Children’s Book Launch – Leonardo Da Finchi by Terese Eglington

Terese and helper Carmel reading Leonardo da Finchi 

Sometimes it’s wonderful to be a part of the writing community especially when you’re asked to say a few words about a delightful new children’s book. This latest book titled Leonardo Da Finchi was written and illustrated by the talented Terese Eglington.

Terese explains how her inspiration for Leonardo initially came from reading an article on the brilliant coloured but endangered Gouldian finch.

The Gouldian Finch was once found across northern Australia, with an overall population in the millions. However, in recent decades the population has declined dramatically to an estimated 2,500 mature individuals. It now occurs in small flocks in a few locations in the Kimberley and the NT, although it is occasionally recorded in Queensland.Altered fire regimes – especially an increase in extensive, hot wildfires in the late dry season – is the primary threat to the survival of the Gouldian Finch.

Wildfires reduce the availability of seed at key times during the year and limit the availability of tree hollows for nesting. Other threats include feral herbivores (which selectively graze key grass species) and feral cats. In the past, many birds were captured for the aviary trade although this was banned in the 1980’s.

Field ecologists are undertaking vitally important research which has helped identify what needs to be done to reverse the decline in Gouldian Finches.

Information from: http://www.australianwildlife.org/wildlife/gouldian-finch.aspx

For Terese this colourful bird brought to mind the post impressionist artists like Van Gogh and Gaugin while Leonardo da Vinci’s inventiveness, artistic ability and thirst for knowledge were the perfect attributes for her character, hence Leonardo da Finchi.

The adorable Leonardo do Finchi

As a person who writes, draws and designs I fell in love with the Terese’s idea of a creative little finch with great, big ideas.
Leonardo is about creating inspired ideas.
Leonardo thinks outside-the-box – which means – to think of different ways to make your ideas work.
Leonardo experiments and sometimes he fails, but he tries again and again until he eventually succeeds.
If the word creativity makes you think only of pretty pictures and daydreaming it’s time to think again. Creativity’s a way to encourage children to think of ideas and actually create them.
In the world of tomorrow, when the children who are reading Leonardo are adults – business, industry, and education will be for those who think more creatively.
Not only to solve problems but also to identify the problems that need to be solved.
Leonardo shows how his determination and his creative thinking not only inspires his friends but helps them as well.
Creativity and skillful ideas are such positive things and it’s one of the reasons I truly love this book. Congratulations Terese …

Should you wish to purchase a copy of  LEONARDO DA FINCHI  You can contact Terese Eglington on Facebook or her website www.tereseeglington.com