Students shares message of kindness

A children’s storybook featuring illustrations created by WA primary school students has been unveiled at a Book Launch at Perth Town Hall on Thursday 23 August during National Children’s Book Week.

The storybook, entitled If I Met a Baboon Who Lost His Balloon, was written by local teacher, author and artist, Sean E Avery, and encourages readers to be kind, understanding and helpful toward others. The illustrations featured in the storybook were created by primary school students who took part in Therapy Focus’ annual Art Competition.

Pictured: Art Competition Winners 2018

This year Therapy Focus received more than 5,300 artworks from 103 schools across the state. A panel of judges chose 100 finalists from the entries, of which 21 were selected to be published.

Storybook author, Sean E Avery, said he focused on themes of inclusion in writing the rhyming narrative, which follows the journey of a hero who helps different animals with their problems.

“In a digital world where people are feeling more lost and lonely than ever before, I feel it’s so important to help remind people that they matter” said Sean E Avery.

“Drawing pictures to compliment words is a wonderful way to deepen understanding. I’m always excited to see the many different ways kids interpret words and themes like inclusion in a story.”

Therapy Focus Board Chair Fiona Payne joined Sean in celebrating the winners by awarding each student with their framed original artwork, a copy of the published storybook and a prize pack courtesy of event sponsors.

Thanks to the generous support of Art Competition Principal sponsor, The Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, a complimentary copy of If I Met a Baboon Who Lost His Balloon will be provided to every primary school in WA.