In this special children's episode of Bibliotherapy with State Library Victoria, host Susan McLaine shares a story and a poem with families to promote imaginative conversations about self-awareness and strengths that helps us get through challenging times.

This episode features readings of the following story and poem:

The march of the ants, written by current Australian Children’s Laureate Ursula Dubosarsky, currently unpublished (to be published in 2021 as a picture book)

Paper boats, written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1913

Activity: in this episode, children will be invited to make their own paper boat. This is a strengths-based activity to encourage parents and caregivers to tell children what they are good at and what positive attributes and attitudes they have. You can find instructions for making a paper boat on our website: www.slv.vic.gov.au/bibliotherapy

This common experience we’re sharing is changing the meaning of community itself. Bibliotherapist Susan McLaine asks if this pandemic may bring people closer, redefine and revitalise the concept of community.

This episode features two readings:

‘Neighbours’ by Tim Winton, published in Scission by Penguin, 1998

‘8 x 10 colour enlargements $16.50’ by Cate Kennedy, published in The Taste of River Water by Scribe Publications, 2011

Lockdown has changed how we socialise, but most people will feel the need to connect during this pandemic. Bibliotherapist Susan McLaine shares the healing power of literature to help us think about deep connection.

This episode features two readings:

'Tea with the Birds' by Joanne Harris, published in Any Girl Can Be a CandyKiss Girl!/Tea with the Birds/The G-SUS Gene (Storycuts). Copyright © Joanne Harris (http://www.joanne-harris.co.uk/). Reproduced by permission of the Estate c/o Rogers, Coleridge & White Ltd., 20 Powis Mews, London W11 1JN

'Kindness' from Words Under the Words: Selected Poems by Naomi Shihab Nye, copyright © 1995. Reprinted with the permission of Far Corner Books

With social restrictions, we are spending a lot of time in our homes. In this episode, bibliotherapist Susan McLaine shares the healing power of literature to explore the concept of harmony in the home.

This episode features two readings:

‘A poison tree’ by William Blake, published in Songs of Experience, 1794

‘The Exalted Rhythm’ by Liliane Grace, published in Untitled issue three by Busybird Publishing & Design, 2010

Challenges have two sides: the things we need to let go of when entering the challenge, so we can face the challenge. And the things we need to let in, so we can get to the other side of the challenge and make a better life for ourselves. In this episode, bibliotherapist Susan McLaine shares the healing power of literature to explore letting go and letting come.

This episode features two readings:

‘The Guest House’ by Rumi, published in The Essential Rumi, first published in 1273

‘Missed connection’ by anonymous, originally posted on CraigsList in 2013

In this episode, bibliotherapist Susan McLaine shares the healing power of literature to help us reflect on what's emerging from the current crisis, within each of us, and in all of us.

This episode features two readings:

‘Three questions’ by Leo Tolstoy, published in What men live by, and other tales, 1885

‘The call’ by Charlotte Mew, published in The Rambling Sailor, 1929

It’s helpful to press pause in what is a challenging time for so many of us. In this episode, bibliotherapist Susan McLaine shares the healing power of literature to provide a mental, emotional and spiritual break.

This episode features two readings:

‘The gift of space’ by Susan McLaine (adapted from 'The other room' by Rob Parkinson, published in Transforming tales: how stories can change people by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2009)

‘Quiet’ by Cate Kennedy, published in The Taste of River Water by Scribe Publications, 2011

Bibliotherapy with State Library Victoria is a new unique podcast series that offers respite from the anxiety of coronavirus times, via the healing power of great stories and poems. The podcasts guide the listener, helping them to reflect on the challenging pandemic situation we find ourselves in.

In the first episode, we consider the universal experience we're sharing, as well as our unique experiences and different reactions to this new reality.

This episode features two readings:

“Sonnet” by Simon Howard, published on his personal blog Walking in the Ceiling.

“Invictus” by William Ernest Henley, published in A Book of Verses, 1888.

Bibliotherapy with State Library Victoria is a new unique podcast series that offers respite from the anxiety of coronavirus times, via the healing power of great stories and poems. Hosted by bibliotherapist Susan McLaine, the podcasts guide the listener, helping them to reflect on the challenging pandemic situation we find ourselves in.