Welcome to my Guestbook
I love reading this guest book every night! Thank you for writing.
You’ll know from my Hot News Space that I don’t have time to reply to the majority of the messages, so huge apologies in advance.
I hope students doing urgent assignments will avoid heart-break and failure by not requesting my help in the first place. I feel badly about not being able to help out, and hope everyone will forgive me.
Needless to say I will reply to invitations so do remember to leave an e-mail address.
I no longer have time to visit schools (unless they are close to my house) because I am now focussing heavily on teachers, parents and reading aloud. I do feel sad about this and hope everyone will understand.
And finally a gentle reminder: everything you write in this guest book can be read by the whole world.
Best regards,
Mem Fox
wonderful to read you will have a new book out next year Mem – can’t wait to buy copies for myself and my grandchildren. love the green sheep video and just letting you know that the first words my oldest granddaugther “read” is mem fox because she sees those words so often :-)
have a relaxing and peaceful christmas and a good good good 2010
December 18, 2009
Dear Mem Fox,
We have been studying your books for two weeks and we wanted to share some of our thoughts and ideas with you. We noticed blurbs on the back cover, repeating lines, and rhyming in many of your stories. We also noticed that family love and relationships between young people and old people were big themes in your stories. In addition, we noticed that your cover illustrations are repeated on a page inside many of your books.
We had a hard time deciding, but our favorite book is “Harriet You’ll Drive Me Wild.” We liked how Harriet did really silly things in the story even though she did not mean to. One of our favorite parts was when Harriet spilled juice on her dog and all over the table. We also liked when Harriet spilled sticky jelly all over her pants. Another part we enjoyed was when Harriet ripped open the pillow and feathers went everywhere. We thought that these parts were funny. We were happy that Harriet’s mom still loved her even though she was mad at some of Harriet’s actions.
Many of us made text-to-self connections to your stories. When Tough Boris’s parrot died, it reminded us of when someone close to us died. It made us feel sad, just like Tough Boris. Wombat also reminded one student of a time he was in a play. The illustrations in “Time for Bed” reminded us of seeing stars in the sky.
We also had a lot of questions we would like to ask you. We want to ask you:
Did your experiences with your dad help you to write “Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge”?
Why is Koala Lou your favorite book?
Does your husband help you write your stories?
How did Tough Boris’s parrot die?
We are so excited that we are having an Author Celebration for you. At our celebration we will be sharing our literature responses from your stories. We will also be watching a video of all of our work. In addition, we will be tasting foods that we learned about in “Possum Magic.” We can’t wait!
Thank you so much for writing all of your wonderful books. We hope you keep writing more excellent stories. We also hope you have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR! We look forward to hearing from you!
P.S. We attached a video slide show of our author study of your literature.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqK6jHtg94I
Sincerely,
First Grade Students
Royalton-Hartland Elementary School
Hi Mem! I am 8 years old and i love you books. My class noticed in tough boris that there is a little boy in every picture. The magic hat is hilarious! Koala lou is a sweet story.My mom’s friend says,”Whoever you are is definetley not racist.” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN???Anyways, Sleepy Bears is good for the season because it is about hibernation and it’s snowing really hard here in Paramus,NJ. Happy Holidays!
From,
Katie
I came to your website to reassure myself that it is true that each child’s success has more to do with the teacher/child relationship than the text or content. I am comforted in the fact that there are so many like minded people out there. I am aslo filled with great sorrow that my children are not blessed every year with these people.
If only we could bottle your philosopy on reading and writing and make it compulsary for every teacher to consume before meeting their class at the commencement of a new year. They would only require one dose because after a year they would understand that to successfully teach a child anything you must know and understand the child and that the telling of the story is as important as the story.
Again I thank you Mem for your reassuring words of wisdom!
Dear Mem,
I have just spent quite a long time absorbed in your website. I have always wanted to write picture books but have lacked the ideas. Finally the other night my first story came to me, followed by about 6 others. Who knows where they will take me but on the journey I will continue to enjoy spending time with my children reading them your stories and the countless other beautiful stories that are out there to be read. You are inspirational! BTW – My favourite is Wombat Divine.
