Author:Dr Christine Gapes has been a university chaplain for many years and loves taking international and domestic students on bushwalks so they can smell the gum-scented, scraggly trees of the Australian bush. She has taught grief and bereavement education to young people who often find it hard to express their deep feelings of loss for pets, family, and friends. While working as a youth worker, Christine helped children and youth find “ropes of resilience” in tough times. She conducted unique research in two Tasmanian schools soon after the Port Arthur tragedy, finding student drawings far more evocative and revealing than their questionnaire answers. As a high school English teacher, Christine loved seeing the students’ delight as the world of reading opened up. She enjoys spending time with her nieces, family, and friends, as well as travelling overseas. She also loves to go bushwalking, just like Liriel.Illustrator:Sarah Bryan has the pleasure of living on—and being inspired by—Awabakal Country in NSW, Australia. She is a social worker with a Fine Arts degree and an Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design. Sarah has had the honour of journeying alongside young people and their families in youth mental health, and she recognises the value of the arts in supporting health and well-being. She has always enjoyed illustrated children’s books and loves a well-crafted story. Sarah appreciates the playfulness and mindfulness that occur when creating with all sorts of materials. She also very much enjoys a hot cup of tea, walking bush trails, going on bike adventures, and playing board games.
