Book Week shows for students... by teachers!!

Ph. 1300 BOOK WEEK

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Tony's past Book Week shows (above)

Read our testimonials

For 2021 Book Week

Touring Term 3, 2021 to Term 2 2022

2021 CBCA Notable List

"Picture Book of the Year"

LIVE stage show

or VIRTUAL show at 30% off!

LITTLELIGHT

Based on the picture book written & illustrated by Kelly Canby & published by Fremantle Press

Adapted for the stage/screen, music & performed by

"Tony Bones" Appleby B.Ed

Technical Design by Peter Amesbury & Tony

Music by Natalie Calia Dip.Ed, Gerald Marko & Tony

The 2021 Western Australian Young Readers’ Book Award Shortlisted Picture Book.

LITTLELIGHT - The story of a little town that needed a whole lot of enlightening.

When bricks start to go missing from the town of Littlelight, the mayor whips his citizens into a frenzy of aggravation. But when the townspeople find the thief, and her motive, they discover perhaps it is the mayor who is the problem.

Illustrated in moody black and white with dynamic neon highlights, this is a thought-provoking tale of tolerance and acceptance.

"Readers will spot the brick thief early in the story and understand that the celebration of difference — depicted in eye-popping neon highlighted against the grey backdrop of the town — runs counter to the narrowmindedness of the mayor... Littlelight shines a neon spotlight on the importance of breaking down barriers" Writing WA

CBCA Book Week is August 21-27, 2021

Theme: Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds

“The children were enthralled to see a book come to life in a live performance.” St Therese PS, Mascot, NSW

Past CBCA Short-Listed/Notable-Listed Books that "Tony Bones" Appleby B.Ed has adapted & performed include...

35 CBCA SHORT-LISTED/NOTABLE-LISTED BOOKS ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY "TONY BONES" APPLEBY B.ED FOR BOOKS TO LIFE & TONY BONES ENTERTAINMENT Writer, Director & Performer

35 - Hello Lighthouse (2020 - based on the picture book by Sophie Blackall)

34 - The All New Must Have Orange 430 (2019 - based on the picture book by Michael Speechley)

33 - A Walk in the Bush (2018 - based on the picture book by Gwyn Perkins)

32 - The Windy Farm (2014 - based on the picture book by Doug McLeod & Craig Smith)

31 - My Life As An Alphabet (2014 - based on the younger reader’s novel by Barry Jonsberg)

30 - Herman & Rosie (2013 - based on the picture book by Gus Gordon)

29 - Other Brother (2013 - based on the younger reader’s novel by Simon French)

28 - No Bears (2012 - based on the picture book by Meg McKinlay)

27 - Bungawitta (2012 - based on the younger reader’s novel by Emily Rodda)

26 - Two Peas in a Pod (2011 - based on the picture book by Chris McKimmie)

25 - Duck For A Day (2011 - based on the younger reader's novel by Meg McKinlay)

24 - Schumann the Shoeman (2010 - based on the picture book by John & Stella Danalis)

23 - Matty Forever (2010 - based on the younger reader’s novel by Elizabeth Fensham)

22 - Nobody Owns The Moon (2009 - based on the picture book by Tohby Riddle)

21 - Audrey Of The Outback (2009 - based on the younger reader’s novel by Christine Harris)

20 - The Night Garden (2008 - based on the picture book by Elise Hurst)

19 - Amelia Dee & The Peacock Lamp (2008 - based on the younger reader’s novel by Odo Hirsch)

18 - Water Witcher (2007 - based on the picture book by Jan Ormerod)

17 - Being Bee (2007 - based on the younger reader’s novel by Catherine Bateson)

16 - Irving The Magician (2006 - based on the picture book by Tohby Riddle)

15 - To The Light (2006 - based on the younger reader’s novel by Pat Flynn)

14 - At The Beach - Postcards from Crabby Spit (2005 - based on the picture book by Roland Harvey)

13 - Billy Mack’s War (2005 - based on the younger reader’s novel by James Roy)

12 - Milli, Jack & the Dancing Cat (2004 - based on the picture book by Stephen Michael King)

11 - Stella By The Sea (2004 - based on the younger reader’s novel by Ruth Starke)

10 - Bear & Chook (2003 - based on the picture book by Lisa Shanahan & Emma Quay)

9 - Tom Jones Saves The World (2003- based on the younger reader’s novel by Steven Herrick)

8 - Horrible Harriet (2002 - based on the picture book by Leigh Hobbs)

7 - My Story - A Different Sort Of Real - The Diary Of Charlotte McKenzie - Melbourne 1918 (2002 - based on the younger reader’s novel by Kerry Greenwood)

6 - When Dogs Cry (2002 - based on the older reader’s novel by Markus Zusak)

5 - The Singing Hat (2001 - based on the picture book by Tohby Riddle)

4 - Something's Fishy, Hazel Green! (2001 - based on the younger reader’s novel by Odo Hirsch)

3 - Touch Me (2001 - based on the older reader’s novel by James Moloney)

2 - Captain Mack (2000 - by Tony Appleby based on the younger reader’s novel by James Roy)

1 - Tyro (2000 - based on the older reader’s novel by David McRobbie)

About the show

This brand new 40-minute live stage or interactive virtual performance for Australian primary schools will be the 36th CBCA shortlisted/notable listed "Book Week" book adapted & performed by "Tony Bones" Appleby B.Ed. He is a qualified drama & dance teacher with over 20 years of professional teaching & performing experience in children's theatre & theatre in education.

Curriculum Areas:

The Arts (Dance, Drama, Media Arts, Music, Visual Arts);
English;
Humanities and Social Sciences;
Technologies (Design & Technologies + Digital Technologies)

Learning Areas / General Capabilities:

Literacy;
ICT Capability;
Critical & Creative Thinking;
Personal and Social Capability;
Ethical Understanding;
Intercultural Understanding.

Topics & Themes:

Diversity;
Tolerance;
Curiosity;
Visual Art;
Acceptance;
Control;
Intellectual freedom;
Misuse of power;
Conflict resolution;
Propaganda;
Colour;
Difference;
Multiculturalism;
Tyranny;
Walls.

The show will bring the book to life!!! It includes:

Drama: a variety of performance styles within the show: Melodrama, Pantomime, Musical Theatre, Physical Theatre, Mime, Puppetry, Game show, Improvisation, etc.

Dance: a variety of dance styles within the show: Jazz, contemporary, Hip Hop, etc.

Music: a variety of music styles in the show: Pop, Hip Hop, RnB, Rap, Rock, Music Theatre, Folk, etc;

Puppetry: a variety of puppetry styles in the show: Shadow puppetry, Hand puppetry, Marionette / String puppetry, Board puppetry.

