A book for shire kids by a shire mum

An illustrator from Aireys Inlet is in the process of writing a book series that encourages children to connect with the local coastline through storytelling.

Eliza Feely’s latest project centres the life of Waxy Fungoo – a surf-loving detective who can transform into a kangaroo.

Ms Feely, who recently received a $2,000 grant from the Surf Coast Shire in support of the five-book series (four novels and one picture book), said Waxy Fungoo was inspired by personal requests from parents at Aireys Inlet Primary School to help engage children in reading, physical activity and the local environment.

“A mother from the school actually approached me and asked if I could write something about surfing that her three boys would want to read,” she said.

“The essence of the books is to get kids reading and get them engaged with their community. My way of making that more accessible is by having this character who doesn’t hold any child back from their own idea of who they are.

“Both the environment and friendships are important messages in the books. There’s references to familiar coastal landscapes so children can identify and relate to the story.”

Once published, Waxy Fungoo will be Ms Feely’s fourth children’s book. Her other titles include Invasion of the Daddy Long Legs, Peka-Boo, The Smallest Bird in All the World and Coo-ee Teddy.

Ms Feely said she hoped the project would benefit the community by connecting with children who might not consider themselves “readers” or “sporty”.

“The series supports children to recognise their innate strength. It’s basically just a fun, illustrated book that invites all children to identify with the character, not just boys or girls,” she said.

But she said the overarching goal of Waxy Fungoo was to design a program where primary school students learn about the series’ journey to the page, from conception to completion.

Ms Feely’s vision is for this to extend to other schools in the Surf Coast Shire.

“Hopefully if the pilot program works in Aireys Inlet Primary School it can be transferred to other schools as a fun and creative program.”

Ms Feely and the shire’s arts development officer Harriet Gaffney will facilitate a three-hour workshop titled “Getting That Grant” on February 8 at Surf Coast Art Space to equip local artists with the tools required to complete grant applications.

She said she was humbled to have been awarded a grant from her local council.

“I’m so grateful to the shire as it’s really unusual to award an individual artist. I’m keen to use this grant as an example to other artists that you can be successful if you have a crack.”

It will run from 11am-2pm. For more information, email [email protected]. To learn more about Eliza Feely, head to elizafeely.com.