Experience Australia at the Library♪ Picture Books from Across the Ocean and "English Picture Book Storytelling Session"

Reader: Camden John Gregory (aka Cam) Matsudo City Library Higashimatsudo Regional Branch, May Theme Exhibition "Experience Overseas Culture"

Step into the world of Australian picture books with authentic English storytelling. Cam, an International Exchange Coordinator for Matsudo City, will read picture books sent from sister city Whitehorse City in English.

Even if you're new to English, it's okay as we'll follow along with the pictures. Why not experience an "Australian moment" with your family at the library, seeing, listening, and feeling?

▼Picture book to be read by Cam: "POSSUM MAGIC" by Mem Fox & Julie Vivas

Grandma Poss, a possum in the forest, is a witch. One day, she casts a spell on her grandson Hush to make him invisible so snakes won't eat him, but she can't remember the spell to turn him back! Remembering a clue about "human food," the two travel all over Australia searching for that food. With many unique Australian foods like meat pies and pavlova appearing, this book allows you to enjoy Australian cuisine just by reading it.

English Picture Book Storytelling Session
Date and Time: Friday, May 22, 2026, 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Venue: Matsudo City Library Higashimatsudo Regional Branch (Higamatsu Terrace 1F)
Access: 4-minute walk from Hokuso Line/JR Higashimatsudo Station
Fee: Free

For details, please see the Matsudo City official website "55th Anniversary of Sister City Affiliation" special page:
https://www.city.matsudo.chiba.jp/InternationalPortal/en/sistercityWhitehorse/AnniversaryEvents/55th.html

▼Matsudo City Library Higashimatsudo Regional Branch Theme Exhibition "Experience Overseas Culture"

The library sets a monthly theme and exhibits materials related to that theme. In May 2026, in commemoration of the 55th anniversary of sister city affiliation with Whitehorse City, an exhibition on the theme "Experience Overseas Culture" is being held. Books that make you feel like you've traveled abroad and materials that explain Australian culture are also on display. Please come and visit.

Exhibition Period: Until Thursday, May 28, 2026
Venue: Matsudo City Library Higashimatsudo Regional Branch (Higamatsu Terrace 1F)

▼Five picture books received through exchange with Whitehorse City are also on display

Along with "POSSUM MAGIC" which Cam will read, a total of five picture books have arrived from Whitehorse City. All of them allow you to feel Australia just by reading them. Please take a look.

"Are we there yet?" by Alison Lester

A story about a family driving around Australia. You might really feel like you're traveling!?

"YAKEEN DREAMiNG" by Merindah-Gunya

A picture book that conveys stories cherished by Australia's Indigenous Aboriginal people through art. You're sure to be captivated by the colorful illustrations!

"Neighbourhood Nest" by Sarah Jane Lightfoot

A story of a small adventure where Maggie the magpie, noticing an unfamiliar egg in her nest, searches for its owner by comparing the characteristics of various bird nests and eggs, asking "Whose egg is this?". Feel Australia from above with Maggie!

"WHERE’S BLUEY?" by Bluey, Nick Rees

The animated series about the dog character Bluey and his family is very popular in Australia! Try to find Bluey in the picture book! "Where is it?" "There it is!" Look closely and have fun searching!

Exhibition/Lending Location: Matsudo City Library Higashimatsudo Regional Branch (Higamatsu Terrace 1F) *Lending starts from Saturday, May 30

▼Contact Information for this matter
English Picture Book Storytelling Session
Matsudo City Culture and Sports Department, International Promotion Division
Address: Keiyo Gas F Matsudo 2nd Building 5F, 7-8 Koganemoto, Matsudo City
TEL: 047-710-2725 FAX: 047-363-2653

Matsudo City Library Higashimatsudo Regional Branch Theme Exhibition
Matsudo City Library Main Branch
Address: 2060 Matsudo, Matsudo City
TEL: 047-365-5115 FAX: 047-361-3770