The Story Behind The Book

‘Welcoming Aurora’ is the first Australian picture book to celebrate finding the aurora australis in southern Australia.

This newly released aurora adventure story set in the Riverina region of New South Wales can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. It can align with primary school curriculums and is published using a dyslexia friendly font.

The storybook was created by three friends, Annabel Bowcher, Emma Kidson and Tara O’Halloran who met in the regional city of Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia. Annabel loves storytelling (in all its forms), Emma loves photography (land, sea and sky) and Tara loves drawing (digitally and traditionally).

Local aurora chasers, Emma and Annabel, have been in awe of aurora australis dancing in the southern sky near their homes since 2024 and introduced Tara to a Wagga Wagga aurora experience in January 2026. Emma has also chased and photographed auroras whilst on holiday in New Zealand.

“Over the last few years, we have answered countless southern aurora questions from people who have heard that we have seen spectacular local auroras,” says Science Communicator and author, Dr Annabel Bowcher. “A picture book is a wonderful way to help interested people better understand the questions they have about this natural phenomenon.”

When can I see the aurora? Where can I see it? How can I see it? How do I photograph it? Why does it happen? Many of these questions can be answered with, ‘Well, when the Sun farts…’ 

This humorous and science based southern aurora story connects readers with a young family in regional New South Wales and explores the family’s experiences within rural Australia, in other countries and when looking up at a dark night sky.

“It has been incredible to work with Annabel and Tara on ‘Welcoming Aurora’ and to share my passion for auroras and photography with everyone who opens our book,” says local jeweller and photographer, Emma. “It is such a thrill to see those aurora colours and beams in the night sky.”

The mixed media travel book format combines Emma Kidson’s extraordinary local photographs with Tara O’Halloran’s original digital drawing style.

“Together we have been able to illustrate the memories of family trips in a fun, engaging and special way,” explains Tara, a teacher and artist who particularly enjoys drawing native flora and fauna. “Each page has something to discover and discuss. It’s been a fabulous collaboration.”