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
Hi Mem,
My daughter talked to a teacher on the phone about a month ago and mentioned your “Reading Magic” book. I since have gone on your website. I have not been able to open the link to listen to you read your books. I’m not sure what the problem is. Is it not available any longer to listen to you read them??
Thanks, Gloria
Dear Mem,
I had the pleasure of attending your presentation at Pakenham recently. I currently (and have for the last 20 years) work in long day care, I have raised 3 children and at this time have 2 grandchildren, who live next door. I am also currently studying my Bach of Ed in early Childhood to live my dream of becoming a Kindergarten teacher.As part of this weeks lecture I had to go to your web site, it is very interesting reading the background of your stories. I love reading to and encouraging children to be interested in all forms of literature, with your help though your books, I am yet to buy your books about helping parents and teachers to teach children to read, I believe I an contribute to some children’s literature development. Keep up the great work and enjoy your new grandson Theo.
Regards,
Judy
Hi Mem,
I can’t begin to tell you the joy it brings me to teach using your books. I hope to instill such a love of reading that children find it irrisistible! My own daughter was read to in the womb- my husband used to lie next to my belly and read The Lord of the Rings! As much as I love to educate children, I also love to educate parents about how to support a life long love of books.
I stuns me when parents tell me they don’t have time to hear their child read or to read to them! If parents did nothing more than read one story a night to their children from the day they were born (or before!!) I firmly believe a good deal of our children who experience reading difficulties would never have need of remedial help at all.
I grieve for the education system at the moment, that seems so totally focussed on the My School website- coloured boxes and standards that allow students’ abilities to be judged on one day’s performance in tests that leave alot to be desired.
I want my students to develop a personal thirst for knowledge, I want to help them overcome their fears and achieve to their highest potential. I want them to choose a good book over a computer screen! A website can’t show me doing that, doesn’t take into account so many facets.
I love what I do with a passion. I need to do it, it is what I believe I was meant to do. I’m not advocating that we shouldn’t have standards and work towards them, but we have lost our way.
Thank-you for all the time and energy you have put into teachers and children alike. Thank-you for the gift of your writing that inspires me to read aloud in funny voices, make props, and encourage young children to go on a treasure hunt in the library to find where the Fox box is!!!
Between you and Dr Suess, and the numerous others, I know my classes will love books for the rest of their life.
Dear Mem,
I went to the beach with the boy and baby girl down the road from me. We had a great day at the beach together.
From Catie
Dear Mem,
I’m working so hard to be a writer. I read and read and read. Then I search for your website for one reason only, that is to write to you and to ask you to be my mentor. Then I read your quick-and-snappy advice and I’m thinking, I don’t have to bother you anymore (it rhymes!!!). Thanks for the advise. I will try to thwart the main character of his/her yearning and desire, and make the story more interesting to the eyes of the little people. Hopefully, one day I will be one of the published authors in Australia. Wish me luck and thank you for being an inspiration.
Hello Mem,
During library time at school in Term 1 we listened to many of your stories. Everyone had their favourite. You have written so many stories! It was fun when you had repetition which we could join in with as the Teacher Librarian read. We saw your photo and heard about your life and your daughter. Because we discovered it was you birthday on March 5, each class celebrated with a cake of marshmellows made in the shape of Australia. each marshmellow had an Australian flag in it! Did you hear us sing, ‘Happy Birthday’ to you from Western Sydney? We hope you had a great day. We learned where your books are kept on the shelves among the other stories so we can choose one to borrow and take home to share with our families. We also coloured in a book mark with your name on it and one Australian animal. Thank you for your stories.
From Kindegarten, Year 1 and Year 2 children at Penrith Anglican College
Dear Mem Fox,
We like all of your books. In Koala Lou we liked when Koala Lou entered the Bush Olympics so her mom would say “Koala Lou I do love you!” In Possum Magic we liked when Grandma Poss made Hush invisible. We all really liked the way you wrote all your stories. Your books gave us connections and we felt like we were apart of the stories.
