Special faraway magic at home

WHILE Renee Price can’t present her Faraway Storytelling sessions to young children in person, she’s ensuring they won’t miss the experience at home.

Usually reading to two to eight year olds once a week at Collins Booksellers on Lydiard, Mrs Price is sharing a new video online each Tuesday, mirroring what she does in-store to engage her regular little bookworms

“I want them to still feel I’m part of their lives, and not as disrupted by change. They have the same kind of welcome, I use a wand to sprinkle magic on their hands, and they have three stories, broken up with two songs,” she said.

“In the recording, I say the names of regular children or those sending messages, so that they’ll feel like I know they’re watching. The goal is to make the kids feel special, and to still feel a connection.

“I have a mixture of books; something a bit funny, thoughtful, and with beautiful pictures. It’s escapism and a bit of fun.”

For families that have never been able to make an in-store session, Mrs Price said the video series is an ideal way to discover the program.

“I’m hoping that when we go back to normal life again, it will be a good motivator for them to start coming along,” she said.

Visit facebook.com/ReadbyRenee for videos and further information. Each episode has publisher approval for seven-day public access. They go live at 10am on Tuesdays.

Teachers and parents are encouraged to use the videos as literacy resources. Collins Booksellers on Lydiard has each featured story available to buy.