Monsoon

By:   Belinda J Walker
Illustrated by:   Jo Stacey
Edited by:   Melanie L Brasch
Imprint:   Belinda J Walker
Dimensions:   Height: 216mm,  Width: 216mm,  Spine: 6mm
Weight:   313g
ISBN:   9780645919011
ISBN 10:   0645919012
Pages:   32
Publication Date:   01 May 2024
Recommended Age:   From 5 to 12 years
Audience:   Children/juvenile ,  English as a second language
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active

Belinda Walker was born and raised amidst the serene landscapes of Atherton, Queensland, Australia, where she spent her formative years on a hobby farm. Belinda's lifelong love of learning led her to undertake a 'Diploma of Teaching' at James Cook University. Her work as a Primary School teacher led to positions in a wide variety of schools from the remote town of Normanton to Brisbane and back to North Queensland where her passion has left a positive impression on countless young lives. Driven by a passion for literature and a desire to share the joys of reading, she gained a Post Graduate Diploma from QUT as a Teacher Librarian. This role perfectly blended her love for teaching with her appreciation for the written word, allowing her to inspire generations of students to explore the world through books. Belinda's enthusiasm has led her to write stories for children which has led to the publication of three books. Drawing inspiration from the communities where she has lived and the cultures of the original inhabitants, she has captured ""worlds"" that draw in young readers. Through her words, readers have been transported to the past with her historical fiction about the HMS Pandora to a recent recount of the monsoon disaster in North Queensland. Belinda Walker's story is proof of her dedication to childhood literacy as she continues to inspire countless individuals to embrace the magic of learning, literature, and the places they call home. Jo Stacey grew up in the foothills of the McPherson Ranges, the youngest in a large family. The family grazing property was bound by Lamington National Park. Stacey spent her childhood embedded in a small community populated by family and friends, days were spent exploring the country and creeks, playing with horses and cattle and also doing lots of crafts. Stacey's artworks express her love of the environment, community, sustainable living, and a sense of place. Jo Stacey completed an Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts majoring in printmaking and drawing; she also enjoys experimenting with different methods and mediums to convey her visual story. Jo's career has been shaped by her connections to family and community, creative output and work experiences. She has been part of the Townsville arts community for many years as an arts worker and artist. Her art practice encompasses drawing, painting, assemblage artworks, bookmaking, collaborative works, and being part of an artist-run initiative, she tailors art workshops for students and adults alike. Jo Stacey's artworks predominately provide a visual narrative. In the series ""Monsoon"" Stacey was compelled by her experiences of the Townsville flood to create a series of images. The median used for this series is charcoal with a colour wash. Stacey's careful selection of materials links the extremely long drought with critical water shortages which Townsville faced with the extraordinary rainfall deluge and ensuing catastrophic flooding. Jo Stacey exhibits in solo and group exhibitions.