Irma has write way to tap into young hearts
INSPIRED by her grandchildren, love of the environment and the Australian bush, Townsville author Irma Jaggi is determined to make sustainability fun.
Ms Jaggi has published two children’s books in the past two years that aim to both educate young people about the environment as well as entertain them with colourful stories and plenty of toilet humour.
“My main motivation to create my children’s picture book illustrations was based on the importance for children to reflect on the concept of sustainability,” she said.
“This can encompass a number of things, from recycling to gardening, and being resourceful with products that we use.”
Ms Jaggi’s books Who Snatched Nanna’s Soap and A Happy Fart in the Australian Bush are illustrated using photos of scenes she has created out of recycled materials.
“I have transformed unusual materials such as recycled plastic bottles, blueberry punnets, food wrappers, sand, mud and all kinds of plants into colourful children’s picture books,” she said.
“I have deliberately made the figures and crafty scenes in a way that I think a child could look at it and feel like they could create that, or maybe even do better.
“I wanted to inspire children to make their own creations, not intimidate them with perfect models made to an adult standard.”
Ms Jaggi said her grandchildren helped her develop stories for her bush characters, which are loosely based on her own time living in the Australian outback.
“I strongly believe inte- grating the concept of sustainability in art projects, children’s creative spirit and funny stories is vital for our young generation,” she said.
“Younger children love the colourful illustrations and of course the hilarious plots of the stories I have written.”
Ms Jaggi’s books are aimed at children between the ages of two and 10 and can be found on Amazon or at her website www. irmajaggi. com where delivery to Townsville locals is free.