A MOTHER and daughter have collaborated to create a gorgeously written and illustrated children’s book aimed at educating kids on the beauty of the Blackall Range.
Fiona Lawley is a mother, grandmother and former teacher who, alongside her daughter Kerryn, has just released ‘A Walk in Nana’s Garden’, which explores the backyard adventures of Fiona and her granddaughter.
The children’s book is focused on educating kids on the local flora and fauna through the character’s relationship, all in a light-hearted and entertaining way.
Although her writing was inspired by an array of children’s authors she had been exposed to during her childhood, Fiona said Kerryn brought the story to life through her illustrations.
“We work together quite well,” she said.
“It has been something that we had been talking about and when I really wanted to get going, I discussed it with Kerryn and of course she was a little hesitant… but I knew she had the talent.
“Because it’s focused on her daughter, it’s a bit of a three-generational process.
“It was something that I thought we could do together and then later in life Tilly will be able to look back at it when ‘mum and nana did the book for me’.”
Fiona’s goal while writing her book was to inspire younger generations to become more curious about nature and to get them playing outside more often.
“I hope that through the interaction of reading it and exploring the illustrations, the parents will be encouraged to actually spend more time outdoors,” she said.
“Hopefully it will make kids have a look in their own garden, and go to nature reserves like Mary Cairncross and …interact with nature and appreciate the enjoyment it can provide…
“And it’s free, of course, it doesn’t cost anything.”
‘A Walk in Nana’s Garden’ was published late last year and is available for purchase at Rosetta Books in Maleny, and can be found on most online bookstores such as Amazon and Booktopia.
Fiona will be doing a book signing at Maleny’s Rosetta Books on February 11 from 11am-2pm.
