Patricia Olsson

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Stargazer

Almost thirty years ago, as a classroom teacher, Patricia was challenged to come up with a language based programme which included other subject areas. Finding herself in the local toy-shop, she was drawn to buy a grey and white furry rabbit. Trusting that her imagination would help her, she was amazed and delighted to find a story developing around the rabbit which she called Stargazer. Her class were captivated from the beginning, by the mysterious phone-call which heralded Stargazer's arrival. Anticipation and excitement grew each day until he finally appeared. The children loved their Stargazer and the tales he shared with them about his life on Planet Axiom. As Stargazer sat on their desks it was delightful to see how each child connected with and talked to the rabbit. The first five chapters were written in 1990, then for various reasons, the manuscript was put away until a synchronistic evening with Maria Elita and Scott Alexander King led Patricia to a Writers' Retreat, where once more Stargazer saw the light of day. As she worked to complete Stargazer's story, Patricia realised that it could not have been finished earlier. While writing, she found that the story seemed to take on a life of its own. The names, some characteristics of the pupils and some events were changed, yet they may still remember Stargazer. An unexpected deep wisdom and compassion shone through the little intergalactic visitor and the Stargazer Effect was born!