I have written a 22 page children's picture book titled 'I Live Here - Newcastle'.
The story is about a little boy who has moved to Newcastle with his family. Over the 7 days of the week the boy visits some of the iconic landmarks and places of Newcastle. Through simple rhyme and eye-catching illustrations, the boy tells the tale of his weeks' adventure (which I know many locals will relate to) and falls in love with the city of Newcastle; declaring it the only place he wants to live.

I am aware of the importance of children having text-to-self connections when reading, as well as connecting the text to the world around them. 'I Live Here - Newcastle' provides local families with the opportunity to do this. It will engage the audience through real-life connections, evoke conversation and perhaps even intrigue those further afield to visit... Why not? It's almost a 7-day Newcastle travel itinerary for families.

I have researched the History of Newcastle and included dual names for locations (eg. Newcastle – Mulubinba and Nobby’s – Whibayganba) to help educate and bring these Awabakal words into everyday language. There is also mention of the Christ Church Cathedral dominating the skyline and the significance of Joe Richley for Blackbutt Reserve, as well as other significant points of interest.

I have spent countless hours, every day with my children exploring this incredible city of ours. I have captured many photographs of the various places we regularly visit and used these images to brief the illustrator, so my vision (and the real Newcastle) could come to life on the pages of a children's picture book.