Children’s Book Launch Draws Crowd in Adamstown

A new children’s book, Liriel and the Dragon, written by Christine Gapes and illustrated by Sarah Bryan, was launched at Adamstown Uniting Church on July 19, 2025. Families, schools, and libraries snapped up copies, buying bundles of five, ten, and sixteen, along with single editions.

Rev Dr Rod Pattenden spoke at the launch about the value of books that fuel imagination and connect across generations.
“A good children’s book has to be beautiful,” he said. “The illustrations need to bring the story to life, and every page should draw you forward. There should be delight and mystery—and the words need to be short, descriptive, and shape a meaningful conversation with children. Liriel and the Dragon does that beautifully.”

While the book isn’t overtly religious, it touches on deeper themes like faith, fear, and resilience. Gapes said she hopes the story will spark conversations between children and adults about life’s hard moments.
“I hope it encourages people to talk about the times when everything felt like it was falling apart, and what helped them through—what ropes of resilience they grabbed onto, and how they discovered strength in their fears,” she said.

The Sydney launch will take place at Western Sydney University on September 10, 2025, where Gapes serves as the Uniting Church Chaplain. Details are at lirielandthedragon.com, or email Christine at Lirielandthedragon@gmail.com.