Mask: Whole face masks, part face masks, noses, animals, commedia dell'arte, etc.
Painted sets - Painted on fabric, plywood, cardboard & paper.

Digital projections: 2 x 16:9 digital projectors cast images of the book, digital images of sets, animations, explosions & lighting displays onto large freestanding 100" rear projection screens on either side of the stage creating an incredible viewing experience for the students. They are also used for shadow puppetry in the show.

Raised staging: 45cm high staging 2m wide x 1m deep ensure everyone, even in very large groups can see all of the action;

DMX coloured stage lighting: the very latest DMX coloured stage lighting is used throughout the show to create intense & dynamic atmosphere throughout the performance.

Professional sound system & headset microphones: powered EV pro speakers & the pro Shure radio headset microphone & bodypack are used to ensure crystal clear sound for even the very largest halls;

Audience participation: Students are used throughout the show to both participate in the audience (responding, singing or dancing along, creating scenes in the audience) & also joining in on stage to operate puppets, dress in costume to become characters, create sets & props during the show, be part of improvised scenes or be contestants in a game show;

Full Q&A session: after the show a full Question & Answer session takes place led by "Tony Bones" Appleby B.Ed, a qualified teacher with over 16 years experience running these sessions. Tony discusses in depth why he made certain decisions when creating the show (e.g. adding scenes or slightly changing them from the book, sets used, etc), and shows students how the props, sets, puppets, costumes, projections & sound were created for the show, as well as discussing the writing of the script & composing of the songs & music;

Lesson plans for teachers: Follow up activities are provided for all year levels.

Public Liability Cover of $30,000,000 & Professional Indemnity Insurance of $10,000,000. Click here!!

Ticket Price (excl. GST):

Within "Book Week" itself:

Live show $7.50+GST/student (minimum show fee of $937.50+GST for up to 125 students then $7.50+GST/student thereafter)
30% off Virtual show $5.25+GST/student (minimum 125 students or for schools with less than 125 students it is simply 80% of the entire school enrolment)

Any other week:

Live show $6.50+GST/student (minimum show fee of $812.50+GST for up to 125 students then $6.50+GST/student thereafter)
30% off Virtual show $4.55+GST/student (minimum 125 students or for schools with less than 125 students it is simply 80% of the entire school enrolment)

Year Levels: Foundation - Year 6.

Make an enquiry - Click here!!!

Where will Books To Life tour in 2021???

Our interactive virtual performance is available to schools in all states & territories in Australia and all regions of New Zealand.

For our live show tour, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide & Hobart. Sure, we tour the live show of the 2021 Book Week show to these capital cities, but we also tour the 2021 Book Week show absolutely anywhere in Australia, as long as we can cover the cost of touring the show there.

Sometimes this involves asking schools who book the show in more regional or even very remote areas to then spread the word to their network of teachers at other schools to increase their own audience numbers or to get another school in the area to also book the show. But rest assured, if you can get enough students there to cover the costs, then we're happy to bring the show to you. So let's get specific. **Exactly where & when do Books To Life tour in Australia?**

"The best children's theatre I've ever seen. I have seen and organised many visiting entertainments and Tony (& his company) was by far the best." Fairfield PS, VIC

How does the interactive virtual incursion work?

The live production is cleverly adapted to make it work more effectively for a professionally filmed & edited performance that students can stream & interact with:

at a school assembly;
in their classroom;
or even individually by students at home if they are away sick that day.

"Loved the live-action engaging and interactive nature of the show. It actually felt like we were at a live theatre show even though it was virtual!"

St. Augustine’s PS, Frankston South, VIC for 2020's 'Hello Lighthouse' VIRTUAL.

"All positive feedback from staff and students. The humour was particularly well-received, the fact you performed to the camera was engaging and the range of camera angles, props and effects were terrific. We are definitely wanting to book next year please"

St Anthony's PS, Alphington, VIC for 2020's 'Hello Lighthouse' VIRTUAL.

Everything from the live show & more is captured with:

multiple top-end 5K cameras;
full DMX stage lighting;
pro sound;
plus several additional visual technical elements & green screen technology integrated to enhance the live production.

"Thank you so so so much for all your valuable resources and an amazing brilliant 'virtual show'. Our students were engaged throughout the performance and thoroughly enjoyed watching it, from our Prep students right up to our Year 6 students. The teachers enjoyed it too and gave it a thumbs up. Thanks also for the FAQ video which we will be coming back to. Everything worked well and was seamless which was fantastic. The quality was spot on - so clear that it made you feel that you were actually in the room... I will certainly be recommending you to my other teacher librarian colleagues as a 'must have' performance for their schools."

St Leonard's PS, Glen Waverley, VIC for 2020's 'Hello Lighthouse' VIRTUAL.

"After having you perform at our school in previous years, we knew the show would be good, but with having to perform a virtual show, we could never have imagined it would be incredible. Your show exceeded all of our expectations and both staff and students absolutely loved it... Even through a screen, you have the ability to engage, entertain and inspire our students... a truly amazing show - a highlight of our Book Week."

Caulfield Grammar, Malvern, VIC for 2020's 'Hello Lighthouse' VIRTUAL.

Filmed on the stage of Melbourne's iconic Athenaeum Theatre, multiple camera angles & sparkling 4K clarity give every student the very best seat in the house & make them a part of bringing books to life.

"The staff and students loved the show. The foundation students and their teacher were extremely impressed with how you made the illustrations come to life and were able to put yourself into the illustrations. Everyone from Foundation to year 6 thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and were extremely impressed by how life-like everything was. Staff commented on how engaged the children were and all the children I spoke to told me they loved that there were a lot of different elements to the performance that really made it come alive. Staff were also very appreciative of the huge amount of resources and ideas you shared with us. As the person who organised this event, I was very grateful to the support you gave... We're still not sure how you managed to bring the performance and the book to life as well as you did. Congratulations on a fantastic performance. I hope to book the performance again next year."

St Fidelis' Catholic PS, Coburg, VIC for 2020's 'Hello Lighthouse' VIRTUAL.

The pre-recorded performance is professionally edited to add in a host of special digital effects to make full use of the green screen technology & create opportunities that the live show just can't offer.

"Grades enjoyed (the show), teachers enjoyed your jokes! Looking forward to seeing you again... Even though it was on the tv it was great that you found ways to interact with the kids... The green screen effects were great... The show was great, loved that even though it was virtual, it was still interactive"

Morang South PS, VIC for 2020's 'Hello Lighthouse' VIRTUAL.

