By Dr Liz Cyarto
What happens when a local award-winning author discovers a quarter of Australian youth aged between 10 and 24 years experience depression and/or anxiety? She channels her inner steampunk Fairy Godmother and writes what might be the world’s first micro-resilience book for stressed young adults and those who love them.
Partnering with international and local counsellors, educators, mental health experts, creatives and librarians, Louise Karch has written First Aid for Fairies: From Rain to Rainbows, a tiny book that shares seven micro-resilience tips so young people can bounce forward, not back.
Williamstown High School students tested the book with the assistance of their librarian Marnie Van Luinen. “We need accessible, helpful resources that appeal to young people,” says Marnie. “I’m grateful Louise used a co-design approach for this book. She made something for youth with youth.”
It was Louise’s experience co-authoring The Carbon Almanac, a factual book encouraging climate hope and action, that revealed to her the level of stress and despair young people are experiencing.
“There comes a moment in our lives where the calling on our heart is clear. I knew I had a unique skill set to help young people manage moments with grace and grit. My background is a magical mix of branding, adult education, speaking, comedy and.. when dinosaurs roamed the earth, I was a trauma counsellor/advocate. I knew if I could share these important tips and tools with good humour and beautiful illustrations by Felice della Gatta, we would give hope to young ones having hard moments.”
Louise will be sharing her book creation process with young people at Newport Community Hub during the school holidays. This special pre-launch event, gives young people a sneak peek and of special reading First Aid for Fairies: From Rain to Rainbows.
Because Louise is part of Hobsons Bay’s Homegrown Authors Program, a free celebration of First Aid for Fairies is being held for all ages at Newport Hub on April 3rd. As this is also International Find A Rainbow Day, Mayor Matt Tyler, councillor Tony Briffa and more special guests are coming.
“My hope is people will come for the joy and leave with wisdom to share,” says Louise. “This is a ‘help others’ book and that’s what gives meaning.”
Book-ish Chat with YA Author Louise Karch
Tuesday, April 2, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Newport Community Hub
Register: link
P: 1300 462 542
E: libraryevents@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
Register: https://bit.ly/HBLYAAuthor
First Aid for Fairies Book Celebration
Register: https://bit.ly/FirstAidforFairies
Wednesday, April 3, 2024,
6:15 pm – 7:30 pm
Newport Community Hub. – Program Rooms 1 & 2
13 Mason Street Newport, Victoria
Register: https://bit.ly/FirstAidforFairies
