When people open Emma Watkins' latest picture book, they will be immersed the magical land her character Emma Memma is from, which is full of butterflies, gum nuts and blossoms.
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Hello, Emma Memma; the first in a new series of books for the children's entertainer from Robertson, co-written with her husband Oliver Brian, is being released on February 28.
The former Wiggle introduced everyone to the character in 2022, who has a passion for dance, sign language, music, visual communications and creating inclusive spaces.
Emma Memma, who many would recognise on the entertainer's social media pages, has her signature red curls, wears butterfly clips, a pink shirt and orange dress.
The book was a "special adventure" to show more of the protagonist, and work with long-time friend and illustrator Kerrie Hess.
"This book really is an introduction of Emma Memma," she said.
The butterflies that can be spotted across the persona's social media pages, in her hair and in the book, are known as a symbol in the deaf community, and hear in a unique way.
The "magical world" she is born into does have nods to the Highlands and her love of nature.
"There's something quite beautiful about the gum nuts and blossoms," she said.
It is not the only Highlands reference for the filmmaker - Waffles the wombat, who often tours with her, is inspired by a marsupial which lives on her street.
Her goats, which live in a wildlife sanctuary nearby, also appear on her social media pages, and will feature in future books, along with Waffles.
Ms Watkins, who has a Diploma of Auslan (Australian Sign Language), and is studying a Diploma in Interpreting at Deaf Connect, and completing a PhD at Macquarie University, said it was a different experience to bring the signing character to life in a book.
Her hope is to incorporate more sign language into other books, which builds upon her vision to make accessible content, and consult with creators who are death or hard of hearing.
The passionate visual communicator will tour with her book and hold book signings in early March, and will tour with her character in March and April.
The tours are the opportunity for the dancer to connect with people and build a friendship with her alter ego.
"[We want to] go out and see everybody and create one on one experiences," she said.
Hello, Emma Memma can be purchased through Penguin Books, and the book signing schedule can be found on the publisher's website.
It can be bought as a hardcover, audiobook and eBook, which is accompanied by an Auslan video translation.
Learn more about Emma Watkins and her Emma Memma on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and emmawatkins.com.
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Briannah Devlin
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
