Friday 30 November 2012

Book club: "Laura's Christmas Star"

A lovely story by Klaus Baumgart.



A family is going to visit their Aunt Martha whose Christmas tree "looks magical". In fact, it's "huge and sparkly and it glitters like a zillion stars". Of course, little Tommy and Laura are so excited before their big journey, they even wake up in the middle of the night and get dressed thinking it's already morning. But, unfortunately, when the morning eventually comes and they start driving through the country, the car breaks down!
And so, by the time the car is fixed, they have to go back home. Little Tommy is upset more than anyone else and his sister Laura finds a little tree that was left behind - "Come indoors with me, you look owfully lonely out here on your own". And then with the help of Laura's special secret star it becomes sparkly and glittery just as Tommy wanted.
Great illustrations and a lots of kindness in this book!

Friday 23 November 2012

Book club - "Merry Christmas, Blue Kangaroo!"

Ok, I won't even apologive for talking about Chritmas. I have been receiving an insane amount of enquiries in the last few days, rarely turn off my computer before 1 am, there are Christmas trees everywhere. And our library has so conveniently organised all the Christmas books for children that I thought I would start now to make sure I share all our favourites.

This is our last year's favourite! Whenever we read this book, we always laugh and smile and it makes us feel so happy, warm and kind - "Merry Chirstmas, Blue Kangaroo" (or "Just for you, Blue Kangaroo" in another edition) by Emma Chichester Clark (you might have noticed, I LOVE her books!).



So, first, there is a few days before Christmas - Lily makes her Christmas cards (and of course, one for her very special Blue Kangaroo), makes paper chains with her mum and decorates the room, of course, just for Blue Kangaroo. Then there is a Christmas tree that needs decorating, and of course, it's all just for the Blue Kangaroo, because it's his very first Christmas. And Lily wraps a present for her Blue Kangaroo - she made sure he is not looking first! Then there is a visit from the aunties, who come with mince pies and gingerbread men, with one that looks just like Blue Kangaroo and is for Blue Kangaroo. And when Lily sings a song on Christmas Eve, just for Blue Kangaroo, and by then little Blue Kangaroo is feeling very eager to give something to Lily for all those nice things she does for him, but he can't.

So, he can't sleep and is awake when Father Christmas comes. And the following conversation happens:
"What can I do for you, little Blue Kangaroo?" asked Father Christmas.
"Well, Lily says everything is just for me but I want something just for her, and I haven't got anything," said Blue Kangaroo sadly.
"Has she been good?" asked Father Christmas.
"Oh, yes!" said Blue Kangaroo.

So, Father Christmas lets him choose something for Lily and tells him that "Lily is a lucky girl to have such a good kangaroo as you!"
And our favourite moment is when Lily opens the gift in the morning, we all end up having a cuddle and can't help feeling happy!



Thursday 22 November 2012

Three sisters.

Autumn is so beautiful and and so was this family with not just one, not two, but tree girls! The dad is very much outnumbered, but I'm sure he loves it :)
So, meet the three lovely sisters:
Now, this was a formal introduction. It didn't take too long for them to warm up (despite it starting to get cold rather quickly!) and to show off their skills. I would never suggest putting a child on a tree to get an image, safety always being a priority. However, if that's what the girls love to do in their every day life, not just for the camera, then I'm only happy to capture it :) In fact, I'm pretty sure the big girls have spent at least half of the session above the ground. Made me want to be a child and climb trees if you feel like it!!!
I'm sure it's just a matter of time till the baby -sister joins in the tree climbing fun! But for now, she is happy to be in her mum's and dad's arms :)
And no autumn photosession goes by without some leaf throwing!




It's always nice when we manage to take a photograph of just mum and dad together - being a couple. But believe me, the girls wanted to join in :)
 



Wednesday 7 November 2012

Moments to warm your heart

It seems like I spend most of the time of my sessions chasing the perfect family portait, but the moments that warm my heart are always spontaneous and natural. Like a baby resting on her mummy's shoulder:


 
© Tamara Tovey Photography