How do we look for new ways to stimulate boys to write and illustrate?

A magnificent seven metre long resident dragon named Zingora, created by the boys of Scotch College Junior
School, was the impetus for a project designed to promote the love of literature. During 2009 the whole
Junior School (boys age range 5 – 12) participated in a collaborative project integrating
Literacy and the Visual Arts. All boys were involved in the production of a series of seventeen
professionally printed picture storybooks. Each boy contributed to their class book, based on the
adventures of Zingora, by writing the text during Library lessons and creating the illustrations during
Art lessons.

Zingora was created in 2008 as part of an artist in residence program. Lyn Ferrall was commissioned to work
with the Art department to produce a textile masterpiece, inspired by China and the Beijing Olympics.
Everyone in the school created a piece for the dragon. Prep formed pom poms; Year One manipulated
coloured wire and Paper Magiclay into a scale; Year Two printed gold designs onto material to form the
body; Year Three felted wool top into spheres and around wire to form decorations for Zingora’s
spine; Year Four applied designs onto satin using Crayola Fabric crayons and quilted their scale with
sequins; Year Five designed a scale using Chinese zodiac symbols and applied numerous sequins to
enhance their design and Year Six felted merino fibres to form a colourful woolen scale with a blanket
stitched border. In a busy six months, all artworks were completed and skillfully sewn together into a
three dimensional sculpture. Zingora was awakened by the Chinese Youth Society’s special ceremony
in December 2008 and boys paraded Zingora around the school grounds with excitement and pride.

At the beginning of 2009, Zingora found his home in the Library where he spends his days sleeping and
watching over everyone. However at night it is a whole different story… Zingora magically flies
out of our Library and has adventures all over the world.

It was this notion that ignited the boys’ imagination and before long they were speculating on where
Zingora had gone the night before. Subsequently, the idea for the ‘Zingora Picture
Storybook’ series was born.

The project was carried out during Terms 3 and 4 in 2009. Ownership of the project at every stage was one
of the main aims. The boys selected topics democratically and made decisions during the entire process.
To complement the variety of written genres, each Year Level focused on a different art style in
conjunction with the Art curriculum. Prep was based on drawing with minimal background; Year One used
paper collage (with handmade paper) inspired by Eric Carle; Year Two applied paint and glitter and were
inspired by photographs;  Year Three used black ink and coloured pencils and were inspired by real
structures; Year Four created 3D mixed media collage inspired by Jeanie Baker; Year Five explored a
limited colour background and used acrylics, watercolour and collage techniques; Year Six drew with
black ink and were inspired by the illustrator Neil Curtis.

Preparing the text and illustrations for publication was a long process and the boys learnt a great deal
about the publishing industry and the importance of careful editing and attention to detail. Although
the boys focused primarily on their own class book, there was a feeling of unity throughout the school
and they enjoyed following the progress of each book. There was always great excitement when one of the
seventeen books was ready to go to the publisher.

This was a self funded project, in that parents and the wider school community pre-ordered the books and
the number of each book printed corresponded with the orders.

Subsequently, it is the type of project that could be adapted to any size school and have far reaching
benefits regarding promoting literacy through the arts. Each book sold generated a small profit that
was donated to charity.

The books were recently presented at the International Boys’ Schools Coalition conference in
Philadelphia, USA and attracted a great deal of attention. They are now on display in the Zart Art
Children’s Gallery for all to read. Numerous comments from the boys and their parents have
ensured the Zingora books have become an important part of many households within the Scotch community.

“I liked the construction of the Zingora books because they combined the essence of art and creative
writing.” Toby age 11

“My sister and I read my Zingora book together. Now she wants to be an author when she grows
up.” Ben age 10

I’m very proud of my book. I keep it in my treasure chest where I have all my special stuff.”
Harry age 6

“When my Mum and Dad saw my book they said Wow!” Michael age 6

Jocelyn Pride (Head of Library: Scotch College Junior School)
Priscilla Williams (Head of Art:
Scotch College Junior School)
Suitable for Ages 5 – 12