Love,
Room 104
Hi Mem,
Tomorrow I’m going to my best friends house for the day.
My sister will be at a family day care for the day and my Mum will
be at Mogo working. She works at Amanda’s Of Mogo.
Yours truly
Catie and amelia
Dear Mem,
I read Hearts and Minds and literacy: lessons form ourselves. I too can identify with the issues you raise. I would like to make reference to it in as assignment.
Can you furnish me with the information I would need to make the required referencing.
Dear Mem fox,
My sister and I have your tape. We like to listen to it on the way
to school. We also have lots of your books. It would be a pleasure to meet you. We would treasure meeting you and we promise to remember this note.
Yours truly
Catie and Amelia
Mem,
I am a transplanted Brit who teaches Kindergarten in Louisiana, USA. I absolutely adore your books and am so pleased that they are as popular in the US as they are at home. I read them to my grandaughters as enthusiastically as I did my own children. I was a nanny before I was a teacher and feel VERY strongly about the care of babies. Obviously it is not realistic to think everyone can have a nanny but the baby care centers throughout this country leave a lot to be desired. I am grateful for your advocacy for them because in 5 years they will be Kindergarteners. It is abundantly clear which of my students were fortunate to have had quality experiences in infancy.
You are a wonderful writer and teacher, and clearly a caring, responsible human being who will impact the lives of children all over the world for many, many years.
Thank you.
Jackie
Hi Mem
I have borrowed English Essentials from the library and love it so much I want to buy copies for myself and my daughters who are teachers. It seems to be out of print. Could you please let me know if it is available anywhere?
Mem,
The rollicking rhyme of ‘Ten little fingers’ rings through our house on a daily basis. Lily, our 13 month old daughter, has clearly identified this book as her favourite. When we ask her to choose a book to read both arms go in the air and her fingers ‘twinkle’, her non-verbal way of saying ‘Ten little fingers’! She will always find it in her jam-packed book shelf. Fortunately we bought the board book version as it has become somewhat worse for wear!
Thanks for helping to bring the joy of reading into her life.
Cheers,
Meredith
Rebecca,
‘Hattie’ was published in Indonesian some years ago by Scholastic Education but was never available in bookshops. You might try Scholastic (NSW head office is in Gosford).
BW
Edna
Hi Mem,
Both my kids love Hattie and the Fox! As they are learning Indonesian at school I would love to buy them a copy of the book written in Indonesian. Do you know where I would be able to buy one?
Many thanks,
Rebecca.
Dear Mem,
I just learnt that you are a grandmother. So wanted to say congratulations!!! I am sure you are over the moon. And I can’t think of a better grandmother.
I haven’t seen you for years but still have very fond memories of you.
You’ll be pleased to know that although I live in France, my sons have a whole collection of your books which we have read many times over the years. Their all time favourite is “Harriet, You’ll drive me Wild!”.
Hope all is well
Justine
xxxx
Dear Mem Fox
We live in Australia and are in grade one. We have been learning about your books and reading them in class. Today we listened to you read your stories to us and we really really enjoyed it. Thankyou for sharing your stories with us.
From Miss Barnard and 1K
Dear Mem,
I too attended your talk at the Pakenham Secondary College last week and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I came away with a renewed zest for reading to my children. I am a preschool/primary teacher but mainly a mum, and I read to my children every night before they go to bed. We have done this since they were a few months old. Before I went to your presentation I told my children that I was going to see the lady who wrote the book the Green Sheep and they were so excited. The very next night I had to go through our books and find all of the books that we had, that were written by you. We pulled out the eight various books we already had and chose the four that we would read that night. I read them with the passion and enthusiasm you described in your talk and my children loved it. We have read these books and the rest of your collection that we have every night since. My six year old daughter is now sitting on my knee saying “tell her we love her books!” So the purpose of this essay is that we are simply writing to tell you keep up the good work and that we love, love, love your stories.
