Amy Austin, Deputy Principal and PhD student, asks ‘Can children do philosophy?’; ‘What does it entail and who benefits?’; ‘What stimulates philosophical thinking?’ Detail from Frog and Toad, by Arnold Lobel For many, the picture that first comes to mind of a philosopher could be that of an academic or scientist: white, male, old, perhaps wearing a cardigan (or even a toga). However, any conversation with a three year old (“But why?”) should prompt one to question, are childr

Founding Sapling editor, Jane, has been away from The Sapling for the past three months due to having a baby, Pete. Here she offers ten thoughts about books and reading in relation to hanging out with a new human every day. Jane and Pete-the-newborn. Photo by Daisy Day. 1. When you’re holding a very new baby and only have, maximum, one free hand, it is far easier to turn board-book pages than paper pages. 2. Children’s books give caregivers something to say so we don’t have t