Multiple interactive activities are included in the filmed performance for students to participate in from the hall, classroom or at home. These are designed to get the students up & moving to be part of the action, making the audience feel as if they are actually in & around the characters in the show.

"I received a lot of great feedback on your show this year. Although they love having you in person and the wonderful theatre vibe that brings, this year's virtual incursion had so many pluses! It was great being able to have 3 shows in our Hall... It meant there was a lot more room to move about when you had the interactive parts. These were really enjoyable and the students commented they wanted more! They particularly liked the signal flags and by you pointing out into the audience, the students organised who came out the front without any direction/instruction from the teachers whatsoever!... Thanks again for the great show you put on this year."

Gilles Street PS, Adelaide, SA for 2020's 'Hello Lighthouse' VIRTUAL.

"The virtual performance was a wonderful experience and it certainly reflected your existing creativity and increasing versatility! The Year 6 students thoroughly enjoyed supporting the performance and the audiences for both performances were extremely engaged. Comments from teachers were very positive, with the general consensus being of greatly impressed and that if these virtual performances are to be the new norm, then we are happy to embrace these opportunities... we would like to rebook for the virtual tour if it can be incorporated for the 2021 Book Week."

St Patrick's Catholic School, Latrobe, TAS for 2020's 'Hello Lighthouse' VIRTUAL.

We also provide a list of optional props to be collected that can then be used by students within the show in their own classroom to enhance the interactive virtual experience. Many schools get their Year 6 students to be in charge of running these props in the shows as a fun leadership activity for them to share with their schoolmates.

"Our students were so highly engaged for the whole show, and erupted into applause at the end!! It was, as always, a very cleverly structured show with student needs in mind and appealed to absolutely everyone. We appreciated being able to pause it a couple of times when needed. And the props were a wonderful way to create interaction. I prepped our year 6/7 class on the day before to be prop managers. They sat down the sides and supported and encouraged all the other students while each having a job such as choosing a student and coaching them to do the Northern Lights or spraying water everywhere! It was a fantastic way to fully engage those older children and have them being responsible and generous. Thank you so very much and congratulations on your successful adventure into virtual incursions!”

Newbery Park PS, SA for 2020's 'Hello Lighthouse' VIRTUAL.

"The students thoroughly enjoyed the performance, particularly the jokes and singing. The suggested props made it very entertaining too... it was engaging as well as clever how the book was linked to the drama/singing."

St Peters Lutheran College, Springfield Central, QLD for 2020's 'Hello Lighthouse' VIRTUAL.

Teachers have the ability to pause the show during these activities to organise students in the room to participate safely & join in the fun.

"Students of all year levels enjoyed the performance... the ability to stop the performance to explain aspects to the students and to organise the students for interacting with the performance was a bonus... the students just loved the way the use of props helped them to interact with the performance. The props really made the whole experience something the students will remember and talk about"

Otways MARC, VIC for 2020's 'Hello Lighthouse' VIRTUAL.

A filmed in-depth student FAQ session is included where “Tony Bones” takes the students through the creation of the show, the content & messages in the book, plus where he provides answers to common questions. Check out the 2020 version of this here. Teachers then have the ability to email through their students’ additional questions which Tony will reply to via video clips that can be played back to the students within 24 hours. If scheduling allows these extra questions can even be done as a live video call with your school group via Zoom, Webex, Google Meet or Skype at no extra cost. Also included are easy to follow teacher notes & guided discussions for teachers to run before & after the virtual performance to give the students a greater understanding of the content & a more meaningful interaction with the show. This is in addition to the extensive teacher resources & lesson plans already available for the live performance.

"Wonderful entertainment for my class... Students were excited to participate in the actions and sat and watched your portrayal intently. I also provided as many of the props as possible which added to the student's experience. They particularly liked it when they were splashed with water during the turbulent water/sea scene!... We watched the Q and A later that afternoon. I wasn't sure whether my class would be able to sit through this due to their age and concentration span? Surprisingly they were most interested. We watched this for about half an hour and will come back to watch this further in the coming week. This deepened the student's experience of the production. A plethora of further resources was very much appreciated for further and future learning. Overall, the portrayal was magnificent... We all enjoyed this sooooo much!"

S.S. Peter and Paul's Primary, East Doncaster, VIC for 2020's 'Hello Lighthouse' VIRTUAL

Schools will be provided with a hyperlink & a unique password to unlock the virtual performance on the specific day of their booking. They can then share that link with all teachers at their school who have a class booked for the performance.

"It was so well done... The link worked perfectly and there were no issues regarding set-up… I could tell the kids really enjoyed it… as did (the other Year 6 teacher) and I! The students were really engaged throughout"

Chatham PS, Surrey Hills, VIC for 2020's 'Hello Lighthouse' VIRTUAL.

The price for the interactive virtual performance is a huge 30% off the live show price +GST.

Within "Book Week" itself just $5.25+GST/student;

or any other week just $4.55+GST/student.

Simply indicate in your enquiry as to whether you'd like the live show or the virtual incursion option.

"They loved it. Really engaging and well put together show. Loved the jokes, songs and animations... The kids were full of laughter while watching the show and loved the props, animation and audience interaction as well."

Kingswood PS, Dingley Village, VIC for 2020's 'Hello Lighthouse' VIRTUAL.

Teacher Frequently Asked Questions for the new 2021 virtual performance:

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions by teachers at the moment. Just let us know if there are any other questions that are not covered here.

1. Do the students and teachers have to read the book before seeing the virtual show?

2. Do we have to collect & use the suggested optional props in the virtual show?

3. Do all the students need to watch the virtual show at the same time?

4. Do I need to register for an account to watch the virtual show?

5. When will I get access to the virtual show?

6. Do I need to run a test of playing the virtual show at school?

7. Can the staff watch the virtual show first so they know what to expect?

8. How does the student FAQ's (frequently asked questions) section work after the virtual show?

9. How long does the virtual show & student FAQ section go?

10. Are there lesson plans & teacher resources?

11. How long will it take for you to respond to student’s questions that we email through?

12. Can we keep a copy of the virtual show for the future?

13. Can the staff watch the virtual show first so they know what to expect?

14. Can we have access to the virtual show over multiple days?

1. Do the students and teachers have to read the book before seeing the virtual show?

This is not mandatory but it is highly recommended. The teachers or senior students running the optional props will better understand where everything happens if they have already read the book. The students who have already read the book before experiencing the show respond far better to our Book Week performances because they understand the source material & can see how we have adapted it. And it is a Book Week show after all so we’d love to encourage the students to read the book, not just experience the show. If a copy of the book cannot be sourced before the show then just let us know & we'll come up with a solution. It is recommended that students have read the book in class at some point in the week leading up to your show date, but maybe not on the day of the show itself as this can mean they are seeing the book twice in one day.

