By Sarah Matthews

Former Horsham resident Dale Baker was pleasantly surprised to see a bookstore shelf dedicated to his work during a return visit to the Wimmera city.

Baker, who grew up in Horsham and lives in Geelong, said it ‘made his day’ to see copies of his three picture books lined up at Redrock Books and Gallery.

The author and illustrator said he appreciated the support of his hometown community, including book-shop owner Marian Anderson.

“She didn’t have to ask me twice to sign them,” he said. 

Last month, Baker launched his fourth book, ‘The World’s #1 Talking Bum’, marking his foray into children’s graphic novels.

“I wrote the book for my boys, who are seven and 10,” he said.

“It’s a little bit different from the other ones I’ve written, which were all picture books. 

“My boys are getting a bit older now and they are into reading chapter books, or graphic novels, so I wrote one for them over the summer holidays.

“They liked it a lot – because it’s a bit cheeky – so I thought I might as well look to publish it.”

Baker, a long-time artist and school teacher, published his first book, Arty Farty Marty, The Paint Smashin’ Kraken in 2018.

‘Flip’ and ‘How to be Clever Forever’ followed in 2019.

“I was inspired to write a children’s story of my own while reading to the boys when they were young – if it wasn’t for my boys I wouldn’t have started,” Baker said. 

“I think they’re proud of what I have done.” 

Baker said his books contained positive themes and an educational slant.

He said reading to children was important because, among other things, it encouraged imagination and helped build vocabularies. 

“I always like to say, kids who read, succeed,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter what you read, as long as you are reading.”

Baker said he enjoyed tossing around ideas for future projects.

“I have a lot of ideas in my head, it’s just finding the time to work on them,” he said.

“I’ve always illustrated and drawn cartoons. I used to paint a lot but since the boys have come along I don’t get the paints out as often.

“I draw on a tablet now, which is a lot cleaner.”

Horsham residents and visitors can enjoy a glimpse into Baker’s work at Horsham Apex Club’s Adventure Island.

Baker was one of seven authors chosen for a Trees Tell Tall Tales Trail as part of the 2019 Art is… festival, to encourage children’s literacy development and outdoor exploration.

One of the trees has an interactive plaque dedicated to Arty Farty Marty.

“You can scan a QR code and it plays a reading from Arty Farty Marty. I think that’s pretty cool,” Baker said.

“The fact the tree is still there blows me away. 

“I’m grateful for the Horsham community’s ongoing support.” 

The entire July 15, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!