Altona author Jona David has released her debut children’s picture book, Honey the Hen.
Loosely inspired by the passing of her own family hen Honey, David said she wrote the book after being shocked at the lack of empathy people had for a dead chicken.
“People made passing comments that I should eat her for dinner or would laugh when they find out that my chickens have access to veterinary care,” David said.
“Even though there are already numerous children’s picture books about pet loss, these stories are usually about cats or dogs, I wrote Honey the Hen to include chickens in the conversation.
“All pets deserve our kindness and compassion.”
David has been published in literary magazines and anthologies, but became interested in writing for children after meeting children’s author Jackie Kerin at an
event.
Along with studying writing at RMIT, David also has a science degree, yet found combing the two for Honey the Hen difficult.
“The research process for a science-based picture book was overwhelming because I would over-plan and avoid drafting material.
“Eventually I decided to just write whatever came naturally to me and I found I enjoyed writing stories about the family chickens.”
Honey the Hen is out now through Starfish Bay Children’s Books.
