Local author releases children’s book featuring region’s attractions

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Karlie Brady

Journalist

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Megan, Daisy, Maddie, Jay, Wesley, Pippa, Tilly, and Edward got to read the book at the Book Lounge in Port Douglas with Author Michelle Partridge (Fourth from the right). Image: Karlie Brady.

The Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef are central to a new children’s book, highlighting the many wonders of our region, featuring an adventurous gecko.

Local author, Michelle Partridge, writing as G. Shell, has recently released Ecky Geck “The Adventurer Gecko”.

The book is a fully illustrated, colourful 32-page book following the story of Ella, Cooper, and their imaginary friend Ecky Geck on an adventure through the Mossman Gorge, Four Mile Beach, Low Isles, and ending with a ride on the Kuranda Train.

Ms Partridge said the idea for the books came from a suggestion from her husband.

“One day whilst observing geckos on the glass doors, he said to me why don’t you write a book about a gecko, an Aussie version of Mickey Mouse,” she said.

“Introducing Australian children to what is their biggest backyard, the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef, was the perfect storyline."

Pippa and Maddie enjoying the Adventures of Ecky Geck at the Book Lounge in Port Douglas. Image: Karlie Brady.

Ms Partridge said the book introduces kids to the local animals such as the cassowary, platypus, goanna, crocodile, cockatoo’s, snakes, sea turtles, and other ocean friends.

She added that the inspiration for her characters Ella and Cooper came from simply watching little one’s joy whilst wandering about the Mossman Gorge, Four Mile Beach, Low Isles, and riding the train.

“The Ecky Geck book has been made in high-quality hardback with high gloss paper so that little one’s hands can easily turn the pages. Creating a fun learning experience with full-colour images, simple words, that capture a curious world of what is all around them, and a keepsake.

“As I have introduced the book to kindergartens, kid’s take the book in hand and begin to tell the story wriggling with excitement as they turn each page. Relating to Ella and Cooper as they go on walkabout in what is their backyard,” Ms Partridge said.

In what is set to be an eight-part Ecky Geck series, the story will continue on to the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania. Introducing children across the country to Ecky Geck and his great adventures in what is our biggest backyard – Australia.

The Adventures of Ecky Geck book can be found at the Book Lounge in Port Douglas or at the Fresh Water and Kuranda Train Stations or online at eckygeck.com. You can also request for your local library to order it in.

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