In this episode Ky talks with children’s author Lellie Lopoter about her picture book Bella Grows a Bicycle — a heartwarming tale of a girl who starts with a single seed and, through bartering, upcycling and community swaps, works her way to a bicycle. The story introduces kids to the swap economy, resourcefulness, goal-setting and resilience in a fun, uplifting way. The conversation also covers the author’s personal background, her research and PhD in sustainability and public value, the publishing process with Five Mile, marketing and launch plans, and upcoming residencies. It’s an encouraging chat about creativity, persistence and making the most of what you have. About the book: Join clever and determined Bella on a delightful swapping adventure! Starting with a tiny seed, Bella dreams big and trades her way through a series of creative exchanges, working towards her goal of a shiny new bicycle. Along the way, she discovers the value of patience, resourcefulness, and thinking outside the box. With charming illustrations and an engaging, feel-good storyline, Bella Grows a Bicycle introduces young readers to early financial literacy concepts in a fun and accessible way, celebrating perseverance, independence, and the joy of achieving a goal. About the author: Kellie, publishing under the pseudonym Lellie Lopter, is an award-winning author, illustrator, and creator. She won the Marshall Allan Hill Writing Competition, was a finalist in the NYC Midnight Flash Fiction Competition, and was shortlisted for the Noble Hawk Illustration Prize. Her debut book Rhyme Time (2023) was a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards, while My Brother Born Sleeping (2023) received an Honourable Mention in the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards. Kellie studied art in Broken Hill, children’s illustration in Mildura, and she completed the Certificate of Professional Children’s Writing with Cengage Australia. She has undertaken mentorships with the NSW Writing Centre and Exisle Academy and she was selected for Writers Victoria’s 2024 Writeability Goes Online program for writers with a disability. Lellie is a passionate advocate for children’s literacy, and she is a member of SCBWI, ASA, and Writers Victoria. Lellie actively contributes to the PLCC Author Backpack Project, the Author Pen Pals Program, the Incognito Art Show, and she leads Sunraysia’s Free Little Library Project. Home Page | Lellielopter Bella Grows a Bicycle by Lellie Lopter – Five Mile Press Buy the book: Books | Online Bookshop | QBD (This is an affiliate link) Host: Ky Garvey Theme Song: Claire Houghton Logo: Tondo Creative - https://www.tondo.com.au/ Production: Aud Pitch - https://www.virtualcreatrix.com/ Totally Lit is an independent podcast. You can help support us to continue to chat with wonderful Australian creatives by leaving a review on Itunes or sharing our socials with your friends. You can also make a contribution at: www.buymeacoffee.com/Totallylit For those of you who know me I am kind of a caffeine addict! So you can keep me fueled with caffeine and this will also help with equipment & podcasting platform fees etc. I love to interact with our listeners so feel free to say hello either by email or social media: Totallylitpodcast@gmail.com
