Welcome to my Guestbook
I love reading this guest book every night! Thank you for writing.
You’ll know from my Hot News Space that I don’t have time to reply to the majority of the messages, so huge apologies in advance.
I hope students doing urgent assignments will avoid heart-break and failure by not requesting my help in the first place. I feel badly about not being able to help out, and hope everyone will forgive me.
Needless to say I will reply to invitations so do remember to leave an e-mail address.
I no longer have time to visit schools (unless they are close to my house) because I am now focussing heavily on teachers, parents and reading aloud. I do feel sad about this and hope everyone will understand.
And finally a gentle reminder: everything you write in this guest book can be read by the whole world.
Best regards,
Mem Fox
Hi Mem,
I like your stories and the song you sing about babies.
thank you for all the books you made
From Jordana
My 7 month old loves “Where’s the green sheep” which was given as a gift by a school teacher friend. I would love to get her the green sheep toy but it appears to only come in a box set with the book. Is it possible to get just the sheep on its own? Am also impressed with the green sheep birthday cake will definately give that a try for her birthday.
Hello,
I am a student at the University of Central Florida and I am doing an author study on you. Your website was very helpful but I wanted to know do you have lesson plans or activities for your books? I would also like to know is it ok to use the picture of your books in my author study and I also want to know if you can send me anything that will be useful to my author study or anything for my classroom. I would like to take the time to thank you for helping me in the process and I am excited to read your books to my students in the near future.
Sincerely,
Jessica
Dear, dear Mem (and marvellous Judy),
Since my little boy was born eight months ago “Where is the Green Sheep?” has provided entertainment for the whole family. Sometimes we read the ‘other’ version: Here is the cold sheep – and here is the angry sheep – the melanoma sheep – the one-sheep-band-sheep – and of course the Jefferson Star Sheep. Baby Dominic reads it aloud to us too, although his version sounds more like “oooOOOOOooo babababab” and he usually stops to kiss the near sheep.
Thankyou also for all the resources on this website. Even a passionate reader like me needs some guidance and reassurance when it comes to teaching my baby to love books.
Many happy readings!
Nicola and Dominic
i live in Shawano Wisconsin. Nice to meet you
hi im your biggest fan,we are learning about you in our class.i think you are so awesome!
Dear Mem,
I wish to thank you for the poignant message you conveyed in your article, “The folly of jolly old phonics”. Trawling the net for an available, effective, innovative and affordable phonics program had me feeling confused about which strategies I would apply in teaching my new kindergarten class letters and words in order to get them reading. Í have found its easy to become bogged down in a sea of alternative approaches when you’re a begginning teacher’, particularly when reading recovery and its word-level strategies are so loudly trumped, in spite of my experience that many children are poor readers when it comes to comprehending a text. After incidently reading your article, Mem, I reflected on why I had embraced and enjoyed reading as a child. It was not because someone sat me down and explicitly taught me how to ‘”sound-out” each word. Rather it had to do with exposure to a wide variety of books on topics that were of interest to me. I was both read to and had the chance to read with adults. The emphasis on my reading experiences was about appreciating the story and my vocabulary improved as a by-product of this exposure. This made me really consider how I would approach literacy in my classroom. Most of my students have come to school with very little experience with books. As such I feel my approach to teaching reading is fundamental to the attitudes my students will feel towards learning. I feel the focus on reading needs to be one where the quality of text is high so that reading is fun and enjoyable and invites children into the world of make-belief, magic and imagination. A hard-line, results driven, word-level approach, I believe, can foster anxiety and resentment in students, particularly for those whose only exposure to reading of a day is that which is done with a leveled reader at school. Thankyou for refocusing me. I plan to use your fantastic texts in abundance.
