Speech Pathologist Turned Author Celebrates First Children's Book

Renee Hudson has recently celebrated the official publishment of her first children's book titled, Where in the World is Winston, an adorable story following the travels of an adventurous sausage dog!

Originally from Home Hill, Renee graduated from Home Hill High School and moved to Townsville to peruse her studies in speech pathology, a field she feels deeply passionate about. In 2014, Renee graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology, and then commenced a position at Townsville University Hospital where she currently acts as the assistant director of speech pathology.

“I chose speech pathology because I wanted to work in a profession where I was helping other people,” explained Renee.

“I moved to Townsville to study, and at first it was hard being away from family, and I used to travel to Home Hill a lot to visit as my parents are my biggest supporters!”

With strong family values, Renee and her two sisters share a close bond with one another. Renee treasures spending time with her family, and friends, and a wonderful, and memorable milestone to look forward to - February of next year will see Renee and her fiancé Jamison hold their wedding in Tasmania.

“I have two sisters who are my best friends, and I love spending time with family, friends, my fiancé Jamison, and Winston, my pet dachshund – he’s the best thing ever, and the inspiration behind my book!”

After experiencing plenty of downtime in the midst of Cyclone Kirrily, Renee found herself inspired to write a children’s book through an engaging and educational lens. Drawing upon Renee’s career in speech pathology, Where in the World is Winston was written with a focus on language development and learning, attracting praise from publishments like the ABC, Townville Bulletin, and North Queensland Weekend.

“My goal was to create a little book that children loved with a character that children loved whilst also promoting language development and learning,” shared Renee.

“The book focuses on teaching children about different locations around the world with plenty of repetition and rhyming throughout and it was also important to me that the illustrations were engaging, bright and colourful.”

With the support and encouragement of her family behind her, Renee began writing her first book.

“The story came to me relatively easily, however, the challenge was embarking on the journey of self-publishing, and finding an illustrator to bring my vision to life.

“I find feedback the most rewarding as I’ve had many parents reach out and tell me their children love the book, and its so nice to hear Winston is bringing joy into other’s lives through his adventures in the book!”

With a second book set to be published in 2025, Renee warmly invites the community to attend a reading of Where in the World is Winston at the Burdekin Theatre on Thursday 28 November, where Winston himself will be ready to receive plenty of praise, and answer all questions on his adventures to date.

What: Where in the World is Winston reading by Renee Hudson
When: Thursday 28 November, 10am
Where: Burdekin Library, Ayr, Music Loft
More Information: The Burdekin Library website https://bit.ly/burdekinlibraryevents.

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Celebrated author, Renee Hudson with her loveable pup Winston.
A national star, Where in the World is Winston was written about Renee’s four legged fur baby.

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