A Peregian Springs-based author will soon release the second book in a highly successful series focusing on Australian military history for children.
Allison Paterson is the author of an exciting ‘ground-breaking’ title in the Australia Remembers series for children titled ’Australia Remembers 2: Customs and Traditions of the Australian Defence Force’.
The author, who worked as a teacher-librarian for over twenty years, said the book was brimming with fascinating facts and amazing stories behind many of the rituals we see.
“In this title I’ve worked closely with the Department of Defence and History and Heritage units of the Navy, Army & RAAF to deliver to our children answers to questions I have often been asked as a teacher on our major days of commemoration,“ she said.
“I wanted to provide a useful and curriculum specific book that would add to the available resources, one that would be valued by both teachers and children.“
Before writing the book, Allison undertook several years of research visiting various military museums and communicating with the History and Heritage units of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force.
“I used previous military publications to glean various facts and was fortunate to have the assistance and support of several military personnel along the way,“ she said.
When she’s not writing, Allison presents talks and workshops in a range of situations and to audiences from kindergarten to retirement villages, Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services, libraries, bookshops, service clubs and of course, she loves to visit schools.
Currently the author is working on adding the finishing touches to a picture book called ’I Wonder’, which has been illustrated by Nancy Bevington.
“I feel very privileged to work with Nancy, she is amazing,“ she said.
“I Wonder is a big change for me as it is not about the past. It will be released in August this year. I’m always planning to write more books about war. I enjoy the research and sharing the stories that develop from that.“
Allison will be appearing at Annie’s Books on Peregian on Sunday 18 April from 10am to 12pm. The book is also available at local book stores, or online.
