Helena Abdou
Craigieburn resident Natalie Butler’s dream of writing a children’s book was fulfilled when she released her debut title, ‘What Gatsby said to William’.
The inspiration for it came from her “charismatic” pug Gatsby, and her son, William, 23 months.
“There’s just something very magical about picture books. It draws children into this exciting little world that they can be a part of, if only for a few minutes,” she said.
‘What Gatsby Said to William’ follows the adventure of a young boy and his dog to the zoo.
The former journalist and mum was sitting in bed when the urge to start writing the story came to her at the end of her maternity leave.
“I was working through nap times a lot, working till 11pm or midnight on trying to figure out layouts for a book and how to actually get it printed and where to go. The writing of it was probably the easiest part but it was the process that took time,” Mrs Butler said.
Natalie has found the whole ordeal humbling and she’s grateful to everyone who picked up a copy of the book.
“It’s a little bit surreal. I have a box full of books with my name on it. I hope that everyone who has purchased one or will purchase one will enjoy it with their little ones or for themselves.”
The book will be officially launched Tuesday, May 10, at 11.15am at Craigieburn library.