2. Do we have to collect and use the suggested optional props in the virtual performance?

No, it is optional, but the feedback from our past schools was that the students LOVED LOVED LOVED them & had so much fun bringing "Books To Life" in their own classroom with their teachers & classmates. As stated, many schools get their Year 6 students to be in charge of running these props in the shows as a fun leadership activity for them to share with their schoolmates. Some schools have had a lot of success getting their Year 6 students to experience the show in the very first session of the day then have them run all of the props for all of their junior classes, already knowing exactly what happened when in the show & how to make it work best for the students so that the teachers could sit back & relax. If you only have one set of the props then those senior students can then also be in charge of shuffling props from one class to the next if you have multiple groups seeing the show all starting in 5 or 10 minute intervals. The Year 6 students love the leadership opportunity to "run the show" & the teachers get to relax. How clever is that?

3. Do all the students need to watch the virtual show at the same time?

No. Many schools run the virtual incursion in their individual classrooms for either their one class or sometimes a few classes together, depending on how many comfortably fit in the room. If every classroom has a decent screen to watch it on then it works fine. If not then just use the best room a few times for the different groups during the day. You have unlimited use of the footage for that entire school day (8.30am to 3.30pm) & can watch it as many times as you like with small or large groups. It is up to you. Even individual students who might be at home can watch the show if you email them the link & password to use.

4. Do I need to register for an account to watch the virtual show?

You do not need to register for an account with Vimeo. Like Youtube, anyone can watch a video on Vimeo just by clicking on a link.

5. When will I get access to the virtual show?

We will email you the link & password for the virtual incursion at 9.15am the morning before the show to forward to the appropriate staff at your school. The password will only work from 8am of the day your show is booked until 4pm. On the day of the show whenever each class is ready to watch the show the teachers simply click on the link I’ll have emailed you & enter the password that comes with it. Then the video will play on the screen, streaming from Vimeo. There are instructions for this in the email that is sent with the link & password the day before your virtual performance.

6. Do I need to run a test of playing the virtual show at school?

We do recommend running a test at school before the day to make sure that the Vimeo website is not blocked by your school's network (unlikely but possible) by playing our 2020 show trailer at this link while at school: https://vimeo.com/469142406 If in the unlikely event that Vimeo is blocked at your school then please contact your ICT staff to ask them to ensure that it is unlocked for the day of the show & for whenever classes want to access the student FAQ footage afterwards.

7. Can the staff watch the virtual show first so they know what to expect & when to use the optional props?

We're not offering the option to preview the show itself, however:

The show follows the storyline of the picture book very closely;

Closer to the show date you can watch the show trailer to get a feel of how it will look;

The student FAQ will be available for the students to watch after the show but it will also be available for teachers to watch before the show if you prefer. It will be released a little closer to the show date & will go through in great detail how we made the show;

Detailed notes & page images will be sent through before the show to let you know exactly when & how to use the optional props.

8. How does the student FAQ's (frequently asked questions) section work after the show?

If you watch through the short credits at the end there is a little message from me to camera about the questions. The 45 minute FAQ video is at a separate link which will be emailed to all teachers along with the show link. This video has no password & is available to go back to whenever your classes want to work through any of that content. After they have experienced the virtual show the students can watch just the first part of the FAQ about the book or jump to whichever section the teachers would like them to look at (the puppets, props, etc). The FAQ link will also be on our website. you can even check out our 2020 student FAQ video here.

9. How long does the show and student FAQ section go?

The virtual show is 40-45 minutes. The FAQ is 30-45 minutes. Staff & students are free to just watch a bit of the FAQ directly after the show then come back to it another time if that suits.

10. Are there lesson plans and teacher resources?

Yes. A huge amount of lesson plans, videos & teachers resources are available on our website to use before or after the show as your teachers wish. These can be accessed once the book title is announced in May 2021 at: https://www.bookstolife.com.au/2021-Show/#TeacherResources

11. How long will it take for you to respond to student questions that we email through?

We'll have recorded a 30-45 minute "FAQ" section that the school has unlimited access to for the rest of the year & this goes through the content of the book, the use of puppets, mask, props, sets, music, etc. There will also be links on our website to the author/illustrator's website as well as many other video & written resources at https://www.bookstolife.com.au/2021-Show/#TeacherResources If there are more questions that we haven't covered in all of that then the classes should feel free to email them through to us at tony@bookstolife.com.au With multiple schools seeing the show each day at various times we will send a video answer to all questions by the next school day so that we always have time to get them prepared, shot & sent overnight.

12. Can we keep a copy of the virtual show for the future?

Unfortunately no. For the FAQ section you have free access forever, but not for the virtual show itself. Like the live show, no digital recordings of the show can be made. Filming your students getting up & involved is encouraged but no copies of the film itself can be made as it is a breach of copyright. We do not have unlimited rights from the author/illustrator or book publisher to perform the book beyond this season, nor from the musicians that we compose the songs with, nor from the designer of the film. All of these artists sign contracts where the deal is that the students get to see the live show once (or in the virtual show as many times as they like on one school day) but not that they then own the show forever. It is like buying a movie ticket to watch a film at the cinema, not like buying a DVD that you keep afterwards & watch forever. The costs for that would be much much higher. The project is only developed as a term-long tour, virtual or live, so any copies used after that are breaching those artists' copyright.

13. Can the staff watch the virtual show first so they know what to expect?

We're not offering the option to preview the show itself, however:

The show follows the storyline of the picture book very closely;
Closer to the show date you can watch the show trailer to get a feel of how it will look;
The student FAQ will be available for the students to watch after the show but it will also be available for you to watch before the show if you prefer. It will be released a little closer to the show date & will go through in great detail how we made the show.

14. Can we have access to the virtual show over multiple days?

Yes, if it is necessary for your school to do it that way to run it in library sessions we can accommodate that request. We do however prefer schools to watch the show all on the same day if it is possible, just as they would with the live show, at different times throughout the day if required to suit your school schedule. As a whole school activity, this means students can communicate with other students at school about the show that they have all seen on the same day, which makes it a special shared experience for them.

Our interactive virtual incursion

30% cheaper than our live show;

Available any day you like from Term 3, 2021 onwards, including any day in Book Week;

Adaptable minimum student numbers so perfect for smaller schools who don't meet the minimum student numbers of the live show;

Available to any school in Australia & New Zealand, regardless of location, so a great option for schools who cannot link in with our live tour schedule due to their location;

Simple props list can be collected before the show then used by students during the performance to make it even more interactive. Especially brilliant when the props are run by the senior students for their junior classes.

