By Alesha Capone
A Point Cook mother and daughter duo have collaborated on a children’s book which aims to help children develop a love of reading.
Anisha Dobson is the author of Ooky Ooky the Bookworm, which was illustrated by her 19-year-old daughter Ahimsa.
Ms Dobson, a teacher at Seabrook Primary School, wrote the book during lockdown last year.
“One of my favourite things to do with students is read them picture books,” she said.
Ms Dobson, who is in her 25th year of teaching, is also a reading recovery teacher and literacy coach.
“My students were my inspiration behind the book and I think it’s important to get them reading instead of being on electronic gadgets all the time,” she said..
Ms Dobson said the book’s main character was very much like her six year-old daughter Sahara.
Her 14-year-old son, Avatar helped Ahimsa scan her images into Photoshop to be used in the book, while her husband, Ernest also contributed ideas to the book’s development.
“So I guess it really was a family affair, we worked on it as a family project during lockdown,” Ms Dobson said.
She said her favourite part of writing book, the first in a series, was the opportunity to spend time with Ahimsa.
Ahimsa said she drew between 30 to 35 images for the book using settings such as Sahara’s bedroom as inspiration.
“What I enjoyed most was coming up with ideas, with my mum,” Ahimsa said.
“I usually don’t like showing my work to people, but when mum suggested it I was all in because I know how passionate my mum is about writing.”
Ahimsa, who is studying fashion design at university, said she had always loved art and drawing.
Ooky Ooky the Bookworm is available for purchase through Amazon. Details: amzn.to/2MUmGDZ
