You may have heard of us or read about us in The Lake News. We are members of FLAIR [Forest Lake and Inala (W) ’Riters], who meet on the first Tuesday of each month (except January). We meet at the Inala Library, from 9am to 12 noon. We read whatever creative writing we have concocted at home, and the other members point out strengths and weaknesses and generously offer suggestions for Improvements. This nourishment for the brain is very exhilarating and satisfying. Marge regularly provides muffins, nourishment for the soul, for morning tea.
Do you know that some FLAIR members are published authors? Special mention must be made of Ryll Ganter, who has published a very delightful children’s story — Friends of the Flood. This very, very Aussie book is one of those books that inexplicably appeals to both children and adults. The story can even be described as a subtle fable because it teaches a lesson painlessly and without seeming to do so. The moral of the story is that, if there is unity, everyone can have a life, and the story was inspired by the picture of a snake carrying a frog on its back to dry land across a flooded river, during the January 2011 floods in Australia.
The illustrations by Michelle Holyhead are detailed and amazing and as captivating as the text. There is also a hint of humour in both. Consider the line, “Anything that floated would help their survival” and the accompanying picture of a hedgehog clinging to a drifting rubber tyre and hanging on for dear life.
Elders who read to children can use the pictures as launching pads for stimulating conversation. Look at that frog—he is wearing a crown. Is he the amphibian from The Princess and the Frog? When the deluge is all over, look at the frog and the snake lolling in a hammock. Is the frog offering his crown to the love of his life?
Christmas is in the air. Here is a little book for a child, grandchild, or little friend. Read it before you toss it back on the bookshop shelf. Friends of the Flood may look as if it is a lightweight, but it is worth its weight in gold.
Friends of the Flood can also be ordered directly from Ryll by contacting 0424 364 739.
On Sunday 12 November at 12:00 noon, Ryll will also be hosting a read-out-loud of the book to local children at Simple Bliss. The book can be purchased at this event.
This will be also followed by a reading at 2:00 pm from Ryll’s brand new release for adults ‘The Coffee Table Book for Mature Dating.’
