Our Rottnest Holiday

More literary goodness about the beautiful island!

Our Rottnest Holiday is not as long as the book we looked at yesterday: it's a mere 13 pages.

But it's just as good, and of course it has also had the full POST Newspapers treatment...

A new kids' picture book about Rottnest is dedicated to a three year old who was killed on the island last year.

Tazli Bowe's Our Rottnest Holiday is an illustrated book that shows what fun the island is for youngsters.

“It's about two kids' first island holiday,” Tazli said.

“They stay in a house right on the beach and go on a boat, ride bikes, visit the fun park and friends in Geordie Bay and build a sandcastle.”

One of the scenes was going to show their father lying in a hammock.

But Tazli changed it after last year's tragic pillar collapse that claimed the life of young Thomas Brasier.

“That was awful and so sad,” said Tazli, who has two sons: Johnny, 5, and James, 3.

“Through a mutual friend I spoke to Thomas' mum and asked if she would like to have 'In memory of Thomas' at the front of the book.

“She was happy about it and I am looking forward to meeting her at the book launch.”

Tazli's story is based on the story she told Johnny after he returned from his first Rottnest holiday.

“I put the words down in a day – but it took me a year to find an illustrator and get it printed,” she said.

She found gifted English born illustrator Tom Swift, who hadn't been to Rottnest.

“I don't think he's even seen a quokka in real life but his drawings are wonderful,” Tazli said.

The book will be launched on Thursday, November 25, from 10am to noon at 82 Redfern Street, Subiaco.

Coffee and cake will be served.

Our Rottnest Holiday costs $10 and is on sale at Subiaco Dymocks, Fun House Toys in Shenton Park, and at the Rottnest chemist and Geordie Bay store.

It can also be ordered direct from Tazli via info@rottnestholidaybooks.com.au.