Millie and Dash are off to the shops with Mum, but nothing is ever just ordinary with these two. The fruit aisle becomes an orchard and the dairy shelves a busy farm. Millie uses a wheelchair, and sometimes things are done a little differently, but the fun and imagination are always the same. A celebration of imagination, family, and seeing the world your own wonderful way.
Mitch Oates is a talented graphic designer, passionate art enthusiast, adventurous
spirit, and self-proclaimed iced coffee aficionado. Growing up in Albury, NSW, Mitch’s
creativity and curiosity have taken him on countless adventures, exploring new and
exciting experiences both locally and beyond. As someone living with Spinal Muscular
Atrophy (SMA), Mitch brings a unique and authentic perspective to his work. His lived
experience navigating the world in a wheelchair has given him a deep understanding
of the importance of inclusivity and the power of storytelling to inspire change. Mitch
is thrilled to coauthor A Dash of Adventure, a vibrant children’s book that celebrates
the limitless possibilities of imagination and the importance of support and inclusivity.
Through this story, Mitch hopes to show that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can
share in extraordinary adventures.
Julie Williams is a dedicated pharmacist, proud mother of two, and passionate
advocate for inclusivity. With a career spanning over a decade, Julie has combined her
medical expertise with her deep commitment to helping others, most recently through
her work as a support worker for Mitch, who lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Julie’s experiences as both a healthcare professional and a support worker have shaped
her understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals navigating life
with a disability. These insights, along with her role as a mother, have inspired her to
coauthor A Dash of Adventure, a children’s book celebrating imagination, resilience,
and the power of connection. Through this book, Julie aims to foster important
conversations about inclusivity, compassion, and the importance of ensuring that every
child, regardless of their abilities, can share in the joy of adventure.
Illustrator:
Caroline Keys is an illustrator based in Ballarat, Australia. She grew up in South Africa
and wanted to be an artist from the time she could hold a crayon. After studying graphic
design, she cut her teeth as an illustrator working on readers and textbooks for children
in rural African schools. Currently, her work is a lot easier compared to in those days
when she used old house paint (because she couldn’t afford to buy acrylics) that would
dry in the African heat before she’d even finished painting. She would have to pay her
brother to pose for her and would head to the library constantly to use the town’s coinoperated
internet for resources. Now, after close to 20 years of living in Australia, she sits
in the comfort of her studio with a high-speed internet connection, all the watercolours,
inks and gouache she could have ever dreamed of and 3 children available to bribe with
chocolate at a moment’s notice.
* Raises Awareness for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
* Celebrates inclusivity.
* Family adventure.
* Sibling relationships.
