Short stories help young Lake Mac authors Go Wild

Published on 22 April 2021

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Budding author Maja Tilbrook loves how storytelling lends the freedom to imagine whole worlds and put them into words for others to dream about and enjoy.

It was that imagination that led the 12-year-old to contribute to a new book of short stories by young Lake Macquarie writers as part of a Council initiative aimed at highlighting the City’s libraries and what they offer.

Go Wild features six short stories and a zine, each centred on the brightly coloured animal sculptures that feature outside Lake Mac Libraries branches.

Maja’s tells the story of an intrepid polar bear that ends up wandering through Wangi Wangi, finally ending up at the suburb’s library branch.

“The thing I love about books is how you can be so engrossed in a world that it comes a part of you,” Maja said.

“I was prompted to write about the polar bear because there were so many different ways for the story to go.”

Lifelong Learning and Engagement Coordinator Jess Dowdell said acclaimed children’s author Jess Black and illustrator Kirrili Lonergan helped guide Go Wild’s young authors and illustrators through the process of creating their stories and art.

“This book is written for kids, by kids,” she said.

“It highlights our libraries as vibrant venues people of all ages can discover and enjoy.”

Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser congratulated the young people whose work was featured in the book.

“We have so many wonderful, creative minds right here in Lake Macquarie,” Cr Fraser said.

“Initiatives like this help nurture them and create new pathways and opportunities for them to pursue.”

Cr Fraser will officially launch Go Wild at Charlestown Library at 1pm on Saturday 24 April. The book will be available for sale in Lake Mac Libraries for $6.

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