FERNTREE GULLY STAR MAIL
Home » News » Amandine Thomas hosts book launch at Belgrave Library

Amandine Thomas hosts book launch at Belgrave Library

Belgrave Library are inviting local members to join children’s author and illustrator Amandine Thomas for a special event of celebrating the release of her latest book on Saturday 30 November from 10.30 to 11.30am.

This will be her second event at Belgrave Library this month, where she will be reading from her book, signing copies, and even illustrating some of the locals’ favourite animals from ‘Taronga Zoo Big Book of Animals’.

“I’ll be making little drawings in books, answering questions, and giving a short introduction about the creative process behind the book,” she said.

“It’s always fun to see what people want me to draw.”

“Kids often pick animals like turtles or foxes, but I’ve had some unique requests too, like a moose or a jaguar.”

She will also bring some of her original artwork, so people can see the journey from sketch to final illustration.

Ms Thomas, who has been a professional illustrator for 15 years, said this event is a great chance to meet the community and connect with readers who have enjoyed her new book.

“This event is all about celebrating the launch of my latest book, and also an opportunity for me to meet the people who have supported it,” she said.

The book, which focuses on themes of conservation and protecting the environment, was released exactly a month ago.

Ms Thomas’s previous event at the library was a success, with many curious children asking about the process behind creating a book.

“The kids love asking questions, not just about the story, but about how books are made. It’s always a great chance to introduce them to the world of illustration and writing,” she said.

Ms Thomas hopes to see a mix of both children and adults attend the event.

She’s really excited for many of her friends and family to finally read her books in English.

“It’s really special for me because these are the first books I’ve published in Australia, and my friends and family have been waiting for this moment,” she said.

She’s encouraging anyone attending to bring their own copy of her book for a personal touch.

“If you have a copy of the book already, feel free to bring it along so I can sign it and do a custom illustration for you,” she said.

The event will be held on Saturday at the Belgrave Library.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet the author, learn about the creative process, and get your own signed book with a unique illustration.

For more information, contact the Belgrave Library.

Digital Editions


  • Fresh mural points the way

    Fresh mural points the way

    A little community gardening group tucked away in Belgrave has received a beautiful new mural in late 2025, pointing the way to the peaceful space…

More News

  • Kids are back at it!

    Kids are back at it!

    It’s back to school for kids across the Yarra Ranges, with some entering formal education for the first time. The tail end of January saw families, teachers and education staff…

  • Outer East youths charged after aggravated burglary

    Outer East youths charged after aggravated burglary

    Police have arrested four people following an aggravated burglary in Wantirna South this morning, 31 January. It’s alleged four offenders entered a Wallace Street property around 4am. The residents, a…

  • Moving for a cause: Pilates instructor honours late father with Pilates 4 Parkinson’s fundraiser

    Moving for a cause: Pilates instructor honours late father with Pilates 4 Parkinson’s fundraiser

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 530906 As a pilates instructor, Vicky Kamakaris knows the importance of movement but she’s also seen firsthand the impact of what losing mobility does…

  • Vale Joy Aldham

    Vale Joy Aldham

    The Selby CFA community is mourning the loss of a beloved member, Joy Aldham, who passed away in January, just a week before her 75th birthday. Ms Aldham who was…

  • Lifeblood of the force give back

    Lifeblood of the force give back

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 531438 It was a morning of giving back for several highway patrol members from the outer east, choosing to donate blood and plasma as…

  • Paramedics respond to at least 20 kids locked in hot cars over heatwave

    Paramedics respond to at least 20 kids locked in hot cars over heatwave

    Ambulance Victoria (AV) responded to a concerning number of kids locked in cars after a weekend of hot weather hit the state. Paramedics responded to 11 cases of children locked…

  • Hills Happenings

    Hills Happenings

    It has been a challenging start to the year for Victoria. Severe weather has driven destructive bushfires and flooding, causing widespread damage and impacting thousands of people and businesses. Whilst…

  • A sequel even better than the first

    A sequel even better than the first

    28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Starring Alfie Williams, Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell MA15+ 4.5/5 Directed by Nia DaCosta, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is an even better…

  • Man charged following Ferntree Gully fatal crash

    Man charged following Ferntree Gully fatal crash

    Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a fatal crash in Ferntree Gully last week. It is understood a car crashed into a pole on Oaklands Avenue…

  • Emerald recognised as haven of the arts

    Emerald recognised as haven of the arts

    Emerald is a haven for the arts, and that passion has been given well-deserved recognition at Cardinia’s Australia Day awards. The Emerald Arts Society won Community Event of the Year…