After reading Mem Fox’s own comments about writing for children it becomes obvious that it is not her favorite pass time. However, it is something she does extremely well. With her 40 something published books it would be hard to imagine an Australian home without a Mem Fox book in it. Possum Magic, for example, is one of the most popular books in Australian homes and certainly one I grew up with.
In 2006 Mem Fox calibrated with leading children’s illustrator and cartoonist Judy Horacek to create ‘Where is the Green Sheep?‘ A book that is used as a learning resource across the country with its use of repetition, colour and ability to help children associate with feelings and emotions as well as being highly entertaining and fun for the children.
In 2012 they have reunited to produce a book which brings nursery rhymes; ‘Good Night, Sleep Tight‘.
This book is a rework of its original counterpart which was published in 1988, Mem explains on her website that:

Goodnight, Sleep Tight was first published in 1988. It had seven nursery rhymes woven into its structure because I’d heard at a literacy conference in South Africa in the early 90s that children who know six nursery rhymes by heart by the time they’re four are usually in the top reading group at the age of eight.

The stories are beautifully written and Horack’s illustrations reflect why she is one of Australia’s best illustrators. This book is a great one for children aged 5 and under and puts an emphasis on the importance of nursery rhymes for children as both entertainment and tools in their development, and will also make a wonderful Christmas present!

-Leah

ISBN: 9781742832579
RRP: $19.99
Published: October 2012