A children’s book celebrating the word ‘no’ as an expression of growth and familial stability between father and child, written by an Arts student at The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Fremantle Campus, is now available for purchase around the world.
Author, Lotty Vost (under the pseudonym of Bobby Kitt), said she wanted to write a piece of children’s literature that reflected her belief that the word ‘no’ was one of love and personal growth.
Her book, Daddy Said No, was spawned from the Children’s Literature unit of study at Notre Dame.
Lecturer, John Cartner, encouraged his students to write their own piece of children’s literature as part of the course. Within a week, Lotty had written, self-illustrated and bound this unique text.
“I wrote this book with two audiences in mind. The first is obviously the child as there are very few children’s books that feature the dynamic between fathers and their children, compared to mothers,” Lotty said.
“I wanted to create a story in which a father could sit down with his child and explain to them, in a fun way, why the word ‘no’ is a good thing.
“The second audience I directed my book to was the fathers themselves – to understand that they should not feel guilty for saying no to their child, and that it is out of affection and not negativity that we decline our children’s desire to do what they want.”
Lotty said the university had provided her with the necessary confidence to pursue a career in writing – from children’s literature, to playwriting and other longer works of fiction.
“The wonderful staff at Notre Dame have assisted me in the discovery of who I am, which has perpetuated my love for literature and the arts in general,” Lotty said.
“Notre Dame encourages students, not simply to pass, but also to strive to be better. The more I learn at this university, the more growth I have seen in myself as a person.”
Mr Cartner, Lotty’s lecturer, said the university was blessed with a Literature program that was diverse, comprehensive and met contemporary demands. Mr Cartner is inspired by what Notre Dame students are able to achieve within this dynamic program of study.
“Since joining the English Literature program at Notre Dame, Lotty has proven to be a dedicated and talented student.
Her academic work has developed rapidly and now displays a maturity that reflects her ability to integrate [what] she has learnt with her rich life experience,” Mr Cartner said.