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
Dear Mem
Last night I attended a ‘parent forum’ that you spoke at in Brisbane.
I just wanted to let you know that I find you incredibly talented and inspiring, and was blown away by the passion with which you speak and also moved by the beautiful way you read aloud. (I had a little tear in Koala Lou & Ten Little Fingers & Ten Little Toes – I’m 23!)
I have just begun my Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), inspired mainly by the happy memories that I have of being read to as a child, and how horrified I am that so many Aussie kids don’t have the pleasure of reading and being read to in their lives.
I truly believe that reading and being read to is a crucial part of development, and believe that the calm and happiness that comes over me now whenever I pick up a book has a direct relationship to the joy and love that I experienced every day when my mum and dad read to me.
Thank you for sharing your passion, please keep writing – I’ve decided to begin a collection of your books in preparation for my own kids one day!
As a child, my mum and dad said I loved Koala Lou and I have never forgotten Hush and Grandma Poss!
Thank you!
Lauren
Hi Mem
I was very fortunate to be able to attend a talk by you last night with 2 of my colleagues at Balmoral High School, in Brisbane. We teach at Canossa Kindergarten in Coorparoo and we were wondering if we could have you come and talk to the other staff, parents and members of the community one evening this year.
We talked about nothing else all day today, your knowledge and inspiration was contagious and we know that there would be many parents and teachers in our community who would benefit from your expertise.(If we can drag you away from your precious grandson, of course!)
Please let me know the necessary steps we need to take, if you are available. I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards Maryann
Hi Mem,
I think I wrote to you years ago, when my eldest (now 8 years) was about 10 months old. I really want to share my story with you.
My eldest daughter was read to from the day she was born. She ADORED your books and by 10 months would sit for any length of time and be read to. Her absolute favourite was ‘Time For Bed’ (followed by Tough Boris!). By age 3 she was a fluent reader. At age 4 she was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism. I put down her obsession with your books as a part of her autism. People said to me that the only reason she could read so well was because of her autism. Today at age 8 she reads at an adult level and is currently obsessed with microbiology.
My youngest daughter came along and we read to her from birth as well. She is a very creative, spirited little 4 year old now. But to our amazemement she is also reading….fluently. She does not have ASD. Reading has come to her as easily as talking did. It is just like another language to her. She has not started school yet and people are constantly amazed to see such a little person reading. I always point them to your book “Reading Magic”.
Thank you so much!!
Dear Mem,
I was privileged to hear you last night at Balmoral. Yes, I’m up here relieving from St Laurence’s SA. I was enthralled with every aspect of all that you said and did.
Fr Ben
me and jennifer ramsay are best freinds
I liked the possum magic and the Wilfred gorden MCdonald Partridge book.My friend is Shaun and I know he said he is your biggest fan
Best wishes
Unknown guy
I like all your books I read them all but I like the most koala lou
hi mrs Mem fox i love your stories i’ve been reading most of your books they are extremly cool especily possum magic that was the coolest.
best regards
from reyner
dear mem fox,
I really like your books! I live in jakarta,Indonesia but I come from
Brisbane,Australia and Jakarta,indonesia !
I really really like the book posum magic! I go to british internatinol
school!
best wishes
Jennifer
I am your fan
dear mem fox
i just red one of your boks and i loved it.
i cant wait to read possom magic.
i live in Jakarta.
your now one of my faveroute aorthers.
best wishes
allegria
Hi Mem
My name is Karen and I dont think you will remember me but we met when you you came to Port Hedland.
I am currently teaching a year 4/5 class in Calista primary school
My students have written to you but I don’t have an address to send them.
Can you contact me with an address that we can send our letters to, I look forward to hearing from you
regards
Karen H
Hi Mem
We were recently at a playground near our home which had a flying fox. When our 2 and a half year old piped up “…can I go on the Mem Fox please Mum, can I go on the Mem Fox?” I was very proud of her. You share favourite author status in our house along with Pamella Allen. Our 4 and a half year old has just recently started reading by herself.
Thanks for all your great advice in Reading Magic.
