Expo will reveal book ending
An early education teacher from Drouin's Oak Street Kindergarten has authored a children's picture book for the Baw Baw Shire.
Valerie Jarred, wrote 'The Mysterious Baw Baw Egg' in partnership with the Shire for the Paint the Town REaD initiative, which is aimed at improving literacy in children before they attended prep.
Ms Jarred was approached by the Shire to pen the book after making a name for herself in the region writing and singing children's songs. Her album, which she wrote and recorded with sister Libby Willems, 'Do What I Do' is available on streaming platforms.
The book was printed by Kage Design and Photography, a local printing business, and illustrated by artist Keira Sloetjes from Desire to Sketch.
The 'Mysterious Baw Baw Egg' prompts discussion between children and parents, as they try and figure out what is inside the egg.
Ms Jarred has been reading her book to children at Oak Street and having them engage in exercises such as drawing what they think is in the egg and discussing how they think the story might end.
When she was asked to write the book she said she was quick to hop on board.
"I think music is pretty much storytelling anyway, so when they asked me, I thought 'maybe I could have a go at that'," she said.
Ms Jarred said the book is about getting parents and children to engage in learning and reading.
"It's about getting parents on board, asking questions, and being interested in what children are learning instead of just reading the words. It just makes learning fun, "
The illustrations by Keira Sloetjies are an element of the book Ms Jarred is particularly impressed with.
"I wrote the words, and I knew that there was an artist putting illustrations together... and I love the natural look that she used," she said. "She just brought it to life, it's lovely." On Saturday Baw Baw Shire is hosting the first ever Paint Baw Baw REaD Early Years Expo from 9am to 2pm at West Gippsland Arts Centre's Fountain Room, which will reveal the ending of Ms Jarred's book.
Ms Jarred will do a live read of her book so children can finally discover what is inside the mysterious egg.
The expo will feature about 40 local family-friendly businesses and services on offer in the shire.