By Parker McKenzie
A young author from Upwey has published her first book with the help of her grandmother, with a launch event in Ferntree Gully commemorating the occasion.
Judy Rankin and her 15-year-old granddaughter Shayla Gray have written the children’s fantasy book The Land of Giant Pineapples, inspired by the local area and their own family.
Ms Rankin and Ms Gray said behind the fantasy setting, the book explores community issues.
“The things behind it are about reconciliation and environmental issues, but I like to think it’s a book that can be read for fun,” Ms Rankin said.
“You don’t have to worry about all the deeper meanings behind it but they’re there.”
“Kids whatever age could read it and see as a fantasy book, and then when they’re older and understand the true meaning is kind of teaching them while they are still young about big issues.” Ms Gray said.
The book focuses on an 11-year-old girl whose sister Willow goes missing after noticing something strange happening at a nearby pineapple plantation. While searching for her, she discovers an Aboriginal wizard living in an abandoned house.
“The main character was named after me and Willows is my sister’s name,” Ms Gray said.
“In reality, she’s younger but in the book we made her older.”
The launch has been postponed for two years because of Covid, however, with restrictions lifted the pair will finally be able to celebrate their efforts with friends and family.
Ms Rankin said she has published two previous books; however, this is her first children’s book and the pair are looking forward to the book launch on Wednesday 30 March.
“The book launch for us is a bit of a celebration,” she said.
“The more people that are here to help us celebrate the better. Have a bit of fun and not take ourselves too seriously.”
The book launch will be held at 4pm at Ferntree Gully Library, located at 1010 Burwood Highway.
