By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
A Tecoma author has spent seven years crafting a beautifully illustrated children’s book that touches on themes of survival, family, and hope.
Tull Suwannakit’s new release, ‘Higher Ground’, is already receiving glowing praise for its unique storytelling and powerful message, proving that sometimes, the journey to create something meaningful takes time and perseverance.
A blend of graphic novel, picture book, and diary, ‘Higher Ground’ tells the story of a grandmother, her two grandchildren, and their pet rabbit, who must survive after a devastating flood leaves them stranded on their rooftop garden.
With limited resources and space, they face a challenging, uncertain future. The book’s stunning illustrations, combined with diary-style entries, create an immersive reading experience that goes beyond a traditional children’s book – it’s an emotional journey that captures both the struggles and the hope of the characters, inviting readers to connect deeply with the story.
“The journey of creating this book was anything but easy,” Mr Suwannakit said.
“Initially, I thought it would be a typical 32-page children’s picture book, but the themes I wanted to explore didn’t quite fit within that format. After countless drafts, rejections, and challenges, I almost gave up.”
“But something inside me pushed me to keep going, and I’m so glad I did, the book became a reflection of my personal journey and the lessons I’ve learned through adversity.”
Mr Suwannakit’s own childhood experiences played a significant role in shaping the book.
Born in Thailand, he was sent to a boarding school in Singapore at the age of nine. Living away from his family at such a young age, he learned early on about resilience, independence, and the value of family.
Additionally, the memories of his time spent with his grandmother, who taught him about sustainable living, left a lasting mark on him and became the foundation for the story’s characters.
“The time spent with my grandmother, though brief, left a lasting impact on me,” he said.
“I learned a lot about self-sufficiency, like growing vegetables and preserving food. These lessons were pivotal when it came time to create the characters in Higher Ground, who must rely on their resourcefulness and adaptability in the face of a changing world.”
Mr Suwannakit’s background as a visual artist, particularly his studies in animation and fine arts, played a crucial role in the creation of the book’s distinctive style.
He studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design in the United States, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Animation, before moving to New York to work in animation and set design.
Later, he continued his studies at RMIT University, earning a Masters of Fine Arts, which allowed him with his diverse training to experiment with visual storytelling in innovative ways.
The incorporation of graphic novel elements alongside traditional picture book illustrations gives the story a multi-layered feel, while the diary-style entries invite readers to engage more personally with the narrative.
“I’ve always been drawn to the power of visual storytelling, my time in animation helped me understand the importance of sequencing and how to use visual cues to tell a dynamic story,” he said.
“And my background in fine arts allowed me to break away from traditional storytelling formats. The mix of graphic novel, picture book, and diary is my way of making the book feel emotionally real and immersive for readers.”
The story’s central themes of survival and hope resonate strongly in today’s world, where children are increasingly exposed to global challenges like climate change and environmental disasters.
Mr Suwannakit said his aim with his new book was not only to tell a gripping story of resourcefulness but also to encourage young readers to reflect on their own connections to nature, family, and the world around them.
“By focusing on hope and resourcefulness, I wanted to teach kids that even in tough times, they can find ways to adapt and grow,” he said.
“The story encourages them to appreciate life, cherish moments, and feel connected to the world around them. I believe these are lessons that will help shape a better, more empathetic future.”
Mr Suwannakit’s son played a key role in inspiring the book, and he hopes young readers will see themselves in the characters’ journeys and take away valuable lessons about sustainability, empathy, and caring for the environment.
The book serves as a reminder of the importance of family and the power of hope, even in the face of adversity.
“I hope ‘Higher Ground’ encourages kids to be independent, resourceful, and compassionate,” he said.
“In a world that is constantly changing, these qualities are more important than ever. If this story can inspire young readers to think about sustainability, their impact on the environment, and the importance of empathy, then I’ll feel that I’ve done my job.”
His career spans over 30 children’s books, many of which have been translated into multiple languages and featured in renowned publications such as ‘The Sydney Morning Herald’ and ‘The New York Times’.
The Tecoma author’s work has also been recognised with numerous awards, including being shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards and the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards.