Rebecca
Hi Mem,
Just over a year ago I lost my mother to Alzheimers. As her dementia was progressing, I was looking for ways to spark her memories. She was always an avid reader and she loved children, so I decided to try to find a children’s book with fun illistrations to try to interest her. WOW-did I get lucky!! Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes was a Godsend! Mom had always counted the toes and fingers of every baby she held! She immediatly connected with the theme of the book-and the illustrations sent her into giggles and laughter every time she picked it up. ( one of the cute side effects of the dementia-it was a new experience for her each time!) At first she was able to read the book to me, but as the disease progressed the pictures were enough. THANK YOU,THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the wonderful memories you enabled me to have of my last months with my mother. I will treasure them always.
With love and appreciation, Judy
hello Mem. i think it is great work that you have done with your books. i want to become a children’s book writer also. i have worked in child care for 9 years and have 2 boys of my own. so i have seen a lot of books over the last 9 years. i would like to go about writting books starting at board books for the younger children and eventuall work my way up to a novel about my life. i know this will take some time to acheive but time will only tell if i am good enough to do it. do you have to pay a publisher up front? if so how much does it cost? do you have any contacts for a good publisher?
regards Shelly
Dear Mem,
I must say after reading the story behind “Where Is The Green Sheep?” I am a little less reluctant to sway my 22 month old daughter to choose a different story, and continue to read it to her repeatedly.
She recieved a hard cover copy for her first birthday (we had asked for books in leiu of toys as gifts) and it has been her favourite since that day. It is much loved and so has a few pages sticky-taped back together. We bought her a copy in the board book format. Its is amost a year since we first read it, and it remains her number one book. Over time she has developed different actions for each sheep (You should see her “scared sheep”!) and can sit and ‘read’ it by herself.
Congratulations and please don’t stop writing children’s books!!
Love Mandi and Coby (aka ’scared sheep’)
Dear Mem Fox,
We’ve been reading your books all the time! We love your books because they have brilliant pictures and rhyming words. You make it easy to follow when you use repetivitive text.
We are writing hard cover books that are modeled after Boo to a Goose. Some of our titles include: “Scat to a Cat”, “Wow to a Cow”, “Moo to a Kangaroo”, and “Yuck to a Duck”.
We are hoping that you will continue to write great books for us to read. You are both a great artist and author. We look forward to reading anything new that you write!
Have a Great Day writing your books!
Mrs. Conklin’s Class
We are a first grade class that has been reading all your stories. We really love your stories. Our class has been using your book Boo to a Goose as a model to write our own stories. We have titled all our stories “Moo to a Bear”, but each plot to the story is unique.
Some of your other books that we read were: Koala Lou, Possum Magic, Whoever You Are, Ten Little Fingers Ten Little Toes, Where is the Green Sheep?, Hello, Baby, The Straightline Wonder, The Magic Hat, Boo to a Goose, Sleepybears, and Time for Bed.
In your books we noticed that you use things like repetitive language, two-page spreads, squiggly and crooked words, and rhyming words.
We hope that you continue to write books for us to enjoy and that we can someday become as good a writer as you are!
Best Wishes,
Ms. Nevins’ Class
Greetings from Canada
Tomorrow is my Mem Fox day in my University class so decided to write a brief note. Still think of you fondly and continue to purchase all your books. During class my students will learn about the power of reading out loud to children and the power in doing it well. Take care hope all is well
Much love
Pat
Your book Reading Magic made me cry twice in the first fifteen minutes of reading it. Happy tears by the way.
I was read to often as a child, and as a result I am the owner of a pretty awesome brain. You rock. You do more good.
I got your book at Goodwill, for one Canadian dollar. Best buck I ever spent. May the cosmic Is bless you.
Phil aka adventureboyseven
I find your books delightful and wonderful to read aloud. I work at a small library in the panhandle of Idaho in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.
I am the Story Time librarian that reads to children every week in both our main library and our branch library. I encourage parents to read to their young children daily and I hope they do it more often.
Thank you for the section on “How to do it.” Your directions are most appreciated.
