You can't go long these days without hearing about the talent and brilliance that was Margaret Mahy's. She was one of New Zealand's most treasured Authors and has left behind a legacy to be immensely proud of.

At the cornerstone of every New Zealand child's library, there should be at least one Magaret Mahy gem. My favourite has got to be "Down the Back of the Chair". It's relatable on so many levels and the illustrations transport even the most reluctant readers into her world of make-believe.

If you're looking for a bit of a tongue twister, you'll enjoy "Bubble Trouble". But of course don't forget about "The Great Man Eating Shark" for the older kids. There really are too many to choose from when it comes to Margaret Mahy titles.

Some parting words from the genius herself...

“Reading is very creative - it's not just a passive thing. I write a story; it goes out into the world; somebody reads it and, by reading it, completes it." - Margaret Mahy

Our first Author of the month...of course it has to be Oliver Jeffers!

Many of you may have read 'The Day the Crayons Quit", one of my favourite picture books and one I gift at every opportunity. However, this author has been busy and actually has numerous published titles, each one of them as endearing as the next. "This Moose Belongs to Me" was one of the first books we ever read to Ida. And at the top of our 'Dream Baby Library List' was "Once Upon an Alphabet". Jeffers' writing voice is like an old friend...comfortable and familiar. You can't but feel 100% a part of the adventure he tells to eloquently.

If you've only just signed up for your Little Worms subscription, be sure to keep an eye out for one, tow or maybe 10 (I can't help it) Oliver Jeffers books coming your way. What's your favourite title? Send us a picture on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #oliverjeffers and you may just find something special in your next delivery.

http://www.oliverjeffers.com/picture-books/here-we-are

We all know the value of reading. In a culture that seemingly worships technology, as we get older we tend to lose sight of the wonder and joy of a good book. It wasn't until we had our first baby that I found myself logging back into my Goodreads account after years of neglect. Why? Because I want my daughter's imagination to flourish. I want her to enjoy reading as much I did (and still do). That is why when she was only a few days old I picked up a picture book and announced this was now a part of our bedtime routine. It took us many nights not to feel like complete dorks reading to a newborn but we pushed through (very awkwardly) until now, at 8 months old, when she can respond very happily to the sounds we make and the voices we put on.

When parents ask me what they can do to help their child succeed in their first years at school, my response is always the same...read to them! Read them the newspaper if you need to, just read as much as you can. The minutes you spend reading to your child will have such a knock on effect to their readiness and success at school. It's remarkable. And for those kids that are already at school? The 10 year-olds who have much more important things to do with their time than read... then read around them!

Here at Little Worms we are just fizzing with excitement at the idea of hundreds of children waiting eagerly for their monthly parcel to arrive. They're not excited for lollies (yum) or playstation games but BOOKS. Glorious BOOKS. Next time your parcel arrives, please get the camera ready! We want to see the faces of children who are genuinely excited about a book. How magnificent! Pop a picture in the comment section of this post and you may just win a cheeky little prize from us, simply for reading.

Amy x