Can be viewed at multiple times across multiple days to suit your school schedule;

Everything from our live show & more... for less!!!

Check out the trailer for last year's 2020 interactive virtual incursion here.

Reviews for our Books To Life 2020 interactive virtual incursion of "Hello Lighthouse":

"Virtual Book Week Show A Winner!... We absolutely loved the show. The integration of the book into the story, the singing, the acting and high-quality production values, more than brought this book to life. It was excellent... Tony Appleby's long experience as a performer and writer, along with his teaching background has informed the creation of a show that is valuable in its own right. It shouldn't be seen as a video of an incursion, rather it's a new form, and unlike live incursions, it's available wherever you are." Karen Keegan, review for Shows For Schools

"What a fabulous amazing show! Beautiful singing! Amazing puppets and we loved the green screening! It was very entertaining and as interactive as possible and very funny too. We will be defiantly be booking you again. Thank you Thank you from all our community. We just loved it." St Bernard's PS, Mt Gravatt, QLD

"An amazing show today. After having you perform at our school in previous years, we knew the show would be good, but with having to perform a virtual show, we could never have imagined it would be incredible. Your show exceeded all of our expectations and both staff and students absolutely loved it... (we) used the props as suggested and were so pleased we did as it made the show seem as though you were in the room. Even through a screen, you have the ability to engage, entertain and inspire our students... a truly amazing show - a highlight of our Book Week." Caulfield Grammar School, Malvern Campus

"Our students were so highly engaged for the whole show, and erupted into applause at the end!! It was, as always, a very cleverly structured show with student needs in mind and appealed to absolutely everyone.” Newbery Park PS, SA

"The staff and students loved the show... (They) were extremely impressed with how you made the illustrations come to life and were able to put yourself into the illustrations. Everyone from Foundation to year 6 thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and were extremely impressed by how life-like everything was... they loved that there were a lot of different elements to the performance that really made it come alive... We're still not sure how you managed to bring the performance and the book to life as well as you did." St Fidelis' Catholic PS, Coburg, VIC

"Thank you so so so much for all your valuable resources and an amazing brilliant 'virtual show'. Our students were engaged throughout the performance and thoroughly enjoyed watching it, from our Prep students right up to our Year 6 students. The teachers enjoyed it too and gave it a thumbs up... The quality was spot on - so clear that it made you feel that you were actually in the room... I will certainly be recommending you to my other teacher-librarian colleagues as 'must have' performance for their schools." St Leonard's PS, Glen Waverley, VIC

See more reviews for this & all our past shows here!!

2021 Live Show Season Dates

All tour dates are subject to change depending on availability. If you'd like the show to perform in your area out of the advertised season dates then just ask & we'll try our best to accommodate you.

Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat & the rest of Victoria (VIC) Primary School Book Week Tour 2021
July 12th to 16th, 2021 (Term 3, Week 1, 2021 / 6 weeks before Book Week 2021)
July 19th to 23rd, 2021 (Term 3, Week 2, 2021 / 5 weeks before Book Week 2021)
July 26th & 30th, 2021 (Term 3, Week 3, 2021 / 4 weeks before Book Week 2021)
August 2nd, 2021 (Term 3, Week 4, 2021 / 3 weeks before Book Week 2021)
August 26th to August 27th, 2021 (Term 3, Week 7, 2021 / Book Week 2021)
August 30th to September 3rd, 2021 (Term 3, Week 8, 2021 / 1 week after Book Week 2021)
September 6th to 8th, 2021 (Term 3, Week 9, 2021 / 2 weeks after Book Week 2021)
Where do Books To Life tour in Victoria? Click here!!
Make an enquiry - Click here!!!

Sydney, Newcastle, Central Coast & the rest of New South Wales (NSW) Primary School Book Week Tour 2021
August 2nd to 3rd, 2021 (Inland NSW - Term 3, Week 4, 2021 / 3 weeks before Book Week 2021)
August 9th to 11th, 2021 (Newcastle & Central Coast - Term 3, Week 6, 2021 / 1 week before Book Week 2021)
August 12th to 13th, 2021 (Sydney - Term 3, Week 5, 2021 / 2 weeks before Book Week 2021)
August 16th to 17th, 2021 (Sydney - Term 3, Week 6, 2021 / 1 week before Book Week 2021)
August 19th, 2021 (Sydney - Term 3, Week 6, 2021 / 1 week before Book Week 2021)
August 20th, 2021 (Newcastle - Term 3, Week 6, 2021 / Book Week 2021)
August 23rd to 24th, 2021 (Sydney - Term 3, Week 7, 2021 / Book Week 2021)
Where do Books To Life tour in New South Wales? Click here!!
Make an enquiry - Click here!!!

Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & the rest of Queensland (QLD) Primary School Book Week Tour 2021
August 4th to 6th, 2021 (Term 3, Week 5, 2021 / 2 weeks before Book Week 2021)
Where do Books To Life tour in Queensland? Click here!!
Make an enquiry - Click here!!!

Canberra & the rest of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Primary School Book Week Tour 2021
August 18th, 2021 (Term 3, Week 6, 2021 / 1 week before Book Week 2021)
August 25th, 2021 (Term 3, Week 7, 2021 / Book Week 2021)
Where do Books To Life tour in the Australian Capital Territory? Click here!!
Make an enquiry - Click here!!!

Adelaide & the rest of South Australia (SA) Primary School Book Week Tour 2021
July 27th to 29th, 2021 (SA Term 3 Week 2 / 4 weeks before Book Week 2021)
September 15th to 17th, 2021 (SA Term 3 Week 9 / 3 weeks after Book Week 2021)
Where do Books To Life tour in South Australia? Click here!!
Make an enquiry - Click here!!!

Hobart, Launceston, Devonport & the rest of Tasmania (TAS) Primary School Book Week Tour 2021
September 9th to 10th, 2021 (TAS Term 3 Week 8 / 2 weeks after Book Week 2021)
Where do Books To Life tour in Tasmania? Click here!!
Make an enquiry - Click here!!!

Desperate to find a Book Week 2021 performance for your primary school in Melbourne, VIC?

