AN appreciation of travel and the uniqueness of culture inspired local writer Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern to write travel books for children.

“I had always wanted to write stories for kids, and the idea of writing about a young boy going on adventures had been with me for a while,” says Jacqueline.

“When my daughter Ariana was born prematurely two years ago, she came into the world small but strong and she gave me the courage to pursue my dream.”

Jacqueline says she worked on a series of Charlie books while on maternity leave, with the stories centred around a boy who visits different countries with his parents.

In her first book, “Charlie’s Adventures in Hawaii”, which will be launched on July 9 at Harry Hartog bookseller in Woden, Charlie goes to Hawaii with his family and discovers clues to uncover the spirit of aloha.

“Charlie was named after and inspired by my grandfather, who travelled a lot,” she says.

“He passed away a while ago, but I think he’d be happy to be honoured in the books.”

Jacqueline says that Hawaii is one of her favourite places, but that she’s been an avid traveller since moving to Australia from Sri Lanka when she was three.

“I think it’s so important for kids to learn about the vibrancy and beauty in different cultures,” she says.

“The cuisine, values, language, traditions, iconic sights – it can teach them so much.”

Jacqueline says there are six books in the series, but that she plans for it to grow as she travels more.

“I travel regularly for work and for fun, and my husband and I both have family that we visit all over the world,” she says.

“It’s a dream come true for this to come to fruition. I sent my stories out to a few publishers and Little Steps got back to me, it was a good fit and it went from there.”

Twenty per cent of book sales on the launch day will go to Miracle Babies Foundation, as will 40 per cent of sales of the book from Jacqueline’s website for the following two days.

“After spending time in the special care nursery with Ariana, I saw what so many mums go through and it’s amazing to know that Miracle Babies is there when needed.

“I’m delighted to be able to help such a worthy foundation.”

Jacqueline says her dream is to encourage children to learn more about the world.

“I’d love them to journey far and wide in discovering, appreciating and understanding,” she says.

“I’m so excited, it’s an amazing experience for me to be able to share Charlie with the world.”

“Charlie’s Adventures in Hawaii”, by Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern, $24.95, from bookstores and via derose-ahernstories.com