Belinda
Hello Ms. Fox! I am a preschool teacher and i share your books with my students. One of our favorites is Sleepy Bears. I was wondering if you had a photo of yourself you send out. My little guys don’t always make the connection when we talk about the authors and illustrators. I thought having a picture to show them would help with this. Thanks so much, Catie
Hi Mem,I am just now getting to know your books.I love how much feeling FEATHERS AND FOOLS had.I also like the book TEN LITTLE FINGERS AND TEN LITTLE TOES had.Keep in touch Bye!!!
i Love yr books the 1st 1 i red was bedtime stories and me and my mom used to read that one every night just about so Keep on going and do u still make more books i have about 3 of them but not all :)
Hey Mem Fox,
I love all your books and went to hear you speak all the time when i was younger and bought almost all your books. i’m actually doing an oral presentation on you book Harriet you’ll drive me wild!!
It almost reminds me of myself when i was younger .
Now from your talents and advice i have become a very good reader at school !!!!!!
thankyou Georgia
Hi Mem,
I was home sick from work today and had the Ellen show on tv. I’ve never watched it before and don’t know why I had it on. I was reading at the same time and wasn’t giving the tv my full attention, but something made me sit up and watch. There was Betty De Generes (Ellen’s mum) reading ‘Ten Little Finger and Ten Little Toes’ on the lawn of the White House to a large group of children. Not sure what the occasion was, but the children loved it!! I would know that book anywhere as I’ve bought it for my granddaughter and all the little people that I know.
Well done, Mem. America has finally discovered what a great author you are. I hope the sales of your books rocket over there now. Well deserved!!
Hi Mem,
My sister-in-law has been trying to get her hands on a copy of the Possum Magic Recipe Book, but we can’t find it anywhere. She says it was her absolute favourite as a child and would love to pass it on to all of the next generation. Do you have any suggestions as to where we could find it? Would you consider doing a re-print?
My kids LOVE all of your books, and we know a number of them by heart! Thank you.
Fond regards,
Amber
The following is a class set of “Letters to the Author” after hosting a Mem Fox author study in our first grade classroom. We read the following books: Hattie and the Fox, Possum Magic, Koala Lou, The Straight Line Wonder, Whoever You Are, Tough Boris and The Magic Hat. We hope you enjoy them! ~ Mrs. Brosky and Mrs. Bilan-Gering
Dear Mem Fox,
Hi. My name is Jack. I am 6 years old. My first grade class has been reading your books. My favorite book is the Macic Hat because is fun. My favorite park is the Macic hat go over city. Good Bye. Sincerely, Jack
Dear Mem Fox,
Hi my name is Camila. I am six years old. My first grade class 1-211 has been reading you book. My favorite book is whoever you are. Because like to be a doctor because to be helping people like the girl. Sincerely, Camila
Dear Men Fox,
Hi! My name is Matthew. I am six years old. My first grade class has been reading your books and I like the magic hat because the magi hat through the people in to Animals and Men Fox is the good people in the hol world and I like you for giving you books to us. Sincerely, Matthew
Dear Mem Fox,
Hi! My name is Natalie. I am 6 years old. My first grde class has been reading your books. My favorite books is Tough Boris because Though Boris find a lot of treadure. The sad part adout the book is when Boris parit ded and wen the boy went bak to his island. Mem Fod I love all of your books. Good by. Sincerely, Natalie
Dear Mem Fox,
Hi! My name is Kelly I am 6 years old. My first grade class has been reading your books. My farovite books is the mamgic hat because I like the part wan the magic hat pat the people trn to a anamals and I love you Mem Fox. Sincerely, Kelly
Dear Mem Fox,
Hi! My name is Caitlin. I am seven years old. My first grade class has been reading your book. My favorite book is the magic hat because when the magic hat gos on somebodys head the percen turns into a animal and my favorite animal is the kangroo. Have a nice time writing your own books. Goodbye. I hope I see you one day. Sincerely, Caitlin
Dear Mem Fox,
Hi! My name is Arnardo. I am 6 years old My first grade class is reading yot books. My favorite book is the Magic hat because the Macic hat trn everybody into anumo and thed the biggies boy trn everybody back to normal. Sincerely, Arnardo
Dear Mem Fox,
Hi! My name is Alex. I am 6 years old. My first grade class has been reading your books. My favotie book is Possum Magic because Hush turned invisible. Sincerely, Alexander
Dear Mem Fox,
Hi! My name is Romrio. I am 7 years old. My first grade class has been reading your books. My favorite book is Tough Boris because Boris is finding for treasure in the treasure chest. They have the boys vaylen. Sincerely, Romario
Dear Mem Fox,
Hi! My name is Dashiell. I am 7 years old. My first grade clas has been reading your books. My favotie book is Koala Lou because Koala Lou mom saud Koala Lou I do love you and also when Koala Lou was in second place. And I loved your books a lot. Sincerely, Dashiell
Dear Mem Fox,
Hi! My name is Brandon. I am 6 years old. My favote book is Koala Lou because they said Koala Lout I do love you and Loala Lou got in 2nd place and she cried because she lost the race. She sad and she mom wait. She mom give Koala Lou a big hug. Have a good day Mem Fox. Sincerely, Brandon
Dear Mem Fox,
Hi! My name is Gustavo. I am 7 years old. My first greeded class has been reading your books. My favorite book is Hattie and the Fox because the cow said moo. I want to be like you. How ole are you? DO you have a brother or a sister? Sincerely, Gustavo
Dear Mem Fox
Hi! My name is Katherine. I am 6 years old. My first grade class has been reading your books. My favorite books is Koala Lou because Koala Lou clime in the cum teree. She was I second plase that was my favoite book. Sincerely, Katherine.