Hi Mem,
Thank you for such amazing books. I went to watch the “green sheep” play staged here at the Singapore Botanical Gardens and it was really awesome ! Guess what ? After that I was craving for more stories from you and I loaned out 8 of your books from the local library (yes, I wiped out all of them).
I have a 6 year old daughter who loves to read and read to. Over the years i have developed the love of reading and paying attention to the wonderful illustrations on Children’s books. Its truly wonderful reading your website and I would love to be part of sharing your brilliant works through your books. THANKS YOU !
Mem, you are truly amazing. I have just lost myself in your website for the past hour and a half . I found particular delight in reading the background story of the Green Sheep, which we recently purchased after many library re-borrows! My three children adore every one of your books that we have and my husband and I devoured Reading Magic soon after we became parents. Thank you for the many gifts that you have given to our family in the shape of laughs, tears, thrills and very special moments curled up on the couch together! With our thanks, Kerryn
Hi mem,Love all your books and I am NOT a child but an adult around your own age.Koala Lou is my favourite.I have bought some of your books from the USA and one or two of them are even signed!Treasures! keep up the good work!
Dear Mem,
I love all of your books, but have a special attachment to
Wombat Divine. Every time I read it, even if I am alone, it
makes me smile and most of the time makes me cry too.
It is so sweet and speaks to the need for us as teachers
to be sure all our students find success in what ever way
they can. Your presentation at an IRA conference in Atlanta,
GA many years ago was a catalyst for my love of Austrailian
authors.
Thank you for sharing your talents and knowledge of reading.
Freta in TN, USA
Dearest Mem
I never knew I could draw but now I’m working as a children’s illustrator. It’s all thanks to great writers like yourself : )
I wish you all the best
pebble
^____^
Dear Mem Fox,
I wanted to take a moment to tell you what an inspiration you have been in my life and career. It all started with a very brief encounter with you at the ABA convention in Anaheim Ca, at least 12 years ago. You may not remember this, but you arrived at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel and appeared very distraught. Your purse had been stolen shortly after your plane landed. I was working in the lobby at the time and attempted to provide a measure of comfort and reassurance. The next morning, I encountered you in the lobby and your frame of mind had improved greatly. You presented me with an autographed copy of Tough Boris which I cherish to this day. To make a long story short, my journey took me from working in a hotel to teaching in a Special Education classroom. Along the way I have read your books to my students and shared your wisdom with other teachers. Your message about bringing literature to life with every fiber of one’s being has resonated with me. I try to bring this passion to every encounter I have in the campus environment. The teaching profession has changed my life and you have made me a better teacher. In no small way you have inspired me to find and cultivate the finest vocation. My life would not have the same richness had we not met, by chance, so long ago.
Regards,
John Jay B.
Mem, Whoever You Are is a book that has really affected me. I am a new grandmother and the book was given to our grandson by another relative on the day he was baptized (age three months). It has been a favorite of the whole family every since. In fact, I have given it as a gift to several other young children.
I’ve always loved children’s literature–and this book is as wonderful as any I have ever seen and read. (Another favorite of mine is Three Days on a River in a Red Canoe.)
My daughter in law and I have talked about the book and found that initially we had the same reaction when we read the book. We got teary eyed and wept a bit.
Thank you for writing this book.
dear mem
i like your books. How many books have you written? my class is learning about you. Oprah loves all you’r children books
stay with it
yourse luke from class 4w
Dear Ms Fox,
We are writing to you because we are studying Australian authors in class. What was your favourite book that you have written? Do you still live in Adelaide? Do you still like writting kid books? Do you have any pets? Do you write stories for your self in your spare time? If you could live anywhere in the world where would you live? Are you in the middle of writing another book?
Hi Mem!