Then click here for season dates for regional & urban Victoria for 2021 & search no more!! Includes specific dates for our 2021 tour in Melbourne (including touring dates for Northern suburbs, Western suburbs & South East Melbourne), plus all towns & cities in VIC including Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Melton, Shepparton, Wodonga, Sunbury, Pakenham, Mildura, Warrnambool, Traralgon, Wangaratta, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Bacchus Marsh, Torquay, Jan Juc, Horsham, Moe, Newborough, Warragul, Morwell, Sale, Lara, Bairnsdale, Echuca, Drysdale, Clifton Springs, Colac, Drouin, Leopold, Portland, Swan Hill, Castlemaine, Gisborne, Benalla, Hamilton, Wallan, Healsville, Wonthaggi, Yarrawonga, Maryborough, Kilmore, Ararat, Portalington, St Leonards, Lakes Entrance, Kyabram, Seymour, Stawell, Cobram, Leongatha, Inverloch, Bannockburn & Cowes. Not on the list? Let us know & we'll find a date for you on the tour too!!

Need a primary school show for Book Week 2021 in Sydney, NSW?

Season dates for regional & urban New South Wales are available for 2021 if you just click here!! Includes specific dates for our 2021 tour in Sydney (including touring dates for The Blue Mountains, Cantebury, The Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, Forest District, Falls District, Western Sydney, Macarthur, Northern Beaches, Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith, Sutherland Shire, Berowra & Hawkesbury), plus all towns & cities in NSW including Newcastle, Central Coast, Wollongong, Maitland, Tweed Heads, Wagga, Albury, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Orange, Dubbo, Coffs Harbour, Queanbeyan, Lismore, Bathurst, Coffs Harbour, Richmond, Windsor, Bomaderry, Nowra, Goulburn, Armidale, Broken Hill, Wentworth Falls, Katoomba, Forster, Tuncurry, Bellbird, Cessnock, Grafton, Taree, Ballina, Griffith, Sawtell, Singleton, Raymond Terrace, Weston, Kurri Kurri, Kiama, Lithgow, Bowral, Batemans Bay, Lawson, Hazelbrook, Muswellbrook, Parkes, Ulladulla, Inverell, Moree & Casino. Not on the list? Let us know & we'll find a date for you on the tour too!!

What 2021 Book Week shows tour to primary schools in Canberra, ACT?

Ours does!! Click here for all our season dates for Australian Capital Territory for 2021. Includes specific dates for our 2021 tour of all ACT suburbs in and around Canberra, Palmerston, Belconnen, Canberra Central, Curtin, Narrabundah, Queanbeyan, Kambah, Gordon, Gungahalin, Jerrabomberra, Majura, Molonglo Valley, Tuggeranong, Weston Creek & Woden Valley. Not on the list? Let us know & we'll find a date for you on the tour too!!

Can't find a Book Week 2021 stage show that blows your primary school away in Brisbane, QLD?

Then click here and stop looking!! Season dates for regional & urban Queensland have been released for 2021. Includes specific dates for our 2021 tour of all suburbs in Brisbane plus all other areas of QLD including South East Queensland, Wide Bay, Burnett, Far North Queensland (FNQ), Darling Downs, North Queensland, Central Queensland, Gulf Country, South West Queensland & Central West Queensland. Specific towns & cities in QLD to be toured include Ipswich, Logan City, Redland City & Morton Bay Region, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Cairns, Toowoomba, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Gladstone, Maryborough, Mount Isa, Gympie, Bongaree, Woorim, Nambour, Yeppoon, Warwick, Emerald, Dalby, Bargara, Innes Park, Kingaroy, Tannum Sands, Moranbah & Bowen. Not on the list? Let us know & we'll find a date for you on the tour too!!

Scratching your head for a Book Week 2021 performance for your primary school in Adelaide, SA?

Well you've come to the right place. Click here for all our season dates for regional & urban South Australia for 2021. Includes specific dates for our 2021 tour of all suburbs in Adelaide plus all towns & cities in SA including Mount Gambier, Whyalla, Gawler, Port Pirie, Bridgewater, Port Augusta, Murray Bridge, Port Lincoln, Mount Barker, Victor Harbour, Aldinga Beach, Naracoorte, Renmark, Millicent, Goolwa, Berri, Nuriootpa, Tanunda, Kadina, Roxby Downs, Loxton, Strathalbyn, Moonta, Clare, Nairne, Wallaroo, Coober Pedy, McLaren Vale, Ceduna, Bordertown, Kapunda, Mannum, Barmera, Angaston, Willunga, Hahndorf, Waikerie, Kingscote, Lobethal, Peterborough, Woodside, Port Elliot, Balaklava, Sellicks Beach, Kingston, Tailem Bend, Jamestown & Williamstown. Not on the list? Let us know & we'll find a date for you on the tour too!!

What can I do at my primary school in Hobart, TAS for Book Week 2021?

See our show!! Click here for all our season dates for Tasmania for 2021. Includes specific dates for our 2021 tour of all TAS suburbs in and around Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Burni, Somerset, Blackmans Bay, Kingston, Ulverstone, Gagebrook, Bridgewater, New Norfolk, Wynyard, George Town, Sorell, Midway Point, Smithton, Penguin, Longford, Latrobe, Dodges Ferry, Lauderdale, Queenstown, Legana, Deloraine, Perth, Old Beach, Port Sorrell, Scottsdale, Hadspen, St Helens, Stieglitz, Huonville, Ranelagh, Pontville, Bridport, Turners Beach, Westbury, Beauty Point, Rosebery, Seven Mile Beach, Evandale, Beaconsfield, Sheffield, Margate, Zeehan, Railton, Geeveston, Richmond, Cygnet, Snug & Currie. Not on the list? Let us know & we'll find a date for you on the tour too!!

Term 1 & 2, 2021: "Hello Lighthouse"

Our 30% off interactive "virtual incursion" option. Click here!!

Last year's virtual show below

About the author-illustrator of "LITTLELIGHT"

Kelly Canby is an award-winning, internationally published, illustrator and author of over two dozen books for children. Kelly was born in London, England, but has lived in Australia since the age of three, which is probably around the same age she started playing with pencils and crayons, and it was probably only a few years after that that she decided playing with pencils and crayons was something she wanted to do for the rest of her life.

Kelly’s second picture book The Hole Story won the prestigious 2018 West Australian Premier’s Prize for Writing for Children, while Littlelight, Rodney and The Hole Story have all been Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Notable books for Picture book of the year. Kelly is also well known for her illustration work on writer Jaclyn Moriarty’s Kingdoms and Empires series of books. Together they have made three books that have either won or been shortlisted for several awards.

Kelly is on the judging panel for the annual Shaun Tan Illustration Awards and Regional Advisor for The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Australia West.

With a Bachelor of Art in Design from Curtin University, Kelly applies her quirky style to the pages of everything from picture books, to chapter books, to early reader books, to colouring books and beyond!

Kelly's website Kelly's Facebook Kelly's Instagram Interview with Kelly about Littlelight (p.15)

About the book

"LITTLELIGHT - The story of a little town that needed a whole lot of enlightening.

