Award winning author Pip Harry visited Castlemaine on Monday to officially launch her new book August & Jones which was inspired by the beautiful bond between Castlemaine friends Jarrah Podesta and Mathilde Cross.
When Jarrah lost his vision, Mathilde became his eyes supporting him on his journey.
Author Pip Harry told the Mail she was living and working in Singapore as an ex-pat in 2019 when she came across a story about 11-year-olds Mathilde Cross and Jarrah Podesta in the Sydney Morning Herald ‘Two of Us’ column.
Jarrah had lost his sight to retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer, and Mathilde was his best friend and guide.
“I was struck by their beautiful, supportive friendship, resilience and courage,” Pip said.
“A spark of inspiration came to me and I mused that a middle-grade novel that could portray a bond like these two remarkable kids shared would be very special. A year or so later, I had a book due and I had a go at telling that story and August & Jones came to life,” she said.
Pip sent an early copy of the book to Jarrah and Mathilde seeking their input into the story.
“I was expecting them to send me lots of notes and changes, but they loved it. They only wanted to make two changes!” she said.
The book tells the story of eleven-year-old Jones Kirby who has just moved to Sydney from her farm in country New South Wales. She can’t get used to her family’s tiny city apartment. She’s also worried that her vision is blurry – she lost her eye to cancer as a toddler. Could it be another tumour?
Enrolling at her new school, Jones meets shy, awkward August Genting. He loves fun facts, the library and knitting as much as Jones loves rock climbing and being outdoors. Who would have thought they’d become fast friends?
At home, August’s parents are fighting. And for Jones, the news from the doctor is not good.
To cheer themselves up, the pair hatch a brilliant plan: the August and Jones Must-See Bucket List.
Pip travelled to Castlemaine Monday to celebrate the official launch of August & Jones “into the world” with the real life friends who were the spark of inspiration behind it.
Jarrah, Mathilde and their families were proud to be in attendance, alongside 60 students from the Campbells Creek, Harcourt and Elphinstone Primary Schools.
Pip said it was an incredible day.
“It’s our book now. I feel like we have come full circle and out the other side. I have never had a book launch like this and I don’t think I ever will again. It’s been really special,” she said.
“It was wonderful to finally have the chance to meet Mathilde and fellow author Jarrah in person!” Pip said.
“We discovered Jarrah and I even share the same birthdate! I have goosebumps!” the author laughed.
Jarrah confirmed he enjoys writing fantasy fiction.
The teens said they were surprised but delighted when they got the news that their friendship had sparked the idea for Pip’s book.
“I was in the car on the way home from school. I couldn’t believe it!” Jarrah said.
Jarrah 14 and Mathilde 15 formed a friendship in Grade 2 at Campbells Creek Primary School with both sharing a love of books and reading.
The pair are now in Year 8 at Castlemaine Secondary College and remain firm friends.
“We are in different classes this year but we still meet up and recess and lunch and have maintained close friendships with many of our friends at Campbells Creek Primary,” Mathilde said.