CBCA awards

Well, it's that time of year again when I go crazy trying to read all the books on the Childrens' Book Council of Australia awards shortlist in order to disagree with the judges when the winner is announced on the 15th of August. The Older readers list is as follows:

• French, Jackie. Pharaoh: the boy who conquered the Nile
• Hartnett, Sonya. The Ghost's Child
• Heffernan, John. Marty's shadow
• McDonald, Meme. Love like water
• Metzenthen, David. Black Water
• Norrington, Leonie. Leaving Barrumbi
  

For once I have not actually read ANY of the shortlisted books so that is interesting in itself. Normally I have read at least two on the older readers list and sometimes more.

So I am starting with Pharaoh: the boy who conquered the Nile by Jackie French (yes, that is the same woman who used to be on Burke's Backyard!) and so far it is ok. Nothing earth-shattering though.

I am quite miffed that Joel and Cat set the story straight is not on the list - but at least it has been made a notable.

Anyway, in other news...

• I am still not 100% - am awaiting results to see where we go from here. I am hoping that it is jsut the minor infection they think it is rather than something chronic.
• TG has had her 4th birthday - time has just FLOWN! Photos here.
  
• School has started again - it has only been a week and reality has already hit us like a Mac Truck! Only 11 weeks to go!!! :)

xx J.