We were required to read your book for one of my teaching classes and I’m so happy we did. Truly a fast and interesting read. I wish all of my books could be so “untext like” nd interesting to read. You helped me understand the importance of reading aloud. When I went home I read several books to my One year old niece. I just want to say thank you for writing such an inspirational book. Honestly I don’t think I would’ve read your book had it not been for my class so I have to give props to my teacher as well. I’m so glad we read it!
Keek
I liked the part where Wilfred gave Miss Nancy Alison delacourt Cooper the medal because it looked special and also my grandfather has alot of medals. (Edoardo)
I liked this book because he asked everyone what is a memory and I want to keep my nonno in my memory for ever. (Lucinda)
I liked the part when he asked Mr Tippet who was crazy about cricket “what is a memory?” I liked it because he answered a memory is someting that makes you cry. (Paul and John)
My favourite part is when Wilfred gave an egg to Mrs Cooper because my nonno used to have chickens in his back yard. (Dominic)
I liked this story because Wilfred gave Mrs Cooper things to help her remember. (Soo Ji)
I liked this story because Wilfred always asked questions to the older people and I do this with my grandparents. (Cheng Chao)
Our class loved all the stories that we have read with Mr Gionta and we wish you a very happy and Holy Christmas. Have a great 2010.
Dear Ms. Fox,
I have loved your book “Whoever You Are” since I discovered it in my local book store. Thank you for writing it. Thank you for sharing it.
Mark Smith
Dear Mem Fox,
We just wanted to let you know how much we truly love all of your books. We listened to YOU read Koala Lou several times! The story just sounds so wonderful coming straight from you. Your accent is lovely! Thanks for being such a special author!
With Much Love,
Mrs. Colantuono’s 2nd graders
I have just read ‘Wombat Divine’ to the class. This would have to personally be my favourite book of yours, especially at this time of the year. A great way to spread the true meaning of Christmas here in Australia to children who might not have an understanding of both Australian animals or the Christmas Story. (Mr G.)
Wombat is happy because he was playing Jesus.
My favourite part was when he is happy because he was in the play.
I really enjoyed it because it was very funny. (Lucinda)
Wombat is cute because he was in a pretend manger.
My favourite part was when he went inside the manger and fell asleep.
I really enjoyed it because he tried all the parts but didn’t get any until Emu said you can be Jesus. (Soo Ji)
Wombat is cool because he is baby Jesus. (Edoardo)
Wombat is happy because he got to be in the play.
My favourite part was when Wombat was trying to be Mary.
I really enjoyed it because he was sleeping like baby Jesus. (John)
Wombat is happy because he was Jesus.
I really enjoyed it because some parts were funny. (Dominic)
Wombat is happy because he is being Jesus.
My favourite part was when Wombat played Jesus.
I really enjoyed it because Wombat has a job. (Cheng Yue)
Wombat is happy because he got a job.
My favourite part was when the wombat was the baby Jesus.
I really enjoyed it because it’s funny. (Cheng Chao)
Merry Christmas Mem from the children in my ESL class of Year 1.
Hi Mem,
I’m a teacher with 18 years experience, but this is my first year in kindergarten. My class and I have been thoroughly enjoying “It’s Time for Bed”. The students love hearing the story again and again. Some read along with me, while others join in with the last word from each line. They all identify with the animals in the story by making the connection to their own bed-time rituals. They are learning that even though they come from different backgrounds, they all share common experiences with the animals in the book and with each other.
We are looking forward to sharing more of your stories. We will try to keep you posted along the way.
Thanks
Dennis H
Shoes from Grandpa: A response from the children in the class after having read this book. (Mr G)
I like this book because it tells me about clothes. My favourite piece of clothing is a yellow dress because it is pretty. (Soo Ji)
I like this book because it was lovely when she showed her underwear. My favourite piece of clothing are my dresses because I like wearing them. (Lucinda)
I like this book because on every page there are some rhyming words. My favourite piece of clothing are my matching Batman Clothes because they look nice together. (John)
I like this book because she tried not to be mean.
