Local setting inspires Jim
A place precious to many locals, Mount Cannibal at Garfield North, is the setting for Warragul author Jim Connelly’s latest children’s book “Mountain Boy”.
“I’ve thought of writing this book for a long time,” said Jim. “I reckon I’ve climbed Mount Cannibal 50 times. “Mount Cannibal is very precious to me.” Mountain Boy is a tale of grit and endurance as lead character Brock defies his disability and a tremendous storm in his attempt to scale Mount Cannibal. It is aimed at eight to 13year-olds.
Jim grew up in Garfield and has fond memories of the countless hours climbing the mountain with his brother, finding new pathways and lookouts. He recalls the “big thrill” of seeing his house and mother waving a big sheet far below.
A former teacher at Garfield State School, Jim played football and cricket for the Stars.
Despite “words being my stock-in-trade”, Jim’s forays into creative writing were delayed until more recent years. The retiree who runs English language courses through U3A Baw Baw, says writing children’s books happened “in a spontaneous way”.
Mountain Boy is Jim’s fourth book and follows a three-book “Tom and Anna” series. His more recent focus has been on writing poetry.
However, he was inspired to write a book based in the factual Mount Cannibal backdrop and featuring the old Garfield North School.
Brock is an 11-year-old boy who has a moderately severe form of cerebral palsy. He uses crutches and wears ankle foot orthoses.
During a two-week camp at a special school for disabled children at Garfield North, Brock is not included when some of the children are taken to climb the mountain.
Brock, humiliated by the decision, breaks out from the camp one night to prove he can conquer the mountain.
A legend of the mountain has it that one day, one will come to the mountain who will thereby “find himself”. Is that person Brock?
As with his previous books, Jim will donate half the proceeds to a Gippsland charity. Already $1200 has been raised for a children’s camp on Raymond Island near Paynesville.
Mountain Boy is available for $12 from Garfield Newsagency, Need2Warragul in Warragul, Drouin Newsagency, Cannibal Creek Winery in Tynong North, Biddy Martha’s Café in Bunyip or by contacting Jim at ajcon@dcsi.net.au or 5623 6121.