By Alesha Capone
Truganina’s Catherine Aguilar has written a children’s book about a panda navigating through a pandemic.
Ms Aguilar’s sister-in-law, Caroline Russo, illustrated the book, which is titled Panda Mick.
Ms Aguilar said she began writing the story in August.
“As a mother of two young children, I read to my kids most nights before bed,” she said.
“I had the idea and decided to write my first book for children with poetic charm that kids can fall in love with.
“The story was created with a soft and somewhat relatable character to convey the messages of healthy hygiene and social distancing.”
Putting the book together was a family project – Ms Aguilar’s husband Mario helped to build the book’s website, while their youngest son, Leo, 4, suggested Panda Mick’s mask be blue.
Ms Aguilar said that Leo and his brother, eight-year-old Manuel, have shared the story of Panda Mick with their friends and schoolmates, via Zoom and online classes.
“I really love that we have created this as a family,” she said.
“Each and every one of us has shifted our energy into creating a positive message that gives back to people struggling during these trying times. ”
Ms Aguilar said her family decided to donate some profits from sales of the book to Foodbank Australia, to help people who have lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Every paperback copy sold will allow Foodbank to provide three meals and every hardcover sold will allow Foodbank to provide four meals to people in need,” Ms Aguilar said.
Details: www.pandamick.com.au or www.facebook.com/pandamickau/
