Melting art sculptures

(Image: Flickr net_efekt) 

Wonderful ice sculptures were created by students during the Arts Tryptich, and you will have an appreciation for the skill involved to create these sculptures. A Brazilian sculptor Neve Azevedo created an extraordinary exhibition where he arranged, with the help of many volunteers, 5000 melting ice sculptures on the steps of Birmingham's Chamberlain Square. Why? you might ask.

He wanted to pay tribute to the civilians who died during the Great War. The exhibition drew a huge crowd who were all captivated by the scene. Check out the story and photo at Ice sculptures

A horse called hero by Sam Angus

(Image: PanMacMillan)

War took his hope, a horse gave him courage

It is 1940. As the Second World War escalates and London becomes a target for German bombs, Dodo and her horse-mad little brother Wolfie are evacuated to the country, away from everything they know. After weeks of homesick loneliness, they come across an orphaned foal. They name the horse Hero for surviving against the odds and together they raise him, train him, and learn to ride.

Their days are suddenly full of life and excitement again, but the shadow of war looms over their peaceful existence, and soon Hero must live up to his name . . . (Source: PanMacMillan)

This novel explores the relationship between a boy and his pet. One all pet and especially horse owners can enjoy.

Loyal Creatures by Morris Gleitzman

(Image: Penguin publishers)

Like many of his mates from the bush, Frank Ballantyne is keen to join the grand adventure and do his bit. Specially as a chest full of medals might impress the currently unimpressed parents of his childhood sweetheart. So Frank ups his age and volunteers with his horse Daisy ... and his dad.

In the deserts of Egypt and Palestine he experiences all the adventure he ever wanted, and a few things he wasn't expecting. Heartbreak, love and the chance to make the most important choice of his life.

They were loyal creatures, the men and horses of the Australian Light Horse, but war doesn't always pay heed to loyalty. This is the powerful story of a young man's journey towards his own kind of bravery. (Source: Penguin)

The following video captures images of the life of horses and their handlers in the theatre of war. These images will provide context when you read Loyal Creatures.

And if you are wanting the New Zealand experience for our own war horses go to First World War horses

Would you let your horse serve in a war?

Ceramic poppies to commemorate WW1

(Source: Historic Royal Places)

What an extraordinary visual effect, over 800,000 poppies.

The Tower of London has an interesting history that also includes training World War One soldiers. For more about the story behind the poppies and the Tower of London go to Tower of London

Doggy thoughts

Two poems about what dogs probably think...

(Source: TED talks - Billy Collins)

Our dog has since passed on. She was an adorable Rhodesian Ridgeback cross. I often used to wonder what she was thinking, and especially what she was dreaming about when she twitched and yelped in her sleep. I would be gobsmacked if she thought the things that I heard in the second poem. I've witnessed cats that are capable of such disdain. What personality does your pet have? Feel inspired to write your own poem?

When we wake by Karen Healey

When We Wake by Karen Healey

Tegan dies--and wakes up a hundred years in the future, locked in a government facility with no idea what happened.

She is the first government guinea pig to be cryonically frozen and successfully revived, which makes her an instant celebrity--even though all she wants to do is try to rebuild some semblance of a normal life. But the future isn't all she hoped it would be, and when appalling secrets come to light, Tegan must make a choice: Does she keep her head down and survive, or fight for a better future? (Back cover)

For more about this book go to review

ANZAC Girls: the extraordinary story of our World War 1 nurses

Recent news has covered the beginning of World War 1. There are many aspects of this war that are tragic, disturbing and heroic. The role of nurses is one such aspect that has been given attention in this book which highlights their courage, compassion and contribution to the war effort.
The book is based on diaries and letters to convey how the war impacted on these women, but written as a representative account that is easy to read and appreciate.(Author's note: Peter Rees) This book would be a useful resource into the effects of war, the role of women, and themes of courage and strength of the human spirit.