Scollo on school trot- Cathy Scollo will be reading her children’s book Rara the Cheeky Little Elephant at Collins Bookstore in Berwick. 58009 Picture: Kim Cartmell

By Stephanie Kenez
SHE may not be a household name just yet, but Cathy Scollo is definitely one to watch.
The Pakenham author released her first picture book at the end of last year and it is now onto its second print run.
“It’s really exciting; there were about 1000 copies in the first run, so it’s great that there’s a need for more,” Ms Scollo said.
To celebrate her achievement, Ms Scollo will be reading her book Rara the Cheeky Little Elephant at Collins Bookstore in High Street, Berwick, this Saturday.
“It’s a meet and greet and people can get the book signed if they wish,” she said.
Her book is based on the story of Rara, a resort elephant she met on a family holiday in Thailand that was captured as a calf.
“I liked the idea of creating awareness about environmental causes,” she said.
Ms Scollo takes the book to different schools in the area and teaches students how to make their own picture books.
“I tell the kids the message of my book and they love it.”
“I think it’s good to start raising awareness about the environment from a young age,” she said.
The book took her three years to write and illustrate, and it then took her five years to find a publisher. It is now published through Brolly books and Ms Scollo is glad she endured.
“If you stick to it and endure, it’s doable,” she said.
Ms Scollo loves the opportunity the book has given her to share her artwork, and is now planning her next project: a book on polar bears.
“I love what I do, I like writing and drawing in unison, and I like introducing the kids to these environmental causes,” she said.
Ms Scollo will be at Collins Bookstore, Berwick, from 11am until noon on Saturday 5 November.