A presentation made last Friday for Children’s Book Week at Yass Primary School of the about to be released children’s picture book Molly and Maple: The Guide Dogs who changed Nettie’s life.  The book is written by Canberra writer Barbie Robinson and illustrated by Yass artist Sara Phemister. It’s a fictional story based on the experiences of Annette Holden, a former journalist and public servant turned advocate, whose sight gradually deteriorated. Annette says she initially used a cane but receiving a guide dog was transformative. It’s a positive story about life with a guide dog but also deals with the challenges, including refusal of service by cab drivers (mostly) and hotels, despite the laws. The book is expected to be released for sale in November but was previewed by Yass Primary School students as a Children’s Book Week treat. David Moncrieff went to Yass Primary School for the event. 

Selected articles read from the Canberra Times on Friday 30 August 2024.