Illustrator Helen Leach and Author Susie Sarah with new book ‘The Big Green Tractor’.
REGION - Author Susie Sarah and Illustrator Helen Leach have teamed up again for the publication and launch of a new book.
Titled 'The Big Green Tractor' the book has a rural theme and paints a picture of farming life with all its ups and downs.
The book was officially launched at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days.
Ms Sarah said it was exciting to be able to launch the book at such an important fixture on the regional event calendar.
"We've done a lot of launches at bookshops, but to be able to launch the latest title at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days is extraordinary," she said.
Vice President of the Victorian Farmers Federation, David Jochinke launched the book in the auditorium on Wednesday.
The title then rested among the John Deere tractors at the Emmetts stand.
Ms Sarah said accompanying the book is a board game that takes you through the cropping procedure.
There will be a book signing at the Gifted Wombat in Stawell from 9am until close tomorrow and from 10.30am until close at the MOCO Gallery in Halls Gap on Sunday.
The latest tale expresses their close association with the Wimmera and Grampians regions and rural life.
'The Big Green Tractor' was written with input from children in rural schools and the encouragement of Susie's great nephew Jacob, a lover of big tractors.
The story features Farmer John and his son Tom who work hard to finally purchase their 'dream machine' only to have it stolen.
"With the help of a John Deere salesman and lots of country kids I finally whipped this story into shape," Ms Sarah said.
She admitted her youngest sister was the tractor driver on the farm.
"I couldn't back a horse let alone a tractor."
A friendship formed almost thirty years ago in the Grampians has led to the literary partnership between the two ladies.
Ms Sarah and Ms Leach launched their first book 'Emily Emu Chick' set in the Grampians and based on Susie's experiences while raising young orphaned emus several years ago.
This is Ms Sarah's fourth children's book with the previous publications now in bookshops, country post offices, general stores and gift shops throughout country Victoria.
Ms Leach is best known for her depictions of the Grampians region going back 30 years.
He award winning work reflects the influence of the striking mountain landscapes and surrounding countryside where she lives.
In particular, her work portrays the region's bird life and spring flowers, and contrasts in the landscape from season to season.
She has illustrated a number of children's books before joining Susie as Little At Books Illustrator
Ms Sarah will again be visiting schools and has a workshop booked with the Campaspe Regional Library Service in Echuca focusing on how to self-publish your book.