When bricks start to go missing from the town of Littlelight, the mayor whips his citizens into a frenzy of aggravation. But when the townspeople find the thief, and her motive, they discover perhaps it is the mayor who is the problem.

Illustrated in moody black and white with dynamic neon highlights, this is a thought-provoking tale of tolerance and acceptance."

"It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept and celebrate those differences" Audre Lorde.

Sample Chapter of the book
Video of Kelly Canby illustrating
YouTube Review by Tania McCartney
Video of Storybox Library reading of the book (subscription required)

Reviews for the book

'Kelly Canby’s distinctive scribbly illustrations are enjoyably tactile and energetic … With this work, author-illustrator Canby further confirms her reputation as an innovative and thought-provoking storyteller.' Books+Publishing

'This little book packs some serious themes about keeping an open mind, staying connected, limiting elected authority, and the power of one person to make a positive difference.' Magpies

'Parents, teachers and kids will all find different things to appreciate in this timely and visually striking picture book …' Weekend West

'Along with the brilliant artwork, the repetition of text and sophisticated vocabulary is intriguing for curious minds and will leave readers enlightened.' Kids' Book Review

'Striking illustrations complete this quality picture book.' Pinerolo

Many more reviews for the book here!!

More reviews for the book

"A story about the triumph of creativity over politics, and community over narrow-minded individuals.” Hello From Australia

"A tyrannical leader, an oppressive wall and a courageous girl come together in this timely fable... When bricks start disappearing from the protective wall that surrounds their town, the people of Littlelight are furious—that is, until they realise that opening themselves up to new experiences might be something to treasure instead of fear. Kelly Canby’s distinctive scribbly illustrations are enjoyably tactile and energetic. The book’s bleak, achromatic landscape is punctuated by bursts of vibrant colour that suggest all is not what it seems, and sharp-eyed observers will likely spot the culprit who’s removed the bricks before they are outed by the Mayor. The narrative’s conclusion will satisfy small and big people alike in its kindly matter-of-factness. With this work, author-illustrator Canby further confirms her reputation as an innovative and thought-provoking storyteller. Littlelight is an ideal pick for a classroom—the kind of multi-layered picture book that appeals across ages and paves the way for complex conversations. Teachers and parents will appreciate Canby’s sophisticated language, which will assist children in expanding their vocabulary and exploring similes and metaphors. A deceptively simple book, Littlelight intimates the ways difference enhances the world we live in.” Bronte Coates, Books & Publishing

"This wonderful picture book has a distinctive colour scheme, varied language and lots of satisfying little clues about the brick-stealer. It’s a great conversation starter to explore curiosity, difference, acceptance and tolerance.” Readings

"Highly recommended. When the Mayor of a walled city notices that some bricks are missing, he is very cross, thinking that a thief has stolen the bricks. The wall keeps other people out, and protects his city from things that are different. He calls the attention of his fellow citizens to the theft, and they are equally angry that this should happen. They are all concerned that something different should get into their city and help him to find the thief. They look at all corners of the town. The walls to the south protect them from people who look a little different and grow unusual food, those to the north grow unusual food, act a little differently and speak different words. To the east the people grow unusual food, speak different words, look a little different and have upbeat music, while to the west, they are different in all the ways that the others are different, but on top of all that difference, they read unfamiliar books. The Mayor cannot be more furious. He and the people double their efforts at finding the culprit and eventually find that it is a young girl. Just as the Mayor is about to admonish her, the populace realise that the smell of new food, the sound of new words, the beat of new music and the promise of new stories was not something to be feared. And they realised the little girl had not taken anything from them, but had given them a gift, a gift of seeing something different. Through the gaps in the wall they could see how others lived, they had windows and now doors and then bridges. A modern fable, readers be entranced by the backward looking mayor, and the possibilities that have opened up for the populace of his city. They will readily see the parallels to walls being built and those torn down, those that have stood for centuries and those that have lasted less than a few decades. They will recognise that his book is about welcoming difference: difference in how we look, what we eat, how we sing and what we read. The book will open up a range of discussions, opinions and thoughts. All augmented by the wonderful illustrations, the few colours peeping through redolent of the possibilities offered by difference. The greys give way to more colour as the book proceeds, the people realising the richness that light brings.” Fran Knight, Read Plus

"Something is amiss in the town of Littlelight — someone has been taking bricks from the walls surrounding the town. The mayor is mad! That wall keeps the town safe! He declares that the good people of Littlelight must be protected from everything different and unusual, strange, offbeat and unfamiliar. So he leads everyone in the hunt for the brick thief. Canby’s illustrations combine ink, pencil, and digital colouring. Readers will spot the brick thief early in the story and understand that the celebration of difference — depicted in eye-popping neon highlights against the grey backdrop of the town — runs counter to the narrowmindedness of the mayor. This would be the perfect book to spark discussions about fear, difference, barriers, and leadership. Littlelight shines a neon spotlight on the importance of breaking down barriers — whether they be metaphorical or physical.” Writing WA

"Littlelight is an enriching story about a town which transforms barriers to bridges entwining the power of people, culture and an open mind. The town of Littlelight is clearly lacking excitement. Grey buildings, grey clothes, grey everything shows readers of a drab town in need of change. When bricks start to go missing from the town walls, the stern looking mayor is not impressed, he immediately convinces the town people that they are in danger. As more and more bricks disappear, bright neon colours enter the pages and show a little of what lay outside the town walls. The story rolls forward with flow, rhythm and repetition showing that the proposed danger is anything but. A clever, amusing ending gives the mayor plenty of time for thinking. I adore the loose watercolour style ink illustrations, they set the scene and tell much of the story as does the unique use of grey tones contrasting with neon colours. Along with the brilliant artwork, the repetition of text and sophisticated vocabulary is intriguing for curious minds and will leave readers enlightened. Perfect for classrooms, Littlelight stands out on a shelf and could lead to many discussions on topics from art and culture to politics and more. Adults and some children are likely to spot it as being a clever and timely take on the infamous Trump border wall.” Amie Sabadin, Kids’ Book Review website

"In the grey old town of Littlelight, a “big beautiful wall” surrounded the town. The wall was thick and all-encompassing and the Mayor was strong. But one day a brick was missing in the wall. And no one noticed at first, but little by little, brick by brick, gaps appeared in the wall. And there were streaks of neon light fingering their way into the town. Who could be stealthily breaching the wall? What happens when the walls that are built are breached?” Stagepage

