Waurn Ponds author Sally Learey has launched Corio Bay Quest – a book in a series that began, ironically, because of the “black and white” running through her “veins”.
Sally, who grew up in Melbourne, fell in love with Geelong when she moved in 1994, but her allegiance to the Magpies remained.
“I brainwashed my son to barrack for Collingwood because my grandad was the oldest living member at the time,” she said.
“He said, ‘mum, Collingwood doesn’t mean anything for me, but Geelong does’.”
To tell her grandfather “indirectly”, she wrote Corio Bay Kingdom about a boy who becomes a Cats supporter while visiting Geelong’s attractions.
In his last days her grandfather figured out her son had changed teams and gave his blessing.
“He said, ‘I understand, because he lives in Geelong’,” Sally said.
On Tuesday she launched the sequel, Corio Bay Quest, with more than 130 local kids at Geelong Library and Heritage Centre or watching online.
“It’s the same family, because people seemed to connect with them – they’ve got a new baby,” she said.
“The book is about them showing the baby their favourite places and getting the baby to choose the best.”
The book’s watercolour illustrations, on display at the library until May 15, showcase attractions across the city.
The first book was “popular beyond my wildest dreams”, while the second had already had some interstate inquiries, Sally said.
“I’m not sure how they found out about, it but they have.”
Details: sallylearey.com or grlc.vic.gov.au.
