Flight of the Bumblebee

Flight of the Bumblebee
by Hazel Edwards
Illustrated by Mini Goss

Published by New Frontier

Bumble is having trouble. How is a bee supposed to do his job when he can’t fly properly?

The Queen sends him back to flying school where a kind drone tries to teach Bumble the necessary skills. Nothing seems to work-then the flight instructor has an inspirational idea!

Bumble tries using the song Flight of the Bumblebee to get his wings flapping. It works! Bumble is successful; moving his wings along with the song he is able to fly.

Antonia Kidman reads the story and Flight of the Bumblebee by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov is mixed in as background music and highlighted so children can hear how the story was inspired by the music. There are also short lessons on bees, the composer and the music.

Also in the Music Box Series-The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.


by Michele Dennis
Kindred Book Reviews
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Love Is Not For Cowards

Love Is Not For Cowards
by Birgit Weber
Finch Publishing

Do you sometimes feel like you have hit a brick wall with your partner? Are you wondering what happened to the love you felt when your relationship was fresh and new? Birgit Weber’s book is for those people who are ready to take their relationship to another level. This book encourages readers to get out of the blame game and take a look inward, in particular the influence our childhood experiences have on our adult relationships.

When we can fully accept ourselves, we can accept others and our relationship with our partner will be more comfortable. Once we can stop the cycle of either trying to change the one we love or constantly trying to change ourselves for our partner, we can grow closer and have healthier relationships.

Weber is a psychotherapist and she brings insights from her practice and some very practical advice. This book is perfect for people who are ready for a shift in their approach to relationships and are also ready to put in the work to make that happen.

Reviewed by Michele Dennis for Kindred
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Nature Deficiency Disorder

Join Kindred editor, Kali Wendorf in conversation with Nyck Jeanes as they discuss why nature is the great healer.

Edited by Kali’s 13 year-old son, Arun Shapiro.

Download podcast here.

The Transition Handbook

The Transition Handbook
Creating Local Sustainable Communities Beyond Oil Dependency
by Rob Hopkins

Australian & New Zealand Edition
Finch Publishing

Do you have an great idea that will help your community become more sustainable but are unsure about how to bring the idea into action?

Rob Hopkins, co-founder of the Transition Network, can help you realise your dream. The Transition Handbook is an entertaining and inspirational read. However, the books greatest strength lies in the guidance the author gives groups who want to follow the steps taken by several communities in the UK, New Zealand and Australia.

Hopkins shares experience in working with community groups, potentially sparing new initiatives some of the more common difficulties faced, be it working with government or overcoming fears and negativities. The book is full of tips on things like how to write a press release and how to make the most of public events. A must read for any group looking to bring their vision into reality.

Reviewed by Michele Dennis for Kindred.
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Does My Head Look Big in This?

by Randa Abdel-Fattah
Pan Macmillan Australia

Sixteen-year-old Amal is like any other girl growing up in suburban Australia. Her parents drive her crazy with their over protectiveness and nagging, she worries about her looks and if her wardrobe is current enough and she has a crush on her science partner.

There is only one thing that Amal worries about that most girls in her class don’t have to think about-should she wear the hijab or not?

The thought of wearing a veil in public-especially to school scares Amal to death but when she finally decides to go for it, she gets the support of her friends and parents. Having those she cares about behind her gives Amal has the courage to wear the veil, but the idea is still pretty daunting. What will the cool crowd say? Will she be quick enough with her comebacks? And what about Josh, will he still talk to her? What if she applies for a job? Or even shopping at the mall, will people stare?

This is only part of what Amal has to think about, her friends have problems of their own and she wants to support them. The lady next door is crazy, blaming her for every small thing that happens on the street. And she has more homework than she can even imagine getting done.

Does My Head Look Big in This? is a charming book and readers will immediately relate to Amal. Abdel-Fattah has amazing insights into the teenage mind and an ability break down cultural barriers. This is a captivating story, you never feel preached to, important lessons are picked up naturally through getting to know the characters.

Michele Dennis
Kindred Book Reviews
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'Ready to Move' DVD Review

'Ready to Move' DVD from the Australian Physiotherapy Association

The movements your baby makes in their first year contribute to the development of their muscles and structure later in life. This short and informative DVD put out by the Australian Physiotherapy Association gives parents and caregivers easy and practical ideas on how to incorporate different positioning and gentle touch into their regular daily routines. The subtle changes in position will encourage babies to use their muscles in different ways throughout the day, which will have a positive and long lasting impact on your babies overall health and well being.

DVD available through the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

reviewed by Michele Dennis

Do Mobile Phones Cause Cancer?

If you own a mobile phone, you must see this.

For years, the experts have been arguing over them. Some say they're perfectly safe, others claim they fry your brains.

An international team of doctors, including two of Australia's finest surgeons, have just released their latest, comprehensive research.

They say prolonged use of mobile phones could double the risk of malignant brain tumours. The deadliest of all cancers, the kind that leaves no survivors.

With an entire generation now growing up hooked on their mobiles, that could be absolutely devastating....more