Yesterday I had the enormous pleasure of presenting a one hour talk to year 12 students at Glenwood High School on the topic of anxiety and young children as part of their studies in Early Childhood. A really lovely bunch of girls, fabulous staff and morning tea. What more could I ask for? We discussed the influences on a child's emotional,cognitive, physical and social development and pondered the impact of personality, environmental factors such as the mother's emotional state and technology on young children (and teens also). I was impressed by the students' insightful questions. Their fabulous librarian, Radha, had come across my newest book, 12 Annoying Monsters - Self Talk for Children with Anxiety and thought it perfect for the class.
Middle Grade Readers Wonderstruck, by Brian Selznick, ( Scholastic Inc) HB rrp $34.99 Reviewed by Dawn Meredith. ISBN9780545027893 This review appeared in Buzzwords Ezine for children's writers It’s 2:47am and I’ve just finished reading Wonderstruck . I couldn’t put it down. I had to read it all in one sitting. To hell with work the next day! I fell in love with Selznick’s debut novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, #1 New York Times children’s bestseller and winner of the 2008 Caldecott Medal among countless other awards. The 3D movie, Hugo Cabret, is due for release in 2012. I didn’t think it would be possible to produce something better, but this book captured me from the very first page. The simplicity of the dialogue and uncomplicated style belies a complex criss-crossing web of emotions and unresolved conflict, exploring themes of struggle with identity, the meaning of family, modern attitude to marriage and children, friendship and loneliness and courage. So many aspects ...
Congratulations Dawn on both your book and your great work with the children yesterday. Helping them identify, gently confront, and develop strategies to overcome anxiety will benefit them forever. Harry Mayr (psychologist).
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