Be inspired by the new Beci Orpin DIY book Sunshine Spaces

Beci Orpin's brand new DIY book Sunshine Spaces is the kind of book that makes you feel prettier and cooler just owning it. Scattered throughout the book are thoughts from Beci about her relationship with urban nature, a range of DIY ideas from very easy through to challenging, and page after page of beautiful images of kids and grown-ups connecting with the local outdoors.

Adam Liaw Asian Cookery School masterclass + Win a cooking class

We've got a well-used wok in our kitchen, a steamer I have used only once, and all the right condiments for Asian cooking; but I find myself falling back onto the staples - fried rice, stirfry, and sometimes wonton soup. Lucky, then, that my cooking inspiration has been given a big boost with a private masterclass with Adam Liaw at the gorgeous Williams-Sonoma Sydney Cooking School kitchen at Bondi Junction.

Ten of us eagerly absorbed every word, then were put to work creating Steamed Ginger Chicken, Rice Paper Rolls and Nuoc Cham from Adam's new book Asian Cookery School. So fun! Read on for photos and your chance to win a spot at a masterclass with Adam Liaw to experience for yourself.

The place-settings were gorgeous, with calligraphy by Anastasia (The Articulate), sitting on denim napkins.

Personalised Brett Curzon kids' book by Hippo Blue

Brett Curzon is a pretty fabulous Australian author and illustrator who has teamed up with Bondville sponsor Hippo Blue to create The Adventures You'll Have - a fun 32-page kids' book about being unique and special, and having the inspiration to Dream Big. Even better - the book is available with either a boy or girl main character and can be personalised with your child's name; and we know how much kids love to see their own name printed! Having your child referenced as the main character puts them front-and-centre in this story of self-belief.

Alphabetical Sydney kids' book

This book is high on my wish list for the kids for Christmas. Alphabetical Sydney was recommended by my friend Amanda who has exquisite taste, and once I delved into the interesting prose and collaged artwork that makes up each page of the book, I was sold. The visual style reminds me of Eric Carle, but with hyper-local content. You only need to read this review by Delia Falconer for the Sydney Morning Herald to know that it's a goodie.

Alphabetical Sydney is a collaboration between architect/illustrator Antonia Pesenti and award-winning playwright Hilary Bell, published by NewSouth Books. An exhibition of prints of the book's original artwork is currently showing at Koskela in Rosebery until 1st December, 2013.

You can find Alphabetical Sydney in good book stores including Amazon and Fishpond. Read more about the book on Antonia and Hilary's tumblr.

Images: Alphabetical Sydney

13 of the best audio books for kids

One of the things we have loved most about our borrowed Ford Territory Titanium (through the Kidspot.com.au Voices of 2013 program) has been the built-in DVD player and wireless headphones. The kids are obsessed! Apart from a few favourite DVD's, we've also put together a pretty fantastic playlist of audio books that have kept the girls spellbound for hours.

I cast the net wide for recommendations, and here are 13 of the best audio books for kids, for your listening pleasure:

Roald Dahl Audio Books (10 Dahl Puffin Classics on 27 CD's)
We received this set recently and the girls were transfixed by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. They even loved the more quirky/bizarre Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. There are 13 audio books in the set.
                "Works on car trips" - Sarah

The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White
"The Trumpet of the Swan read by E.B. White himself. OMG. Delicious." Jessica

Stephen Frye presents a selection of Oscar Wilde's Short Stories
"Stephen Fry reads Oscar Wilde's children's stories. They are wonderful stories and have been listened to many times on long journeys." - my author friend Ruby Blessing

Bad Jelly the Witch: A Musical Tale and Other Goodies by Spike Milligan
I was completely besotted with Bad Jelly The Witch read by the author Spike Milligan on my little record player when I was young. Also recommended by my friend Alex and others:
                "I second Bad Jelly. Spike Milligan's a great listen." - Kate
                "Bad Kelly the witch, for sure. Spike gets our vote." - Leon

The Story of the World (History for the Classical Child) Vols 1,2&3 - by Susan Wise Bauer, read by Jim Weiss
Recommended by my friend Alex.

Fortunately the Milk by Neil Gaiman
Recommended by my author friend Ruby Blessing

The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton, read by Kate Winslet
"Kate Winslet reading the faraway tree series is good." - Myke

Harry Potter 1-7 Audio Collection by J.K. Rowling, read by Jim Dale
"Harry Potter for is brilliant, but you know that!" - Saffron

The World of David Walliams CD Story Collection, read by David Walliams
"We love Mr Stink read by David Walliams." - Sophie

Famous Five Short Story Collection by Enid Blyton
"Oh my, we just drove to Goondiwindi and back and listened to the first Famous Five! Paul and I were hooked - oh you said for kids, yeah them too, they loved it!" - Lesley

The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 1) read by Tim Curry
"My nephew & I really enjoyed the Lemony Snicket audio books. Really great performances and perfect for that little Wednesday or Pugsley." - Brigham

A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond, read by Stephen Fry
Recommended by Amanda

The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz by L. Frank Baum, read by Anne Hathaway
Recommended by Amanda


Thanks to all my friends for their recommendations. Happy listening!

