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Magpie’s tale a lesson on hope

Pierra WillixBusselton Dunsborough Times

BUZ Nurture Works Foundation founder Steve Heron is no stranger to publishing children’s books; however, his latest release aims to inspire hope in children through the story of an unlikely friendship between a boy and a magpie.

Heron has written several picture books for children but his latest release, Maximus, is his first foray into a middle-grade novel.

The beginnings of the book came about five years ago when Heron was undertaking a Diploma of Children’s Writing and Publishing.

“I had to write one chapter of a middle-grade novel for the assignment and wrote 1000 words, despite the word limit being 500,” he said.

“While I was waiting for the results of that I kept writing and that turned into the book.”

Maximus tells the story of 11-year-old Mitch who is struggling at home and school, until a chance meeting with a bedraggled magpie, who has been rejected by his flock.

“As the book progresses, both start to regain their confidence and begin to reconnect with their own kind,” he said.

“Maximus strikes at the heart of everyday issues that many pre-teens experience and will hopefully help children realise that grief and other life challenges affect their emotions, and in turn, those emotions affect their self-confidence and social connection.”

Heron said the novel was an accumulation of a number of stories he had heard from children over the years, and said it would have wide appeal.

“It doesn’t have anything like magic in it, but it does have relatable stories and characters,” he said.

“I really love writing for children because I want to inspire hope in them.

“That is the main reason I write.

“To inspire that hope.”

A book launch for Maximus will be held at Dymocks Busselton on March 16 from 4pm, with afternoon tea provided.

To RSVP, contact Dymocks Busselton on 9754 4410.

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