Morningstar Books
August 2024
ISBN: 978-0-6485778-2-9
RRP: $25.00
April seems such a long time ago now, when I was thrilled to hear from local author, Dannika Patterson, to ask if I might write some teaching notes for a very special new book.
This picture book has been a project like no other I know of. Commissioned by the Iona College Old Boys after some thoughtful discussions on how they might continue to engage with alumni and celebrate their community. To settle on a picture book which completely encapsulates the ethos and traditions of the college was an inspired choice.
The thinking was that a picture book could be gifted to new arrivals, whether children or grandchildren, of former students and thus, provide that sense of continuity and longevity of the association. And given they had an amazing author, as an Iona ‘mum’ married to an Ionian, this entire process took a very natural and fitting course.
Dannika duly enlisted another Ionian old boy, and friend, artist Nick Kohler who had not previously illustrated a book but certainly had proven his merit in his other artistic endeavours. The result of this combined effort over the past two years is nothing short of sensational.
From the moment I received the print proof, it was clear that this is an exceptional book that speaks not only to the Ionian community, as was the original intention, but also to a wider audience, and how wonderful that the college is opening up that opportunity to others.
So we come to the story of a young gorilla called Imani, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and his welcome not only to the world, but to his family and his place in the hearts of all who surround him. The narrative outlines that this tiny infant will, in turn, become the silverback and continue the stewardship of his kind. Dannika’s words actually gave me shivers, it is so utterly poignantly emotive.
The gorilla has been the college mascot for decades and the Old Boys who have marked 50 years since their graduation are referred to as the Silverbacks – the guardians, stalwarts and protectors of the entire troop. To add to this, the Oblate tradition which is Iona’s ethos, is evidenced in the mission work undertaken in the DRC which provides yet another connection. This entire analogy is just so perfect and threaded throughout Dannika’s beautifully emotive narrative.
On the day you were born
I hummed to you softly.
As for the stunning illustrations, Nick Kohler has not only demonstrated his ability to switch both medium and art format but, I have no doubt, will be sought after for more illustrative work. His images are just so unbelievably resonant and to see some of his process in creating them just mind-blowing.
From start to finish this was a conceptual idea that had all the stars aligned – the genesis and motivation paired with the two creators both so connected to the college, and the vision of Iona to propel this into being. In and of itself, this book is a landmark.
Notes that landed gently on your nose,
and settled among the soft, fine hairs on your head
and your toes.
Notes that tinkled and tumbled and ran together,
until they played a new tune.
A song to grow within you, your whole life through.
On Friday evening (9th August) I had the absolute pleasure of attending the launch at Iona College. What an absolute treat it was, from start to finish! I have never been to a fancier, or warmer, book launch and the atmosphere was indescribable. The outpouring of pride and love in the college tinged the whole, and it was quite something of which to be part.
Now that this gorgeous book ‘infant’ (as per gorilla terminology) is out in the world officially, I am finally able to write my review and tell you all that this is a book not only a must-have for your collection but for any new little human infant in your circle. I also hope you find something of use in the teaching notes (how blessed am I to be given such a privilege?), and there is an extra in the shape of some colour-in pages.
I want to thank Dannika again for thinking of me to undertake the notes – it was joy from start to finish 💚.
Of course it gets a 5 🦍🦍🦍🦍🦍 rating!
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