The official launch of 'Queenie: One Elephant's Story', the paperback edition, took place on Sunday 22nd January 2012. It was only fitting that the book returned to the home of its star ... to Melbourne Zoo, where Queenie lived to create memories for many, many visitors to the zoo for almost 40 years.
The most touching element of this beautiful launch was the visual indication of how many generations this popular picture book has touched. From the youngest members of the audience, already aware of Queenie's story, to the most senior members whose own personal memories of Queenie were brought alive by Corinne Fenton's desire to capture and preserve Queenie's story.
The response to the revival of Queenie's story is quite stirring. Letters, pictures and photographs have flooded in to the author all keen to share, remember and rekindle personal experiences with this gentle animal who touched the hearts of many. From Maurice, whose boss Dick Reiter was one of the top cake decorators in Australia, who each year would admire the craftsmanship and care Dick put in to decorating Queenie's birthday cake each year. Then there was the little girl who would walk all the way from South Melbourne to the zoo every Saturday simply to ride Queenie. Touchingly a letter was also received from the grand daughter of Wilfred Lawson, the keeper who tragically died, expressing her joy at the publication of this book for her family had never blamed Queenie for the death of Wilfred.
A replica of Queenie's birthday cake, a beautiful illustration of which is of course in the book, was lovingly crafted by The Greensborough Cake Decorating Centre especially for the launch!
The book launch of Queenie: One Elephant's Story was a two-fold celebration - celebrating a slice of Melbourne history, and celebrating the talent and dedication of Australian author Corinne Fenton.
