Today I attended the launch of a picture book I've watched grow from a simple spoken idea nearly eight years ago. Phar Lap the wonder horse (the picture book) began as part of a conversation while watching children do circus classes (okay so the connection isn't that clear yet). It's in ballad form and is gloriously illustrated by Patricia Mullins using collage.
Jackie Kerin is the author and her Phar Lap story is the first picture book on his history. It follows his story from birth to death and all the wonderful excitement in between. It uses the language of the racetrack, of the time. Jackie is a talented storyteller and performed 'Phar Lap the wonder horse' for the audience. The launch, held at Melbourne Museum, in the presence of the tall red horse, was attended (amongst others) by a class from a local primary school and others. Jackie held us all in thrall as she performed.
Patricia's wonderful original artwork was on exhibition and it was great to see the textures and layers in her work. Afterwards we retired to The Windsor for a wonderful lunch.
Congratulations to Jackie and Patricia and Melbourne Museum (publisher). It's a wonderful book.
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