My favourite piece of clothing is my Santa Clause shirt because it is almost Christmas. (Paul)
I like this book because grandpa led all of the family to the bbq.
My favourite piece of clothing is a jacket because it is for winter. (Cheng Yue)
I like this book because grandpa was kind.
My favourite piece of clothing is my shark t-shirt because it says ‘Tuna Fish’ on the back. (Dominic)
I like this book because I like BBQs.
My favourite piece of clothing is my motorbike t-shirt because it looks like my dad’s motorbike. (Edoardo)
I like this book because it is funny.
My favourite piece of clothing is my orange pair of trousers because I like the colour. (Cheng Chao)
With Love at Christmas.
I loved this book because Mrs Cavallaro shared everything.
(Soo Ji)
I loved this book because the little baby Jesus gave presents to the grand children. (Dominic)
I loved this book because Mrs Cavallaro died very happy after giving alot of presents to others. (Edoardo)
I loved this book because it was lovely when baby jesus came. (Lucinda)
I loved this book because she was generous and kind and this is what I want. (Paul)
I loved this book because she gave her presents to strangers. (Cheng Yue)
I loved this book because she used lots of money to buy presents for her family. (Cheng Chao)
What a wonderful book for this time of Christmas. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all people did this?
(Mr G.)
Have a Happy and Holy Christmas Mem from all the children in Year 1 ESL.
Dear Mem,
I have been a fan of yours since I learned what books were. I spent my formative years in Australia, and am 25 years old now, living in Florida. I am a masters student in elementary education and have introduced your books to the classes I am interning in. I have based many of my lessons around your books, especially Possum Magic, my personal favorite. Thank you for creating such wonderful and memorable books. It is truly a pleasure to bring your stories into the classroom, and share my favorite stories growing up, with this generation of children.
Katie D.
Mem, This was a great find! I found your book Reading Magic at the library. I love books and have a 4,6, & 8 year old and want them to love reading. I am searching for great stories for my second grader as well, any great authors you would recommend in that arena?
The first time I saw Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes I recognized it as a wonderful example of a PERFECT picture book – and now as a first time grandmother I have the proof to confirm my speculation. My 4 month old granddaughter loves the sound of the words and the illustrations. I just wish the book was available in a board book edition as it is a perfect baby/toddler book yet the paper pages are not appropriate for the young “readers”. Thank you Mem and Helen for creating such a special book. My, granddaughter, Maya loves it.
Dear Mem
Thank you for sharing your professional wisdom with would-be writers; I consider it to be most generous. Did the semi-colon bother you then, I wonder?
I enjoyed, very much, your Green Sheep process as I am currently a re-writer. One day I will be a writer;)
I enjoyed learning that WGMP is the adults’ favourite as it is mine also. I can quite easily imagine adults at the theatre crying.
My son cried almost continuously as a baby and hence has been privileged to be held for over four years, and read to around five times every day! Keep up the great work.
Tanya D. :)
Susan
Mem doesn’t speak any Tetum. ‘Whoever You Are’ was translated in East Timor and she did have a wonderful visit up there, but I’m afraid she can’t help you…
BW
Edna
Dear Mem Fox
My name is Gianna. I am in grade 4. I am 9 years old. I can really connect with the book you wrote Tough Boris. I think I am tough. Do you Know why I am tough? Because I chase people and tie them up. I am massive because I am taller then all the kids in my class. I am scary because I am not afraid of spiders. All though I am all of that when my fish died I cried and cried. My fish died 2 years ago I am still sad. Is tough Boris still sad about his parrot? I am not really sad anymore because I have two cats now. I think tough Boris should get a new parrot.
Please keep writing, you’re awesome! Thank you
Sincerely
Gianna
Dear Mem Fox
My name is Hannah. I am in grade 4. I really connect to your book Tough Boris.
I connect to it because I have had an animal, actually two of them, who have died. I Know how it feels to loose an animal you love the most. When my teacher read your book Tough Boris I connected to it right away it made me think about my dog and cat cause I miss them so much and I cried and cried like crazy just like Tough Boris.
