An article from Alison Bacon, RC EaglehawkThe Rotary Club of Eaglehawk proudly supported a special visit by debut children’s author Sarah Watts, whose acclaimed picture book, Marvellous Miles, is now available to many of our region’s youngest readers.
As part of the project, delivered through the support of a District grant from The Rotary Foundation, the Rotary Club of Eaglehawk was able to distribute more than 100 copies of the book to primary schools, early learning and child care centres across the region.
Originally from Bendigo, Sarah now lives in Canberra, and maintains her connection with Bendigo: her father Tim is a member of Eaglehawk Rotary. “It’s a real privilege to return to my hometown and share Marvellous Miles with the community that shaped me. Miles's adventure was inspired by my own son's epilepsy diagnosis as an infant and our family adjustment to a new normal,” said Sarah.
Marvellous Miles follows the adventures of a brave lion who wonders why his body moves in ways he isn't expecting. Through his journey, the book normalises many of the realities of living with epilepsy such as seizures, medicine routines, electroencephalograms and trips to the doctor. It also provides a springboard for conversations with children, families, school groups and carers about how epilepsy sufferers are unique.
Sarah recently visited Bendigo giving author talks at three local primary schools and a live radio interview. Ahead of the visit she commented that she was looking forward to meeting young readers and sharing the story. Eaglehawk Rotary was thrilled to host Sarah to share her experience as both an author and an advocate. To quote co-president, Mick Costello: “Supporting projects like this aligns perfectly with Rotary’s commitment to literacy and health awareness … we felt honoured to help spread Sarah’s important message throughout our community".