Little ocean, large adventure

AUTHOR Matthew Berto is about to take young readers on a big journey from the pages of his new little picture book.

The Ballarat writer’s latest children’s storybook, The Little Ocean, follows some unlikely friends; a turtle and a girl with an adventure ahead of her.

Local publishing house, Shawline is releasing the tale next week, which Berto said was inspired by a time in his life where he “felt lost”.

Years ago, he’d been sharing a home with his girlfriend, but when they broke up, he didn’t know what direction to take next.

“I felt like I was in the middle of the ocean,” Berto said. “I got the idea for the book from this feeling of being stuck, and wanting to go back, but you can’t go back.

“Feeling a little bit lost in life runs through the protagonist in the story, and the theme works well for kids.Sometimes you need to do things in life that you’re not sure how to do, or you’re not sure how to start.

“Sometimes you need a little bit of guidance, and your own courage to get started. Once you have that courage, you can build on it to keep going into deeper waters.”

Berto said he writes his books with the hope that his friends’ children, and his nieces and nephews, will enjoy them.

Berto has a background in video production and screenwriting. He has made short and feature films, music and event videos.

“I’ve always really liked writing,” he said. “I thought I could write kids’ books on the side.

“I stopped the video production company because I wasn’t enjoying it as much, and I kept my writing up, writing novels and kids books.”

The Little Ocean can be purchased from this Monday 25 March. Visit matthewberto.com for a copy.