Thank you for writing such a powerful book.
Love Hannah
Mem my prayers are with you and your family – hang in there, you are all vey loved. Very happy for you that are going to be a grandma before too long – you will absolutely love it, it is the most special relationship.
marjan
PS my oldest granddaugther (3) whom i thought too young for your beautiful goblin book, absolutely loved listening to you read it online – she insisted on hearing it 6 times!!!
“Mem we have something in common. I have read your autobiography and you have red your hair.” Frank Halliday
Literally spewed drink from my nose, hahaha
Mem,
I was sad to read your 14 November posting—I am thinking of you and sending all good wishes and hugs. I am such a fan of your books and your philosophy of reading aloud. You are the best!! A year ago in October, I was fortunate to hear you read at Politics & Prose Bookshop in Washington, D.C., USA! I recently attended a Greater Washington Reading Council Conference and was inspired to submit this blog on reading aloud to children for the Washington Post. Here’s the link—-http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/reading/why-it-is-so-important-to-read.html Again, all my best to you and the family! Take care!
hi Mem,
i am 12 and am currently completing a project on my fav author which is you!!!! i am thinking that you maybe able to email me a meesage which may give me extra marks so like just talk about you and things maybe?
anyway my baby cuzon Tyler he has one of your books that he was given to from my antie who went out for tea or somthing with you when you came to Naracoorte her name is Chris and she works at the education department. the book he has ‘ten little fingers and ten little toes’ he absolutly loves it being read to him especialy before bed!!
thnxzz Mem
Molly W
Hello Mem,
I wanted to say that I absolutely love your site. I am currently living overseas and working in primary schools as an English language assistant but am from Adelaide.
This site has given me much inspiration for my teaching and lessons and offers a little piece of home that is always lovely when living away from our lovely nation. This site celebrates all that is wonderful; your books remind me of my childhood, being out and about in the bush and family.
Thank you so much.
Also too perhaps it may be nice for you to know that I am not normally a contributor to forums/comment pages. So you can know that, even more than many other great Australian ‘things’ that I have been looking at lately, your site has been particularly memorable and inspirational.
Peace and good tidings from the other side of the world
Rowie
Mem, thanks for an informative and interesting afternoon spent reading your website. Cheers to you!
Hello Mem. I ran across this site during a search on writing for children. I am so happy that I found your site! You have given me such insight and much knowledge that a lot of my fears on writing have subsided. I am looking forward to reading all that I can find that you have written. The few excerpts that I have read are quite amazing! I hope to one day write you again to say that I have been published and have made a dedication to MEM who gave me much inspiration!!! Thank you for being so kind to share your knowledge with all who wish to become writers!
With much respect and admiration…
Rickilynn
Claire
Sorry, it’s been out of print for years and probably impossible to acquire…
BW
Edna
When me and my siblings were children my mother loved readin us goodnight sleeptight. my brother lost the book when he took it to day care one day and now it is out of print and we can no longer buy it. My mother still loves this book. do you know of anyway that I can get a copy of it for my mother? I would greatly appreciate your help.
Thank you so much.
Dear Mem Fox,
Hi Mem. I know that you never heard of me but I am Tanner.I hear that you live in Australia. I read one of your books. Please write back.
from,
Tanner Davis
Hi Mem,
I attended your presentation at UWA in Perth last year with my little girl Cailen, who is now 16 months old. I remember you read your new book ‘Hello Baby’, I recently borrowed it from the library to read to Cailen. It has become her favourite book, she loves looking through it herself and requests it to be read to her repeatedly.
I have told my partner that we will have to buy her a copy – but I got told that she already has enough books.
Thank you for giving so much pleasure to my little girl. She can now clearly say ‘Hello’ prior to reading this book with her it was ‘hullo’.
