Sisters share their childhood from P.O.W.

Monday, 19 November 2007 07:57

Image

The latest book from Black Ink Press was launched on November 3 bringing a genuine taste of the Torres Strait to the mainland.

Our Pet Pelican is story by 40-year-old Carol Mooka, and vividly illustrated by her sister 36-year-old sister, Laura Mooka.

It is set on Prince of Wales Island where they grew up and is a true-life adventure.

The book was launched in the idyllic setting of the Townsville Riverway Amphitheatre with the fresh water section of Ross River in the background.

Thanks to the support of Thuringowa City Library and Pinnacles Gallery there was plenty to enjoy for individuals and families, with free lunch and a variety of dance and song performances by Western Blue, and pool swimming too.Copies of the book are for sale and the writer and illustrator were there to sign books.

Laura made a rare visit from her Island home for the occasion. “I did all of the illustrations on my home Prince of Wales island and spoke to Carol by phone and they took about a year,” Laura said.

Carol said the book gave readers an insight into the wonderful lifestyle in the Torres Strait.

“I was born and bred there and haven’t been back to Prince of Wales Island for five years.”

AQIS, part of the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, supported the cost of publishing the book.

Information about bird diseases is included, and all Torres Strait schools will get a copy.

Writer Carol Mooka said: “I feel I owe my education to a love of reading, so improving opportunities for Indigenous literacy is one of my goals in life.”

Black Ink Press is a small Indigenous publishing venture, a part of the Congress Community Development and Education Unit Ltd (CCDEU) in Townsville. It specializes in illustrated books for Indigenous youth.

Black Ink Press coordinator Jeanie Adams described the collaboration of this publication as a publisher’s delight.

“These two very talented artists have used their skills to create a wonderful book for old and young. It has suspense, character, and a recognisable setting.

“The distinctive lifestyle is conveyed in local Creole dialogue,” said Ms Adams.