From Chris, Felicity and Logan
Hi Mem,
Just another member of your fan club, letting you know how much my grandaughter and I enjoyed your presentation at Pakenham Secondary College. I first heard you speak at a reading conference 20+ years ago and it’s wonderful to know you are still inspiring us all to continue with a love of sharing books with kids. Please keep spreading the word as an old “chalky”, I am feared the love of literature and fun in the classroom is taking a backseat.
Keep up the fantastic writing!
Cheers,
Mary
Dear Mem
I attended your inspiring lecture at Flinders today but because we did not have time for questions I really wanted to ask you one of my own.
You said that your strong point was not illustration, but you said you were visual. I am just interested to know then do you work with an idea and get your illustrators to give you visuals to work with even though it is in your own head before you write the text. Or do you write the text, then look for the illustrator.
In my own experience I have the idea, along with some text and visual concepts, but then need the illustrator to articulate their vision which then inspires me to reflect back on my original story line re adapt my text, but more importantly rely the message, which is always the underlying theme to a story.
I hope this makes sense to you, and your feedback would help me to make more sense in this process.
Hope to hear from you soon, regards Denny
Dear Mem,
Thank you, for the wonderful writer’s pointers and do’s and don’ts.
I don’t feel so bad that my story has taken two years plus to write, read, and rewrite. I believe in it and that it will be published.
Thank you, also, for being there and this marvelous site.
Sincerely,
Marcia
Loved your presentation last Wednesday evening at Pakenham Secondary College, Mem – such a contrast to Julia’s recommendation tha sounding out “c-a-t spells cat” is the way to learn to read!!
Thought you might be interested in the results of a small study I did many years ago whilst studying for Spec Ed at Monash – I attempted to identify some factors within the home that may result in the child being classed as a :”V Good reader” – one factor that proved to be significant was whether or not the FATHER read with the child regularly . Do hope Rotary can achieve their aim of donating a copy of your little book to the mother of each new born baby Cheers Margaret
Hi Ms. Fox
I am studying to be an elementary schoolteacher at the Universtity of Central Florida. Our children’s literature class was assigned your Reading Magic book for extra credit. This should be a must read for all new parents! It was wonderful. I took the advice from the book and read to my students with voice by sounding out words such as a high pitched screeeeeeech and wavy whooooosh and the ending was sooooooo slow. The first graders applauded and cheered when I finished reading my storybook to them. Your read-aloud stories on this website are wonderful. You’ll lull the reader into your world and just mesmerise listeners with your soothing voice. Thank you for modeling what reading aloud is supposed to sound like! Lisa
Thank you Mem for a truly exhilarating evening at Pakenham.
I came home and dragged out Reading Magic again to brush up.
Today I sat down with Hayley (3) & Tegan (2) and we read Green Sheep with even more gusto than usual and they couldnt get enough. They were somewhat unimpressed with the knowledge that they were the lucky recipients of their own signed copy of the book however!!! I have always enjoyed making an idiot of myself and animating our story books as much as possible and have learnt a host of new facial & vocal contortions to spice up reading time. My girls will be able to thank you for being such an inspiration when they are benefiting from all the great things being literate brings to them in future. Thanks again from Sue
Hi Mem,
I attended your talk on Wednesday night in Pakenham and thought that you were amazing. I am a prep teacher and you gave me a lot of insight into what I need to be doing to get my students LOVING books. Thank-you very much.
Kate
Thank you for your tips in ‘So you want to write a picture book…’
While Western Power were repairing our electricity yesterday it was as if I was struck by lightning myself. An idea! I went inside and did a concept map pronto – sparks flew. I’m hoping to draft it out tonight. Thanks for your guidance.
Jess
Dear Mem, One thousand thankyous for coming to Pakeham to share the wonders of literacy. Your books change lives, of parents and children. They make learning real and full of love.
