There are so many things about each of us that make us different. But if these differences are looked down upon, rather than being respected and valued, then the us-and--them divide sadly grows.
In Shirley's garden, as differences become the negative focus between the old and new inhabitants, fear, deception and disunity take over with little hope that anything can change things.
How can hearts and minds unite when such disrespect has caused hurt and sadness?
As Shirley's old and new garden inhabitants struggle to claim the garden as their home, the fifth and final book in the Shirley's Imaginarium Series inspires one to value differences and persist in finding a way to understand each other and recognise that what matters to each of us is not that different.
Being loved and respected unconditionally, for who one is, and the importance of connectedness, learning and growth, are explored as the fundamentals of friendship and belonging in this vivid and elaborate culmination of this much loved Series.
Healey, Aaron Christopher: - Aaron Healey is a talented and creative film maker, photographer, and production designer. He has worked in many genres of film and television after graduating with distinctions from AFTRS' inaugural Bachelor of Arts (Screen) course in 2017.He operates between Sydney and the NSW South Coast on unceded Gadigal and Dharawal land. His professional credits can be seen atwww.aaronhealey.comAs a writer, Aaron has developed multiple screenplay ideas, and has also written and directed his own short films. His work is influenced by hisexperiences as a queer biracial person growing up in a regional town. Aaron's multifaceted creative talents, warmth, and sensitivity, make him an excellent editor with an eye for detail and impactful story writing.
Rodgers-Healey, Diann: - Dr Diann Rodgers-Healey in her fiction work imagines worlds within worlds to whimsically celebrate life. A published nonfiction author, academic, consultant and teacher, her love for imagining grew as a young observer of extraordinary worlds living in Asia. Her love for literature developed in Australia as an English scholar and teacher, but really blossomed when she became mindful of life amongst the smallest creatures andinanimate objects celebrating life in her garden. Her stories offer meaning and warmth for children and the young at heart.Diann lives in the unceded Dharawal land in the Illawarra. The Wodi Wodi are the First Nations custodians of the Illawarra who spoke a variant of the Dharawal language.Diann is also the Founder and Principal of the Australian Centre for Leadership for Women (ACLW) she founded in 2000. She is an Adjunct Professor in The Cairns Institute of James Cook University and has lectured in leadership, management and education in the University of Wollongong. She has held positions of leadership and management in Sydney and London in diverse sectors including education, businessand the not-for-profit sector. She has coached and mentored women and men in leadership and management and worked with organisations to advance leadership pathways since 2004.Her non-fiction publications include books on gender and leadership, and democracy, and are available freely at the ACLW website for the Australian Centre for Leadership for Women.
