The Flying Optometrist

The Author's Father Inspired the Book

Published in association with the Brien Holden Vision Institute and inspired by a true story, new children's picture book The Flying Optometrist chronicles the adventures of The Flying Optometrist as he travels across Australia providing eye-health care to those in remote communities.

In the book, The Flying Optometrist travels in a little red plane from his practice in the city to a remote outback town. Lots of people are waiting for him! Aunty can't see well enough to carve her emu eggs and Bill the plumber has a splinter in his eye. Young Stephanie can't wait for him to arrive as she has broken her glasses and can't join in games of cricket and have fun with her friends"she can't see the ball!

The townsfolk wait with bated breath until finally the Flying Optometrist's little red plane appears, having only just missed a bad storm. A big meal waits for him in the local hotel. Then he gets to work checking people's eyesight. The Flying Optometrist doesn't have long, but he helps as many people as he can before returning to the city. Stephanie has to wait a little longer for an exciting package to come"her new glasses!

At the back of the book are lively non-fiction sections about the -real' flying optometrist and the history of aerial services in rural Australia, including the flying doctor service. Written by Joanne Anderton (whose father inspired the book), The Flying Optometrist is a captivating and delightfully illustrated picture book that helps children understand the value of eye care, and the importance of helping those in rural communities.

Joanne Anderton's novels and short story collection have received international review coverage in The New York Journal of Books, The Guardian, Library Journal and Publishers Weekly. She has a passion for beautiful children's books. She can often be found in the children's section at her local bookshop, buying up big because she's the book-giving aunty"and proud of it! While browsing, she always hoped that one day she would create such gorgeous stories. The Flying Optometrist is close to her heart and she's excited to be sharing this story with the next generation. She lives in Sydney with far too many pets, and far too many books.

The Flying Optometrist
NLA Publishing
Author: Joanne Anderton
Illustrator: Karen Erasmus
ISBN: 9780642279132
RRP: $24.99