Forgetful hen a prompt for author
Local author Naomi Lake will launch her first children’s book this weekend.
The story follows a forgetful hen named Harmony who loses her eggs and her journey to find them before they hatch.
Lake, 24, who has Down syndrome, drew inspiration from the chickens in her backyard.
“I was watching the chickens in my backyard, and one of them had lost something,” she said.
“That’s where the story came from, watching them scratching around … I thought it might make a good story, so I started writing.”
Lake passed the story to her mother, who showed Lake’s sister Paula, who took steps to have the story published.
Hand-drawn illustrations by family friend Dave McCleery accompany Lake’s words.
The author, who has always wanted to publish her own story, said she was looking forward to showing others her work.
“It is exciting,” she said.
“It’s aimed at kids of all ages, adults can experience it as well.”
Lake’s mother, Wendy Townsend, she was very proud of her daughter’s achievement.
Lake will donate $2 from the sale of each book to Variety WA.
