St John WA to host free children’s event at State Library

• Perth children are invited to the State Library of Western Australia for a free event to celebrate St John WA’s Land of Legends book.
• Local author, Deb Fitzpatrick, will discuss the 20 true stories she wrote for the book and share interview tips with budding authors.
• Land of Legends educates and inspires the next generation of first responders to help others in the community, through powerful storytelling.

St John WA has launched a children’s book dedicated to telling true stories of the paramedics, volunteers and staff who answer the calls of ‘help’ from those in need.

Perth children are invited to a free event 10am, Saturday 8 October, to hear from one of the paramedics featured in the book and learn interviewing techniques that author Deb Fitzpatrick utilised when writing the book.

Hosted in the theatre, of the State Library of Western Australia little helpers with big hearts can learn tricks of the trade and interview Paramedic, Derek Waller live.

Mrs Fitzpatrick said the book contained true stories of community and was a celebration of what makes Western Australia great.

“There hasn’t been a single interview I’ve come away from feeling anything other than just awe of these people and I cannot wait to share that with the next generation of creatives,” she said.

The book’s Creative Director, Richard Berney will be illustrating the children’s questions and Derek’s responses live to share drawing tips and encourage future artists. The book was illustrated by 13 local WA artists coordinated by Richard’s team and features 20 beautiful interpretations of the short stories.

Each child will leave with their very own St John WA Legendary Author Pack and an opportunity to have their own copy of the book signed by Deb Fitzpatrick and Derek Waller.

St John Chief of Brand and Reputation, Aaron Crowther said the St John workforce had been trusted to respond in times of need in Western Australia and it is exciting to inspire the next generation of first responders.

“Land of Legends puts faces to a number of incredible stories that serve as a representative body of work for innumerable community supporters and each one of these stories are designed to inspire little helpers with big hearts to step into the world of patient care and volunteering,” Mr Crowther said.

Aimed at a reading age of 10 and above, the book is written to cover a wide spectrum of readers with parental icons flagging any graphic content. You can sign up to the free event here or learn more about the book via http://www.landoflegends.com.au.