The Children’s Bookshop at Beecroft came under new management as of mid January 2005. The Children's Bookshop, established in 1971, is the oldest specialist children's bookshop in NSW Australia. Its strength has always been the expert advice provided by the dedicated and enthusiastic staff who enjoy finding the right book for the young reader. This tradition of retail excellence will continue.

The owner is Paul Macdonald, a local resident, a father of enthusiastic young readers and a lover of books. Paul has almost twenty years experience as an English teacher at both Primary and Secondary levels. His working life has extended to writing English texts, lecturing and consultancy. Paul’s particular interest is the fostering of boys’ literacy, enthusing reluctant readers and the development of reading schemes for gifted students. The primary goal of the new management team is certainly to build upon the store’s long history of retail excellence.

The existing staff members will thus continue to welcome the opportunity to offer a range of services to customers and schools including:

• Specialist advice and personal service.
• A frequent Buyer Scheme.
• Numerous school services for Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary.
• Holiday and evening workshops for children and adults encouraging the development of literacy skills.

The range of books will still include picture books, poetry, classics, information books and contemporary fiction to suit a wide range of interests, ages and abilities. Customers may also look forward to a range of reading initiatives throughout the year including a series of literary evenings, writing workshops for students and numerous author visits. Schools will hear more of these workshops which will offer particular support for all ages including secondary students interested in Extension 1 and/or Extension 2 English.

Your feedback is always appreciated. Come in, speak to the staff and keep reading. We look forward to reading new titles and old favourites throughout 2008 and beyond.

Staff Biographies

	Paul Macdonald The owner is Paul Macdonald. Paul has a Master of Education, working almost 20 years as a teacher of Upper Primary and Secondary. He has won numerous awards in teaching such as a Quality Teacher Award in 2002, The Premier’s English Scholarship in 2004 and awards for his co-ordination of Regional Shakespearean Festivals. His interests include the development of literacy with a particular interest in reading for gifted children, Boys’ Literacy and books for adolescents. When Paul is not talking books, he can be rather boring.
	Ann Kliem Ann has over twenty years experience as a bookseller. She is particularly interested in Literary Fiction, Crime Fiction and a wide range of children’s books. Ann is happiest in a bookshop but is also happy overlooking the beach with a glass of red wine and a pile of unread books.
	Ruth Hipwell Ruth brings much experience from the business world and visits Primary Schools up to three days a week. She reads widely and has a fantastic knowledge of a range of children’s books for primary age children and secondary students. Ruth is also an elite netballer!
	Kathy Belling Kathy has over twenty years experience as a bookseller and has worked for the Children’s Bookshop over many ears. She is the most caring of all staff members with a brilliant knowledge of books for Pre-schoolers and Primary aged children. Kathy is also a fantastic mum.
	Chee Keong Chew Chee is the loudest member of the staff. He has a background in economics but his real love is as a film-maker. Chee makes sure all books actually arrive on the shelves quickly and is known to many locals because he works at the newsagent in Beecroft Village.

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