Council’s books for kids: Meet the authors

Book: Rocky and the River in Peril

Authors: Rita Everitt and Rhea Phelan

Authors Rita Everitt and Rhea Phelan with Council’s Invasive Species book

Council job 

Biosecurity Technical Officer for Feral Animals

What do you do? 

Co-author Rhea and I are council officers who are passionate about protecting native plants and animals. Educating the community about the impacts of invasive species is a big part of our job. We visit schools and kindys, hold walks, community days - basically we’ll talk to anyone and everyone about protecting our amazing ecosystem and precious flora and fauna!

What’s the book about?

Rocky and the River in Peril is about one of our most critically endangered (and cutest) native species -  the Mary River turtle. Found nowhere else in the world, Rocky goes on a perilous journey to find another turtle like him and all the dangerous, invasive species he encounters along the way.

Why did you write this book?

I struggled to find a children’s book that I could read to my child about the impact of invasive species - so I wrote one with Rhea!

We decided we had lots of ways to teach adults about protecting our region from invasive species, but we wanted to educate and inspire our youngest Sunshine Coast residents to care for our environment and native species too.

Why is it important to teach children about this?

Many of the unique plants and animals we have on the Sunshine Coast are under threat of extinction because of invasive species. The only way we can save them from extinction is if the whole community - even our youngest residents - play a part in protecting them, now and into the future. Without the next generation taking up this battle, they may be lost forever. They are our future wildlife heroes.

Books: Responsible Pet Series

When Sammy Met Sunny, Sasha’s New Home, and Sammy & Sunny, With Love Comes Responsibility.

Author: Hannah Maloney

Author Hannah Maloney with Council’s Responsible Pet books.

Council job

Community & Animal Education Supervisor

What do you do?

I run the Responsible Pet Ownership Program for Council. I work hard to make sure everyone understands how to look after their pets and help keep the community a safe and friendly place for people and animals to live together.

Why did you write this book?

During Covid lockdown we couldn’t visit our local schools and kindergartens to teach children about dog safety. I decided to use the time to learn how to write children’s books that I could use as an educational tool to teach kids how to be responsible for their pets. I completed a course through the Australian Writing Centre and then wrote my first book in 2020.

What’s it about?

When Sammy met Sunny is about a young boy called Sammy who wants a dog. But first, Sammy needs to prove to his parents that he can be responsible, kind and safe pet owner.

In Sammy and Sunny - with love comes responsibility, Sammy learns how to train his dog to be well-behaved.

Sasha's new home is about caring for your cat and protecting native animals.

Why is it important to teach kids about this?

Most Sunshine Coast households have at least one pet in the family. Having a pet is a lifelong commitment that every member of the family should be take responsibility for.

Responsible Pet ownership isn’t just about following rules, it’s about learning how to keep your pets safe and healthy, providing your animals with a good home, teaching them good behaviour, caring for the environment where you and your pet’s live, and respecting your neighbours.

Borrow Council’s books at any Sunshine Coast Council library.

Buy Council’s books at:

• Sippy Creek Animal Pound
• Caloundra Regional Gallery
• Responsible Pet Pop-up booths
• Via email [email protected]
• Council’s book week event.

Free Book Week event

Come on Council’s book reading adventure with author readings, illustrators, mascots, face painting, games and much more fun. 

When: Saturday 16 August, 8.30am till 3pm 

Where: Beerwah Community Hall, 25 Peachester Road, Beerwah

Book: Your Free adventure on Eventbrite by searching “Book an Adventure”

Find out more about Responsible Pet ownership and Invasive Species at www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.