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Tasmanian Writers Centre publishes children’s books

The Tasmanian Writers Centre has published two children’s books and may publish more in future.

The centre has published When I was a Boy in Sudan (narrated by Sarafino Enadio, written by Terry Whitebeach, illus by Gay McKinnon) and When I Was a Girl in Sudan (narrated by Paskalina Eiyo & Enadio, written by Whitebeach, illus by Gay McKinnon).

The books were funded in part by an Australia Council grant, and are the first books published by the centre. They were inspired by Enadio, a Madi man from South Sudan, whose life story has been recorded by Tasmanian writer and historian Whitebeach.

‘These picture books evolved from Sarafino’s and my work on the life history,’ said Whitebeach. ‘A lot of what Sarafino told me was grim and sorrowful, but I loved the story of when he was a boy and the children were responsible for protecting the crops from birds and animals. I suggested we make it into a picture book and he readily agreed.’

Tasmania Writers Centre spokesperson Margaret Kudelka told Books+Publishing the books were ‘a first for the Tasmanian Writers’ Centre’, and added that the centre ‘may do it again in future for specific, funded projects’.

 

Category: Local news