Images: Steph Bond-Hutkin | Bondville

One Very Tired Wombat children's book by Renee Treml

Renee Treml is both a dear friend of mine and a talented illustrator-turned-author/illustrator. Her first children's book One Very Tired Wombat is a counting book for kids full of her incredible illustrations of Australian animals and... wait for it... is on the 2013 Crichton Award shortlist for new illustrators!

What is the message of your story for kids?

RT: Other than the counting theme, I wanted to show off some of my favourite (and sometimes lesser known) Australian birds. I always hope that after reading my book, a child will recognize a crested pigeon or fairy wren in the wild.

Is the Very Tired Wombat based on a real character?

RT: Wombat is based on a common wombat I saw at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane, in 2007 – just a few weeks after I moved to Australia. It was the first time I had ever seen a wombat and all he did was sleep, despite all the noisy children, lorikeets and kookaburras around him. I didn’t realize how impressed I was by his ability to just sleep until the illustrations started popping up in my imagination.

Where did your inspiration for this story come from?

RT: The story came to life after I started illustrating the above mentioned sleeping wombat – first I drew him with one frogmouth, then two galahs, then three kookas and so on. I kept hoping someone else would come along and write me a story featuring the wombat, which I could illustrate.  f course, this didn’t happen, so after my son was born I decided to try to write it myself.  It took well over a year for the story to transform from a straight-up boring counting book (1 frogmouth, 2 galahs…) to the story it is now.

Have you always been interested in illustrating animals, and in particular, Australian animals?

RT: I have always been interested in illustrating animals and I tend to be interested in whatever is in my immediate environment. In the States, it was chickadees and barred owls.  Here in Australia, it’s wombats and frogmouths and boobooks…

How did you decide to make the transition from illustrator to author and illustrator?

RT: Taking on a new title is tough – I didn’t study writing and was very unsure about claiming myself to be an author. But after Wombat was published and the second contract was signed I had to look myself in the mirror and repeat ‘I’m an author-illustrator’ until I believed it.

Are there any more children's books in the works?

RT: Yes! Colour for Curlews is due out in September – in fact it’s at the printers now and I’m anxiously awaiting my preview copy to arrive in a few weeks. Curlews is published by Random House Australia and follows the two curious curlews and a host of other birds as they get into mischief with my paint brushes and paint. (Of course Wombat makes a guest appearance as well.)  I am finishing up two other manuscripts that feature Aussie natives and another pesky one about a cheeky owl that I just can’t seem to whip into shape.

You can find One Very Tired Wombat in good bookstores including Fishpond, and Amazon. Read more about Renee Treml here on Bondville.

Images: One Very Tired Wombat

Rachel Castle's kids' rooms in I Love My Room book by Megan Morton

If you follow uber-stylist and champion-of-beauty Megan Morton on any social media, you will know that her exuberance and love of life is infectious. This joyfulness has translated beautifully into her new book showcasing... wait for it... children's rooms!!!! I Love My Room documents kids' rooms with heart and soul, by some of Australia's most talented parents.

Would you like a sneak peek? I'm so thrilled to showcase the rooms of artist/homewares designer Rachel Castle's children Cleo (10) and Lucky (7) in Sydney. The use of judicious colour against a neutral base and lots of Rachel's lovely artwork is right up my alley. I think this book might have been written just for me.

 

Lifted book for new Mothers by Georgina Hobson

I've long loved Georgina Hobson's styling, beautiful antique linens and vintage wares (through Perpetual One), so was excited to find out all about her self-publish book Lifted - words of honesty and hope for a Mother's heart.

A true labour of love, Lifted was written for Mothers to provide an honest and sincere voice and dialogue about the joys and the real challenges of growing your family.

Lifted began as a reflection of Georgina's experiences as a new mother and grew to include quotes and interviews with a whole range of mothers of various ages and backgrounds. The lovely testimonials that Georgina has received so far prove that Lifted is achieving its goal -  to bring comfort and hope to new parents in an authentic way. I think that's an amazing achievement - and it's pretty gorgeous too.

Each limited edition Lifted book is hand-finished with a unique wrap. Georgina has also released a sweet charm bracelet as a companion to the book - a reminder to keep the words that you connect with the most close to your heart as you work through each day. It all sorts of lovely.

You can find the Lifted book as well as companion bracelet and other lovely goodies in the online store. Keep this one in mind for Mother's Day coming up.

Images: Perpetual One.

Beci Orpin's Find and Keep book

My big girl finished preschool on Friday and we wanted to mark the end of this special time before starting Big School in a meaningful way. After her preschool Christmas concert and afternoon tea, we all went for a "fancy" dinner in her honour at a teppanyaki restaurant. The girls just loved it! (especially the big flash of fire and of course watching Mummy get egg all over her face). We also gave our big girl a gift that we hope she will love for a long time - Beci Orpin's Find and Keep book.

