EARLIER this year, artist and musician Paige Duggan wrote and illustrated a picture storybook as a special first birthday gift for a friend\u2019s daughter.<\/p>\n
Brave Maeve<\/em> is about a child learning who she is in the world. It explores environmental issues and climate change, connection to friends, places and feelings, harnessing bravery, and how to be a positive changemaker.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to pass on my feelings to Maeve, and what was important to me, to inspire her,\u201d Duggan said.<\/p>\n \u201cEnvironmental issues and climate change can be overwhelming for children, teenagers and adults, but I thought it would be nice to share with her that she can be part of positive change in the world.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s the main character at the centre of the book, so it\u2019s a keepsake that she can grow up with.\u201d<\/p>\n After the book was finished, Duggan shared some snippets of the story online, and her followers began expressing interest.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople said, \u2018I really like the look of that, I\u2019d love a copy too.\u2019 I have the permission from Jess, Maeve\u2019s mum, and I\u2019ve turned it into a book I can print and publish myself for others to have,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t have the capital to initially print the book for the people who want it, so I\u2019ve set up a Kickstarter fundraising campaign which will allow me to do a proper, viable print run.<\/p>\n \u201cAny small profit margin… will go to me being able to print extra copies and hopefully do a more extensive run.\u201d<\/p>\n Duggan has a minimum goal to raise $4500, but would like to generate as much as possible, to share Maeve\u2019s story with even more children. She is also offering pledge rewards, including bespoke illustrated portraits.<\/p>\n