To mark Children’s Book Week, 16–23 August, we chat with two authors from Sunshine Coast Council to learn more about their latest children’s books, the inspiration behind their stories, and how they’re using storytelling to teach kids important community messages, while nurturing a love of reading.
Invasive species series
Rocky and the River in Peril
By Rita Everitt and Rhea Phelan
What do you do?
We’re part of Council’s Invasive Plants and Animals team and are passionate about protecting our flora and fauna. We educate the community about how we can manage invasive species.
What’s the book about?
Rocky is an endangered Mary River turtle who goes on a journey to find another turtle like him and encounters dangerous species along the way.
Why teach kids about invasive species?
Many of our native plants and animals are threatened with extinction because of invasive species. The whole community — even our youngest residents — can play a part in protecting them.
Author Hannah Maloney with Council’s Responsible Pet books.
Responsible Pet Series
By Hannah Maloney
What do you do?
Council’s Responsible Pet Ownership program aims to teach everyone how to look after their pets and help keep their community a safe and friendly place for people and animals.
What are the books about?
When Sammy Met Sunny is about a boy named Sammy who wants a dog, but first, he needs to prove he can be a responsible pet owner.
In Sammy and Sunny – With Love Comes Responsibility, Sammy needs to learn how to train Sunny to be a well-behaved dog. In order to do this he needs to go to puppy pre-school.
And in Sasha’s New Home, Sammy and Sunny welcome Sasha the cat into their family, but soon learn that being a responsible pet owner is a big job!
Why teach kids about pet ownership?
Teaching kids responsible pet ownership is a lifetime commitment for happy, healthy pets.
Borrow Council’s books at any Sunshine Coast Council library. Buy Council’s books at:
- Sippy Creek Animal Pound
- Caloundra Regional Gallery
- Responsible Pet Pop-up booths
- Council’s book week event
- Via email
Find out more about Responsible Pet Ownership and Invasive Species at the Council website.
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