Books help teach children about life on the land

Young children in urban areas are set to learn more about life on the land through a series of colourful picture books.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said the books, by north Queensland author Jacque Duffy, received funding under the Blueprint for the Bush initiative as they promoted greater understanding between rural and urban areas.

“These books, for children from four to seven years of age, promote a positive image of rural Queensland,” Mr Pitt said.

“They will also increase understanding of rural life which, in turn, will strengthen links between country and city people.

“Jacque Duffy’s entertaining stories and colourful illustrations cover topics such as where milk comes from, different types of farm machinery and farm animals, and how bananas are farmed.“

The colourful children’s series includes the titles:
• That’s not a milk carton – about milk production
• That’s not a moo cow – about farm animals
• That’s not a tractor – about farm machinery
• That’s not a raincoat – about banana farming
• That’s not a house – about tropical cyclones.

Mr Pitt said the author had traveled far and wide researching the children’s books.

“Jacque visited numerous working farms and talked with both farming and non-farming children to gain her unique insight into rural life,” he said.

The Department of Communities helped publish 600 sets of the books, which will be sent to libraries, primary schools and selected child care centres in south-east Queensland, Rockhampton, Cairns, Bundaberg, Mackay and Townsville.

The books are part of the $30 million Strengthening Rural Communities Strategy included in the Queensland Government’s Blueprint for the Bush. Further copies can also be bought by calling the author on 4065 3364.

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280