A Kenilworth dairy farm is the inspiration behind a new kids book about farm life and resilience.
Rusty the tractor who never gives up was written by Sunshine Coast author Courtney Johnston.
The story is based on a real rusty tractor and fun days of work on the farm.
As Rusty counts down his tasks for the day, never giving up along the way, we see farm life, native animals, and then a restful goodnight.
Courtney was inspired to write the story while raising two young children with husband Wade, on their thriving dairy farm.
Since having children, Courtney has been able to see the farm through the eyes of a child, and she realised it was full of life.
“There are endless stories to tell and Rusty is based on our real tractor, passed down from generation to generation – a little worn but still going strong,” she said.
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Courtney said she was excited to write farm books for kids and she hoped they will have fun with Rusty and learn about the different aspects of farm life.
It’s an ideal story for younger children and it’s the first in a series of fun, learning children’s books from Courtney.
She teamed up with Sydney illustrator Elyssa Hallett to bring the story to life.
Sydney’s COVID lockdowns were the setting for Elyssa’s artistic voice and for illustrating the bright, textured rural scenes in Rusty the tractor.
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Elyssa’s greatest influence and inspiration is her young daughter, with her desire to explore busy streets, greet every passing stranger, and eat whatever she finds on the ground.
Illustrating Rusty, his wide-open farmlands, and native animal friends, was a welcome intrusion of country life into the big city.
“It’s so satisfying to team-up with another mum on a project we know our own children will love,” she said.
“And parents reading who feel a little rusty will get a lift as well.”
Rusty the tractor who never gives up will be available from book stores in mid-October.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the book will be launched live on Facebook, on October 21 at 6pm (AEST).
