New book unites three generations of Windang students and brings author’s journey full circle

When Angelina Maranesi started Kindergarten at Windang Public School, she couldn’t speak a word of English.

Now, the Windang resident has not only gone on to teach students at the school to speak Italian but has brought together three generations of the school’s students to release a book she wrote about Windang Bridge.

The Island and the Bridge is a self-published children’s storybook, two years in the making, illustrated by the school’s 200 students under the guidance of school alumni and artist Melissa Ritchie, who was a finalist in the Archibald and Doug Moran National Portrait Prize.

Having always enjoyed writing, Angelina had long wanted to write a picture book.

“I grew up in Windang, so my first picture book had to be about Windang,” Angelina said.

“I went to Windang Public School and, then by chance, I ended up with a job at Windang Public School one day a week, teaching the kids Italian.

“Which is really interesting because I was a non-English speaker in Kindergarten here, and I couldn’t speak English and could only speak Italian.

“So it’s sort of come full circle.”

She said she spoke to principal Loreta Kocovska about the book, having already written the text but in search of an artist to illustrate it.

“I got invited to the 80th anniversary of Windang Public School, and one of the guest speakers was Melissa Ritchie, who was also a former student at Windang Public School,” she said.

“Because I am a primary school teacher, I had that thought that we could get the kids to illustrate it.”

From there, the idea was born.

Angelina said the story was a fictional retelling of how Windang Bridge was built, through the actions of two best friends living on opposite shores.

Determined to stay connected, they dream of building a bridge to unite their worlds and, with the support of their community, turn that dream into reality.

She said it was a heartwarming story highlighting the values of friendship, community and collaboration, loosely based on her own childhood spent around Windang Island.

“What I was thinking was, to me, the two things that stand out when I think of Windang are Windang Bridge and the island,” she said.

“Then I thought, what was life like before the bridge, and that’s how the story was hatched in my head.”

While not alive when the bridge was built and opened in 1938, parts of the story live in historical facts, such as the bridge builders living on the banks of Lake Illawarra and the big party held when it was completed.

“I was trying to think, what does a bridge signify, and the bridge signifies connection,” she said.

“When we build a bridge, we’re trying to connect places.

“In a way, I tried to connect this community by having the three generations – the kids, Melissa’s generation and my generation.”

She said the personal elements within the story included the main character being based on her childhood best friend who had red hair.

“I loved walking across the bridge as a kid, and you would look over the side, and you could see the lake was just teeming with fish,” she said.

“I was just mesmerised by the bridge.”

The artworks were painted during three full-day workshops, with Years Four to Six painting the main characters and other people; Years Two to Three students painting marine animals, boats, cars, trucks, the bridge and foreshores; and Kindergarten and Year One painting the water, sand, rocks, grass, skies, sun and storm.

Two Year Six students involved in the book were school vice-captain Reese Fields, who did some of the people celebrating on the bridge and a tiny blue car on the book cover and talented artist Bodhi Bazzano, who helped create a fish and chip shop illustration.

“I really like it as it’s taken inspiration from three generations from school, and every student has contributed, and that’s over 200 students, which is really cool,” Bohdi said.

“I’m proud of it being from Windang because it helps Windang stand out and become well known.”

Reese agreed.

“Personally, I reckon the book is one of the most amazing picture books I’ve ever read, and it’s such an amazing story, since it’s Miss Maranesi’s childhood and how she grew up in Windang,” Reese said.

“It really contributes to the history of Windang Bridge.”

Angelina admitted she was already working on the next book.

“I’d like to see our children reading books in the library that are local,” she said.

“I think local picture books make kids proud of where they come from.”

The Island and the Bridge received support from Club Windang, MMJ South Real Estate, Windang Public School and donations from the public.

You can purchase the book online.