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Children's Author Sparks An Important Conversation

Jackie Evans Publicity

Stories shape the way children see themselves and the world around them. When kids open a book that reflects their own identity, it validates their experiences. Inclusive books don’t just celebrate diversity, they can nurture empathy, kindness, and compassion in others. They can also spark important conversations.

Now, acclaimed children’s author Alex Field is helping to spark an important conversation in her brand-new junior fiction series, Ava Spark: Hello, I’m Here! (New Frontier Publishing).

“I’m here and I have something to say!” Meet Ava Spark, a ten-year-old with cerebral palsy who communicates through an eye gaze machine — and who’s about to show the world the true power of friendship, kindness, and connection.

According to the 2023 Australian Cerebral Palsy Register (ACPR) Report, cerebral palsy affects approximately one in 700 children in Australia.

Field, who has published 13 books to date, including I’m a Tiger which was shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Award, says Ava Spark is her most personal work yet, inspired by her eldest son Luke, who had cerebral palsy and used a communication aid much like Ava’s.

“Luke never felt there was anything he couldn’t do. As I watched his siblings come in and out of hospital during the last three months of his life, I reflected on the strength of their bond. I’m not sure if it was even a conscious decision to write or publish this book, but it helped me to navigate a time of overwhelming grief by focusing on Luke’s extraordinary albeit short life. Ava Spark honours that love and resilience,” says Alex Field.

Set between the classroom, the playground and the spark of new friendships, Ava Spark: Hello, I’m Here! features delightful illustrations by Australian artist Joanna Bartel, who brings the characters’ unique personalities to life.

The book opens up conversations about:

• Disability and inclusion
• Communication tools and empathy
• Friendship and resilience
• Cross-cultural curiosity (England vs. Australia, sports, and seasons)

“This book is my tribute to Luke. His optimism, his determination, and the way he built strong friendships through communication. I hope Ava Spark helps spark those conversations for others,” says Alex Field.

About the Author: New Frontier Director Sophia Whitfield writes under the name Alex Field. She was born in London, and moved to Sydney at the age of 18. During her time in Sydney, she married and had five children, all of whom went to school in Sydney. Ten years ago, she moved back to London, and after living through the pandemic and then the death of her eldest son, she now hopes to be able to regularly come back to Sydney, a place she called home for 27 years.

Sophia Whitfield is in Australia for Book Week (16-23 August) and available for interview.

#sparkaconversation

Instagram: alexfield_author

https://www.newfrontier.com.au/books/ava-spark-hello-im-here

About us:

New Frontier Publishing was established in Australia in 2002 with the motto ‘to inspire, educate and uplift children’. Our expertise is in primary school age books.  The UK list was launched in 2017, which included Fiction and Picture Books. In 2019 we expanded into early years titles with our new Catch A Star imprint. Our aim is to introduce international authors and illustrators to the world stage.  New Frontier publishes books that children will want to read again and again.  Our books are of the highest quality as we believe children deserve the best. https://www.newfrontier.com.au/

Contact details:

Jackie Evans - Director 

Jackie Evans Publicity  0407 776 222 | je[email protected]