From beakers to books

A school lab tech has swapped her safety goggles for reading glasses as she enters the world of book publishing.

Swan View Senior High School science laboratory technician Julie Matthews wrote and published the children’s book Little Zoom Zoom. 

The book is about the adventures of a spider called Little Zoom Zoom, with the storyline sharing themes about the circle of life, adventure, family, and love. 

Ms Matthews said writing a book had always been on her bucket list. 

“This book in particular was inspired by a little spider zooming all over my kitchen benchtop as I wiped up the dishes. I started putting together little rhymes and verses and decided to write them down,” she said.  

“Publishing this book has been an incredible journey of self-development. I would definitely encourage anyone who has ever wanted to publish a book to take that first step.” 

Ms Matthews had the opportunity to read her book to Year 11 students studying Children, Family and the Community. She said she hoped to inspire the students to follow their dreams. 

“The students were creating activities based around children’s books, so this was a perfect opportunity to read my book and chat with them about the publishing, editing, illustration, and marketing process of the book,” she said.  

“The students enjoyed the story and were very engaged in the conversation and asked many questions.  

“I think the most inspirational thing that the students took away with them was that anything is possible in life as long as you have the passion, drive, and take that chance to have a go.”