On behalf of the students and staff at Axedale Primary School, I would like to thank you for the donation of the beautiful book Marvellous Miles.
We look forward to sharing this book with students through our Wellbeing Program.
- Corrina Hartland
Principal Axedale Primary School
- Corrina Hartland
Principal Axedale Primary School
I just wanted to say thank you so much for the kind donation of 'Marvellous Miles' by Sarah Watts.
It is a welcomed addition to our library, and I am sure it will spark conversations in classrooms and at home to raise more awareness of epilepsy.
- Melinda Gibson at St. Kilian's Primary School
Sarah's book tour included an ABC radio interview with Fiona Parker. Here is the link to the full program - it's best to scroll through to about the 38minute mark for the interview.
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/centralvic-breakfast/breakfast/105715468
The Rotary Club of Eaglehawk is proud to announce a special visit by debut children’s
author Sarah Watts, whose acclaimed picture book, Marvellous Miles, will soon find its way
into the hands of Bendigo’s youngest readers.
This project is being delivered with the support of a district grant from The Rotary Foundation and more than 100 copies of the book will be distributed to primary schools, early learning and child-care centres across the region.
Originally from Bendigo, Sarah Watts attended St Liborius Catholic Primary School and Catholic College before relocating to Canberra, where she lives and works while raising a young family.
Despite the distance, Sarah maintains a close connection with Bendigo with her father, Tim Watts, a member of Eaglehawk Rotary. “It’s a real privilege to return to my hometown and share Marvellous Miles with the
community that shaped me.
community that shaped me.
“Miles's adventure was inspired by my own son's epilepsy diagnosis as an infant and our family adjustment to a new normal,” said Sarah. The story follows the adventures of a brave lion who wonders why his body moves in ways he isn't expecting. Through his journey, the book normalises many of the realities of living with epilepsy such as seizures, medicine routines, electroencephalograms and trips to the doctor. It also provides a springboard for conversation amongst children, families, school groups and carers about the brain and how we're all unique - and that is something to be celebrated.”
The Rotary Club of Eaglehawk was thrilled to bring Sarah back to share her experiences as both an author and an advocate, said co-president, Mick Costello. “Supporting projects like this aligns perfectly with Rotary’s commitment to literacy and health awareness. “We are proud to help spread Sarah’s important message throughout our community,” said Mick.
Marvellous Miles has already been shortlisted for the 2025 ACT Literary Awards in the ‘Young Readers’ category and has gained attention through features on ABC Radio Canberra, Phoenix FM’s ‘Bendigo Breakfast’, and within the ACT Legislative Assembly. Ms Watts regularly appears as a guest speaker at community events and ‘Story Time’ sessions, discussing the publishing process, writing and illustrating picture books, and the importance of resilience in the face of a life-changing medical diagnosis. She is also a passionate advocate for epilepsy awareness and works in development management, serving on the Property Council of Australia ACT Planning and Residential Committee.
“When children see themselves reflected in the stories that they read we know that they thrive. “It normalises their experience, sparks their imagination and invites them to ask questions about the themes within the book. “For other children, parents and carers more broadly, reading stories like Marvellous Miles promotes deeper understanding,” said Sarah.
For further information about the book distribution, please contact Mandy Costello on 0427 468 298.