Cheers
Kay
I really love your book Reading Magic – it opened my eyes, I get now why reading is so important, and I thank you for that. Keep doing good books for the next generation.
hey mem,
I think all your books amazing
but i especially like Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge.
your awesome keep up the good work
will
I love your books-Aidan
You Rock-Clemie
I like Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge-Blake
I like your pictures -Sam
I like the book Night Noises, you rock-Brandon and Will
I especially like Time for Bed-Cate
I like the book Koala Lou
I admire your books-Clarice
I adore Diary of a Wombat-Olivia
I like Guess What-Olivia
I like Boo to a Goose!-Alexander
I love all of your books-Ian
I think you are a great writer-Jackson
I like how you added details-Taylor
I like the Magic Hat-Adam
I wish I could meet your daughter Chloe-Lucy
I like how you write your books-Riley
My favorite book of yours is Opossum Magic-Lilia and Emily
Night Noises is my favorite-Paul
hi mem,
when are you going to write a new book? are you doing it yet?
how many pets did you have in the past?can you give me some info about you for my class? my favourite books made from you are possum magic and wilfrid gordon mcdonald partridge.could you vist annunciation primary school,the post code is 3012.
what is your favourite animal? what is the longest book you have made? which book has the most words in it?what is your favourite colour?how old are you?when did you start writing books?how many books are you planning to make,why?
what is your favourite food,why?what is your favourite cake,cookies and chips.what is your favourite place in south australia.
William
Hi Mem
I love your books…I have written a children’s story called Honey the Sea Dog which is based on a true story of a Labrador that disappeared at I think Brighton Beach here in Adelaide with a pod of dolphins last year and turned up kilometres away at, I was told, Christies Beach…I am happy with the story but wondered about the publishing process….as I don’t have any illustrations as yet.Would a publisher be interested if I don’t have the illustrations organised? Can you suggest a good one?
If you don’t reply I understand you are too busy…no problem.
Thanks Mem
Cathy
Dear Mem,
I had the pleasure of being part of the early years conference in Armidale. I would like to thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, humour and especially your stories…. I have been reading “Where is the Green Sheep” to the children of my playgroup for 12mths – every week they are just as excited to hear the story as the first time I read it. I cannot wait to read your new book “A Giraffe in the Bath” Thank you,
Dear Mem,
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading and sharing the magic of “Where is the Green Sheep?” to my Prep/Grade 1 classes over the years. Imagine my satisfaction and delight in being able to introduce the board book version to my own child! When Jack was born, “Where is the Green Sheep?” was one of the first books I bought him, as well as “Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes.” Jack is now 17 months old, and not a day goes by without us reading…and reading…and reading! I hope that I have instilled the love of books and reading to my son as my mother did to me. Thank you Mem, for writing such beautiful, funny, uplifting and engaging stories. I can’t wait to read your other books to Jack as he grows up!
Shireen
Hi,
I work in an International school in Zambia, teaching English to Lower Secondary. The literacy levels are alarmingly low and some investigation revealed that no teacher in the Primary school reads aloud to their classes on a regular basis. Reading is seen as something to do when you have some spare time. I am trying to address this situation, but do you have any words of advice? I am not an expert in any way and don’t want to be shot down in flames!
By the way, I also grew up near Bulawayo. I recently had my first book published called This September Sun, which is set in Bulawayo.
Regards,
Bryony
I have just had the pleasure of attending one of your inspiring talks at the Early Years Conference in Armidale NSW. WOW!! I am an early childhood teacher that loves books and your wit and humour made the Conference
Thank you Mem for Possum Magic and may you keep on writing such wonderful stories for us to share with children of all ages
Liz
Dear Mem Fox
Hi I just wanted to tell you how good you are at writing
books. I just wanted to know if Hush has to eat Pavlova and Vegemite sandwiches until Halloween to scare people.
