The Little Bookroom is excited to bring back the popular night for Teachers, Librarians, Home-Schoolers, Parents, or any other grown-up interested in what books are being published that tick curriculum boxes or could engage young readers on any number of topics!

Book Chat is a casual, entertaining, but enlightening night.

6pm for a 6:30 start (browse the shelves before we kick off)
Michael will lead a special guest in a Q&A/Discussion about their latest release and how it's a perfect fit for schools and libraries - be it in the classroom, or to promote to students for their free-choice reading.
We take a short comfort break.
Michael takes us, rapid-fire, through some of the recent releases that might pique the interest of the Education Sector, focusing on local publishing and quality reads.

TERM 1 SPECIAL GUEST:

Fiona Wood

A new book from Fiona Wood is always something special to cherish. With her 2nd offering for a middle grade readership, we get an exquisite magical realism that will have plenty to enjoy and unpack.

Hearing about the inspiration behind the story, we'll get into the difference between writing for young adults and writing for primary school readers.

About the book:

‘So, are you my dog?’ Mitch whispered, hardly daring to ask.
‘No,’ said Argos. ‘But you are my boy. For a time.’

Mitch’s life has been uprooted. Instead of the whole family moving to a new city, Mitch and his sister are staying with their gran while their parents are stuck on the other side of the world. As he struggles to fit in at school, with the Grade Five bully picking on him, Mitch knows the one thing that would make his life better is a dog. If only he could persuade his parents.

Then Mitch discovers an old oak tree that seems to … growl. And one night, a strange, majestic dog-like creature emerges from the trunk. His name is Argos. He has been bound in the tree by ‘history, mystery, magic and chance’ and he is here to help Mitch find his way.

While at first Mitch looks to Argos for friendship and protection, there comes a time he must stand up for this wild and magical beast.

A heart-lifting tale of friendship, courage and belonging by three-time CBCA Award-winning author Fiona Wood.

‘A beautiful book, filled with courage, magic and a huge ancient dog to wrap your arms – and your heart – around.’ - Peter Carnavas

‘I thought I knew dogs but then I met the brilliant Argos. A fantastic story: eye-opening, uplifting, wise and funny.’ - Emily Gale

About Fiona:

Fiona Wood is a three-time winner of the CBCA Book of the Year for Older Readers. Her interlinked young adult novels, Six Impossible Things, Wildlife and Cloudwish, are published internationally. Take Three Girls, co-written with Cath Crowley and Simmone Howell, was honoured by the International Youth Library as a White Ravens selection. Fiona’s debut middle fiction title, How to Spell Catastrophe, was shortlisted for the Children’s Peace Literature Award in 2023. She lives in Naarm/Melbourne with her family.

Contact the host of Primary Book Chat with Fiona Wood