About us
The story behind the book
It is difficult to watch someone you love in distress, particularly when you know that what worries them is not nearly as terrifying as they think it is, and could bring them joy, if only they’d let it.
Imagine the child who is so anxious they can’t walk into a party because they don’t know exactly who will be there. Think of the child who avoids anything new because they don’t know if they’ll be good at it.
Georgia was not that kid, but she loved one of them.
What she learnt from watching that boy - let’s call him Oscar - was that sometimes he just needed to trust the people who loved him and borrow a little of their courage. With the help of his own Pendlebury figures, that boy grew into a strong, capable, courageous and happy young man who has, when the occasion called for it, lent others his strength so that they too can shine.
In that way, temporarily borrowing someone else’s bravery created true strength.
Oscar and Pendlebury: Behind the Blue Door is a book for anyone that has ever felt like Oscar. It is also for those who love the Oscars of the world enough to want to be their Pendlebury. It is a book about the power of love and how a good friend can inspire courage in those that need a little push.
This book is for anyone who has ever felt like Oscar.
The creators
Georgia Athanasellis (the author)
Georgia is a lawyer, podcast host and author based in Brisbane, Australia. More than anything, she is drawn to people and their stories.
She hopes that her words encourage young readers to love language as much as she does, and inspire them to be brave.
When she’s not walking Pendlebury, you’ll find her watching a Collingwood game with her family, reading by the beach or playing music with her friends around a campfire.
Anastasia Wessex (the illustrator)
Anastasia is an illustrator based in a small village in North Wales. She is inspired by walks in nature, folklore, the simple little things in life and, of course, her mischievous dog, Koda.
Through her illustrations she strives to emulate the joys of childhood and create a world where you can slow down and be welcomed by furry friends, kindness and a big slice of freshly baked pie.
You can find more of Anastasia’s spectacular work here.
Pendlebury (the inspiration)
Pendlebury is the golden retriever that started this magical journey.
Named after the Athanasellis family’s favourite AFL player, Scott Pendlebury, Pendlebury the dog has touched our lives in ways we never thought possible. His ever-joyous face, playful nature and kind, calm temperament made him the perfect family dog.
When Georgia plays the piano, he sits and listens. When her brother wants to play football in the backyard, he’s the world’s best goal-keeper. And when the young kids next door want to say hello, he’ll lie on his back and wait for a pat.
All these qualities have made him a favourite stud dog of local breeders in south east Queensland, with some of his puppies being used as therapy and companion dogs. It was hearing their stories, combined with Georgia’s own experiences, that inspired the Oscar and Pendlebury series.