Love Maggie
PS I am 9 years old
Mem,
I’ve been reading your books to my first grade class for over ten years now. I recently introduced “Hattie” to my 18 month old daughter and she is in love. She is finishing the sentences and uses the pictures to help me tell your story. I always new that this story was absolutely amazing in helping children to read, but seeing my own child become a “reader” at such an early age has been amazing. I thank you for helping to instill the love of reading in my first graders as well as my daughter. I can’t say enough about how much I love using your books in my classroom.
hi my teacher Mrs.crome is ur biggest fan in our school libaray she has a lot of ur book i like ur books
Hi Mem,
I’m ten yrs. old and Jake’s turning five tomorrow. :-) I’m going to get him one of your books but I don’t know which one to choose! They’re all so good and exciting! I’ve always been a big fan so I know little Jakie will love it.
Kind Reguards,
Kelly A.
Hello Mem,
Thanks so much for revealing Green Sheep secrets… you are an afflatus!
I also enjoyed Cameron’s pics, especially Cameron becoming one with the green cupcake… ; ) adorable❤
May your focus on parents, teachers and reading aloud become a universal, clear vision.
Write on,
Rita
Happy birthday for March, but which date please – would like to celebrate with the students and make some of those recipes from Possum Magic so I do hope it is still coming up after 16 March!
Dear Mem.
I just wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to you for all of your books but especially for Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge.
My mother has Alzheimer’s and has changed a lot in the past 12 months, my 5 year old daughter could not understand what was happening to her, so I read her Wilfrid Gordon and she understands a bit better now. It got her thinking what she could do to help Meme find her memory.
It is so true that older people and children get on so well. It warmed my heart when she got the book out to read to her Meme and my mum enjoyed listening and looking at the pictures as much as my daughter enjoyed reading (her way) aloud. She is also pretty proud that she has 4 names just like Wilfrid. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world.
Hello Mem Fox,
This is Miss Haynes’ Kindergarten Class from BLuff Park ELementary in Hoover, Alabama. We have been reading your books. We LOVE your books. We are excited about going to the zoo this week to see a real Koala Bear!
Hi Mem
I’m in year 10, and was recently asked to submit an Author Study about someone we thought was an incredible writer.
So I decided to write about you.
I just thought I would let you kow that the first book I ever read aloud was Possum Magic.
I got an A
Thankyou.
Sammi
Helle Mem,
I live in W.A and was wondering if you could possibly recommend a good book publisher, as I have many children’s books written and am taking a huge plunge and going to send off my first one… It’s ok if you don’t reply as you are busy and usually don’t , but I was hoping you could give me a guide as to whom I should choose.
Thank you for your time,
And Keep writing amazing stories… they never grow old and My children are now explore Hattie and the Fox… through my Mem collection..xo
Kind Regards
Richelle xo
Hi Mem,
I am a first grade teacher from New Jersey. Our class is working on an author study. We can’t wait to learn more about your writing and read your great books. We are currently reading Night Noises. Any tips?
Mrs. Q
Hi Mem,
My name is noor . I’m 7 years old & in grade two. In school my teacher read us one of your stories.I liked it a lot , she told us that in one of your stories you put your family names .Your stories are awsome.My friend liked your stories too.We asked the teacher to read us more of your books.
Mem,I hope you keep on writing nice stories.
Thank you.
With regard to Tuesday Book Club on ABC TV…. Mem made a mistake with the title of a book. She said she wanted to read “One Week in September” and the book is actually called “One Week in December” by Sebastian Faulks. The other novel mentioned was ‘Wolf Hall’ by Hilary Mantel.
Edna
Hi Mem,
Saw the (rerun) of First Tuesday Book Club today. Thank you for breathing much needed fresh air into the show. Having somebody speaking her mind with great wit and intelligence was wonderful to watch. Keep up the good work.
Cheers,
Emma