Swan Hills MLA Jessica Shaw, Environment Minister  Stephen Dawson and author Cathy Levett launch Westy the Western Swamp Tortoise.
Camera IconSwan Hills MLA Jessica Shaw, Environment Minister Stephen Dawson and author Cathy Levett launch Westy the Western Swamp Tortoise. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Kids book Westy the Western Swamp Tortoise launched at Ellenbrook Library

Lisa ThomasThe Advocate

WESTY the Western Swamp Tortoise has come to life, with the children’s book launched at the Ellenbrook Library last week.

The book, written by Friends of the Western Swamp Tortoise committee member Cathy Levett, helps to educate kids on the critically endangered animal.

The book was launched by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson and Swan Hills MP Jessica Shaw.

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Ms Shaw said the book was incredibly important.

“This book is incredibly important as there are less than 50 adult western swamp tortoises estimated in the wild,” she said.

“We are very lucky to have them in our backyard at both Ellen Brook and Twin Swamps Nature Reserves.

“Cathy has written an amazing book, highlighting the plight of the tortoise and all proceeds go towards helping the Friends of the Western Swamp Tortoise with educational tools and programs.”

Ms Levett said she was proud to see the book available.

“Making sure that the text and pictures work together to tell an accurate story has been a challenge and I am proud and relieved that the book is finally available,” she said.

“I hope children will love it.

“Raising awareness about these unique wildlife is a lifelong passion of mine and I am so pleased with how the book has been received.”

Friends of the Western Swamp Tortoise chair Jan Bant said the book would be a bright, colourful and engaging tool to educate children about the reptile.

“We are proud that it is one of only a handful of books by a WA author about an iconic WA animal, totally published and printed in WA,” she said.

Westy the Western Swamp Tortise can be purchased from www.westernswamtortoise.com.au.

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