The Singing Snake

Today we began Australia-proper by reading The Singing Snake. This book is well worth tracking down. It's a great story & a good intro to the country/continent. The story is a legend about how the dirigidoo (traditional Australian instrument) came about, the illustrations are in the Aboriginal X-ray style and include many different animals which live in Australia, and the idea that it's an island in the middle of the ocean with many interesting animals and a rich cultural heritage comes across effortlessly. Plus, it's a good story. A dirigidoo is made from a hollowed eucalyptus log and emits a low mournful sound. I didn't have one to show the kids but we did measure out 15 feet to see how long they can be.

We postponed the T-shirt art project until this weekend when Jenn can do it with us. I think she'll have a lot of fun, and a shirt decorated with art done by each girl will be a nice momento of her visit.

Tonight they're having a bonfire down at South Beach which we will go to. Tomorrow is the sand sculpting contest and boat races (which we will watch but not enter) and then in the evening we'll do a picnic dinner and see some fireworks. Happy 4th of July to everybody!