FROM the moment she set out to write a children's book, Renee Price has been busy doing research.
Price, a musician and early childhood educator from Georgetown, had plenty of bedtime stories for sons George, 10 months, and Leroy, 4, as new books arrived in the post almost every week.
But now, they have a new favourite character: Digby Fixit, a boy who goes on a mission to fix the moon in Price's debut, Digby's Moon Mission.
The title, dedicated to Leroy, is the result of a successful crowdfunding campaign, which raised more than $7000 from backers in the Hunter, interstate, and even as far away as Singapore.
Price originally planned to have a print run of 300, but through word of mouth and a story in the Herald, she has printed 500 and plans to have another print run soon.
The success of the book has partly been because of the quirky storyline, which sparks the imagination of kids and prompts them to read it multiple times, Price says.
Her title had a following even before it was released, thanks to social media, and the popularity thus far means Price is drafting a sequel, which she hopes will be out next year.
The book's Facebook page is full of photos of ecstatic kids with their nose in the book, and Price says orders have been flowing in ahead of Christmas.
Digby's Moon Mission will officially launch at Hopscotch markets (Broadmeadow PCYC) this Sunday. Price will be selling books, signing copies and giving two readings, plus there will be kids' activities like colouring in.
Price has already confirmed original illustrator Anil Tortop, who is based in Brisbane, for the sequel.
Digby's Moon Mission is $14.95 and available from facebook.com/DigbyFixit or at Hopscotch Markets, Broadmeadow this Sunday, November 30.
