By Raquel Mustillo
RESILIENCE, creativity and individuality are at the heart of former Limestone Coast resident Rebecca Watson’s debut picture book Call Me Frank.
The former junior primary St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School teacher has released a novel centred on a Francis Frank, a shy boy who eats alone at recess and plays by himself in the playground.
During a dream, Francis Frank meets his imaginary friend Charles Charlie who offers comfort, guidance and friendship to the protagonist.
Released by UK-based Austin Macauley Publishers, the 28-page book follows Frank and his new friend in an adventure filled story, where a lonely boy realises his imagination.
“I have always loved writing and I wrote this particular story a couple of years ago when I was at uni,” Ms Watson said.
“A couple of years ago, I had the courage to send the story to some publishers who were accepting unsolicited manuscripts submissions to see if there was any potential in it being published.
“I eventually heard back from Austin Macauley Publishers several months later and they sent me a contract in the mail straight away to publish Call Me Frank with them.”
Ms Watson said her passion for travelling to exotic places and immersing herself in different cultures paired with her love for teaching inspired her to write the book, which is aimed at junior primary audiences.
“I tested out this story, as well as some of the others I had written, to children in my class who really enjoyed it,” she said.
“I hope children who read the book feel empowered as the story is about resilience, creativity and individuality.”
Call Me Frank is available to purchase in paperback or PDF format from Amazon, The Book Depository, Dymocks, WHSmith and other major book retailers.
