TWO local mothers have teamed up, using their remarkable talents to put together a very special Children’s Book.

‘Dandelions’ was dreamt, written and brought to life in words written by Katrina McKelvey.

Katrina’s words were then enhanced and given colour and imagery with beautiful illustrations by Kirrili Lonergan.
Kirrili grew up in Scone, and Katrina in Newcastle.

Both women now live locally and are raising young families.

Katrina told News Of The Area “Writing and illustrating children’s picture books is hard, so don’t be fooled!”
“Children are busy creatures so you have to grab their attention quickly and keep it.”

The women worked hard together to create a unique and special story.

“Making Dandelions has been an amazing experience,” Katrina said.

“After spending three years on the story, it was a joy watching Kirrili bring it to life through her amazing illustrations, and it was such a privilege to see that part of the book making process.”

“It was pure magic!” she told News Of The Area.

Dandelions is the story of a young girl who one day notices her father mowing the lawn, and in the process destroying her favourite flowers, the Dandelions.

She rushes out to stop him, but it’s too late, they are all gone.

There’s nothing for it, she’s just going to have to sit outside and wait for them to grow back.

But fortunately Dad has another idea.

Taking her by the hand, he leads her to the house, and there, nestled by the verandah posts, are two tiny dandelion puff balls.

Father and daughter each blow as hard as they can, and the tiny dandelion parachutes spiral and spin, up, up and away, spreading their seeds to create new generations of dandelions far and wide.

And together, father and daughter lay on the grass, watching as they whirl and twirl through the air.

This is a book that will be cherished by families and recommended by teachers and librarians, exploring as it does the resilience of nature, the art of forgiveness and the love between a parent and child.

The book was released in hardback October 2015, and will be rereleased in paperback form in Australia, and NZ and UK in May and USA in September.

The book has a RRP of $14.99 and is available in any good bookstore and online bookstores.

 

By Rachael VAUGHAN