Giaan Rooney Launches Children’s Book Lemon the Llama as Kids Get Ready for School

Olympic swimmer and Gold Medallist Giaan Rooney has launched her first-ever children’s book, Lemon the Llama, a warm, vibrant story with charming illustrations by Tatiana Kamshilina.
Dedicated to Giaan’s children, four-and-a-half-year-old son Zander who will start school this year and 18-month-old daughter Lexi, Lemon the Llama holds an important message for young readers about individuality. The book was also inspired by her husband Sam who grew up on a farm and has introduced Giaan and the kids to farm life.
Lemon the Llama is a story about self-discovery and acceptance. Lemon doesn’t fit in with the other llamas on her farm. She has thick yellow fur and a loud scream. She feels shunned for her differences, but as she learns more about herself she realises that standing out from the herd can be a good thing.

Rooney explained, ‘I had a very real sense of how I wanted the book to look and as Zander gets ready to start his school years, I felt it was the perfect time to portray my belief that our differences are our strengths. I hope my book inspires young readers to appreciate their individuality and that it instils a love of reading in both new school starters and pre-schoolers.’
Lemon the Llama is available on interactive children’s reading app Kindergo now. It is featured in Kindergo’s beautiful and fun digital book library titled ‘Back to School Island: New Releases’.

Joining Kindergo’s Back to School Island is award-winning author and illustrator Andy Geppert’s MEEP, the tale of a young bird who gives away his feathers to help his friends feel better about their appearance. Also featured is Kindergo favourite by award-winning teacher, author and Playful Little Learners blogger, Amy Cox, titled Magic Heart, which weaves a heartwarming tale of a young girl’s first day at school. Lulu, by upcoming author Georgie Donaghey, follows a polar bear chasing her dream of being on stage, and seasoned children’s writer Anne Morgan returns with a new tale What’s the time, Francie Fox?, a rhyming tale of a mischievous fox combining numbers and time.

Kindergo empowers children aged two to seven years to read by themselves for enjoyment in a safe, discoverable and encouraging environment, rich in literacy-based experiences. It is the brainchild of Aussie mums and award-winning children’s content producers, Kristen Souvlis and Nadine Bates, has been the number-one children’s reading app in over 30 countries for kids under five and is currently nominated for a Kidscreen Award for the Best Learning App – Original.
A portion from all new Kindergo subscriptions in January and February will be donated to The Pyjama Foundation, assisting the organisation’s efforts in lifting literacy levels and instilling a lifelong love of learning among children in foster care across Australia.

Download Kindergo from the App Store for a free 30-day trial. Also available on Android.
Visit http://www.kindergokids.com for details and to purchase print copies of the new books.
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