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Village Books Celebrates Australia Month

by Neighborhood-Kids.com1/11/2010 12:24:43 PM

Opera House and skyline of Sydney, Australia.
Photo by Matthew Field

For some reason, Americans have a soft spot in our hearts for Australia. Maybe it's the shared history of our beginnings as British colonies and eventual independence. Maybe it's the all the adorable animals with exotic sounding names, like koala and bandicoot, that call the continent home.

Or maybe it's just the accent.

To celebrate Australia Day on January 26, 2010, independent bookseller Village Books is hosting a series of "Literature Live" events that celebrate Australia. Events are co-sponsored by Bellingham Travel and Cruise, and Lonely Planet.

Author, illustrator, diver, and underwater photographer Jacqui Stanley will visit the store on Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 2 PM to share her book The Dragons of Kangaroo Island. She will also demonstrate the ancient aboriginal art of dot painting and provide templates of sea creatures for the kids.

Another kid-friendly event is a visit from a real, live kangaroo on January 23, 2010 at 1 PM. Outback Christmas Tree and Kangaroo Farm owner Joey Strom will share a presentation about kangaroos and kids can get their picture taken (bring your own camera) with Little Crook, a seven-month-old kangaroo.

Red Kangaroo at Western Plains Zoo in Australia.
Public Domain Image

That same afternoon at 2 PM, high school students might be interested in a presentation about a Work and Holiday Visa program with Mary Hickman, Premier Aussie Specialist for Tourism Australia. Young adults ages 18 to 30 are eligible for this program that allows for work, travel, and study opportunities "in the Land Down Under."

On Australia Day itself at 7 PM, Village Books will host Jim and Karen Hollingsworth as they share a slide show presentation of their three-week adventure through Australia; their itinerary for this trip won them an Opal Award from Tourism Australia for Best Niche Itinerary in 2007-08. Jim Harris will also talk about and play the didgeridoo, a wind instrument developed by the indigenous people of Australia.

Visit Neighborhood-Kids.com Activities to learn about other great community events at Village Books and beyond!

Are you interested in attending one of these Australia Month events? What ideas do you have for learning about Australia with your kids? Please share your comment below!