A beautiful, charming and moving celebration of an extraordinary woman who has turned adversity into a powerful life force, aided by the adorable Molly and Maple, her canine guardian angels. Barbie Robinson’s heartwarming tale of how Nettie navigates a world she can no longer see, yet will never stop exploring, tugs at every thread of compassion and empathy in readers big and small. With gorgeous illustrations by Sara Phemister, this delightful book tells a gentle but profound story that will change the way you see.
Author:
Barbie Robinson is co-Principal of arts media not for profit website, podcast platform and internet radio station LIVING ARTS CANBERRA (www.livingartscanberra.com.au). She is a Canberra-based arts journalist, arts advocate, photographer, writer and designer. She was a teacher in government school systems for thirty-four years before moving into employment in community and professional arts, including marketing and gallery management. She is the author and designer of two children’s books published by For Pity Sake Publishing – Grandma’s Knicker Tree (2020) and Charles the Gallery Dog (2022), and in 2023 Phoenix and Ralph (self-published), all illustrated by Ian Robertson. Molly and Maple – The Guide Dogs who changed Nettie’s World is currently in production for release at the end of 2024 with illustrations by Yass artist Sara Phemister. She is also the author/designer of three solo books of poetry: Singing in the Wilderness (1986) and Flowers, Seeds and Promises (1993) and That looks on tempests – thoughts on the nature of love (For Pity Sake Publishing 2018); contributor/designer of the joint publications Sky of Fire, Tree of Ice (2003) and Sky of Fire, A Year of Recovery diary (2004 ) – both commemorating the 2003 Canberra Firestorm - and was both a contributing writer and book designer for the group writing project, between the lines, stories of 11 women (2008). She is currently working as editor and designer on another community writing project with 26 women writers: Write Around the World – Women’s Voices for Peace, which will be published in 2024. Charles the Gallery Dog won the 2023 Children’s Book Award in the Marion ACT Notables Book Awards (category self- and small publishing). Phoenix and Ralph was in the The Book Cow Kingston’s official top ten sellers list for 2023 and was awarded Highly Commended in the ACT Literary Awards 2024 (Marion). Barbie and her husband live in Canberra. They have two sons and four grandchildren.
Illustrator:
Sara Phemister is a painter living and working on Ngunnawal Country. She has exhibited over the last 28 years, predominantly in the Canberra, Southern Tablelands and South Coast areas. Sara is endlessly inspired by capturing and illuminating daily life – her dog asleep in the morning sun, her now adult children absorbed in a task – and the shifting landscape around her. It is a collection of these moments that she wants to remember. Drawing is the basis of Sara’s practice. She paints in oil on board and is increasingly interested in how the application of paint suggests line and form and becomes a language to tell our stories.
* Unique authentic story about loss of sight.
* Useful as an education toolabout disability for children.
* Heartwarming and affecting story illustrated with delightful watercolur painitngs.
Publicity:
* Live events in Canberra, Yass, Adelaide, Sydney.
* Interviews with RPH and Vision Australia radio.
* Adelaide and Canberra print media.
* Canberra and Adelaide schoolsevents.
* Materials eg totes and bookmarks.
* Listing pending for Books + Publishing.
* Visits to national and state parliaments.
* Promotion by the book's subject at her many advicacy opportunities.
* Chief Minister's Inclusion Award applied for in ACT - Sue Salthouse Category.
* Entered in CBCA 2025 Book of the Year Awards - Eve Pownall category.
* To be entered in the 2025 ACT Literary Awards.
