Past Events
101 Ideas for Using Penguin Books in the Classroom
Paul Jennings Event 4 July 2003
Paul Jennings inspires parents, teachers and librarians in helping children to catch the reading bug, at Link Educational, on 4 July 2003.
On October 25, 2001 Penguin Books were thrilled to launch The Waterhole, the latest masterpiece from renowned author and illustrator Graeme Base, at the Royal Botanic Gardens. The weather was in some doubt for a brief period, but the rain stayed away and the sun shone ceremoniously on our party.
150-plus primary school teachers and librarians from around Victoria joined the Penguin team, RBG staff, Graeme Base and Terry Lane for what turned out to be a delightful afternoon amidst the idyllic surrounds of the gardens' natural flora.
Scrumptious afternoon tea was provided, and visitors were encouraged to take a garden walk through the grounds with one of the RBG Education Officers.
Graeme Base was kept busy signing books from the moment he arrived, and then spent an hour in conversation with Terry Lane, whose informal style and thought-provoking questions kept the room (not to mention the author) well and truly entertained.
Following this wonderful chat, guests were invited to casually make their way down to Long Island (a newly developed area of the RBG) for the official launch of The Waterhole.
Champagne and conversation flowed freely as visitors took the opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues, and to have their books signed by Graeme Base. It was almost too dark to see as the last books were tucked away and glasses were drained at the end of a perfect afternoon.
Many thanks for a wonderful evening last night. What a fantastic time we all had! I am hard put to decide which aspect that I enjoyed the most. Graeme Base was terrific – but then he always is. The gardens staff were great – the walk was very informative and the gardens were lovely. And the afternoon tea – well what can I say – scrumptious!!
- Ann
101 Ideas for Using Penguin Books in the Classroom
"Very practical and well presented … very worthwhile"
Librarian, Edithvale PS
"It was the first Penguin Primary Event I have attended and I found it
worthwhile. I think it was great hearing from authors' perspectives"
Year 5 Co-ordinator, Croydon Hills PS
"A good look at new and tried ideas for selecting literature"
Year 1/2 Co-ordinator Lloyd Street School
"Got the brain working … pointed us to lots of resources … Well done
yet again. Thank you!"
Teacher Librarian, Geelong Grammar School
"Presenters were inspiring with many creative ideas"
Teacher Librarian, Good Shepherd Lutheran PS
"Kay Sagar and Julie Adamson were fabulous! They really know their stuff.
The Aussie Bites website was super"
Librarian, Gladysdale PS
Ward
Sagar stand
Virtually a full house at Trinity
Grammar School
Nadia Wheatley (centre) chats
with two teacher librarians
Phillip Gwynne in book signing
mode
The now-famous Steve and Mary caterers provided us with a delectable range of tasty morsels to keep our minds and bodies fuelled, and the wine and conversation flowed in fine style! Landmark School Supplies were in attendance with books for sale, and our authors were kept busy signing books and chatting with teachers and librarians right up until the end of the evening.
Our staff did their best to get around to all schools to discuss novel selection, however if you didn’t get a chance to speak with anyone, or you were not in Melbourne to join us on the night, please feel free to contact our Educational Consultant on (03) 9871 2412 to discuss your novel selection needs.
And if you are not from Melbourne, don’t despair! Based on the success of this event we will certainly be planning future novel selection events in other states. Keep an eye on our Bulletin Board for updates, or feel free to contact us at education@penguin.com.au if you have any queries or suggestions that we can help with.
View more photos from the night
Browse the novel selection list online now.