Angel-Louise and her friends have just set out on their latest adventure and they want to share it with you! Train Trip across the Mountains is the third book released by local children’s author Julie Fawcett.
Julie’s books follow the lives of her Samoyed, Angel-Louise, and friends, both fictional and real, including Harry the Hedgehog, Tabatha the Little Brown Mouse, Sammie the Seagull, Bertie the Albatross, Merlin the Ginger Cat, and many more. In this latest book, a new character is introduced to the group —Tabatha’s cousin Fred (a little mouse in a wheelchair).
Train Trip across the Mountains follows the friends as they travel by train to Greymouth to help Fred pack up his fruit farm so he can come to live with them in Port Chalmers. Along the way they have many exciting adventures which will delight children, all the while sharing the message that disability is no barrier for friendship.
In each of her books, Julie seeks to highlight the importance of old-fashioned values such as love, kindness, politeness, honesty, integrity, loyalty and respect, as well as personal safety, and accepting and understanding people’s differences.
Each Angel-Louise book is beautifully illustrated by talented Dunedin artist Charlie Hall, and written by Julie in a way that will captivate children’s hearts and imaginations. She also incorporates local Port Chalmers identities in her books, which the children often recognise.
Julie, who is originally from Australia, relocated to Dunedin in 2013. After working at Macraes Mine, she immediately fell in love with all the city has to offer. ‘‘Otago is paradise. The natural beauty, fresh air and amazing people made me want to sell my home in Australia and move here permanently,’’ Julie said.
On her relocation to New Zealand, Julie, who has enjoyed a long and varied career, including working in the mining, oil, construction and aviation industries, and is also a qualified librarian, had planned on retiring.
However, inspired by her love of literature and her late Samoyed Angel-Louise, Julie decided to pursue a career as a children’s author. Julie now has a beautiful new Samoyed called ‘‘Autumn’’.
Julie’s first (self-published) book, My First Christmas, was released in 2014, followed by her second book, Merlin’s Magical Door to Nowhere, in September 2015. Her third book, Train Trip across the Mountains, was launched at Sawyers Bay School on Monday evening, with children attending in their pajamas, where Julie read aloud to them, and each was gifted a copy of the new book.
To accompany the Angel-Louise series, Julie also has gift cards, limited-edition prints, mugs and toy fluffy Samoyed dogs. She regularly visits schools, retirement homes, and childcare centres, and upon request will attend birthday parties for a small fee. Julie can also be found at the Blueskin, South Dunedin and Port Chalmers markets with her Samoyed.
Angel-Louise and Julie are readily available to connect with through their Facebook page, which is regularly updated, and they welcome any questions. They always respond!
The Angel-Louise and Friends series can be purchased from the Port Chalmers Pharmacy, Digi Art & Design (Port Chalmers), Quest Apartments (Dunedin) and the University Book Shop.
Email them at friends@angellouise.net.nz or via Julie at fawcett74@hotmail.com. Visit their facebook page, or the website, www.angellouise.net.nz
To win a copy of The Adventures of Angel-Louise & Friends, Train trip across the Mountains email competitions@alliedpress.co.nz before 4 pm Friday, September 1 with the answer to this question: What is the title of the third The Adventures of Angel-Louise & Friends Book?
