Happy birthday to you

Happy brithday to you

Happy birthday dear Do Not Forget Australiaaaa

Happy birthday to you!

Yes, one of my book-babies is having a birthday today. It’s nine years since Do Not Forget Australia was first published. If you haven’t read it, it’s a picture book telling the story of an amazing connection forged between a French village and the people of Australia during World War 1, a friendship that continues more than 100 years later.

Satisfyingly, the book is still in print – and you can find it online here (or ask your local bookseller to get it in for you). If you are a teacher, there are teaching ideas here and here and also here.

And here’s a photo of me, lucky enough to visit the school in Villers-Bretonneux on Anzac Day three years ago, the hundredth year following the battle of Villers-Bretonneux.

I do love a book birthday, especially when the book has stayed in print, available to young readers. Happy Day!