Mem: I teach 1st grade in small school in upstate NY. Every year we do an author study in our Writer’s Workshop & we use your books! I have to tell you the connections my children draw and make from your books is tremendous. ALso, we segment right into reports. Those reports are done on Austrailian Animals they see in your stories. I look forward to this Author Study all year and I am so glad you can create such touching tales that warm not only my heart but those of my students! THANK YOU:)
Dear Mem,
I HAD to buy ‘Ten Little Fingers…’ just as soon as I read it. Gorgeous illustrations [the blonde baby looks just like my little lad] and a wonderful, wonderful message, so beautifully written.
I was just reading again your brilliant comments where you spoke up for the babies stuck in long daycare and I hope you won’t mind me mentioning it again… even though you have probably had this issue right up to your fabulous fringe.
I think the backlash you received is akin to backlash given to doctors about childbirth practices. I don’t understand why some women long for the olden days of child delivery with less medical intervention. This seems crazy! It was not so long ago that 50% didn’t make it through labour, hence there being so many stepmothers appearing in stories! ‘Natural’ childbirth often led to a ‘natural’ result, namely, death. Hideous days for women and children too….well, that covers the whole population, doesn’t it?!
I certainly agree that we should not be overmedicated, or babies induced without sound reasons. But there’s a huge amount of selfishness among women to have a wonderful ‘birth experience’…whereas at the end of the day, I think that surely the only ‘plan’ about childbirth should be this: healthy baby, healthy mum.
My own baby would have been stillborn without the ‘unnatural’ intervention of an urgent C-Section. [he would have choked on the cord, which started tightening after each contraction]. I am so grateful for the medical miracles which ensured he made it and that he was not deprived of oxygen either.
Mem, do you think people know that parenthood, right from the beginning, requires endless giving to another – putting your child’s needs above your own? I am not sure. Parenthood may well be rewarding, and is certainly joyous, but this elation is surely a result of parenting and not the purpose of it. Sometimes what is best for our children is not blissful for us!
Children have to come first.
My anasthetist said “birth is really the baby’s day, not the mother’s”, and that what is done by doctors is guided by the need for safe delivery. I know a lot of doctors socially, and I can tell you that none of them are guided by a drive to push patients through so they can get on with trivial pursuits.
So Mem, I think that all in all, parenthood is a strange brew these days: a tincture of self-oriented mindsets, a dollop of paranoia about medicos all whisked up with a lack of knowledge about the draconian history of childbirth. What you encountered seems to me to continue on from that point.
I hope 2010 is another wonderful year for you and I wish you continued success. Thank-you for your bravery and love for children.
Best wishes, Ani
Dear Mrs Fox,
My little girl Sophia (but everyone calls her Sossy) is almost 4 years old, and at every nap time and bed time she hops into bed after choosing a book from her bookcase. I lie next to her and read it aloud. Today she chose “Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge”.
Neither of us have read this book before; it was a Christmas gift from Sossy’s Aunty Helen. Sossy really liked that the little boy has 4 names as she does too and we had a great talk about memories. I, however, was so moved by the story that my voice got all wobbly and my eyes were pricking as I was reading. If I had been by myself I probably would have had a good howl.
You see, I am the CEO of an aged care facility that specialises in caring for people with dementia. You have so perfectly captured how multifaceted memories can be and how small everyday objects can stimulate memories that have long been locked away and forgotten. When someone like Miss Nancy remembers and shares that memory, they become the person they once were and not just the old person everyone sees.
Sossy is too young to understand that yet, although one day she will. I am going to lend the book to my staff though so we can all be reminded of the importance of memories. Thank you!
Pippa
“Knows knows” she demands. Yet again Meredith wants “Ten little fingers and ten little toes” read to her again, and again and again. It is the last book before bed and almost the first words she says in the morning, after ‘Mum, Mum, Mummyyyyyy! ‘ And so, because we are still on school holidays, I oblige and read it to her again, and again, and again.
Congratulations on having written such a wonderful book, which has totally captured the heart of my divine child.
I look forward to reading more of your books.
