2022 Story time by one of my favorite librarians! Listen to Avocado Baby by John Burningham #storytime #johnburninham #morelandcitylibraries
06.01.2022 The Story Box Library has some great resources for teachers and librarians wanting to make the most out of this year's CBCA (Children Book Council Australia) book week (17-23rd Oct 2020) shortlisted titles. #storybox #CBCA2020 #picturebooks #kidlit #teacherresources #librarianresources
06.01.2022 There's some really cool stuff in here for kiddos at home, learning at home with this looks like it's going to be fun! https://australiawest.scbwi.org/learning-resources/
06.01.2022 If it's available to you, don't forget to pop in to your local bookshop today!
05.01.2022 Oh Piglet... you little star
04.01.2022 This Saturday is 3rd October 2020 is Love Your Bookshop Day. Throughout a such an isolating year, it's never been a better time to pop in to your local bookshop, gain support by connecting with books and people and show support for local business at the same time. The KidLit Club takeover hosted by Adrian Beck is featuring a storytime for families with booksellers from around Australia in an online event at 11am. Find out more here: https://www.loveyourbookshop.com.au/
04.01.2022 Want to learn how to draw a unicorn? Picture book illustrator Brigette Barrager shows you how! #unicorns #unicorndrawings #brigettebarrager #randomhouseforkids #holidayactivities #learntodraw #picturebooks
04.01.2022 Are you reading "widow books" or "mirror books"? Is your narrative being reflected in the books you read, or are you getting a glimpse into someone else's experience? There's never been a more critical time to look outwardly, to develop understanding and build empathy for each other. Become part of the revolution of shifting the focus from 'being you' to 'being us'.
02.01.2022 Refugee Week ends today in Australia, but the number of people who seek asylum around the world is a long way from ending. May we continue to raise awareness through our writing and illustrating, but also be mindful of all we can do to create and advocate for change so that the creation of refugees is no more. People with refugee experiences can offer so much. Today I was lucky enough to purchase two of the most exquisite, daintiest artworks by a young self-taught artist o...f refugee background. She is 21 years old and was only 17 and 18 when she created these two pieces. Her work can be viewed here: https://instagram.com/tabzz_a?igshid=1w5xt1a36icvv See also: refugeeartproject on instagram https://instagram.com/refugeeartproject?igshid=yx77kdmaftm5
02.01.2022 Morning rituals... nothing like a blank page patiently waiting to be filled with imagination
02.01.2022 I'm excited to have ordered these little gems on values written by Zanni Louise who has created this 'isolation friendly' 30 day challenge to be kind. I'm going to give it a go and I reckon there's a lot of little people and kind adults out there who'd love to join in! In kindness...x #kindness #humankind30daychallenge #zannilouise #stayingkindinisolation #values
01.01.2022 The National Centre for Australian Children's Literature has put together this amazing resource of over 300 Australian books for children by and about Aboriginal and or Torres Straight Islander Peoples. It's free and includes information about each book including an annotation, subject list, curriculum links and teacher resources. #NCACL #Aboriginalandtorresstraightislanderculture #Aboriginalandtorresstraightislanderbooksforchildren
