Tales of Snug Bend is an educational and life lesson tool. It helps children in your care to understand themselves and others, believe in their own ability, follow their dreams and reach their full potential. The book helps share emotions and discuss feelings-by using the animals as examples children may break the barriers and talk freely. It may indeed become a bonding tool for some. My belief is young children have a deep knowledge and because they are less conditioned than adults, have no barriers or preconceived ideas on fear of failure or fear to dream. This belief is the strong motivator for me as an author. We as parents, family and educators create a fear, making tasks hard, giving the view that dreams are impossible and life's not that easy! To help the young to gain and believe in their dreams early, to respect their society, friends and family and to have a positive outlook is an objective whilst providing fun reading. By reading this book to the children, adults may also be touched along the way! From the Educational perspective, Tales of Snug Bend is an important resource to accompany, stimulate or encourage the philosophical thoughts and discussions that are becoming increasingly more prevalent in the curriculum, beginning in Early Childhood. By moving forward through the age levels, discussions may become more detailed and more introspective in relation to the age of the children involved. After the stories, Tales of Snug Bend contains activity ideas covering the range of educational areas. Tales of Snug Bend Layout: The book consists of an introduction and philosophy behind the book, 7 chapters, activity suggestions covering creative thought, language/artistic area, mathematical, science, environmental explorations and philosophical discussions plus 'Snug - A Real Place!' Eight hand painted illustrations, one for each chapter plus the activity ideas, enhance the story concepts and bring the animals to life. Now for the story. Snug Bend is a cosy little hollow surrounded by hills and a slow winding river. The bush-land comes alive with the rustling of gum leaves and the call of the birds, the shuffle of undergrowth as the small creatures scurry about their daily lives. There is a constant chatter floating on the breeze, a hum of a land alive and happy with itself. It is the home of many Australian wildlife friends who are learning life's lessons as they help and support each other. Sometimes adventures teach the lessons. Sometimes it is a quiet time alone that brings an awareness, which helps the creature to think, act and speak with love and respect to others and self. Whatever the way, these friends want to help us on our Life's journey

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