How writing a book helped them heal
Tten-year-oldld Mmaiai Ooates was a student at Bobin Public School when the bushfires hit. After a visit to her dear grandad’s home of 40 years that had been destroyed in the fires, Maia asked principal Sarah if she could continue working on a story she had already started to write.
“It was early morning, and Maia had presented news to her class about her visit to her pop’s place. Afterwards, she asked if she could sit down and finish her story – of course I said yes,” says Sarah.
“At recess she said she’d finished. I read it and cried. Then I read it to the children and staff, and everyone was crying – what a beautiful writer.
“She asked for all the children to contribute with the illustrations. The book is a wonderful collaboration of paintings, collages and drawings, and we’ve self-published with lots of help from our community – I’m so proud.”
Maia has since moved to nearby Wingham with her family.
“What a generous soul to hand over her story to the entire school – a real legacy,” says Sarah. “I encourage everyone to buy a copy of The Little Lady – it will restore your faith in knowing that the world really is in very good hands.”
To buy a copy ($20 plus postage), visit bobinschoolpublications.com or phone (02) 6550 5147. All proceeds go to Bobin Public School P&C.