north east regional extra | August 18 - 24, 2021
nemedia.com.au
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August 18 - 24, 2021
By SIMONE KERWIN
WITHIN a group of friends, it’s usually the case that although there’s a strong connection between them all, everyone brings something different to the table. That’s a point perfectly illustrated in Wangaratta author Belinda Harrison’s latest children’s book, ‘Leo and the Magpies’, which is aimed at nine to 12 year olds. The book is the second instalment in Belinda’s Nick, Leo and Sam trilogy, which follows the adventures of three young friends who in the first book (‘Nick and the Uniform Shop’) discovered there was more happening in their hometown than they could ever have imagined. In the second book, the discoveries Nick made in the school uniform shop lead to a series of tasks the friends must tackle together - and that’s where Leo’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) skills come into play. “This book focuses more on the boys being together and exploring the tunnels,” Belinda said. “It also brings in Leo’s background and how his interests and knowledge help Nick work out puzzles he doesn’t ‘get’. “I think kids and adults are drawn to people who have similar interests to themselves, though they’re often also into other things that we’re not, and that’s okay and a strong friendship can still be built. “It means we bring different strengths and weaknesses to our friendships.” Belinda said the story also highlighted the fact that people could often have levels of knowledge which proved surprising. “The adults in the story all have a purpose to play, not only as parents, friends or educators in the boys’ lives, but in the overall scheme of things.though I can’t say much more than that without giving the story away,” she said.
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The adventure continues
◆ KICKING GOALS: Belinda Harrison has produced her second book in the Nick, Leo and Sam trilogy. PHOTO: Kieren Tilly
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