This new craft book is full of gorgeous projects that we can make together with Beci's signature folk art-cute style. I went along to the Find and Keep book launch here in Sydney a few weeks ago where I picked up a copy for Beci to kindly sign. There were so many fun craft projects from the book on display... here are a few to whet your appetite.

You can find the Find and Keep book at great bookstores as well as Fishpond and Amazon online. Read more about Beci Orpin here on Bondville.

A huge thank you goes to the very kind Eglė who I met at the launch and who lent me her iPhone (with only 10% battery remaining!) to take these photos. And even though we had only just met, Eglė also kindly emailed them to me a few days later. Such a lovely and thoughtful thing to do. Thanks Engle :)

Images: Steph Bond-Hutkin | Bondville

Lucky Door Prize: Crispin Scales and the Golden Pearl

I adore tales of fairies, gnomes, elves, dragons, princesses, fantasy lands and everything in-between. Crispin Scales is the clumsiest dragon in the Realm, and the star of a brand new book for children 8 to 12 years old by Australian author Ruby Blessing.

Ruby has so kindly offered to give three Bondville monthly newsletter or daily email subscribers a copy of Crispin Scales and the Golden Pearl (the first book in the fantasy series) for the monthly Lucky Door Prize. All you have to do is comment below if you are interested in going onto our giveaway list, and make sure you have subscribed. {And please review the book on Amazon or your preferred online space}.

Look out for the winners in the monthly newsletter, coming your way in the next few days. Thanks Ruby!

Terms and Conditions:
1. Lucky door prize will be allocated to three Bondville monthly newsletter or daily email subscribers that have commented on this post or on the Bondville Facebook page.
2. Entry requirements: comment on this post or the Bondville Facebook page and be an existing or new subscriber to the Bondville monthly newsletter or daily email.
3. This Lucky Door Prize giveaway is open to all Bondville subscribers in Australia or internationally.
5. This Lucky Door Prize giveaway is hosted by Steph Bond-Hutkin via the Bondville blog at blog.stephbond.com.
4. Three prizes consist of (1) x Crispin Scales and the Golden Pearl books, RRP $21.99 each, plus postage within Australia or internationally from Ruby Blessing.
5. Lucky Door Prize winner will be notified in the Bondville monthly newsletter, sent to subscribers the week commencing 7th December 2012.

Images: Crispin Scales and the Golden Pearl

I Want: Things I Love by Megan Morton

This one is going to the top of my Christmas wish list. Queensland-raised and Sydney-based uber-stylist (and incredibly lovely person) Megan Morton, has just launched her new book Things I Love. I went along to the launch party last night and witnessed in person the hipness that is everything MM.

There were exploding pineapple pinatas, confetti, rosé in paper heart cups, pistachio slice, a kooky-cool band and an exhibition wall of #thingsilove Instagram photos. Oh, and there were prizes. And an enormous helium balloon with tassels. And of course the reason we were all there - stacks of Megan's gorgeous new book.

 Megan's publisher Penguin describes the book: "Megan Morton inspires by example, sharing her infectious enthusiasm for the houses, people and design she loves. But it's also a book full of practical tips – from how to fold those pesky fitted sheets to how to clean a vintage painting you've picked up at a flea market and when to clean your light bulbs. Quirky, witty and irreverent, Things I Love will put you in touch with the things you love and teach you how to make sure they fill your home and your life."

Megan talked so beautifully about her book and her loves, and was such a gracious host, talking to everyone. With her new project The School and her icon status as a style maker, Megan is a treasured asset in the Australian design community. So let's get out and support her and learn lots of lovely things from her new book. I know I will be.

Images: Steph Bond-Hutkin | Bondville

Owl Know How by Cat Rabbit and Isobel Knowles

Thanks to my friends at The Finders Keepers for the heads up - fresh off the press is this fabulous 32-page children's book (and product range) by Aussie collaborators Cat Rabbit and Isobel Knowles. Owl Know How is illustrated with photos of Cat Rabbit's amazing plush characters in animator Cat and Isobel's built enviroments.

 
Owl Know How started out as an animation project that Cat Rabbit and Isobel worked together on, and an empire was born. It's gorgeous, and I dearly hope there will be more.

In the Owl Know HOw book, prepare to be transported to Cloud Town, where Cornelia Rabbit lives next door to her best friend Orvi, and problems are solved with the help of owls. Lots of owls! The book comes with it's very own owl pattern for you to make your own felt owl (see finished owl top).

Look out also for the Owl Know How shop where you can pick up the book, plush figures, button badges, handkerchiefs, totes, and limited edition packs of all the goodies as well as a signed copy of the book, gocco-printed bookplate and poster.

Read more about Cat Rabbit here on Bondville.

Images: Owl Know How