Author Archives: libbyjbaker

Is Book Week Magic?

Now that Book Week celebrations have wrapped up, costumes have been packed away and authors have finalised school visits, I’m left pondering the significance of the week that was. As a child growing up in Australia, Book Week was a magical event on my calendar. It was my first dressing-up experience, long before Halloween wasContinue reading “Is Book Week Magic?”

Who made you a reader?

We farewelled a great lady from our family last month. As family members and friends reflected on her life and legacy, one common thread emerged. In the trail of her walk through life, she left a legacy of readers. And as far as legacies go, I think this might be one worth appreciating, because makingContinue reading “Who made you a reader?”

Do you know what you are buying?

During one frosty Canberra Winter, my husband and I developed an addiction to instant chocolate self-saucing puddings. You know the ones I mean, you stick them in the microwave for a minute or so, and they come out warm with a rich fudgy sauce. One day after work, I rushed into the shop to purchaseContinue reading “Do you know what you are buying?”

What’s the point of form if it doesn’t function?

I don’t keep my love of the Swedish theme park, IKEA, a secret. I love milling through fake rooms, imagining how my big family could fit into small spaces. I love a Swedish meatball and that Dime cake as much as (or even more) than the next person. I know that many do not likeContinue reading “What’s the point of form if it doesn’t function?”

Do I have to know the answer?

When I started my final teaching prac, in my last year of Uni, I asked the Principal what his pet hate was. I was keen to make a good impression and finish the prac with a good reference before I graduated. I expected the principal to reply with something like; “late teachers” or “chewing gum”.Continue reading “Do I have to know the answer?”

How slow can you go?

I’m one of those people who loves rollercoasters. The rollercoaster that started it all for me was Space Mountain at Tokyo Disney Land. I was 22, it was a stinking hot day and my then-boyfriend (who is now my husband) said “This one seems like it won’t be too big, it’s inside a building”. AnyoneContinue reading “How slow can you go?”

What difference do you make?

I attended the funeral of my primary school teacher last year. I was extremely privileged to have had this teacher for most of my primary school years. Especially when you consider that my public schooling occurred in a city that encourages teachers to transfer between schools every 5 years. My teacher followed my cohort throughContinue reading “What difference do you make?”

Do less.

I worked at Meals on Wheels as a receptionist while I finished my teaching degree. It was the perfect job. I loved the people I worked with, talking to the clients and the mandated coffee break at 10am. I learnt a lot from that job, about people’s generosity, commitment and kindness. However, one of myContinue reading “Do less.”

Dear New Grad

I was recently reminded that it has been over a decade since I graduated teaching. I’m what you would call “young-minded” and always conveniently forget that I’m not 24 anymore. You think for someone who is about to have her third baby (yahoo!) that I would have started realising my age. So, I’m starting toContinue reading “Dear New Grad”