By Jodie Symonds
A CHILDREN’S book with an important message about autism will be featured in a fairy-themed reading at Burrinja in Upwey on Thursday 29 September.
‘My Neighbour is a Fairy’ is an illustrated book about a young girl Meg who is excited when Tom moves in next door.
She becomes aware that Tom is different, and doesn’t do things in the same way she does.
Meg believed Tom was a fairy – however, he had Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Illustrator of the book, Croydon resident Margaret Krajnc says she hopes the book will raise awareness for autism.
“For me personally, I didn’t realise how many people had autism,” Ms Krajnc said.
“This book is great at helping other understand what autism is.”
She said her illustrations help to distinguish what Meg sees, compared to what Tom sees.
“I used a lot of bright colours,” she said.
“For Meg’s world I used a lot of really detailed, realistic illustrations, and for Tom’s world I used a lot of bright colours and of course the fairies and things.”
As part of the Burrinja Gallery and Cultural Centre storytime, Ms Krajnc will be dressing up as a fairy.
“It’s about being more visual because the cover doesn’t reveal much about autism,” Ms Krajnc said.
“Once I start reading and talking about the book, people start to become more engaged and they understand why I’ve dressed as a fairy.”
The illustrations took about five months to complete, and Ms Krajnc said they were very detailed.
“It did take me a lot longer, because I wanted to go back and make them more detailed and more realistic,” Ms Krajnc said.
“About 70 per cent of it is hand-written, and then I go on the computer and enhance the colours.”
For more information, visit www.burrinja.org.au.
My Neighbour is a Fairy is written by Jody Stokes and is available for purchase at Croydon Booksellers and Burrinja Gift Shop.