Natalie
YOUR BOOKS ARE THE BEST!:):):)
Darling Mem,
I’m working on a children’s author’s garden for a fund raising project for my son’s 1st grade class – his teacher said we must make one in honor of you. I’m having a devilish time trying to think of plants that “fit” your books. I’ve come up with Nettle and Mint but I have 1.2 cubic feet of space to fill and desperately need your help. Please be so kind as to tell me if you have any favorite flowers, herbs? What is in your favorite plant in your garden? Any native Australian plants that are easy to grow in SF Bay Area ummm… besides Eucalyptes?
Your Fan,
Carrol
Dear Mem,
I love your books! I am not only collecting a set of books for my own use, but also am providing two sets of grandchildren with your books. Needless to say, all four of them (ages 2 – 6) enjoy hearing your stories again and again.
I am a sessional instructor at the University of Alberta visiting the Gold Coast. Will you be making any presentations in the vicinity before March 1. It would be a privilege and a pleasure to hear you!
Thanks, Lorraine
Hi,
I am a primary school teacher and have selected your fabulous books (and you!) as my author study for Kindergarten in Term 1. It is so refreshing to finally see someone trying to spread the word on the importnace of reading to young children.
Can you give me some activities that I could do with two of your books – Where the Giant sleeps, and your new one The Goblin and the Empty Chair. I am stuck with ideas on what the children can do? I have searched the net for some suggestions but have had no luck. Any suggestions/ideas/activities would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks,
Jo
Dear Mem Fox,
My first grade class loved, “The Magic Hat”. They all wanted to write you a letter and tell you what animal they would be if the magic hat fell on their head. Each student wrote you a letter and I would love to send them to you so you can enjoy what an inspiration you are!
Many of them asked what animal you would be if the hat fell on you. Any comments are appreciated and you can keep the letters for your own treasure box!
Sincerely,
Noreen
Dear Mem,
Whenever I hear (Possum Magic CD) Harriet, You’ll Drive Me Wild, I believe that it was written about Hayley our 7 year old daughter who has severe Dyspraxic (clumsy child syndrome). We all have a wonderful time listening to your stories, to hear how you wrote them to be read is fantastic.
We are also in Adelaide (Glenunga) and it would be an honour if you could spare some time to read some of your stories to the children and perhaps answer some questions.
Many thanks in advance for making night times a pleasure. To read to my children is an amazing thing to bond over especially after a hectic day. To hear my 3 year old son Aaron tell me the stories almost word for word in a credit to your craft.
Many thanks and please keep them coming
Amanda
Dear Mem,
Hello! I would like to thank you for your advice (20 Do and Don’ts…) I especially enjoyed the last Don’t- about (not) expecting credibility as a children’s book author-it gave me a giggle! I love love love your book Time For Bed- it is just so yummy! My children are now teenagers, long past the time when I can read aloud to them, but I am very busily writing my own stories- I will be self publishing my first children’s book this coming Fall 2010.
I also collect children’s books for the child still inside me and one day for my grandchildren-I look forward to reading out loud to them.
Thank you again for your advice and your wonderful books!
Sincerely, Danielle B.
Dear Mem,
You are one of our chosen authors for a kindergarten author study. Do you have any additional activities or ideas for kids of this age?
dear Mem,
Hi, my name is Noah and I am 7 years old and in grade 2 at American Heritage School. When I read the Goblin and the Empty Chair, it inspired me to write my own book for my book report. I called my story The Goblin and the Lonely Boy and illustrated it myself. For my grade I got A+++ and 100 points. I want to know if you would like me to send a copy to you? If you like it you can continue the story of the Goblin.
Sincerely,
Noah B.
hello, we’re jade laura alicia and abi, we are a huge fan of you. we love your books and expecially hush (possum magic). we will look forward to reading more of your books! xx :P
Dear Mem,
What is the right way to protect your work when submitting it to a publisher? I have a friend who submitted work and the idea was produced 6 months later using one of their own writers.
Could you recommend any websites for this info regarding copyright?
