Fun, Creative, Young at Heart.
A lot happened before I had children. I played lots of sport, I studied Industrial Design and I worked and saved and saved and worked to fund my extensive travel habit. An incumbent child prevented me from playing competitive sport so I learnt water colour painting – the safe option.
Being a mother and directional assistant to two children was very rewarding and fulfilling, however when my youngest headed off to school, it was time for me to return to school too.
A lot happened after children. I completed a Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing and published my first children’s factional book. I won a Publishing Award and Possum Tale, my first Children’s Picture book came to fruition. What a gratifying experience to have both my words and illustrations in print. My studies continued and I completed a Diploma of Visual Arts where different art mediums and practices extended my knowledge profoundly. I have a deep concern for our natural environment and the impact we as humans have on it. I thank my wonderful parents, who raised me to think sustainably, waste little and make the
most of what I have. I am inspired to share my experiences with youngsters, whether it is in the art form,
children’s books and writing, or understanding nature and being a part of it.
Books
The books I have written are all from true stories. Bushland Blazing, a junior factional book, was about a young boy striving to help save the family home in the 2003 bush fires in Victoria, Australia. Possum Tale evolved from my daughter’s love of animals and nature (and funnily enough, she is now a zoologist). Mordrid – Tale of a Tawny Frogmouth is a beautiful story of survival and compassion. The bird is hit by a car and loses her sight but still lives a life of 23 amazing and inspiring years.
Mordrid – Tale of a Tawny Frogmouth is a true story of a remarkable bird, whose life was transformed one night after being hit by a car. She is blinded. Now, how can she live a normal life in the trees? How can she fly? How can she eat? Where will she live? Fortunately, she is adopted by a loving, caring family and Mordrid adjusts to a life in captivity. She turns out to be quite a character and a wonderful relationship between human and bird ensues. This is a tale of how nature works in intriguing ways and that adversity can be overcome. Mordrid touched the hearts of one family and in turn thousands of people. 
Possum Tale is a children’s picture book that takes the reader on a journey of awkward situations and surprises as Rusty the ringtail possum searches for a home to call his own. This loveable little marsupial moves through the suburban landscape and comes innocently face to face with actual life challenges. What Rusty believes to be comfy and suitable is not necessarily what the reader knows to be correct, which creates an anticipation of disaster. But hope stirs in both Rusty and the reader as the pages are turned. It shows how a young girl’s fascination for nature and the desire to be involved with it, inspires her to hang a wooden box in a tree in her backyard. The girl’s involvement is woven through the pages in picture form as an integrated story. Possum Tale is beautifully illustrated with vibrant watercolour paintings. Apart from being a tale of discovery with a positive, happy ending, it is also a depiction of the dilemmas that animals have living in suburbia. Harmony can be achieved between species. 
This is the first book in a series about a little koala named Mist that loses her home. She and her friends set out on an adventure to find another place to live. They quickly learn about the dangers posed by co-existing with humans. It is a heartening tale of strength, friendship and understanding. The readers will find out about nature and find clues on how to live more sustainably within it. The story is written by Becca Boucher who is from Massachusetts, USA, – a koala fanatic. She fell in love with koalas from early childhood and always dreamed of writing a children’s book about a koala. The illustrations are done in watercolours and depict actual animals from Koala Gardens, Tuckurimba, NSW, Australia. You can get involved with The Adventures of Mist website to learn more about the real situation of climate change, the environment, and the importance of healthy ecosystems. There are interactive activities there, and a Parent/Teacher guide to make the most of the concepts presented through the stories. 
Book 2, Look out! unfolds in Mist’s new home, Koala Gardens. She and her friends find an unexpected visitor one morning and are confronted by a potential danger which could affect them all. Together they formulate a plan to help with the problem. Again, the watercolour illustrations enrich the powerful intent of the story. This tale reflects the tough predicament birds and animals are in today, where they have to negotiate the human sprawl. It shows how compassion, friendship and team work can find solutions. 
Book 3, Adventures of Mist – Fire! Mist, the lovable koala is comfortable and happy with her home and friends at Koala Gardens. But something strange is in the air. The story unfolds with a group of animals being guided to Koala Gardens as they have lost their homes. But theirs is a different experience to Mist’s. Turn the pages to see what can happen when the earth gets hotter and drier. And join Mist’s quest to find a way to make things better. Through the colourful and bold illustrations, adults and children will feel the animal’s sadness of loss. But they can play an actual part in the environment’s recovery. 
Book 4 in the series. When Nugget returns home to Koala Gardens with a big problem, Mist is troubled by what she sees. Danger has come in an unexpected form. Can she and her friends find a way to help, and get the message out?
Paintings
I paint with watercolours and use pen & ink. I dabble in other mediums just for a change and challenge. I became an illustrator by accident. No-one wanted to illustrate my first children’s picture book so I had to do it myself. What a learning curve that was – such a terrific experience and a great start to my involvement in picture books. Nature stories are my focus.
Mosaic
I take great delight in transforming junky stuff into lovely expressive mosaics and sculptural creations. Up-cycling and recycling is my thing. Why buy something new when I can re-use, rejuvenate and re-vitalise the old?
luciennenoontil.com 