Dear Mem Fox,
Hi! My name is Christian. I am 6 years old. My first grade class has been reading your books. My favorite book is Possum Magic because Hush turned invisible. Sincerely, Christian
Dear Mem Fox,
Hi! My name is Jenny. I am 6 years old. My first grade class has been reading your books. My favorte book is the straight Line Wondaer because you write so beautiful. You are my favote author Mem Fox. My favorite part of the story is wen he made humps. Sincerely, Jenny
Dear Mem Fox,
Hi! My name is Enrique. I am 6 years old. My first grade class has been reading your books. My favorite book is Tough Boris because I like when they were digging for treasure. Sincerely, Enrique
Dear Mem Fox,
Hi! My name is William. I am 7 years old. My 1st grade class has been reading your books. My favotte book is the Stralight Linal Wondr because the 1st streaight linal did not want to be a tralight anymore and the 2 buddies run away frn him. He was movie star. Good bye Mem Fox. Sincerely, William
Dear Men Fox,
Hi! My name is Deborah. I am 6 years old. My first grad clas has been reading your books. My favorite book was Koala Lou because she climed the gum tree and her mom say Koala Lou I do love you. Sincerely, Deborah
Dear Mem Fox,
Hi! My name is Aakar. I am 6 years old. My first grade class has been reading your books. My favorite book was Hattie and the Fox because the fox was trying to eat Hattie. Sincerely, Aakar
Dear Mem Fox,
Hi! My name is Danny. I am six years old. My first grad class has been reading your books. My favote book is the Straight line wonder because the straight line is a movie star. Sincerely, Danny
Mem Fox – My first grade children have been doing an author study on you and have enjoyed every moment. We have read Tough Boris, The Straight Line Wonder, The Magic Hat, Koala Lou, Possum Magic, Whoever You Are and Hattie and the Fox. They have all written you letters which I shall type up for you. Hope you enjoy them as much as my students have enjoyed reading your books!
Hi Mem,
My name is Casey-Lee and I would like to ask you a question. Me and a couple of friends are doing a movie making project on your famous book, Possum Magic. I am director and the narrator. My friend Rebecca is Grandma Poss and my other friend Shania is Hush. Lastly my friend Alex is all the other animals including the blue wombat and the koala + many more extra animals.If you have any tips on what we could do to make our act extra special please email me.
Best of Luck on your career
Casey-Lee
Hi Mem, Im Ben and Im 8. I enjoy your books. My favourite books are,A Particular Cow, Where Is The Green Sheep and Time For Bed. Thanks for the stories, from Ben.
Dear Mem Fox,
Our class is now learning about you. We are finishing our author study packets and have a few questions for you.
1. How is it living in Australia?
2. How do you bring the books to Jacksonville, FL?
3. How do you think of the ideas to write your books?
4. Do you live in an apartment or a house?
These are just a few questions. We love your books and hope to hear from you soon.
Love,
Samuel, Lorraine, Ashley, Carlisle, Cesar, Veronica, Korbin, Johnny, Jacob, Tatyanna, William, Ariana, Kayla, Dorian, Simaya, Colby, John, Damon and Mrs. Weaver :)
A fabulous and informative website Mem,
I’ve been here for hours.