Thank you again
Jodie
Dear Mem,
My son (7) declared to me this afternoon that your books are his favourite, especially “Boo to a Goose” (pants hanging down – funny!). He is now reading novels (with effort) and loves all books, as does my daughter (5) whose room is full of books but is not reading yet!
I thought it was worth giving a balanced perspective on your theory about how reading to babies and children and surrounding their world with books means they will start reading without needing to be taught.
I have followed your approach with my children since they were babies as I love books myself and have always found (and still do) that reading to them is a special time together. However, to my surprise they did not just ’start reading’ and they have needed to be taught at school and, for my son in particular it has been a long, slow process.
I don’t feel my efforts were in vain as I wonder if it would have been a whole lot harder without the grounding they have had and the consistent effort every evening. I was however a little dissillusioned.
I admire your passion and support the message you are sending, but I wonder if it is worth suggesting that we have not failed if our child isn’t reading at 3 and that it will happen eventually. In the meantime they get their special time with mum or dad and they get to experience the pleasure of having books in their world.
Thanks again for your beautiful books.
Kind Regards,
Carolyn.
Hello, My name is Emma. I am four.
I have just read your book ” The Goblin and the Empty Chair”. I wonder why the goblin was so frightened of his face. I wonder what happened to the little boy in the family picture.
I like this book. My mum has read it to me lots of times over the last few days.
Thank you
hello :)
your books are very good,
the way you describe the chacaters
and the pictures are amazing !
you seem so enjoyed by this job.
i wish i could write a childrens book
but i wouldnt know where to start.
best wishes
always,
kelley
x
Hi Mem!! I just wanted to say I grew up reading your books and have happily introduced my girls them. I STILL love children’s books, and have a hard time finding books that are as fabulous as yours.
Aside from this, I think you have a wonderful and powerful mind, and I agree with alot of what you say. I’m glad you talk about what is on your mind. When you’re in the public spotlight, it’s easy to try and be neutral and not say much but it’s great that you speak up..
Keep up the good work and making your voice heard in the world. You are such an inspiration for creative minds all over.
hugs from Adelaide :)
Dear Mem,
Twenty years ago I became a mum and KNEW I wanted to write a children’s book.. on what I had no idea.
Some time and children (19 years and 6 more children) later, I believe I written something from my heart and worth sharing.
Thank you for all the advice and hints you have given via your web page. Written from a “known” trustworthy source I have confidence to follow the instruction and see what may come of my dream to write for children.
Warm regards,
S. Regan
Hello!!! I am a huge fan of your books, they are excellent!!! I am currently in Teachers college and have been assigned to do an author study on you. I was wondering if you could help me out??? I was wondering what inspired you to become a writer, as well, if you have any connections between yourself and your work?
Dear Mem,
I am a big fan of your books, especially Time for bed, which i hear from my mum you read to me at a workshop for teachers before it had even been published. Mum told me that i wouldn’t stop crying, and as soon as you read the book to me I fell straight asleep! I am now 18, and recently recieved a signed copy of Time For Bed from a family friend which motivated me to come on here. this will be a treasure to me forever, and I look forward to reading it to my children and grandchildren!
Best wishes,
Alex H.
I am a senior in college and I am in a Lit class. I have to do an Author study on you. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Jenny H
hi memfox i love your books there so nice i have a question where do you live do you live in london or in astrelia.My mom is denise i am maya my sister is danya my brother is karim and my dad is khaled. i am 6 my sister is 11 my brother is 13 my dad is 46 my mom is 39 thats my familyn bye
Dear Mem…
I admire you and your books from afar, and feel kind of golden just getting to share a little bit of your editor with you. :)
I wanted you to know that my daughters’ school is using Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge for this month’s community-wide bookclub. Teachers acted out the narrative … the PTA bought copies of the book for each class … all the students will respond to the text through writing or art … and it will culminate in a big potluck gathering where we’ll explore the book, the kids’ work and our own memories.
Hallelujah! The goodness of this story is alive and well in Austin, Texas!
With much gratitude for this book and alllll your others,
Liz G S