Aug 30, 2024
A presentation made last Friday for Children’s Book Week at Yass
Primary School of the about to be released children’s picture book
Molly and Maple: The Guide Dogs who changed Nettie’s
life.
The book is written by Canberra writer Barbie Robinson and
illustrated by Yass artist Sara Phemister. It’s a fictional story
based on the experiences of Annette Holden, a former journalist and
public servant turned advocate, whose sight gradually deteriorated.
Annette says she initially used a cane but receiving a guide dog
was transformative. It’s a positive story about life with a guide
dog but also deals with the challenges, including refusal of
service by cab drivers (mostly) and hotels, despite the laws.
The book is expected to be released for sale in November but was
previewed by Yass Primary School students as a Children’s Book Week
treat. David Moncrieff went to Yass Primary School for the
event.