GAWLER creative Pamela Dennis launched her first children’s book Zachary at the Prince Alfred Hotel on Sunday, told from the perspective of a seagull.

The local author wrote, illustrated and self-published the picture book through local business Bunyip Print and said her fellow members of the Adelaide Plains Poets and Writing Group encouraged its creation.

She said her book was born during COVID-19 lockdown after suggestions from the writing group to use that time creatively.

“I’ve always wanted to write a children’s book and my family has always loved the beach,” Pamela said.

“When our children Justin, Jessica and Brenton were little my husband and I would often take them to the beach to visit and I incorporated that in my book.

“One weekend Tim and I were fishing on a jetty and a young child and her brother came toward us and the brother said to the sister, ‘What is that bird’s name?’ and she said ‘Zachary’ and after they left I said to my husband ‘That’s my book’.”

Pamela said she writes for self-expression and therapy – living day-to-day with disability.

She said Zachary has a reading ability of eight to 12 years, however hoped anyone would enjoy the story.

“Anybody could read it, whether it be a grandparent or parent reading it to a child or siblings reading to each other,” she said.

“I illustrated all the pages and was challenged by drawing people, but hopefully they will get better with time, as I would like to write more books.”
Pamela is hoping to get her book in visitor information centres down south and other areas across the state like Murray Bridge, and in public libraries.

Anyone interested in purchasing a copy of Zachary for $12.50 can contact Pamela on 0413 583 817 or via email (pammydennis@yahoo.com.au).