Make sure you read Jackie French's piece on dyslexia. Jackie, who's just been named the NSW Senior Australian of the Year, is dyslexic. Given that she's written a stack of fabulous books and iscurrently the Australian Children's Laureate, you'd never know. She once sent me the original version of a gardening column she had done, she readily admits she has friend who comes in and edits her work for her, and I could not make heads nor tails of the most of it. Jackie says every child who's struggling with reading and writing deserves every chance, every opportunity, every ounce of help to get them on the right track, to fill them with the joy that both of these things can bring when it's not hard. My little fella struggles, it breaks my heart when he gets his bs and ds mixed up through no fault of his own. Let's not label people, as Jackie says, let's do all we can to help them. Sometimes I just want to hug that woman.
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Wildlife in focus
Australia's largest nature discovery program, Bush Blitz, will showcase some of the weird, wonderful and amazing plants and animals discovered over the last five years in a photographic exhibition Bush Blitz in Focus. Including images of plants, reptiles, frogs and a remarkable variety of macro photos of insects, spiders and snails like never seen before, the exhibition will also highlight some of the follow-up research and preservation that is part of the Bush Blitz program. Australian National Botanic Gardens' Visitors Centre Gallery until December 3. 9.30am-4.30pm daily. Entry is free. bushblitz.org.au
Stay organised
A firm favourite for many a year now, this handy 2015 A5 weekly diary from kikki-k will Keep the family and household organised.. Track each family member's commitments, activities and events using the columns and simple weekly layout. Includes both monthly and weekly planners, unique pages, perforated shopping lists and more. $34.95. kikki-k.com
Rick Astley returns
Rick Astley is back with his amazing band to deliver another show featuring all the massive global hits that made him a household name and a few musical surprises along the way. With hits including Never Gonna Give You Up, Whenever You Need Somebody, When I Fall In Love, Together Forever, She Wants To Dance With Me and Cry For Help, Astley has sold more than 40 million records. He continues to deliver outstanding live performances gaining the accolades of both long-time fans and hardened critics alike. November 26, 7.30pm. Canberra Theatre. canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Quote them
Loving the range of prints from Bookishly, via until.com.au. With quotes from Shakespeare to, there's something for reader in the family. The background is taken from an old medium school dictionary and measures approximately 14cm x 20cm. $57, ships from the UK so allow for delivery before Christmas.
Matt Withers plays at arboretum
Join Australian guitarist Matt Withers who has just returned from his European tour of festivals, masterclasses and concerts. What better way is there to spend a November Sunday afternoon enjoying the sweet sounds of the classical guitar while overlooking the stunning views of Canberra? Come relax with afternoon tea at the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion at the National Arboretum. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Bookings essential: 6207 8484
Nativity nesters
This most gorgeous set of colourful nesting dolls has arrived at Lark just in time for Christmas. A cool twist on the traditional nesting dolls, and one that you will love to bring out every year. Designed by Swedish illustrator Ingela P Arrhenius, they are a delight of simple, retro cool design. Featuring little baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and his sheep and the three kings. Tallest figure is about 12.5 cm high. $29.95. larkstore.com.au
