Writing illustrated

By Sarah Schwager
A CHILDREN’S author inspired some local youngsters in an event at the Cranbourne Library last week.
Author and illustrator Gabrielle Wang had children from Cranbourne Christian College enthralled as she spoke of her experiences of becoming a writer.
The activity was part of the library’s Book Week celebrations and also gave the students from grades four to six lessons in illustration techniques.
The library’s branch manager, Carol Ely, said Ms Wang spoke about being a fourth generation Chinese woman growing up in Australia and the issues she had faced.
Ms Wang trained as a graphic designer and originally worked illustrating picture books before deciding she wanted to write them as well.
Her first book, The Garden Empress of Cassia, won the 2002 Best Children’s Long Fiction Aurealis award.
“She was great. The kids didn’t want to leave,” Ms Ely said.
“They were given a pencil and paper to practise illustration and were doing some extraordinary things by the end of the session.”
The Cranbourne Library also has all the shortlisted books and winning titles on display, as well as the previous winners, in the children’s area.
The library is located at 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne.
Phone 5990 0150.