Easter themed kids book a flamin’ success

POPULAR Bendigo author Lauren Mitchell’s independently published debut children’s book has become hot property after selling out its first print run, with a fresh bunch of copies becoming available just in time for Easter.

Dragon Dance is a sweet, touching story featuring Bendigo’s Chinese dragons in the background, as main character Sunny takes the initiative to save her family tradition of seeing them at Easter time.

“It is based on the past three years when Dai Gum Loong has stayed sleeping, due to COVID-19 and then a stormy day,” Mitchell said.

“It’s also about resilience, creativity, hope and intergenerational care and wellbeing, which I think are all things we need more of in today’s world.

“The book was written for children aged two to seven, but we’re finding parents and grandparents enjoy it just as much as it’s very sentimental for anyone who grew up seeing the Easter procession.”

Dragon Dance also features illustrations from Geoff Hocking, who Mitchell said she’s worked with for many years.

“He’s an experienced children’s book illustrator and designer, so when he said he liked my story and would like to collaborate, I was very happy,” Mitchell said. “I knew it would be in the best hands.”

You can also catch Mitchell at the Bendigo Writers Festival on 5 May at the Capital Theatre, appearing with illustrator Oslo Davis and writer Louisa Lim.

They’ll be discussing ‘how a place takes on meaning’ with ABC Central Victoria’s Shanon Schubert.

For further information visit the Bendigo Writers Festival via bit.ly/3K1Qf0g.