A new children’s picture book, The Island and the Bridge, is a team effort, written by a local author and illustrated by a local artist and Windang Public School students.

Former student and current Windang Public School teacher Angelina Maranesi wrote the book, former student and local artist Melissa Ritchie illustrated the book, and students’ artwork features in the book.

The Island and the Bridge is a fictional tale set around the time when the Windang Bridge was built. The story follows a friendship between two girls, Thelma and Maggie, who live on opposite sides of the lake and can only play together at low tide. The girls explore Windang Island during their adventures and dream of a forever connection by way of a bridge linking their homes.

During her research, Angelina found Shellharbour City Council’s historical documents indicating that before Windang Bridge was built people could only travel between Wollongong and Shellharbour if they crossed the lake at low tide.

Angelina also discovered that the bridge builders lived in tents on the banks of the lake while working there and a big party was held to celebrate the opening of the bridge in 1938 – she felt it was important to include these details in the book.

The book was a massive project, completed with the help of Windang Public School principal Loreta Kocovska and artist Melissa Ritchie.

Angelina knew it would be a big task to engage and interest 200 children in the project. So the first step was an excursion for all students to spark their imagination. K-2 went to the bridge, heard stories about the history and the area, and sketched the bridge; Years 3-6 went to the surf club and sketched the ocean.

The children were then ready for art workshops with Melissa, an accomplished local artist who has been a finalist in The Archibald and Doug Moran National Portrait Prizes, and many others over the years. Melissa led three workshops over six weeks, ensuring each child contributed to the book.

Kindergarten and Year 1 painted the background (water, sand, rocks, grass, skies, sun and storm), Years 2 and 3 painted marine animals, boats, cars, trucks, the bridge and foreshores, and Years 4 to 6 painted the main characters and other people in the story.

Melissa then used her skills as a graphic designer and artist to bring the artworks together. The result is a beautiful book with a story of its own.

For more information on The Island and the Bridge or to buy a copy ($20), call the school on 4295 1852.