Sarah Katie Wants To Be A Gymnast is the first in a planned series of picture books by Georgina Mitchell, the director of Flyaway Gymnastics Albury-Wodonga.

“There’s very little out there for children to read in terms of gymnastics to increase their knowledge and something to inspire them,” she said. “So I just thought I’m going to put pen to paper and see if I can come up with a bit of a story.”

The fictional series, aimed at children aged three to seven, includes accurate information about the sport and an educational aspect at the back, for example some basic gymnastic shapes that children can try.

“It’s about inspiring them to get out there and have a go,” Mitchell said.

“Anything that gets kiddies understanding their bodies at a young age so they can carry that with them through life is a bonus for me.”

The self-published book has been illustrated by former Flyaway coach Tiana Kotzur, of Jindera, who is studying graphic design at university in Wagga.

Kotzur said she had been keen to join the project after Mitchell contacted her.

“I thought it was a great idea ... it gets the kids involved and gets them thinking about doing it themselves,” she said.

“I really wanted it to appeal to the girls I used to coach, the younger kids, I wanted it to be bright and playful.”

Sarah Katie, named for Mitchell’s younger sister, bounces around the living room and dreams of wearing leotards. Later books in the series will explore themes such as that first lesson and making a friend.

“It will actually represent the journey of a little gymnast, you know, fears that they have about going into big spaces, lots of other people and not knowing anybody,” Mitchell said.

“For a lot of children the beam that they walk on, which can be about a metre off the ground, is a scary piece of apparatus, so it’s about trying to allay some of those fears.”

Published last week, the picture book is now available in Albury book stores and has also been promoted through clubs.

“Last night I actually got my first order from a UK gymnastic club, which is just fantastic,” Mitchell said.