Shellharbour children’s book author Karen Hendriks celebrates beauty of local life
Shellharbour Children’s Author Karen Hendriks was overjoyed with the community’s response to her new children’s book Our Shellharbour, which was in high demand before it was even launched. “I was planning a December launch, but shipping...
Shellharbour children’s author Karen Hendriks was overjoyed with the community’s response to Our Shellharbour, as her new book was in demand even before it was launched.
“I was planning a December launch, but shipping delays caused problems," Karen said. "I wasn’t sure I would have the books in time and people wanted the book for Christmas gifts. Luckily, the books arrived with a day to spare for a community launch on the 17th of December.
“The book has been embraced by locals. It felt like the whole community turned out for the launch party – I was overwhelmed by the support.”
Karen grew up in the area and Our Shellharbour was inspired by her childhood.
Before writing, Karen had to decide what the book was going to be – a coffee table book to showcase the region or a children’s picture book. In the end, being a children’s author, it was a no-brainer. What better way to show children the amazing place they live in?
The story centres on two children, Lani and Oli, who travel together around the beautiful Shellharbour region having loads of fun and discovering birds and creatures along the way. Their journey takes them to many places, including Cascade Falls at the bottom of Macquarie Pass (which is in the Shellharbour boundaries), Oak Flats, Windang Bridge, Blackbutt Forest, local beaches, Lake Illawarra and more.
These familiar places are rediscovered through the fresh eyes of the children on their whimsical journey. The final pages exploring some history of the locations is a wonderful addition.
The illustrations are spectacular. It took time, but Karen found the right artist for the job. Emma Stuart is an award-winning illustrator of over 20 years who loves hand drawing and using watercolour washes. Emma worked with a brief, Karen’s manuscript and photographs to bring the story and Shellharbour's landscapes to life.
Karen also researched every detail to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
The flathead Oli catches in Lake Illawarra is one example. In her groundwork, Karen learned the fish that could be caught here and when a local child excitedly told her that his first catch in Lake Illawarra had been also a flathead, she knew she had made the right choice.
Our Shellharbour is visually stunning and a brilliant children's book for all ages.
Buy the book at www.karenhendriks.com; Genie’s Vault – Shell Cove Marina; Shellharbour Visitor Information Centre; Shellharbour and Warilla Post Offices
