By JO HARRISON
Caption: Sorrel Forman from Armidale discusses the new children’s book Mr Agasvari Goes to School with author Jennifer Part at her recent book launch.
LOCAL author Jennifer Part held a book launch for her debut children’s fiction book titled Mr Agasvari Goes to School at the Royal Hotel last month.
The book is an adventure story for children aged 9-12 years which Jennifer wrote initially for two young boys who lived next door and were celebrating a birthday. It wasn’t until a number of years later that Jennifer revisited the story and sent it to a publisher.
“I hope that children will get a sense of mystery about the bush,” she said.
“I like to explore the everyday with the mystical side of life.
“There is a hermit in the story that I based on someone that friends and I discovered when we were hiking with our dogs in the Adelaide Hills.
“We were walking through the quarry and this old hermit came out and asked us if we would like a cup of tea.”
Writing has always been a big part of Jennifer’s life. She has written numerous poems, with one published by the Australian Bush Poets Society.
Born in Adelaide, she lived most of her early life in South Australia. She was working in Darwin when Cyclone Tracey hit and stayed for four years during the rebuilding of Darwin.
She moved to Armidale five years ago for the cooler climate after living in the heat and humidity of Queensland for many years.
“I am so glad I came to Armidale, it has such a great community with lots to do,” she said.
From the very first page to the last, the mysterious events in Mr Agasvari Goes to School will keep children of all ages enchanted and entertained.
The book is available at major book stores and online retailers.
