Back in my teaching days, by far the most outstanding professional development workshop I went to was presented by Mem Fox. She was an absolutely charming presenter, full of helpful advice, (from her own days of teaching and her experience as a children’s writer), funny stories and anecdotes. But the most overwhelming emotion I walked away from the seminar that day was with an increased passion for quality literature and reading aloud to children.

I had already long been a fan of Mem Fox’s children’s books. I had also read her book for adults, “Reading Magic”. (Which is well worth a read if you want to also be inspired by the importance of reading aloud to your child and how to do it well.) But it is always so inspiring when you listen to someone who is eloquent and passionate about their topic.

When I was contacted and given a copy of her latest book, (although, if you read here you’ll discover she actually wrote this story awhile back), I was very enthusiastic to host a giveaway.

I was thrilled, upon reading the book, that “Good Night, Sleep Tight” contains well loved nursery rhymes. When I was teaching early childhood, I was often astonished how many children were not familiar with popular nursery rhymes and fairytales. After all, these classics are often early literacy at its best. Mem wrote this book, in response to a statistic stating that, “Children who know six nursery rhymes by heart by the time they’re four are usually in the top reading group by the age of eight.” So, to be on the safe side, “Good Night, Sleep Tight” contains seven rhymes. I think that statistic alone encourages me to keep reading this story, many, many more times!

“Good Night, Sleep Tight”, is full of Mem Fox and Judy Horacek magic. Bonnie and Ben are being put to bed by their very attentive favourite babysitter. He tells them a series of nursery rhymes that his mother taught him before insisting that they go to sleep. It is a story small children find compelling, full of repetition and bright colourful illustrations that capture the imagination. My own children have loved it, especially T-Star, who insisted I read it again immediately after I finish. The first time I read it to him, I continued to read it to him four times consecutively. (The only reason it wasn’t a read a fifth time was entirely to do with me declining the opportunity to do so.)

J Boy has been particularly interested in the prospect of giving away THREE copies of this book. He has accepted the position to be the official judge deciding who the books will be given too.

The judge and his sidekick.

So, if you would like to have a little fun and win a copy of “Good Night, Sleep Tight”, write us a rhyme telling my six year old something (it can be anything!) you have learned from your mother, or in the words of Skinny Doug, “I’ll tell you another I heard from my mother”. It need not be long, 2-4 lines should be sufficient, but it must be appealing to a six year old boy! Make sure you let me know your email address, so I can contact the winners on the 23rd of January. If I get no reply from you, I will choose another winner the next day. You must have an Australian mailing address in order to win.
***NB. This competition is now over.

And the back cover!