Hi Mem,
I have just finished “Reading Magic” and it was fantastic! It has given me a lot more ideas on how to read to my daughter, Lara.
I have been reading to my daughter since she was around six weeks old. Lara loves books and we go to the library every two weeks to get different books. We then have fun reading all of the books when we get home (sometimes 15 in one sitting!) and then she often has her favourites, which we then read over and over. Knitty Kitty is a good example!
Lara enjoys the Spot series and often she lifts the flaps and says the words that go along with it. It makes my husband and I laugh because she picks up so much!
I was telling a collegue about your book and how to get kids to read. She then told me kids aren’t meant to read until they are 6-7 years old. When I asked her why she told me they were meant to have fun playing with their toys and didn’t need to worry about reading at a young age!
Lara would much rather read books, than watch TV which makes me very happy!
Thank you once again for your books!
Alison & Lara (21 months)
Dear Mem
I have a soon to be 3 year old little boy. We recently received “green sheep” as a christmas present….. we read it EVERY night…. I add (green sheep is UNDER Joshie, or Mummy has green sheep) in the gaps! I just love this book and will be looking for more of your books to read to him…. Thank you!~
Hey Mem hope you had a very happy Christmas and New years. Im starting out as a freelance illustrator looking to get work in childrens book and novels and I have been e-mailing book publishers and there hasn’t been much luck with booking jobs lately and I was just wondering if you would be able to give me some advice on who to contact and how to approach it.
Martin. ;)
Hello Mem,
nice Website!!!
I love your 20 Do’s and Dont’s.
These aspects are very interesting for beginners.
Keep on publishing.
Greetings from Germany Dennis
I read the big words and left the little ones to my 4 year old. I paused as my eyes caught a word like: I , so, do, or, and. Chloe read those aloud and I continued the story. After reading through the pages of Tough Boris we came to the final page. I scanned quickly and held my breath as she read the words: “and so do I” (Mem Fox, Tough Boris). She looked at me and I at her. Our mouths opened wide. At the same instant we said you’re/I’m reading! I always had a couple tears when we read and savored the pictures in Tough Boris but that night I ribbed her with a belly laugh. You’re reading Mem Fox!
Chloe is now 8 years old I don’t believe there is a book you have published she hasn’t read. She recently said television was for sissys.
Dear Mem,
I have a 5 year old daughter and I have read to her every night since she was a baby. She has recently been asking me to tell her made up stories where I just tell her a story rather than reading from a picture book. I have alot of trouble making up interesting stories on the spot. I have just finished reading Reading Magic (which was fabulous!)where you mentioned that Albert Einstein recommended reading fairy tales that are full of action,drama and emotion, and I think she would really love that sort of thing. I was wondering if you could possibly recommend to me such a book or post a selection of non picture fantasy/fairy tale books suitable on your website in your favourite books section. Thank you, it would be much appreciated
Dear Mem,
I absolutely love your book Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge. I read it to my class regularly and every time I have to stop myself from getting a little teary. It’s rather embarrassing in front of my year 1s =).
I only just recently came across this site, but I was really appreciative of your advice about writing a picture book. One day, one day…
Hiedi
Hello dear Mem.
I have the pleasure of owning 2 copies of Green Sheep, one on my desk and one in Rome with my 22-month grandson, so I can “read” the book to him by skype each day while he has breakfast – sometimes translating into Italian as I go!
It is an absolute favorite for us both. If you send me your email I shall send you a little video of him reading “Verde”.
How is lovely Chloe – also a great favorite
My 6 year old granddaughter and I made a trip to our new library building today in Vancouver, WA. I found a copy of DEAR MEM FOX on the shelf. My co-workers (other teachers) talk about you all the time.
So, now that I am in my jammies and ready for bedtime. I will explore this little book and learn more of you. I love the photo of you on your webpage. You look abit like me. But, I have silver/gray short hair.
Happy New Year to you and I hope you are comfortable and in your jammies as well. That means, your day is done and the pleasure of reading is at hand.
Suzanne