Thankyou for sharing all that you do.
Thankyou also for your very beautiful stories, destined to warm the hearts and tickle the senses of children and adults alike, for generations to come.
Warm regards,
Penel
Dear Mem, Olivia and Kerry,
Recently I read our Junior Unit students, your book “Giraffe in a Bath”
The children loved the book and after many “read it again please” requests the students decided to make their own pages to accompany your book. Their spirax bound book proudly sits alongside yours on our library display shelf.
We would like to email you a scanned copy of the students work.
Can we have an address please.
Please keep pen to paper as our students are looking forward to your next book!
Best wishes from
Heathcote PS
Prep/1/2 students
and June G. (Library teacher)
Hi Mem,
I am in the process of finalising a manuscript for a children’s picture book for submission. I hopped on your website on a whim, and read through your advice, do’s and don’ts. I am loving that my manuscript ticks so many of the boxes on what makes a good story for children, many of which I knew from the process of reading and reading and reading to my own children, and I am even more excited than I was before!
I remember reading something that you said several years ago, which was that if every parent spent 15 minutes every day, reading to their children, illiteracy would be wiped out in a generation. I know that my children have excellent language and literacy skills because of the exposure they had during their early years, and all 3 are avid book-lovers. When I volunteer in their school classrooms, it breaks my heart to see how some of the kids are absolutely clueless about letters and words. It makes the teacher’s job so much harder, trying to teach the basics to children who were robbed of the gift of book-sharing at the age when their brains were at their most active. I hope that my first book will be one that will make an impact in some child’s life.
I also commend you on speaking out for the babies in child care, as I agree with you wholeheartedly.
Best regards,
Claudia W
PS my favourite is Boo to a Goose!!!
hi memfox
I SO LOVE YOUR BOOK
the one i love is possum magic
that was your first book you wrote
that is cool how did you do that
how much day did it take
nice!
love sophia
Hi Mem
I just found your hints to aspiring writers! All of my questions have been answered and much knowledge gained.
Thanks kindly and please disregard my previous message.
Regards,
Leslie
Hi Mem,
I’m a aspiring writer who has lots of ideas for stories- nothing yet on paper. I had a couple questions for you regarding the picture book genre. Firstly I noticed you had used many different illustrators for your books. Is that of your doing or your publishers? Do you approach a pulblisher with your text and they find an illustrator, or is it better to present them with more of a finished product (illustration and text). I ask this because I have someone in mind to illustrate my stories, however I am unsure as to the publishing process where an illustrator is involved.
Any guidance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Kind regards,
Leslie
To Mem
like your books but my best book is possum magic,sleepy bears, where is the green sheep and hattie and the fox from lachlan
Hi Mem,
Thank you for the joy my children and I had reading your stories aloud and thank you for being a role model. I saw you once in an interview on tv and you inspired me to write. I have read your advice, having finally found it, and I’m currently stripping 406 words from my story! So painful. I cherish every word but I’m obediently carving it down to 500. I have done it all backwards of course and have asked a friend to illustrate, so I’m thinking I’ll just have to print some off and give them away… so sad. Next time I will read your advice before writing! Thank you again.
Hi Mem,
Just wanted to say thanks for coming to my school yesterday.
You were so GREAT!
Even though I’m only young and won’t be having children for a long time, i will still use the knowledge you taught me on them…. one day.
You are so inspirational Mem,
Thanks so much.
From Lisa
(Illawarra Senior College)
To Mem,
My name is AJ I go to mccw. My class has been reading your books. I like where is the green sheep? I am in year 2. My class has always read time for bed. It is a great story but I don’t really like it. Only the pictures that I like. Some times we read ten little fingers and ten little toes good to meet you from AJ
Dear Mem Fox,
Our class really liked Possum Magic. The illustrations were very colourful and we liked the fact that Hush was invisible and safe from predators, for example snakes. We like the foods that Hush ate because they are yummy and we eat them sometimes too.
We like your stories so much that we can’t wait until you make some more.
Thankyou for the story.
From Prep at Newmarket primary school.
dear memfox
hi mem i am dempsey. im seven i love possum magic i go to mackillop college. and i want to meet you. and i like to sing ten little fingers and ten little toes. i read books every night . you are the best lady in the world by dempsey. keep in touch . love dempsey.
