ARABELLA is a rhyming, engaging tale tells of the power of kindness to cancel the terrors of the past. There is fear, overcome by gentleness and understanding. Underlying the charming story is the reality of a traumatised creature gradually learning to conquer the shadows of yesterday, and to face the future with courage and joy. It is a picture book for children between the ages of two and ten, and it has appeal across all ages, as it considers matters of trauma and recovery, and the role of others in our lives. It was inspired by a true story of a very shy little cat, Arabella, who was coaxed out of her fearful, lonely existence inside a cupboard by a friendly, determined cat called George. AGES: 2 to 10 AUTHOR: Carmel Bird is an Australian author best known for her literary fiction many novels and short stories for adults, winning the Patrick White Literary Award in 2016. Her website is https://carmelbird.com/. She grew up in Tasmania, and now lives in Castlemaine in Victoria.