Wot-si-u and the Whispering Wattles
I have been creating and publishing children’s picture books since 2014. My first book was Wot-si-u and the Whispering Wattles. Written, illustrated and self-published, this special story was inspired by nature and the people in my life. Bursting with colour, Wot-si-u and the Whispering Wattles was launched at Cobb and Co Museum, Toowoomba. Sharing my book with children and friends has been an extremely rewarding experience. It has certainly helped to inspire my students to write and illustrate their own stories.
The Laughing Tree
My second book, The Laughing Tree, is a tale of hope amidst despair; a reminder that we should not take the simple things in life for granted. Filled with contrast, The Laughing Tree is set to stir your emotions and leave you inspired by nature’s resilience. I wrote the story from a fleeting thought: ‘He left behind a legacy; a tiny seed of hope’. From a seed of an idea sprouted a story and an understanding that in our world of change, where there is loss, there is also hope, where there is darkness, there is light, where there is an ending, there is also a new beginning.
Nana Maisie
Nana Maisie, is dedicated to my nana, my mother and my daughter for the bond we all share and the love that has woven us together. Grandparents are special and Nana Maisie is no exception. This story is about the bond between a grandmother and her granddaughter. Nana Maisie’s positive outlook and cheery disposition help her through her twilight years and the struggles that come with aging.
Leonardo da Finchi
Leonardo da Finchi is an appealing children’s book that not only evokes conversation around inventions, art and endangered species but also encourages our young readers to be creative, determined and happy with who they are. Based on the vibrant Gouldian finch and inspired by the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci, this tale is about a lovable character who, through determination and encouragement from a sincere friend, discovers his true abilities.
The Amazing Adventures of Leonardo da Finchi
The sequel, The Amazing Adventures of Leonardo da Finchi, introduces some new characters, tricky situations and Leonardo’s ingenuity that helps Leonardo and his new friend, Gecko, escape captivity. This exciting tale of courage, compassion and determination provides a strong message for the conservation of our threatened species. Together, these stories offer many teaching topics, including poetry and language use, inventions, social and technological changes, and personal values.
The Butterfly Tree
The Butterfly Tree is a story embedded with elements of kindness, nurturing and patience. A young child’s curiosity becomes an opportunity to learn about the joy and disappointment we face when caring for something precious. Ayla’s mother helps her to understand and appreciate Nature’s ‘gifts’ even when they seem odd or unjust. The illustrations include acrylic portraits, landscapes, botanical sketches and a butterfly lifecycle. This story will delight many readers of all ages.
Benny the Bin Chicken
Benny the Bin Chicken is not just a story of survival and adjustment, it’s about getting society to adjust to Benny and his kind. Poor Benny suffers rejection on many levels but never loses faith in himself or others. This is a very entertaining and inspiring story for both children and adults especially when it comes to believing in yourself and your abilities.