Celebrating stories through sculpture

A new sculpture of Owl and Frog from the much-loved children’s book Frog Finds a Place has been added to Thalassa Park’s popular Storybook Walk.

A favourite spot for families and educators alike, Storybook Walk in Aberfoyle Park brings a range of beloved storybook characters to life in three dimensions.

Earlier this month, Storybook Walk proudly introduced its 17th sculpture, created by Ngarrindjeri artist Thomas Readett.

Readett’s work is inspired by the children’s book Frog Finds a Place—and celebrates the work of co-authors Sally Morgan and her son Ezekiel Kwaymullina, and illustrator Dub Leffler.

The book follows Frog’s quest to reach the moon and stars.

Readett’s creation—measuring 170cm wide and 110cm high—captures a reflective moment between Frog and his friend Owl, reinforcing themes of belonging and identity, and realising one’s dreams in unexpected ways.

Reflecting on its significance, Readett says, "The part of the story where Frog discovers that the moon was actually right there all along, was a nice realisation. The idea reinforces the idea of Country and all the things that make our connection to it so important."

Frog Finds a Place was selected from a shortlist of First Nations titles following a vote involving 20 local schools, kindies and community centres.

Through a series of readings and discussions, students, families and community members were invited to cast their votes, ultimately choosing this story.

The sculpture was unveiled at a family fun day celebrating the book and indigenous culture on 6 April.

Frog Finds Place joins an impressive lineup of sculptures including characters sits amongst much-loved characters from titles such as The Magic Pudding, Mulga Bill’s Bicycle and Grug.

Storybook Walk was established in 2007 on land generously donated by Margaret Cutten and Ann Burton and since then, the Thalassa Parks and Garden Trust has worked closely with the City of Onkaparinga to provide an educational and reflective space that promotes literacy and cultural awareness.

Storybook Walk is free to visit, and accessible all year round.

To find out more about Storybook Walk and the characters you can discover visit the council's website.

About co-author Sally Morgan

Sally Morgan is one of Australia’s best-known artists and writers. She belongs to the Palyku people from the eastern Pilbara region of Western Australia. Her widely-acclaimed first book, My Place, has sold over half-a-million copies and is one of Australia’s most celebrated works. She has published several books including biographies and children’s stories.

About author Ezekiel Kwaymullina

Ezekiel is from the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia and is the son of Sally Morgan. He is the author of several picture books including We All Sleep (2015), Dreamers (2014) and My Country (2011).

About illustrator Dub Leffler

A descendent from the Bigambul people of South-West Queensland, Dub Leffler is one of Australia’s most sought-after illustrators of children’s literature. As well as an illustrator, Dub is the author of two children’s books and is currently illustrating his 25th title. Dub’s work has afforded him travel to places such as remote Australia, Europe, Indonesia and America, and his illustrations are in the permanent collection of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

About artist Thomas Readett

Thomas Readett is a Ngarrindjeri man born and raised on Kaurna Country in Adelaide, SA. He is an established artist with a Bachelor in Visual Arts from the Adelaide Central School of Art. Readett’s practice spans drawing, painting, video, music, advocacy and education. Melding a street-art style with classical training to produce work that is both technical and conceptual, this three-dimensional work brings his drafting skills and imagination to a new level.