Dubbo Zoo photo_2011

I receive many requests to promote or publicise events or products at my blog each week. I never do. However, I am making an exception for Aleesah Darlison who is the 2012 National Year of Reading Ambassador for Greater Taree City Libraries.

Why?

Quite simply, Taree library was the place that provided me with thousands of books, records, cassettes and magazines during my childhood and youth. The librarians were always kind to me and the library well-stocked. It was the most important place in town for me while growing up!

It is great to see that Aleesah is their ambassador and I would like to support the following initiative, although not connected with the library, she is promoting.

Here’s the promotional blurb for the event:

If you’re looking for a fun, engaging and cost-effective way for your students to enjoy Book Week this year, then you should try Aleesah Darlison’s ‘Book Week @ Taronga Western Plains Zoo’ video conference incursions.

Children’s author, Aleesah Darlison, will be joining Kristy Robberts, Senior Education Officer, at Taronga Western Plains Zoo (Dubbo) to present lively and entertaining VCs on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 August.

The shows feature Aleesah’s popular picture books Puggle’s Problem and Warambi. Puggle’s Problem is listed on the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge and Warambi was shortlisted for the 2012 CBCA Eve Pownall Award for Non-Fiction and the 2012 Wilderness Society’s Environmental Award for Children’s Literature.

During the 45 minute VC sessions, Aleesah talks about her books and her childhood growing up in the country. She also performs a reading from one of her books. With help from Kristy, students can get up close and personal with Australian animals, learn about endangered species and how to protect the environment. They also have plenty of time to ask questions of both Aleesah and Kristy.

The sessions are suitable for K – Year 3 and fit snugly within the NSW Curriculum. Prior to their VC, participants are emailed a Puggle Pack or Bat Pack, which includes Teacher’s Notes.

Several sessions are scheduled throughout each day. Schools can choose from ‘Echidnas and Aussie Animals’ and ‘Bats and Nocturnal Animals’ sessions. Simply visit DART Connections at

http://dartconnections.org.au/upcoming/litlive.html#8-2012, pick the time that suits you and make your booking.

The cost for each VC session for up to 30 students is only $120 + GST.

More information can be found at www.aleesahdarlison.com or you can email Aleesah on aleesah@bigpond.net.au with any queries you have.

Aleesah has run these VCs at Taronga, Sydney and Dubbo, previously and this is just some of the positive feedback she’s received so far:

My class and I loved participating in the VC last week. It was very engaging for the students, and they really enjoyed the experience. Love the echolocation song!

Today’s conference went very well and the kids couldn’t stop talking about puggles and echidnas afterwards!

Thank you for such a fabulous video conference. It was our first video conference and the children and staff thoroughly enjoyed it. The children were talking about it all day!

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