Actor, Author &SUPER MUM By Melissa Walsh
She has appeared in a variety of Australian dramas, from Neighbours, Underbelly, House Husbands and The Wrong Girl, is a mum of six children under 12, married to chef, Shannon Bennett, and a children’s author. Peninsula Kids Magazine talks to Madeleine West about the launch of her new book series for children, Lily D V.A.P., and mum life.
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ith the first three books of the series released in May this year, the beloved Australian actor and mother of six says her inspiration for this series began with her young daughter being bullied at school a few years ago. Searching for answers on how to handle this issue became the catalyst for creating the main character in the books. “Without being able to find anything to address this issue, I decided to create a nine-year-old character who is something to aspire to and also the kind of girl that they want to be like and also have as a friend,” said Madeleine, with the result being Lily D V.A.P, an eight-year-old method actor who each week in drama class, takes a walk in the shoes of the characters she plays. “Lily D is 80% autobiographical, 10% my children, and then another 10% is every kid out there who dreams big and sees the world more positively. The main aim of these books is to instill respect and kindness in children irrespective of their colour, their creed, or their social status.” continued next page.....
www.peninsulakids.com.au
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