Hi! We are doing an author study on you! We are reading your books and seeing what we notice! What do you feel that you do the most in your books? Please write back! We love your books!
Love Sean, Connor, Gia, Jamie, and Miss Hausrath
One more. we love The Magic Hat!
were do you live you are the best best righter ever.
bin leaning about you in year 2.
hi again ! red yellow pink purple and blue
whats your favrite colour
whatsyour favrite book
thankyou love dionne
these are all the books you have riten
Possum Magic
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge
Time for Bed
Whoever You Are
Wombat Divine
Koala Lou
Boo To A Goose
Hattie And The Fox
Shoes From Grandpa
Mem’s The Word
Radical Reflections
English Essentials: the wouldn’t-be-without-it guide to writing well
Green Sheep secrets…
Hello Baby!
Ten Little Fingers
do you really like righting books?.is it your 2nd favorite thing to do?i think you have riten over 26 books.a particular cow is my 2nd favorite book.he got bloomers on his face the women said my bloomersa post men said my mail.a particular cow is so so so funny.you are the best book righter ever.
love nicholas
hello mem im dionne and im eight .I love all of your boooks,but i love weres the green sheep most.you are awsome keep in touch.love dionne.
i really love all of your books.I really love were is the green sheep. ten little fingers and ten little toes is funny.i like it because i think it has 7 babys
from nicholas
i love were is the green sheep.
Dear Mem Fox,
I read Possum Magic and I loved it.
I thought you got the idea for the Grandma possum from Australia.
I wondered where you got your ideas from.
Wish you good luck.
From Frank J.
Dear Mem Fox,
My kindergarten class did a Mem Fox author study this year. They had the following things to tell you:
Sophie: I like family too.
Katie: I liked Koala Lou because it was so fun.
Devon: I like Possum Magic.
Amber: I really liked the Magic Hat.
Derek: I loved your books! I especially like Harriet, You’ll Drive me Wild!
Nolan: I like Harriet You Drive me Wild.
Olivia: I like a clean kitchen sink just like you.
Hello Mem! I love all the children’s picture books you’ve written but my favourite would have to be ‘Wilfrid Gordon MacDonald Partridge’.
I hope to write my very own picture book one day!
From Briony.
Dear Mem
Do you know how hard it is getting children’s books with two dads or even books in general about dads doing things with their children? I think we have hunted them all out. Our girls Evelyn and Gaia were one last week (and with their dads) are great fans of your work already. When Ellen was on last month and Ten little fingers was read both the girls turned their head as its their number one book that I have read to them since they were born…..well sing to them and add their names in while wiggling their toes and fingers. We actually sang it on camera for 60 mins but it did not make the cut as they went with the Bear necessities.
I would like to ask you that when you’re thinking about a new project could you think about our families and how they might weave into your story’s in that beautiful, fully inclusive way that only you can do. I cannot tell you how much joy it still gives me singing ‘Ten little fingers’ to the girls with its wonderful teachings and values. We have helped over 100 couples (mostly gay dads) work their way through Indian surrogacy and they all know that your books are essential readings. A fan base that you probably never thought of. We obviously came back a year ago but every couple of weeks now a new baby is born to an Australian gay couple and it would give us such joy if one of your story’s could reflect our lives.
Regards
Trevor E. and Peter W.
Evelyn &a Gaia …..and baby “R” due October this year
Hi Mem,
I’m not one to write fan mail, but for some reason I feel compelled to write to you. I loved Possum Magic when I was a kid, and I have a vague recollection of going to a reading of yours when I was in primary school.
Now that I am a mother, I find the books I want to read over and over again to my toddler son are your books – all kindly given to us by other parents/friends – Where is the Green Sheep?, Time for Bed and Ten Little Fingers. They are such a pleasure to read as a parent, and I can’t put my finger on why.
I came to this site today to look for more Mem Fox books to add to our collection. While I’m here, I just had to say thanks for bringing the joy of books to my own childhood, and now to my parenthood. I hope my 16 month old son loves your books as much as I love reading them to him (and the look on his face says he does).
Best wishes,
Narelle
hi Mem i am zac and i’m eight i love possum magic i go to jewells primary school. my lovely library teacher jenny handly thank you for singing ten little fingers and ten little toes.I am not a big reader.I LOVE THE BOOK CALLED NIGHT NOISES. you are awesome keep in touch. love zac