“Apoplectic. When you read this book to a group of children everyone will learn a new word: apoplectic. It means overcome with anger or furious. In this book we meet the people of Littlelight. Let's think about that name - they don't live in the light - their town feels like the Dark Ages with no access to rich language, off beat music, and interesting books. Littlelight is grey place surrounded by high walls. The Mayor loves his high walls because they give him power over his citizens. On the other side of these walls - north, south, east and west, there are people who enjoy delicious foods, they dance to their own music, the speak different languages and they read books! As the illustrations clearly show these other people have colour in their lives. In the tradition of The Emperor's New Clothes, it takes the action of one small child to reveal the truth. One by one a small girl removes bricks from the high walls surrounding the town. Going back to the word apoplectic the Mayor is now very mad in fact he is furious. He seems to convince the town's people that the small girl has committed an horrendous crime. But then the people remember their delight as they discovered the different foods, music, words and stories. "The people of Littlelight looked around their town, now full of colour and light and wondered what, exactly, they were meant to be angry about.” They do still have a problem with their Mayor (read dictator) but the ingenious people of the town solve this issue in a most satisfying way… This is one of those wonderful picture books you could share with young children and then explore in an entirely different way with a senior Primary group. Think about themes of control; intellectual freedom; misuse of power; conflict resolution; and propaganda. You might also have some fun with fluro paints.” Momotimetoread blog

"Littlelight is clearly not a very exciting town with drab grey walls and it is ruled by a Tyrannical Mayor who segregates the different peoples of the town with town walls. As bricks go missing and burst of vibrant colours appear the mayor convinces the people that they are in danger. But as one young girl investigates she discovers the missing bricks and colours allow the town to come alive with various cultures and communities. This a multilayered story that paves the way for conversation. Primary age children and adults should enjoy this story together.” Liz Oruba, Library Technician, Avondale PS

"This book is adorable. This is a great little book to teach kids about inclusivity. A perfect teaching book, but also a great book for all little kids to own.” Christy, Sydney, Booktopia

“5 stars - Lovely Story with Bright Beautiful Illustrations. The story is an absolutely wonderful story of inclusion and would be great for parents teaching their children about cultures different from their own. The illustrations are unusual and joyfully BRIGHT coloured. They start mostly grey, symbolizing the sameness of Littlelight, and gradually more colour is included as the community becomes more inclusive of neighbouring communities. I love it when a story is as beautiful as the illustrations and that is certainly the case with Littlelight.” Sara Mittet, Amazon

"Littlelight by Kelly Canby is a gorgeous, thought provoking and heart-warming book about understanding, embracing and celebrating diversity. This is a MUST read!” Oz Lit Teacher

"An ‘enlightening’ book, written by an Australian author, about a small town divided by differences. The town is eventually brought together at the hand of a young girl as she seeks to make changes piece by piece. Almost all townspeople embrace the changes, except for one, who is fearful and resistant to things that are “different, unusual, strange, offbeat and unfamiliar”. A book that opens up great discussion in children about what it means to love others and embrace differences - after all we are all fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator.” Regina Brownley, Plenty Valley Christian College Library

“I have some wonderful picture books I wanted to share with you. They've just arrived in the last couple of weeks and I just think they're divine and they're so worth sharing... so the first one is called Littlelight and this is by Western Australian author Kelly Canby who also does the illustrations. Of course, it's with Fremantle Press and it's just the most beautiful modern, clever, enlightening, important book. It's not something that you would expect from the cover which is what I love the most about it. I also love how Kelly has used these beautiful fluorescent colourings and the look at the end papers, I mean, just unbelievably beautiful and then she also uses colour throughout the story to impart the meaning of the story. So she starts out talking about this Littlelight town… and she says, “No one in the grey old town of little light noticed at first a brick missing from here, a brick missing from there”. So you can see she's done this wall and there's this mysterious fluorescent ladder leaning against the wall and as the book progresses we meet the good old mayor who loves his wall and likes to keep things all shut up and safe from the horrible outside and and... the glorious people and ideas that live outside his own brain and you can see here this... gorgeous visual representation of who and what might be going on here. So essentially the bricks are coming down, the wall is being torn down and as we go through the book we discover that there are four external places around the town of different people, different colours, different ideas ,different traditions, different cultures... how heavenly does that sound? We get glimpses of these people and the glorious people that they are too and as the book progresses… We learn that tearing down walls can be an extremely extremely good thing. I highly recommend this book. I love that it surprised and delighted and uplifted me particularly at this curious time” Tania McCartney, Youtube

“5 Stars - a delightful story about embracing differences and takes us to a town where everybody is afraid of the Other until slowly, slowly bricks are removed and colours shine through. Simple, yet very effective” Kathleen Dixon, Goodreads

“5 stars - The town of Littelight and its people live in a grey and lifeless community, dictated to by the Mayor, an autocratic man who fears change and difference. Mysteriously, the brick walls surrounding the town start to disappear and as they do so, light, colour, sound and eventually people start to appear through the ever enlarging holes. This is a story about one person setting off a chain reaction - about celebrating difference, tolerance and not just being open-minded to those who live different lives, but being open enough to embrace and enjoy their differences. The illustrations are simple and stylistic - quite childlike. Stark shades of grey depict the township except for one bright, colourful girl and a ladder. As the bricks disappear psychedelic colours leech through along with small differences to start with - as brightly coloured birds start to emerge. As the holes in the wall grow larger we get glimpses of different people doing different things - cooking, dancing etc with different senses being awoken by the Littlelight townsfolk. The Mayor is angry, and at first the people are frightened of something new and different but as the colours take over their community they become happy and cheerful. The vivid endpapers are filled with bright and colourful houses side by side and provide a good talking point.” Jennie, Goodreads.

“5 stars - A beautiful book about embracing differences. The illustrations are brilliant (mostly black and white with pops of bright colour), the message is clear but not preachy, and I love the language Canby has used. She doesn't talk down to kids, so there are definitely words you can discuss together, but they're the perfect choices to make the story sing. A new favourite for me!” AD, Goodreads.

“5 stars - A picture book with the universal themes of sharing, inclusion and acceptance of differences. The idea is to build bridges instead of walls - which can have multiple meanings for young and old. There are engaging illustrations which should appeal to all the good people out there.” Jenny Esots, Goodreads

“5 stars - Fantastic story with beautifully-coloured illustrations to help younger readers understand cultural differences in our community." Kat Schrav, Goodreads

“5 stars - Gorgeous!” Dianne Wolfer, Goodreads

"Beautiful, thought-provoking story. I just finished reading this story to my daughter and I'm blown away! It teaches such an amazing lesson that this world really needs right now. I love your work Kelly and cannot wait to read more of your books.” Maggie McIlwrick, Amazon Australia

Teacher Resources

Buy the book

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