Gin Gin author Lauren Corvino is set to release her second story called The Not-So-Far Pa following the success of her first children's book The Nearby Nanna.
The new read is all about finding a grandfatherly figure close by and follows on from her original theme of exploring the importance of inter-generational relationships.
Lauren said the idea for the book was based on her own grandfather and the relationships he had with more than just his immediate family.
“After I published The Nearby Nanna my best childhood friend contacted me to tell me how much her children loved it,” she said.
“She said it reminded her of my grandfather, who she affectionately called Papa Joe, just as I did.
“It had not even occurred to me that my own grandfather had taken on the role of a surrogate grandparent to other children in our community.
“He was a wonderful person and our biggest lemonade stand and garage sale supporter growing up.”
Lauren said following on from the success she had experienced with The Nearby Nanna, which was released earlier this year and made available through Dymocks, she looked forward to seeing how The Not-So-Far Pa was received.
“The feedback has been amazing from The Nearby Nanna,” she said.
“It has been incredible getting messages on Instagram from strangers across Australia and abroad.
“The story has really resonated with so many people, at a couple of the readings some parents have even teared up listening to it.”
Through social media, Lauren said The Nearby Nanna had gained the interest of influencers who were posting content about the story.
“A reading of The Nearby Nanna by an Instagram influencer clicked over 20,000 views on YouTube,” she said.
“I also do a puppet show with Lil' Nanna.
“She sings, dances and now has her own TikTok page.
“I have absolutely loved the library tours I have done, having visited the Hervey Bay, Gladstone, and Rockhampton Libraries too which has been such fun.”
The Not-So-Far Pa available soon
Lauren said a digital copy of The Not-So-Far Pa would be available on Kindle from next week, with the book to be launched at The Book Boutique in early September.
“The book launch will be at The Book Boutique in Bundaberg on the Saturday 3 September at 10 am.
“The paperback will be available at the Moore Park Beach Arts Festival.
“It will also be for sale at the Gin Gin Courthouse Gallery, Bundaberg Regional Galleries and The Book Boutique in Bargara and Bundaberg as well as online through Amazon and Kindle and my website.”
The book is aimed towards children ages 0 to 12 but is described as a great read for any age.
You can find out more about Lauren and the books here.
This book was produced with support from the Regional Arts Development Fund.
The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Bundaberg Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
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